Form 10-Q/A
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q/A

(Amendment No. 3)

(Mark One)

x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003 or

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                               to                             

 

Commission File Number: 001-14901

 


 

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   51-0337383

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

1800 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(412) 831-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x No  ¨

 

As of April 30, 2003, there were 78,762,586 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

We are filing this Amendment No. 3 on Form 10-Q/A to our Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003 (the “Form 10-Q”) to amend the introduction to Note 9 of the Financial Statements in Item 1 - “Condensed Financial Statements” in connection with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s review of the Form 10-Q.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

          Page

ITEM 1.    CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     
     Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002    3
     Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002    4
     Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2003    6
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002    7
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    8
ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION    23
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    37
ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    39
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    39

 

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Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.   CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2003

    2002

Sales—Outside

   $ 506,560     $ 505,201

Sales—Related Parties

     1,369       4

Freight—Outside

     32,028       36,432

Freight—Related Parties

     562       —  

Other Income

     19,290       8,371
    


 

Total Revenue and Other Income

     559,809       550,008

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     407,871       362,909

Freight Expense

     32,590       36,432

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     17,084       16,657

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     60,706       66,457

Interest Expense

     9,476       10,137

Taxes Other Than Income

     43,142       50,725
    


 

Total Costs

     570,869       543,317
    


 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (11,060 )     6,691

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (14,449 )     1,190
    


 

Earnings before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     3,389       5,501

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs, net of Income Taxes of $3,035

     4,768       —  
    


 

Net Income

   $ 8,157     $ 5,501
    


 

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07
    


 

Dilutive Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07
    


 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

              

Basic

     78,749,180       78,707,070
    


 

Dilutive

     78,845,356       78,912,296
    


 

Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.14     $ 0.28
    


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     (Unaudited)     
     MARCH 31,
2003


   DECEMBER 31,
2002


ASSETS              

Current Assets:

             

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 19,944    $ 11,517

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

             

Trade

     219,687      205,891

Other Receivables

     128,284      127,226

Inventories

     127,360      135,621

Deferred Income Taxes

     89,954      92,236

Recoverable Income Taxes

     12,272      21,935

Prepaid Expenses

     30,682      28,411
    

  

Total Current Assets

     628,183      622,837

Property, Plant and Equipment:

             

Property, Plant and Equipment

     5,332,820      5,257,456

Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     2,686,206      2,651,233
    

  

Total Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

     2,646,614      2,606,223

Other Assets:

             

Deferred Income Taxes

     444,907      420,718

Intangible Assets, Net

     382,257      388,362

Investment in Affiliates

     83,024      135,362

Other

     120,730      119,658
    

  

Total Other Assets

     1,030,918      1,064,100
    

  

TOTAL ASSETS

   $   4,305,715    $   4,293,160
    

  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

(Unaudited)
MARCH 31,

2003


    DECEMBER 31,
2002


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current Liabilities:

                

Accounts Payable

   $ 118,828     $ 151,371  

Short-Term Notes Payable

     153,848       204,545  

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

     8,256       8,615  

Other Accrued Liabilities

     495,771       449,902  
    


 


Total Current Liabilities

     776,703       814,433  

Long-Term Debt:

                

Long-Term Debt

     487,781       485,535  

Capital Lease Obligations

     2,420       2,896  
    


 


Total Long-Term Debt

     490,201       488,431  

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

                

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     1,457,342       1,437,987  

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

     450,473       455,436  

Mine Closing

     371,928       332,920  

Workers’ Compensation

     259,316       261,250  

Deferred Revenue

     91,655       102,400  

Salary Retirement

     93,523       91,474  

Reclamation

     6,933       5,812  

Other

     150,548       140,970  
    


 


Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     2,881,718       2,828,249  

Stockholders’ Equity:

                

Common Stock, $.01 par value;

                

500,000,000 Shares Authorized, 80,267,558 Issued; and 78,749,504 Outstanding at March 31, 2003 and 78,749,001 Outstanding at December 31, 2002

     803       803  

Preferred Stock, 15,000,000 Shares Authorized;

                

None Issued and Outstanding

                

Capital in Excess of Par Value

     643,790       643,787  

Retained Earnings (Deficit)

     (374,885 )     (372,017 )

Other Comprehensive Loss

     (95,465 )     (93,370 )

Common Stock in Treasury, at Cost—1,518,054 Shares at March 31, 2003 and 1,518,557 Shares at December 31, 2002

     (17,150 )     (17,156 )
    


 


Total Stockholders’ Equity

     157,093       162,047  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $   4,305,715     $   4,293,160  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

Common

Stock


  

Capital in

Excess of

Par Value


  

Retained

Earnings

(Deficit)


   

Other

Compre-

hensive

Income

(Loss)


   

Treasury

Stock


   

Total

Stock-

holders’

Equity


 
                                                

Balance—December 31, 2002

   $ 803    $ 643,787    $ (372,017 )   $ (93,370 )   $ (17,156 )   $ 162,047  

(Unaudited)

                                              

Net Income

                   8,157                       8,157  

Treasury Rate Lock (Net of $14 tax)

                           (21 )             (21 )

Interest Rate Swap Contract (Net of $32 tax)

                           (49 )             (49 )

Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of $1,289 tax)

                           (2,025 )             (2,025 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

                   8,157       (2,095 )             6,062  

Treasury Stock Issued (503 shares)

            3                      6       9  

Dividends ($.14 per share)

                   (11,025 )                     (11,025 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance—March 31, 2003

   $ 803    $ 643,790    $ (374,885 )   $ (95,465 )   $ (17,150 )   $ 157,093  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating Activities:

                

Net Income

   $ 8,157     $ 5,501  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

                

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, net of tax

     (4,768 )     —    

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     60,706       66,457  

Gain on the Sale of Assets

     (8,900 )     (298 )

Amortization of Advance Mining Royalties

     1,007       4,064  

Deferred Income Taxes

     (23,607 )     657  

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

     337       560  

Changes in Operating Assets:

                

Accounts and Notes Receivable

     (15,216 )     (9,666 )

Inventories

     3,042       (69,724 )

Prepaid Expenses

     (5,490 )     (14,786 )

Changes in Other Assets

     (966 )     3,066  

Changes in Operating Liabilities:

                

Accounts Payable

     (26,767 )     (29,210 )

Other Operating Liabilities

     55,971       63,185  

Changes in Other Liabilities

     1,488       13,532  

Other

     (1,634 )     (2,425 )
    


 


       35,203       25,412  
    


 


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     43,360       30,913  
    


 


Investing Activities:

                

Capital Expenditures

     (46,646 )     (70,306 )

Additions to Intangible Assets

     (2,665 )     (3,830 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     (831 )     (5,411 )

Proceeds from Sales of Assets

     76,878       949  
    


 


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

     26,736       (78,598 )
    


 


Financing Activities:

                

Payments on Commercial Paper—Net

     (52,281 )     (144,750 )

Proceeds from (Payment on) Miscellaneous Borrowings

     621       (987 )

Payments on Long Term Notes

     —         (23,000 )

Proceeds from Long Term Notes

     1,007       246,310  

Dividends Paid

     (11,016 )     (22,025 )

Proceeds from Treasury Rate Lock

     —         1,332  

Payments for Bond Issuance Costs

     —         (596 )

Issuance of Treasury Stock

     —         117  
    


 


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

     (61,669 )     56,401  
    


 


Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     8,427       8,716  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     11,517       15,582  
    


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 19,944     $ 24,298  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

March 31, 2003

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2002 included in CONSOL Energy Inc.’s (CONSOL Energy) Form 10-K, as amended.

 

Certain reclassifications of the prior year’s data have been made to conform to the three months ended March 31, 2003 classifications.

 

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share are computed similar to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of stock options, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. Options to purchase 1,738,141 shares and 1,101,693 shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

 

The computations for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are follows:

 

 

     For the Three Months Ended March 31

     2003

   2002

Net Income

   $ 8,157    $ 5,501

Average shares of common stock

             

Outstanding:

             

Basic

     78,749,180      78,707,070

Effect of stock options

     96,176      205,226
    

  

Diluted

     78,845,356      78,912,296

Earnings per share:

             

Basic

   $ 0.10    $ 0.07
    

  

Diluted

   $ 0.10    $ 0.07
    

  

 

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NOTE 2—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

 

CONSOL Energy has implemented the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS No. 123). CONSOL Energy continues to measure compensation expense for its stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” as amended. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if CONSOL Energy had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, to stock-based employee compensation:

 

     March 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 8,157     $ 5,501  

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under Black-Scholes option pricing model

     (648 )     (773 )
    


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 7,509     $ 4,728  
    


 


Earnings per share:

                

Basic—as reported

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07  
    


 


Basic—pro forma

   $ 0.10     $ 0.06  
    


 


Diluted—as reported

   $ 0.10     $ 0.07  
    


 


Diluted—pro forma

   $ 0.10     $ 0.06  
    


 


 

The pro forma adjustments in the current period are not necessarily indicative of future period pro forma adjustments as the assumptions used to determine fair value can vary significantly and the number of future shares to be issued under these plans is unknown.

 

NOTE 3—CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING FOR MINE CLOSING, RECLAMATION AND                    GAS WELL CLOSING COSTS:

 

Effective January 1, 2003, CONSOL Energy adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143). As a result of this statement, CONSOL Energy recognized additional liabilities of $51,692 for asset retirement obligations associated with the costs of mine closing, reclamation and gas well closing. In addition, CONSOL Energy capitalized asset retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of related long-lived assets, net of the associated accumulated depreciation, by $59,495.

 

The cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of this statement was a gain of $4,768, net of a tax cost of approximately $3,035. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 would not materially differ if this statement had been adopted January 1, 2002. The obligation for asset retirements is included in Mine Closing, Reclamation, Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities in the balance sheets.

 

 

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The following table illustrates the pro forma impact on the carrying amounts of the obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 as if this statement had been adopted on January 1, 2002:

 

    

Three Months

Ended

March 31, 2003


   

Twelve Months

Ended
December 31, 2002


 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 452,751     $ 450,420  

Accretion Expense

     6,198       24,793  

Payments

     (6,408 )     (24,378 )

Other

     (5,025 )     1,916  
    


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 447,516     $ 452,751  
    


 


 

NOTE 4—INCOME TAXES:

 

The following is a reconciliation, stated in dollars and as a percentage of pretax income, of the U. S. statutory federal income tax rate to CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate:

 

     For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 
     Amount

    Percent

    Amount

    Percent

 

Statutory U. S. federal income tax rate

   $ (3,871 )   35.0 %   $ 2,342     35.0 %

Excess tax depletion

     (7,545 )   68.2       (1,987 )   (29.7 )

Net effect of state tax

     (2,220 )   20.1       335     5.0  

Net effect of foreign tax

     (391 )   3.5       562     8.4  

Other

     (422 )   3.8       (62 )   (0.9 )

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

                            
    


 

 


 

Effective Rate

   $ (14,449 )   130.6 %   $ 1,190     17.8 %
    


 

 


 

 

CONSOL Energy used a discrete tax calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2003. An annual effective rate was not applied to the quarterly results due to the sensitivity of the rate to small changes in forecasted income. The 2002 period rate was calculated using the annual effective rate projection available at that time. A small change in our estimated annual income was not projected to cause a disproportionately large change in the annual effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

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NOTE 5—INVENTORIES:

 

The components of inventories consist of the following:

 

     March 31,
2003


  

December 31,

2002


Coal

   $ 59,505    $ 67,119

Merchandise for resale

     18,904      18,855

Supplies

     48,951      49,647
    

  

Total Inventories

   $ 127,360    $ 135,621
    

  

 

NOTE 6—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

CONSOL Energy has various purchase commitments for materials, supplies and items of permanent investment incidental to the ordinary conduct of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market values.

 

One of our subsidiaries, Fairmont Supply Company, which distributes industrial supplies, currently is named as a defendant in approximately 21,900 asbestos claims in state courts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Mississippi. Because a very small percentage of products manufactured by third parties and supplied by Fairmont in the past may have contained asbestos and many of the pending claims are part of mass complaints filed by hundreds of plaintiffs against a hundred or more defendants, it has been difficult for Fairmont to determine how many of the cases actually involve valid claims or plaintiffs who were actually exposed to asbestos-containing products supplied by Fairmont. In addition, while Fairmont may be entitled to indemnity or contribution in certain jurisdictions from manufacturers of identified products, the availability of such indemnity or contribution is unclear at this time and, in recent years, some of the manufacturers named as defendants in these actions have sought protection from these claims under bankruptcy laws. Fairmont has no insurance coverage with respect to these asbestos cases. To date, payments by Fairmont with respect to asbestos cases have not been material. However, there cannot be any assurance that payments in the future with respect to pending or future asbestos cases will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

 

CONSOL Energy is subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes, and other claims and actions arising out of the normal course of business. In September 1991, CONSOL Energy was named a potentially responsible party related to the Buckeye Landfill Superfund Site. The estimated total remaining remediation cost for all potentially responsible parties is estimated to be approximately $15,000 at March 31, 2003. CONSOL Energy’s portion of this claim is approximately 20%. To date, CONSOL Energy has paid $2,092 to date related to the remediation of this waste disposal site and, accordingly, reduced the liability to $2,883 at March 31, 2003. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such pending lawsuits and claims will not materially affect the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

 

CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries have provided the following financial guarantees. CONSOL Energy Management believes that these guarantees will expire without being funded, and therefore, the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on financial condition. The fair values of all liabilities associated with these guarantees have been properly recorded and reported in the financial statements at March 31, 2003.

 

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Guarantee


   Term

   Maximum Payments

Workers’ Compensation Surety Bonds (a)

   Various    $ 421,600

Reclamation Surety Bonds (b)

   Various    $ 267,100

Gas Sales Agreements (c)

   Various    $ 99,000

Ohio Power Company (d)

   6/1993-6/2006    $ 50,714

Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (e)

   1/2000-12/2006    $ 33,099

Miscellaneous Surety Bonds (f)

   Various    $ 28,800

1992 Benefit Plan (g)

   10/2002-10/2003    $ 22,389

Orix Financial Services (h)

   12/2002-12/2007    $ 17,700

U.S. Bancorp (i)

   7/2002-7/2007    $ 15,311

Court Bonds (j)

   Various    $ 11,000

Illinois Industrial Commission (k)

   10/2002-10/2003    $ 8,325

Old Republic Insurance (l)

   Various    $ 6,777

Citibank ISDA Agreements (m)

   Various    $ 6,300

U.S. Department of Energy (n)

        $ 4,900

GE Capital Finance (o)

        $ 2,449

Centimark Corp. (p)

   8/2000-8/2008    $ 1,581

Reliant Energy (q)

   12/2002-12/2005    $ 1,575

West Penn Power Company (r)

   7/1967-12/2004    $ 1,204

U.S. Department of Labor (s)

   12/2002-12/2003    $ 1,150

Orion Power (t)

   12/2002-12/2005    $ 635

Highmark Life & Casualty (u)

   2/2002-5/2003    $ 500

LABAR Co. (v)

   4/1999-4/2005    $ 346

Lumbermens Mutual (w)

   7/2002-11/2003    $ 253
         

Total Guarantees

        $ 1,002,708
         

 

a)   CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries, at various times throughout the year, have obtained surety bonds related to workers’ compensation obligations. These bonds are necessary as a result of CONSOL Energy being self insured for workers’ compensation, and will be called should CONSOL Energy or any of its subsidiaries fail to pay workers’ compensation claims.
b)   A number of CONSOL Energy subsidiaries have obtained surety bonds related to reclamation and subsidence obligations. CONSOL Energy through these bonds, guarantees the performance of these obligations related to reclamation and subsidence.
c)   Certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have entered into gas sales agreements in which CONSOL Energy guarantees the delivery of a specific quantity of fixed price gas for the duration of the contract. These agreements include the following:
  1)   CNX Gas Company LLC, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, has an agreement with CONOCO/Phillips Inc. that guarantees the physical delivery of CNX Gas Company LLC production through December 31, 2005. CONSOL Energy has guaranteed any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC to this sales agreement, up to $60,000.
  2)   CONSOL Energy has an agreement with Dominion Field Services to guarantee any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC and Greene Energy, subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy, pursuant to their gas sales agreements with Dominion Field Services. The maximum undiscounted future payments required pursuant to the agreement to be made by these subsidiaries at March 31, 2003 are as follows: (a) CNX Gas Company LLC—$36,000 and (b) Greene Energy—$3,000.
  3)   The CNX Gas Company LLC Sales Agreement guarantees the delivery of specific quantities of gas through May 7, 2022. If our subsidiary fails to deliver the volume specified in the contract,

 

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it is obligated to pay a deficiency charge, for each day delivery is not made, equal to the undelivered volumes times the daily price of gas.

d)   CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated June 3, 1993 between one of CONSOL Energy’s subsidiaries and Ohio Power Company. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiary arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.
e)   CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement between several of its subsidiaries and Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.
f)   Several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have issued miscellaneous surety bonds, primarily water quality bonds and road bonds. CONSOL Energy guarantees the performance of these obligations by its subsidiaries.
g)   On October 15, 2002, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy arranged for the issuance of a letter of credit to the 1992 Benefit Plan. This letter of credit will be drawn upon if the subsidiary fails to pay the claims related to this plan.
h)   A CONSOL Energy subsidiary entered into an equipment lease agreement on December 30, 2002 for a longwall to be used at Buchanan Mine. In accordance with this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the payment of all liabilities and the performance of all obligations of the subsidiary.
i)   A CONSOL Energy subsidiary entered into an agreement on July 17, 2002 with U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. to lease a longwall for use at McElroy Mine. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of this agreement and promises prompt and full payment to U.S. Bancorp upon the failure of the subsidiary to satisfy the obligations of the agreement.
j)   Several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have issued court bonds related to court proceedings in which they are involved. These bonds would be called should any of the subsidiaries file bankruptcy while the proceedings were still in existence and unresolved. The bonds will be released by the court when the proceedings conclude.
k)   On October 15, 2002, CONSOL Energy, in conjunction with several of its subsidiaries, obtained the issuance of a letter of credit to the Illinois Industrial Commission. This letter of credit is related to CONSOL Energy’s self- insurance program for workers’ compensation. Should CONSOL Energy, or any of these subsidiaries, fail to pay the workers’ compensation claims, the Illinois Industrial Commission will draw on this letter of credit.
l)   A subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of several letters of credit to Old Republic Insurance Company at various times. These letters of credit are related to workers’ compensation liabilities, and are due to the fact that CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are self insured for workers’ compensation. The letters of credit will be drawn upon if the subsidiary fails to pay the related workers’ compensation claims.
m)   CONSOL Energy has several International Swap and Derivative Association (ISDA) Agreements with Citibank effective November 21, 2002. These agreements cover the gas derivative hedging activity of CNX Gas Company LLC.
n)   CONSOL Energy, along with SynAggs Inc., organized Universal Aggregates, LLC on January 1, 2000. Universal Aggregates is obligated to complete the design, construction and operation phases of the Birchwood Power Plant Project, and CONSOL Energy is obligated to provide its 50% share of the funds for this project. CONSOL Energy, acting as guarantor, guarantees the performance of the obligations of Universal Aggregates, with respect to this agreement, to the Department of Energy, to the extent of its 50% membership interest in Universal Aggregates.
o)   Universal Aggregates received financing from GE Capital Public Finance, Inc. for the purchase of equipment for the Birchwood Power Plant Project, through an agreement dated December 1, 2002. CONSOL Energy unconditionally guarantees to GE Capital the full and prompt payment when due of all debts, liabilities and obligations owed by Universal Aggregates with respect to this loan agreement, not to exceed $2,499.

 

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p)   A subsidiary of CONSOL Energy entered into an agreement to lease office space from Centimark Corporation on August 1, 2000. In connection with this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of the subsidiary to Centimark, in relation to this lease agreement.
q)   CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated December 17, 2002 between several of its subsidiaries and Reliant Energy Mid-Atlantic Power Holdings, LLC. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.
r)   CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated July 3, 1967 between several of its subsidiaries and West Penn Power Company. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and timely performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.
s)   On December 17, 2002, three subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit to the U.S. Department of Labor. This letter of credit is related to Longshore and Harborworkers’ compensation claims and will be drawn upon should these subsidiaries fail to pay the claims.
t)   CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated December 17, 2002 between several of its subsidiaries and Orion Power MidWest, LP. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and timely performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.
u)   On February 4, 2002, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit to Highmark Life and Casualty to support the administrative service program of making medical payments under various CONSOL Energy medical benefit programs. CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are self-insured. Highmark processes and pays the medical claims under the CONSOL Energy medical benefit programs and then bills CONSOL Energy for reimbursement. The letter of credit will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy or its subsidiary fails to reimburse Highmark for these payments.
v)   On April 1, 1999, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy entered into an agreement with Alaska Supply Chain Integrators (ASCI) to lease warehouse space. CONSOL Energy guarantees prompt payment of all amounts due under the lease in the event of default by the subsidiary.
w)   On July 19, 2002, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit to Lumbermens Mutual. Lumbermens Mutual processes and pays all automobile claims and then bills CONSOL Energy, which is self-insured, for reimbursement. The letter of credit will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy should fail to reimburse Lumbermens Mutual for these payments.

 

 

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NOTE 7—INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets consist of leased coal interests and advance mining royalties. Advance mining royalties are advance payments made to lessors under terms of mineral lease agreements that are recoupable against future production primarily using the units-of-production method. Depletion of coal interests is computed primarily using the units-of-production method over the estimated proven and probable reserves. Advance mining royalties and leased coal interests are evaluated quarterly for impairment issues, of which none were recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

     March 31,
2003


   December 31,
2002


Leased coal interests

   $ 433,725    $ 440,268

Advance mining royalties

     343,579      340,229
    

  

Total gross carrying value

     777,304      780,497

Less – Accumulated depletion of leased coal interests

     144,372      142,467

Less – Accumulated amortization of advance mining royalties

     250,675      249,668
    

  

Total accumulated depletion and amortization

     395,047      392,135

Net Intangible Assets

   $ 382,257    $ 388,362
    

  

 

Included in the March 31, 2003 gross carrying value for leased coal interests and advance mining royalties are $77 and $2,588 of current year additions, respectively. The additions to leased coal interests are depleted using the units-of-production method where proven and probable coal reserves are reported and using the straight-line method where proven and probable coal reserves are not yet reported. The additions to advance mining royalties are recoupable against future production using the units-of-production method where proven and probable coal reserves are reported and using the straight-line method where proven and probable coal reserves are not yet reported.

 

Aggregate depletion and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2003 was $3,107.

 

Estimated depletion and amortization expense of leased coal interests and advance mining royalties during the next five years is as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,


                             

2003

   $ 14,624                         

2004

   $ 14,323                         

2005

   $ 5,499                         

2006

   $ 3,627                         

2007

   $ 3,350                         

 

NOTE 8—FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—SFAS 107

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

Short-term notes payable: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for short-term notes payable approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on CONSOL Energy’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

Capital leases: The fair values of capital leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on CONSOL Energy’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, excluding derivative financial instruments disclosed in Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk, are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2003

    December 31, 2002

 
     Carrying Amount

    Fair Value

    Carrying Amount

    Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,944     $ 19,944     $ 11,517     $ 11,517  

Short-term notes payable

   $ (153,848 )   $ (153,848 )   $ (204,545 )   $ (204,545 )

Long-term debt

   $ (491,163 )   $ (493,897 )   $ (488,907 )   $ (492,534 )

Capital leases

   $ (7,294 )   $ (7,724 )   $ (8,139 )   $ (8,679 )

 

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NOTE 9—SEGMENT INFORMATION:

 

CONSOL Energy has two major business units: Coal and Gas. The principal activities of the Coal unit are mining, preparation and marketing of steam coal, sold primarily to electric utilities, and metallurgical coal, sold to steel and coke producers. The Coal unit includes four reportable segments. These reportable segments are High Sulfur, Low Sulfur, Metallurgical and Other Coal. Each of these reportable segments includes a number of operating segments (mines). For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002, the High Sulfur aggregated segment includes the following mines: Shoemaker, Blacksville #2, Robinson Run, Humphrey #138, Mahoning Valley and McElroy. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002, the Low Sulfur aggregated segment includes the following mines: Enlow Fork, Mine 84, Bailey, Jones Fork, Mill Creek and Wiley-Mill Creek. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002, the Metallurgical aggregated segment includes the following mines: Buchanan, Cardinal River, Amonate Contract and V.P. #8. The Other Coal segment includes the Company’s purchased coal activities, idled mine cost, coal segment business units not meeting aggregation criteria, as well as various activities assigned to the coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine. The principal activity of the Gas unit is to produce pipeline quality methane gas for sale primarily to gas wholesalers. CONSOL Energy’s All Other Classification is made up of the Company’s terminal services, river and dock services, industrial supply services and other business activities, including rentals of buildings and flight operations that do not qualify as operating segments.

 

Segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2003:

 

     High Sulfur

    Low Sulfur

   Metallurgical

   Other Coal

    Total
Coal


    Gas

   All
Other


    Corporate,
Adjustment
& Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

   $ 129,753     $ 205,453    $ 58,863    $ 41,381     $ 435,450     $ 51,783    $ 19,327     $ —       $ 506,560  

Sales—related parties

     —         1,267      102      —         1,369       —        —         —         1,369  

Freight—outside

     —         —        —        32,028       32,028       —        —         —         32,028  

Freight—related parties

     —         —        —        562       562       —        —         —         562  

Intersegment transfers

     —         —        —        —         —         950      24,233       (25,183 )     —    
    


 

  

  


 


 

  


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

   $ 129,753     $ 206,720    $ 58,965    $ 73,971     $ 469,409     $ 52,733    $ 43,560     $ (25,183 )   $ 540,519  
    


 

  

  


 


 

  


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before

                                                                     

Income Taxes

   $ (5,289 )   $ 32,282    $ 5,689    $ (45,281 )   $ (12,599 )   $ 16,084    $ (6,160 )   $ (8,385 )   $ (11,060 )(A)
    


 

  

  


 


 

  


 


 


Segment assets

                                 $ 2,836,352     $ 655,033    $ 222,502     $ 591,828     $ 4,305,715  (B)
                                  


 

  


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                                 $ 48,960     $ 9,034    $ 2,712     $ —       $ 60,706  
                                  


 

  


 


 


Capital expenditures

                                 $ 37,553     $ 8,672    $ 421     $ —       $ 46,646  
                                  


 

  


 


 


 

(A)   Includes equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated equity affiliates of $509, ($278) and ($568) for Other Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.

 

(B)   Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $39,180, $15,440 and $28,404 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $68,593 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax Resolution.

 

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Industry segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2002:

 

     High Sulfur

   Low Sulfur

   Metallurgical

   Other Coal

   

Total

Coal


   Gas

  

All

Other


   

Corporate,

Adjustments

& Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

   $ 135,387    $ 208,868    $ 47,361    $ 64,257     $ 455,873    $ 27,692    $ 21,636     $ —       $ 505,201  

Sales—related parties

     —        4      —        —         4      —        —         —         4  

Freight—outside

     —        —        —        36,338       36,338      —        94       —         36,432  

Freight—related parties

     —        —        —        —         —        —        —         —         —    

Intersegment transfers

     —        —        —        —         —        445      25,326       (25,771 )     —    
    

  

  

  


 

  

  


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

   $ 135,387    $ 208,872    $ 47,361    $ 100,595     $ 492,215    $ 28,137    $ 47,056     $ (25,771 )   $ 541,637  
    

  

  

  


 

  

  


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before

                                                                   

Income Taxes

   $ 12,579    $ 35,917    $ 2,597    $ (36,665 )   $ 14,428    $ 3,514    $ (1,139 )   $ (10,112 )   $ 6,691 (C)
    

  

  

  


 

  

  


 


 


Segment assets

                                $ 2,948,015    $ 602,673    $ 208,562     $ 533,574     $ 4,292,824 (D)
                                 

  

  


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                                $ 55,493    $ 8,162    $ 2,359     $ 443     $ 66,457  
                                 

  

  


 


 


Capital expenditures

                                $ 51,173    $ 18,662    $ 471     $ —       $ 70,306  
                                 

  

  


 


 


 

(C)   Includes equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates of ($2), ($374) and ($184) for Other Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.

 

(D)   Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $72,434, $9,185 and $1,160 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $72,194 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax Resolution.

 

Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Amounts:

 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Segment earnings (loss) before income taxes for total reportable business segments

   $ 3,485     $ 17,942  

Segment (loss) before income taxes for all other businesses

     (6,160 )     (1,139 )

Incentive compensation

     8       (332 )

Interest income (expense), net and other non-operating activity

     (8,393 )     (9,780 )
    


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

   $ (11,060 )   $ 6,691  
    


 


 

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Total Assets:

 

     March 31,

     2003

   2002

Segment assets for total reportable business segments

   $ 3,491,385    $ 3,550,688

Segment assets for all other businesses

     222,502      208,562

Items excluded from segment assets:

             

Cash and other investments

     20,269      24,695

Export sales excise tax resolution interest receivable

     21,262      20,602

Deferred tax assets

     534,861      400,595

Recoverable income taxes

     12,272      84,572

Bond issuance costs

     3,164      3,110
    

  

Total Consolidated Assets

   $ 4,305,715    $ 4,292,824
    

  

 

NOTE 10—GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

The payment obligations under the $250,000 7.875 percent Notes due 2012 issued by CONSOL Energy in 2002 are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. In accordance with positions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following financial information sets forth separate financial information with respect to the parent, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and certain intercompany balances and transactions. CONSOL Energy, the parent, and a guarantor subsidiary manage several assets and liabilities of their subsidiaries. For example, these include deferred tax assets, cash and other post-employment liabilities. These assets and liabilities are reflected as parent company or guarantor company amounts for purposes of this presentation.

 

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Income Statement for Three Months Ended March 31, 2003:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

    Consolidated

 

Sales—Outside

   $ —       $ 404,930     $ 101,630     $ —       $ 506,560  

Sales—Related Parties

     —         1,369       —         —         1,369  

Freight—Outside

     —         25,543       6,485       —         32,028  

Freight —Related Parties

     —         562       —         —         562  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     16,358       38,919       (10,021 )     (25,966 )     19,290  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

     16,358       471,323       98,094       (25,966 )     559,809  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     4,029       337,883       105,622       (39,663 )     407,871  

Intercompany Activity

     237       (12,093 )     (33,613 )     45,469       —    

Freight Expense

     —         26,105       6,485       —         32,590  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —         13,499       3,585       —         17,084  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     694       54,636       7,230       (1,854 )     60,706  

Interest Expense

     5,900       3,290       286       —         9,476  

Taxes Other Than Income

     1,223       34,294       7,625       —         43,142  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Costs

     12,083       457,614       97,220       3,952       570,869  
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     4,275       13,709       874       (29,918 )     (11,060 )

Income Taxes (Benefit)

     (3,882 )     (10,629 )     62       —         (14,449 )
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     8,157       24,338       812       (29,918 )     3,389  

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Mine Closing, Reclamation, and Gas Well Closing Costs, Net of Income Taxes

     —         (2,900 )     (1,868 )     —         (4,768 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ 8,157     $ 27,238     $ 2,680     $ (29,918 )   $ 8,157  
    


 


 


 


 


 
 

 

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Table of Contents

Balance Sheet for March 31, 2003:

 

     Parent

   Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

    Total

Assets:

                                     

Current Assets:

                                     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 4,180    $ 399     $ 15,365     $ —       $ 19,944

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

                                     

Trade

     78,043      110,581       31,063       —         219,687

Other

     6,031      108,949       13,304       —         128,284

Inventories

     258      99,190       27,912       —         127,360

Deferred Income Taxes

     89,954      —         —         —         89,954

Recoverable Income Taxes

     12,272      —         —         —         12,272

Prepaid Expenses

     12,125      18,344       213       —         30,682
    

  


 


 


 

Total Current Assets

     202,863      337,463       87,857       —         628,183

Property, Plant and Equipment:

                                     

Property, Plant and Equipment

     90,977      4,639,695       602,148       —         5,332,820

Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     42,233      2,518,706       125,267       —         2,686,206
    

  


 


 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

     48,744      2,120,989       476,881       —         2,646,614

Other Assets:

                                     

Deferred Income Taxes

     444,907      —         —         —         444,907

Intangible Assets, Net

     —        339,982       42,275       —         382,257

Investment in Affiliates

     1,320,428      647,873       120,099       (2,005,376 )     83,024

Other

     3,203      97,740       19,787       —         120,730
    

  


 


 


 

Total Other Assets

     1,768,538      1,085,595       182,161       (2,005,376 )     1,030,918
    

  


 


 


 

Total Assets

   $ 2,020,145    $ 3,544,047     $ 746,899     $ (2,005,376 )   $ 4,305,715
    

  


 


 


 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                                     

Current Liabilities:

                                     

Accounts Payable

   $ 94,940    $ 8,446     $ 15,442     $ —       $ 118,828

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)-Related Parties

     1,141,651      (277,973 )     (863,678 )     —         —  

Short-Term Notes Payable

     150,825      —         3,023       —         153,848

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

     —        7,772       484       —         8,256

Other Accrued Liabilities

     66,756      361,735       67,280       —         495,771
    

  


 


 


 

Total Current Liabilities

     1,454,172      99,980       (777,449 )     —         776,703

Long-Term Debt:

                                     

Long-Term Debt

     248,159      218,722       20,900       —         487,781

Capital Lease Obligations

     —        2,420       —         —         2,420
    

  


 


 


 

Total Long-Term Debt

     248,159      221,142       20,900       —         490,201

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

                                     

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     —        1,457,342       —         —         1,457,342

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

     —        450,473       —         —         450,473

Mine Closing

     —        237,163       134,765       —         371,928

Workers’ Compensation

     1,484      222,986       34,846       —         259,316

Deferred Revenue

     —        80,094       11,561       —         91,655

Salary Retirement

     93,268      255       —         —         93,523

Reclamation

     —        4,014       2,919       —         6,933

Other

     65,969      62,684       21,895       —         150,548
    

  


 


 


 

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     160,721      2,515,011       205,986       —         2,881,718

Stockholders’ Equity

     157,093      707,914       1,297,462       (2,005,376 )     157,093
    

  


 


 


 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 2,020,145    $ 3,544,047     $ 746,899     $ (2,005,376 )   $ 4,305,715
    

  


 


 


 

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

   Consolidated

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

   $ 67,500     $ 31,710     $ (55,850 )   $ —      $ 43,360  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                       

Capital Expenditures

   $ (2,575 )   $ (35,474 )   $ (8,597 )   $ —      $ (46,646 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     —         (15 )     (816 )     —        (831 )

Other Investing Activities

     1       4,782       69,430       —        74,213  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities

   $ (2,574 )   $ (30,707 )   $ 60,017     $ —      $ 26,736  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                       

Payments on Short-Term Borrowings

   $ (52,281 )   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ (52,281 )

Proceeds from Long-Term Notes

     —         —         1,007       —        1,007  

Dividends Paid

     (11,016 )     —         —         —        (11,016 )

Other Financing Activities

     (100 )     (897 )     1,618       —        621  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

   $ (63,397 )   $ (897 )   $ 2,625     $ —      $ (61,669 )
    


 


 


 

  


 

Income Statement for Three Months Ended March 31, 2002:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

    Consolidated

Sales—Outside

   $ —       $ 396,925     $ 108,276     $ —       $ 505,201

Sales—Related Parties

     —         2       2       —         4

Freight—Outside

     —         28,012       8,420       —         36,432

Freight—Related Parties

     —         —         1,265       (1,265 )     —  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     8,278       12,324       (10,697 )     (1,534 )     8,371
    


 


 


 


 

Total Revenue and Other Income

     8,278       437,263       107,266       (2,799 )     550,008

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     2,651       286,382       112,797       (38,921 )     362,909

Intercompany Activity

     (4,023 )     (2,255 )     (43,368 )     49,646       —  

Freight Expense

     —         28,012       9,685       (1,265 )     36,432

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —         13,374       3,283       —         16,657

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     708       59,577       8,027       (1,855 )     66,457

Interest Expense

     3,552       5,928       657       —         10,137

Taxes Other Than Income

     1,116       39,050       10,559       —         50,725
    


 


 


 


 

Total Costs

     4,004       430,068       101,640       7,605       543,317
    


 


 


 


 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     4,274       7,195       5,626       (10,404 )     6,691

Income Taxes (Benefit)

     (1,227 )     692       1,725       —         1,190
    


 


 


 


 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 5,501     $ 6,503     $ 3,901     $ (10,404 )   $ 5,501
    


 


 


 


 

 

 

-21-


Table of Contents

Balance Sheet for December 31, 2002:

 

     Parent

   Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

    Total

Assets:

                                     

Current Assets:

                                     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 2,651    $ 293     $ 8,573     $ —       $ 11,517

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

                                     

Trade

     —        157,131       48,760       —         205,891

Other

     6,481      110,524       10,221       —         127,226

Inventories

     258      93,890       41,473       —         135,621

Deferred Income Taxes

     92,236      —         —         —         92,236

Recoverable Income Taxes

     21,935      —         —         —         21,935

Prepaid Expenses

     4,770      19,106       4,535       —         28,411
    

  


 


 


 

Total Current Assets

     128,331      380,944       113,562       —         622,837

Property, Plant and Equipment:

                                     

Property, Plant and Equipment

     87,689      4,545,722       624,045       —         5,257,456

Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     41,620      2,454,762       154,851       —         2,651,233
    

  


 


 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

     46,069      2,090,960       469,194       —         2,606,223

Other Assets:

                                     

Deferred Income Taxes

     420,718      —         —         —         420,718

Intangible Assets, Net

     —        338,754       49,608       —         388,362

Investment in Affiliates

     1,367,605      1,110,421       53,953       (2,396,617 )     135,362

Other

     2,509      95,901       21,248       —         119,658
    

  


 


 


 

Total Other Assets

     1,790,832      1,545,076       124,809       (2,396,617 )     1,064,100
    

  


 


 


 

Total Assets

   $ 1,965,232    $ 4,016,980     $ 707,565     $ (2,396,617 )   $ 4,293,160
    

  


 


 


 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                                     

Current Liabilities:

                                     

Accounts Payable

   $ 110,120    $ 16,334     $ 24,917     $ —       $ 151,371

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)-Related Parties

     1,023,380      (195,905 )     (827,475 )     —          

Short-Term Notes Payable

     203,139      —         1,406       —         204,545

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

     100      8,032       483       —         8,615

Other Accrued Liabilities

     62,606      322,743       64,553       —         449,902
    

  


 


 


 

Total Current Liabilities

     1,399,345      151,204       (736,116 )     —         814,433

Long-Term Debt:

                                     

Long-Term Debt

     248,107      217,535       19,893       —         485,535

Capital Lease Obligations

     —        2,896       —         —         2,896
    

  


 


 


 

Total Long-Term Debt

     248,107      220,431       19,893       —         488,431

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

                                     

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     —        1,437,987       —         —         1,437,987

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

     —        455,436       —         —         455,436

Mine Closing

     —        200,813       132,107       —         332,920

Workers’ Compensation

     1,827      222,311       37,112       —         261,250

Deferred Revenue

     —        86,043       16,357       —         102,400

Salary Retirement

     90,665      809       —         —         91,474

Reclamation

     —        3,485       2,327       —         5,812

Other

     63,241      61,444       16,285       —         140,970
    

  


 


 


 

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     155,733      2,468,328       204,188       —         2,828,249

Stockholders’ Equity

     162,047      1,177,017       1,219,600       (2,396,617 )     162,047
    

  


 


 


 

Total Liabilities Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 1,965,232    $ 4,016,980     $ 707,565     $ (2,396,617 )   $ 4,293,160
    

  


 


 


 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2002:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

   

Non-

Guarantors


    Elimination

   Consolidated

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

   $ (65,485 )   $ 69,466     $ 26,932     $ —      $ 30,913  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                       

Capital Expenditures

   $ (2,507 )   $ (38,617 )   $ (29,182 )   $ —      $ (70,306 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     (309 )     (50 )     (5,052 )     —        (5,411 )

Other Investing Activities

     —         (1,121 )     (1,760 )     —        (2,881 )
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   $ (2,816 )   $ (39,788 )   $ (35,994 )   $ —      $ (78,598 )
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                       

Payments on Short-Term Borrowings

   $ (144,750 )   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ (144,750 )

Proceeds from Long-Term Notes

     246,310       —         —         —        246,310  

Payments on Long-Term Notes

     —         (23,000 )     —         —        (23,000 )

Dividends Paid

     (22,025 )     —         —         —        (22,025 )

Other Financing Activities

     753       (887 )     —         —        (134 )
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   $ 80,288     $ (23,887 )   $ —       $ —      $ 56,401  
    


 


 


 

  


 

 

NOTE 11—RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

In December 2002, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” was issued and the disclosure requirements have been adopted by CONSOL Energy for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and the year ended December 31, 2002. CONSOL Energy is currently evaluating the alternative methods of transition to determine if the Company will change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.

 

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

General

 

CONSOL Energy incurred a loss before income tax and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $11 million and recognized income tax benefits of $14 million, which resulted in earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. In this period, CONSOL Energy also recognized $5 million of income, net of $3 million of deferred tax expense, with respect to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143). This statement requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of mines and gas wells and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of coal and gas reserves. Under previous accounting standards, such obligations were recognized ratably over the life of the producing assets, primarily on a units-of-production basis. As a result, CONSOL Energy reported net income for the 2003 period of $8 million. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2002 was $6 million.

 

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Total coal sales for the three months ended March 31, 2003 were 16.2 million tons, including a portion of sales by equity affiliates, of which 15.6 million tons were produced by CONSOL Energy operations, by our equity affiliates or sold from inventory of company produced coal. This compares with total coal sales of 17.4 million tons for the three months ended March 31, 2002, of which 16.6 million tons were produced by CONSOL Energy operations, by our equity affiliates or sold from inventory of company produced coal. The decrease in tons sold was due primarily to the closure of the Dilworth, Windsor and Meigs mines due to economically depleted reserves. The decrease in tons sold was also attributable to the idling of the Rend Lake Mine. These closed and idled mines reduced overall company production. Production from CONSOL Energy operations, including our percentage of the production for equity affiliates, was 15.6 million tons during the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 19.9 million tons during the three months ended March 31, 2002. Company produced inventory, including our portion of inventory at equity affiliates, was 2.4 million tons at March 31, 2003 and was 3.0 million tons at December 31, 2002. CONSOL Energy currently has firm or committed coal sales for 98% of its projected 2003 production, subject to the deferral of acceptance of delivery by customers.

 

Sales volume of coalbed methane gas, including a percentage of the sales of equity affiliates equal to our interest in these affiliates, increased 8.9% to 12.0 billion cubic feet in the 2003 period compared with 11.0 billion cubic feet in the 2002 period. The increased sales volume is primarily due to higher production as a result of additional wells coming on line from the ongoing drilling program. Our average sales price for coalbed methane gas, including sales of equity affiliates, but excluding the effects of derivative transactions, increased 77.9% to $4.66 per million British thermal units in the 2003 period compared with $2.62 per million British thermal units in the 2002 period. Gas prices through the first quarter of 2003 were higher than levels during the first quarter of 2002 primarily as a result of the continued decline in U.S. gas production and reduced Canadian imported production. The decline in gas production has caused substantial declines in gas storage levels. CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with our gas marketers (selling gas under short-term multi-month contract nominations generally not exceeding one year.) CONSOL Energy has also entered into four float-for-fixed gas swap transactions, which have resulted in a $2 million reduction of revenue and a $2 million increase in other comprehensive loss (net of a $1 million increase in deferred tax assets) in the three months ended March 31, 2003. These transactions qualify as financial cash flow hedges. The swap transactions exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. The average sales price, including sales of equity affiliates and including the effects of derivative transactions, was $4.48 per million British thermal unit for the 2003 period, a 71.2%, or $1.86 increase compared to the average sales price of $2.62 per million British thermal unit for the 2002 period. CONSOL Energy locked in 90% of sales volumes in the 2003 period at an average of $4.30 per million British thermal unit compared to 64% of sales volumes in the 2002 period at $2.82 per million British thermal unit. CONSOL Energy currently has fixed gas prices for 44.8 billion cubic feet, or approximately 90%, of its projected 2003 production at $4.04 per million British thermal unit.

 

In February 2003, we sold our interests in Canadian coal assets and port facilities to Fording Inc. for a note and cash, including amounts to be adjusted through a working capital audit. The note was exchanged for 3.2 million units in the Fording Canadian Coal Trust, a newly organized publicly traded trust which acquired the assets of Fording Inc. We sold the units in the coal trust in March 2003. CONSOL Energy has received total proceeds of approximately $72 million

 

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Table of Contents

pending finalization of the contract’s working capital audit, which resulted in a $1 million loss on the sale.

 

In February 2003, our Loveridge Mine experienced a fire near the bottom of the slope entry that is used to carry coal from the mine to the surface. The cost of extinguishing the fire is estimated to be approximately $8 million, net of expected insurance recovery. The Loveridge Mine was idle during 2002. In late December 2002, the mine began the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment that was expected to be installed later in 2003. The fire will delay this installation.

 

In January 2003, an explosion occurred at an airshaft construction site at the McElroy Mine resulting in the deaths of three construction workers and the injury of three other construction workers. The workers were employees of the construction company installing the shaft. The airshaft is located in an area ahead of mining activity. The explosion did not affect the normal production schedule of the mine. We do not believe that this event will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

In January 2003, Mine 84, near Washington, Pennsylvania experienced a fire along several hundred feet of the conveyor belt entry servicing the longwall section of the mine. The fire was extinguished approximately two weeks later. On January 20, 2003, the mine resumed production on a limited basis with continuous mining machines, while repairs continued on the belt entry. The fire caused damage to the roof support system, the conveyor belt and the steel framework on which the belt travels. Repairs took several weeks to complete and are estimated to cost approximately $7 million, net of expected insurance recovery. Longwall coal production, which accounts for the majority of coal normally produced at the mine resumed on February 10, 2003.

 

In January 2003, we announced that we had entered into a 17-year, 76.5 million ton coal supply agreement with FirstEnergy Generation Corp., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The agreement provides for annual shipments of 4.5 million tons to FirstEnergy primarily from our McElroy Mine. The agreement includes a price re-opener provision every three years, beginning in 2005. If CONSOL Energy and FirstEnergy do not agree on price at that time, the contract can be terminated by either party.

 

In July 2003, Standard and Poor’s lowered its rating of our long-term debt to BB+. Standard and Poor’s defines an obligation rated ‘BB’ (5th lowest out of 10 rating categories) as less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The plus sign shows relative standing within the rating category.

 

Also, in July 2003, Moody’s Investor Service placed CONSOL Energy under review for possible downgrade. In August 2002, Moody’s Investor Service lowered the senior unsecured debt ratings of CONSOL Energy from Baa1 to Baa2 (9th lowest out of 21 rating categories). Moody’s Investor Service also changed our rating outlook from stable to negative. Bonds which are rated ‘Baa’ are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). The rating means that interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics

 

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Table of Contents

and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. The modifier 2 indicates that the obligation ranks in the mid-range of its generic rating category.

 

CONSOL Energy continues to convert to a new integrated information technology system provided by SAP AG to support business processes. The new technology is expected to provide cost-effective strategic software alternatives to meet future core business needs. The system will continue to be implemented in stages throughout 2003 at an estimated total cost of $53 million, of which $37 million has already been incurred.

 

CONSOL Energy has entered into an agreement to establish an Accounts Receivable Securitization facility that will provide up to $125 million of short term funding. Costs for drawing against this facility are based on commercial paper interest rates. This facility is expected to be operational in the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2002

 

Net Income

 

CONSOL Energy’s net income was $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. The increase of $2 million primarily was due to a $14 million income tax benefit and $5 million of income, net of $3 million of deferred tax expense as a result of the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to the adoption of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143). This statement requires the fair value of an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of mines and gas wells and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of coal and gas reserves. Under previous accounting standards, such obligations were recognized ratably over the life of the producing assets, primarily on a units-of-production basis. Losses before income taxes and the cumulative effect adjustment for the three months ended March 31, 2003 were $11 million compared to earnings of $7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2002. This decline is primarily due to increased costs related to long-term employee benefits such as Other Post Employment Benefits and Salaried Pension costs and the costs associated with two mine fires experienced in the 2003 period. The decline was offset, in part, by higher average sales prices for gas and coal in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period as well as an increase in other income primarily due to an increase in gains on sales of assets.

 

 

Revenue

 

Sales increased $3 million, or 0.5%, to $508 million for the 2003 period from $505 million for the 2002 period.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Revenues from the sale of gas increased 86.9%, or $24 million, to $52 million in the 2003 period compared to $28 million in the 2002 period. The increase was primarily due to a higher average sales price in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period. The average sales price, excluding the effects of derivative transactions, was $4.66 per million British thermal unit for the 2003 period, a 78.5%, or $2.05 increase compared to the average sales price of $2.61 per million British thermal unit for the 2002 period. The increase in average sales price was primarily due to decreasing gas inventory levels throughout the industry. CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with our gas marketers (selling gas under short-term multi-month contract nominations generally not exceeding one year.) CONSOL Energy has also entered into four float-for-fixed gas swap transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedges, which exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. The average sales price, including the effects of derivative transactions, was $4.47 per million British thermal unit for the 2003 period, a 71.3%, or $1.86 increase compared to the average sales price of $2.61 per million British thermal unit for the 2002 period. CONSOL Energy locked in 90% of sales volumes in the 2003 period at an average price of $4.29 per million British thermal unit compared to 64% of sales volumes locked in for the 2002 period at an average price of $2.82 per British thermal unit. The increase in gas sales revenue was also due to higher volumes of gas sold. Sales volumes were 12.0 billion cubic feet, a 9.4%, or 1.0 billion cubic feet increase from the 2002 period. Higher sales volumes were a result of wells coming on line from the ongoing drilling program.

 

The increase in sales revenue from the sale of gas was offset, in part, by decreases in company produced coal sales revenue. Company produced coal sales revenue decreased $12 million, or 2.7%, to $417 million in the 2003 period from $429 million in the 2002 period. The decrease in company produced coal revenue was due mainly to a decrease in the tons sold. Company produced tons sold were 15.4 million tons in the 2003 period, a 0.1 million ton, or 5.2%, decrease from the 2002 period. The decrease in tons sold was due primarily to the closure of the Dilworth, Windsor and Meigs mines due to economically depleted reserves. The decrease in tons sold was also attributable to the idling of the Rend Lake Mine. These closed and idled mines reduced overall company production. Although sales volumes have declined from the 2002 period, the average sales price per ton of company produced coal sold increased. Average sales price per ton of company-produced coal increased 2.6% to $27.14 per ton for the 2003 period from $26.44 per ton for the 2002 period. The increase in average sales price reflects higher prices negotiated in the second half of 2002.

 

Revenues from the sale of purchased coal decreased by $7 million, or 27.9%, to $20 million in the 2003 period from $27 million in the 2002 period. The decrease in purchased coal revenue was due mainly to a decrease in the tons sold. Purchased coal tons sold were 0.6 million tons in the 2003 period, a 0.2 million ton, or 27.7%, decrease from the 2002 period. The decrease in tons sold was due primarily to the termination of the synfuel agreement at the Dilworth Mine, which coincided with the closure of the mine. The average sales price per ton of purchased coal also declined slightly in the 2003 period. Average sales price per ton of purchased coal decreased $0.11 per ton, or 0.3%, to $33.64 in the 2003 period compared to $33.75 per ton in the 2002 period. The decrease in average sales price reflects a change in the overall product mix of purchased coal.

 

Revenues from the sale of industrial supplies decreased $3 million, or 13.7%, to $15 million in the 2003 period from $18 million in the 2002 period primarily due to reduced sales volumes. Sales volumes were reduced primarily due to decreased spending by our customer base.

 

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Freight revenue, outside and related party, decreased 10.6% to $33 million for the 2003 period from $36 million in the 2002 period. Freight revenue is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred.

 

Other income, which consists of interest income, gain or loss on the disposition of assets, equity in earnings of affiliates, service income, royalty income, rental income and miscellaneous income, was $19 million in the 2003 period compared to $8 million in the 2002 period. The increase of $11 million, or 130.4% was primarily due to $9 million additional gain on sale of assets in the 2003 period. The gain on sale of assets in the 2003 period principally relates to the sale of surplus equipment. The increased revenue was also due to a $1 million gain on a foreign currency derivative. The foreign currency hedge contracts were executed on July 10, 2002 to permit CONSOL Energy Australia Pty (CEA) to purchase Australian dollars at a fixed exchange rate. CEA entered into these hedges in order to minimize exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Future hedge contracts will be made in order to satisfy the requirement to provide protection of the forecasted currency exposure for a rolling two-year period. Other income also increased $2 million as a result of various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which was individually material. These increases in other income were reduced by a $1 million loss on the sale of our interest in Canadian coal assets and port facilities to Fording Inc. for a note and cash in February 2003. The note was exchanged for 3.2 million units in the Fording Canadian Coal Trust, a newly organized publicly traded trust which acquired the assets of Fording Inc. We subsequently sold the coal trust units in March 2003. CONSOL Energy has received total proceeds of approximately $72 million pending finalization of the contract’s working capital audit.

 

 

Costs

 

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges increased $45 million, or 12.4%, to $408 million in the 2003 period compared to $363 million in the 2002 period.

 

Gas operations cost of goods sold increased 32.2% to $18 million in the 2003 period from $14 million in the 2002 period. The increase of $4 million was due mainly to a 20.8% increase in the average cost per million British thermal unit sold. The average cost per million British thermal unit was $1.57 in the 2003 period compared to $1.30 in the 2002 period. Average cost per million British thermal unit increased in the 2003 period primarily due to an increase in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to a 78.1% increase in average sales price per British thermal unit in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period. The increase in cost per unit also increased due to a 9.4% increase in the volume sold. Volumes in the 2003 period were 12.0 million cubic feet compared to 10.9 million cubic feet in the 2002 period. The increased volumes sold were due mainly to additional production from wells coming on line.

 

Cost of goods sold and other charges for company produced coal was $304 million in the 2003 period, an increase of $19 million, or 6.7%, from $285 million in the 2002 period. The increase in cost of goods sold and other charges for company-produced coal was due to a $34 million, or 12.5%, increase in the cost per ton sold. Costs per ton of coal sold are higher primarily due to increased medical costs for active and retired employees and increased salaried pension costs.

 

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These increases in cost per ton of company-produced coal were offset, in part, by $15 million due to the decrease in the volume of company-produced coal sold. Sales tons of company-produced coal decreased 0.8 tons, or 5.2%, to 15.4 million tons in the 2003 period compared to 16.2 million tons in the 2002 period.

 

Cost of goods sold and other charges for closed and idle mine costs have increased $4 million, or 31.3%, to $16 million in the 2003 period from $12 million in the 2002 period. The increase is primarily due to approximately $6 million of expenses related to mines that were closed or idled for the entire 2003 period that were operating in the 2002 period. These mines include Humphrey, Dilworth, Rend Lake, Windsor and Meigs 2. These increased costs were offset, in part, by approximately $2 million due to the reversal of a mine closing liability that was transferred to a third party.

 

Miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other operating charges increased $26 million to $34 million in the 2003 period from $8 million in the 2002 period. An increase of $15 million was primarily due to two mine fires in the 2003 period. In January 2003, Mine 84 experienced a fire along several hundred feet of the conveyor belt entry servicing the longwall section of the mine. The fire was extinguished approximately two weeks later. On January 20, 2003, the mine resumed production on a limited basis with continuous mining machines, while repairs continued on the belt entry. The fire caused damage to the roof support system, the conveyor belt and the steel framework on which the belt travels. Repairs took several weeks to complete and are estimated to cost approximately $7 million, net of expected insurance recovery. Longwall coal production, which accounts for the majority of coal normally produced at the mine resumed on February 10, 2003. In February 2003, our Loveridge Mine experienced a fire near the bottom of the slope entry that is used to carry coal from the mine to the surface. The cost of extinguishing the fire is estimated to be approximately $8 million, net of expected insurance recovery. The Loveridge Mine was idle during 2002. In late December 2002, the mine began the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment that was expected to be installed later in 2003. The fire will delay this installation. Miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other operating charges also increased $6 million due to the payment of gas royalties in connection with a dispute between a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy and certain gas lessors. The remaining $5 million increase in miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other operating charges were due to various miscellaneous transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

These increases in cost of goods sold and other charges were offset, in part, by decreased costs for purchased coal. Purchased coal cost of goods sold and other charges decreased 25.1% to $19 million in the 2003 period from $26 million in the 2002 period. The $7 million decrease was due mainly to a 27.7% decrease in the volume of purchased coal sold. The decrease in tons sold was due primarily to the termination of the synfuel agreement at the Dilworth Mine, which coincided with the closure of the mine.

 

Industrial supplies cost of goods sold also decreased $1 million, or 8.1%, to $17 million in the 2003 period compared to $18 million in the 2002 period. The decrease was due to reduced sales volumes.

 

Freight expense increased 10.6% to $33 million in the 2003 period from $36 million in the 2002 period. Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method

 

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of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to whom CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation. Freight expense is billed to customers and the revenue from such billings equals the transportation expense.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses remained stable at $17 million in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased 8.7% to $61 million in the 2003 period compared to $66 million in the 2002 period. The decrease of $5 million is primarily due to equipment at the Dilworth mine and related preparation plant becoming fully depreciated to coincide with the closure of the mine due to economically depleted reserves.

 

Interest expense decreased 6.5% to $9 million for the 2003 period compared to $10 million for the 2002 period. The decrease of $1 million was due to several changes in the period-to-period comparison. Interest expense on commercial paper decreased $1 million in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period. This was due primarily to a $96 million reduction in commercial paper outstanding and a 0.8% per annum reduction in the average interest rate in the 2003 period from the 2002 period. Interest expense also decreased $1 million due to the reduction of long-term debt through scheduled payments. An additional $2 million decrease in interest expense was due to the implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143). Under this statement, the interest accretion related to the discounted portions of mine closing, reclamation and gas well closing liabilities, previously reported as interest expense, are now reported as operating expenses. These decreases in interest expense were offset, in part, by a $3 million increase in interest expense related to the March 7, 2002 issuance of $250 million of 7.875% Notes due in 2012.

 

Taxes other than income decreased 15.0% to $43 million for the 2003 period compared to $51 million for the 2002 period. The decrease of $8 million was due primarily to decreased production taxes and decreased payroll taxes. Production taxes decreased $5 million primarily due to lower production volumes in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period. Coal production was 15 million tons in the 2003 period compared to 20 million tons in the 2002 period. Payroll taxes were reduced by $2 million primarily due to the closure or idling of several mines in the period-to-period comparison. Dilworth, Rend Lake and Humphrey mines were not operating in the 2003 period and, therefore, the number of employees was lower in the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period. The remaining $1 million decrease was due to changes in various other taxes (such as sales and use tax, federal excise taxes and property taxes) throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes were a benefit of $14 million in the 2003 period compared to expense of $1 million in the 2002 period. The change of $15 million was due mainly to a pre-tax loss in the 2003 period compared to pre-tax income in the 2002 period with little loss of percentage depletion tax benefits. Our effective tax rate for the quarter was 130.6%, which was determined using a discrete period tax calculation for the quarterly results. Although we suffered a loss for the quarter, the percentage depletion deduction allowed for tax purposes did not have a corresponding reduction. Historically, the quarterly depletion benefit has been approximately $7.5 million. The combination of this benefit and a pre-tax loss resulted in our effective tax rate. Additional detail is provided in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item I in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as amended. The annual effective rate method was not applied to the quarterly results due to the sensitivity of the rate to small changes in forecasted income. The effective tax rate for the 2002 period was 17.8%. The 2002 period rate was

 

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calculated using the annual effective rate projection available at that time. A small change in our estimated annual income was not projected to cause a disproportionately large change in the annual effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

 

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs

 

Effective January 1, 2003, CONSOL Energy adopted SFAS No. 143, as required. CONSOL Energy reflected a gain of approximately $5 million, net of a tax cost of approximately $3 million. At the time of adoption, total assets, net of accumulated depreciation, increased approximately $59 million and total liabilities increased approximately $51. The amounts recorded upon adoption are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proved reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.

 

Previous accounting standards generally used the units of production method to match estimated retirement costs with the revenues generated by the producing assets. In contrast, SFAS No. 143 requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time. The depreciation will generally be determined on a units-of-production basis, whereas the accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets, typically as production declines. Because of the long lives of the underlying producing assets, the impact on net income in the near term is not expected to be material.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

CONSOL Energy generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations from cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. A principal source of borrowing is the issuance of commercial paper. At March 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $151 million of commercial paper. In September 2002, CONSOL Energy entered into a new Senior Credit Facility that provides for an aggregate $485 million that may be used for commercial paper maturities, letters of credit and borrowings for other corporate purposes. This facility replaced a $400 million credit facility, which expired in September 2002. The current agreement consists of a 364-day $218 million credit facility which expires in September 2003, and a three year $267 million credit facility which expires in September 2005. Interest is based at our option, upon the Prime (Base) Rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a spread, which is dependent on our credit rating. The agreement has various covenants, including covenants that limit our ability to dispose of assets and merge with another corporation. We are also required to maintain a ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to twelve month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 2.63 to 1.0 at March 31, 2003. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of twelve months trailing EBITDA to interest expense and amortization of debt of no less than 4.5 to 1.0 measured quarterly. This ratio was 5.22 to 1.0 at March 31, 2003. At March 31, 2003, this facility had $299 million of additional capacity. At April 30, 2003, this facility has $290 million of additional capacity.

 

CONSOL Energy believes that cash generated from operations and its borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet its working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other

 

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than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments and anticipated dividend payments in 2003. Nevertheless, the ability of CONSOL Energy to satisfy its debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures or pay dividends will depend upon its future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the coal and gas industries and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CONSOL Energy’s control.

 

In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with our gas marketers (selling gas under short-term multi-month contract nominations generally not exceeding one year.) CONSOL Energy has also entered into four float-for-fixed gas swap transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedges, which exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. These transactions resulted in other comprehensive loss of $2.0 million (net of $1.3 million of deferred tax) in the three months ended March 31, 2003.

 

CONSOL Energy frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CONSOL Energy has funded acquisitions primarily with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt financing, will be available to CONSOL Energy on terms which CONSOL Energy finds acceptable, or at all.

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends

 

CONSOL Energy had stockholders’ equity of $157 million at March 31, 2003 and $162 million at December 31, 2002. Stockholders’ equity was reduced by $56 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 due to Other Comprehensive Losses. These losses relate primarily to minimum pension liability as a result of the negative return on plan assets for non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans. Comprehensive losses are calculated annually and reflect a number of factors including conditions in the stock markets and interest rates. See Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2002 Form 10-K, as amended.

 

A quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share was declared on January 27, 2003, payable to shareholders of record on February 10, 2003. This dividend was paid on February 28, 2003. A quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share was declared on April 25, 2003, payable to shareholders of record on May 9, 2003. This dividend will be paid on May 30, 2003. Under our $485 million Senior Revolving Credit facility, payment of dividends must be suspended in the event of a default under the facility.

 

 

Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. The change in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to the decreases in coal inventories. Coal inventories decreased 0.3 million tons in the three month period ended March 31, 2003 compared to an increase of 3.3 million tons in the three month period ended March 31, 2002. The decreases in inventories also resulted in a decrease of prepaid expenses related to deferred freight charges that are accumulated in proportion to the amount of coal inventory carried. These decreases in operating cash flow were offset, in part, by increases in employee related long-term

 

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liabilities. Increased employee related long-term liabilities were primarily due to increases in the actuarially determined provisions related to certain assumption changes used in the calculation offset, in part, by increased cash payments. Cash payments increased due to the projected exhaustion of trust funds related to Other Post Employment Benefits that were used to make benefit payments in the 2002 period. Changes in net income also contributed to the change in operating cash flow. Net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 increased $2 million, although this increase included non-cash changes such as the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principles related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143), decreases in depreciation, depletion and amortization and additional gains on the sale of assets.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $27 million in the 2003 period compared to net cash used in investing activities of $79 million in the 2002 period. The change in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was primarily due to increased proceeds from the sale of assets and reduced capital expenditures. Proceeds from the sales of assets were $77 million in the 2003 period compared to $1 million in the 2002 period. The increase was due mainly to the $70 million of cash proceeds received in the sale of our interests in Canadian coal assets and port facilities to Fording Inc. for a note and cash in February 2003. The note was exchanged for 3.2 million units in the Fording Canadian Coal Trust, a newly organized publicly traded trust which acquired the assets of Fording Inc. We sold the coal trust units in March 2003. CONSOL Energy still has a $2 million receivable related to this transaction due to monies being held in escrow until the deal is finalized. Capital expenditures were $47 million in the 2003 period compared to $70 million in the 2002 period. Capital expenditures were higher in the 2002 period due mainly to monies being spent for the expansion of the McElroy Preparation Plant, which was completed and placed in service in 2002. Capital expenditures were also higher in the 2002 period due to the additional gas wells being drilled in the 2002 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $62 million in the 2003 period compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $56 million in the 2002 period. The change in net cash used in or provided by financing activities primarily reflects the cash received in the 2002 period of approximately $246 million related to the issuance on March 7, 2002 of 7.875% notes due 2012. This receipt of cash was offset, in part by additional payments made to reduce the outstanding principal balance of commercial paper in the 2002 period compared to the 2003 period. Also, a scheduled payment of $23 million was made in the 2002 period on unsecured notes.

 

The following is a summary of our significant obligations at March 31, 2003 (in thousands):

 

     Payments due by Year

    

Within 1

Year


  

2-3

Years


  

4-5

Years


  

After 5

Years


   Total

Short-term Notes Payable

   $ 153,848    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 153,848

Long-term Debt

     3,382      52,181      56,960      378,640      491,163

Capital Lease Obligations

     4,874      2,420      —        —        7,294

Operating Lease Obligations

     12,935      21,773      16,178      7,384      58,270
    

  

  

  

  

Total Obligations

   $ 175,039    $ 76,374    $ 73,138    $ 386,024    $ 710,575
    

  

  

  

  

 

 

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Additionally, we have long-term liabilities relating to other post employment benefits, work-related injuries and illnesses, defined benefit pension plans, mine reclamation and closure, and other long-term liability costs. We estimated the payments, net of any applicable trust reimbursements, related to these items at March 31, 2003 (in thousands) to be:

 

Payments due by Year


Within 1

Year


 

2-3

Years


 

4-5

Years


 

Total


$275,278

  $562,788   $536,919   $1,374,985

 

As discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies” and in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements on our Form 10-K, as amended, to which we refer you, our determination of these long-term liabilities is calculated annually and is based on several assumptions, including then prevailing conditions, which may change from year to year. In any year, if our assumptions are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated. Moreover, in particular, for periods after 2003 our estimates may change from the amounts included in the table, and may change significantly, if our assumptions change to reflect changing conditions. For example, the payments due in years 2-3 include an estimate of approximately $50 million related to a final payout under a long-term coal contract which was entered into in 1984. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy was reimbursed for estimated post closure reclamation costs plus a contingency over coal shipments made to the customer. Upon final bond release of the affected areas, reclamation costs versus monies received for reclamation over the life of the contract would be actualized.

 

 

Debt

 

At March 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy had total long-term debt of $498 million, including the current portion of long-term debt of $8 million. Such long-term debt consisted of:

 

    an aggregate principal amount of $248 million ($250 million of 7.875% notes due in 2012, net of $2 million unamortized debt discount). The notes were issued at 99.174% of the principal amount. Interest on the notes is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year commencing September 1, 2002. Payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the notes are guaranteed by several CONSOL Energy subsidiaries that incur or guarantee certain indebtedness. The notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of CONSOL Energy and of the subsidiary guarantors;

 

    an aggregate principal amount of $90 million of unsecured notes which bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 8.21% to 8.28% per annum and are due at various dates between 2004 and 2007. These notes are senior obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of CONSOL Energy;

 

    an aggregate principal amount of $103 million of two series of industrial revenue bonds which were issued in order to finance CONSOL Energy’s Baltimore port facility and bear interest at the rate of 6.50% per annum and mature in 2010 and 2011;

 

    $17 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings under a term loan facility which allows CONSOL Energy Australia Pty Limited to borrow up to $17 million through March 31, 2004. The borrowed funds must be used for expenditures related to the design,

 

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         construction, and acquisition of longwall mining equipment and infrastructure upgrades at Glennies Creek Mine, the joint venture owned 50% by CONSOL Energy Australia Pty Limited. Interest is paid quarterly at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75%. The principal balance is payable in equal installments on March 31 and September 30 commencing March 31, 2006 and ending March 31, 2009;

 

    $33 million in advance royalty commitments with an average interest rate of 8.2% per annum; and

 

    an aggregate principal amount of $7 million of capital leases with an average interest rate of 7.4% per annum.

 

At March 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy had an aggregate principal amount of $151 million of commercial paper outstanding that had maturities remaining ranging from 1 to 31 days with interest at varying rates ranging from 1.46% per annum to 1.55% per annum. A subsidiary of CONSOL Energy also had $3 million aggregate principal amount of short-term debt outstanding under a working capital bank facility utilized by the joint venture operations at the Glennies Creek Mine in Australia. Drawings against this facility are made in Australian Dollars and interest is based on the Australian Bank Bills Rate reset monthly.

 

CONSOL Energy’s commercial paper program has been backed by a Senior Revolving Credit facility provided by a bank syndicate. The facility provides for an aggregate of $485 million that may be used for commercial paper maturities, letters of credit and borrowings for other corporate purposes. The agreement consists of a 364-day $218 million credit facility which expires in September 2003, and a three year $267 million credit facility which expires in September 2005. Interest is payable based, at our option, upon the Prime (Base) Rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a spread, which is dependent on our credit rating. The agreement has various covenants, including covenants that limit our ability to dispose of assets and merge with another corporation. We are also required to maintain a ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to twelve month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 measured quarterly. This ratio was 2.63 to 1.0 at March 31, 2003. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of twelve months trailing EBITDA to interest expense and amortization of debt of no less than 4.5 to 1.0 measured quarterly. This ratio was 5.22 to 1.0 at March 31, 2003. At March 31, 2003 this facility had $299 million of additional capacity remaining. At April 30, 2003, this facility has $290 million of additional capacity.

 

At March 31, 2003, five letters of credit have been issued that are supported by the Senior Revolving Credit facility. The letters of credit total $35 million and were issued to the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Fund, the Illinois Industrial Commission for self insuring workers’ compensation, Old Republic Insurance for self insuring workers’ compensation, the General Electric Capital Corp. for a guarantee of note payable related to equipment purchased by a 50% joint-venture and the U.S. Department of Labor for self insuring Longshore and Harborworkers’ compensation.

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2002, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” was issued and the disclosure requirements have been adopted by CONSOL Energy for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

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CONSOL Energy is currently evaluating the alternative methods of transition to determine if the Company will change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

We are including the following cautionary statement in this Report on Form 10-Q to make applicable and to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of us. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Exchange Act) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. In addition to other factors and matters discussed elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q, these risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  a loss of our competitive position because of the competitive nature of the coal and gas markets;

 

  a decline in prices we receive for our coal and gas affecting our operating results and cash flows;

 

  the inability to produce a sufficient amount of coal to fulfill our customers’ requirements which could result in our customers initiating claims against us;

 

  overcapacity in the coal or gas industry impairing our profitability;

 

  reliance on customers extending existing contracts or entering into new long-term contracts for coal;

 

  reliance on major customers;

 

  the credit worthiness of our customer base declining;

 

  our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and to successfully finance, consummate the acquisition of, and integrate these candidates as part of our acquisition strategy;

 

  disputes with customers concerning contracts resulting in litigation;

 

  the risks inherent in coal mining being subject to unexpected disruptions, including geological conditions, equipment failure, fires, accidents and weather conditions which could cause our results to deteriorate;

 

  uncertainties in estimating our economically recoverable coal and gas reserves;

 

  risks in exploring for and producing gas;

 

  the disruption of rail, barge and other systems which deliver our coal, or pipeline systems which deliver our gas;

 

  the effects of government regulation;

 

  obtaining governmental permits and approvals for our operations;

 

  coal users switching to other fuels in order to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion;

 

  the effects of mine closing, reclamation and certain other liabilities;

 

  results of litigation;

 

  federal, state and local authorities regulating our gas production activities;

 

  deregulation of the electric utility industry having unanticipated effects on our industry;

 

  new legislation resulting in restrictions on coal use;

 

  federal and state laws imposing treatment, monitoring and reporting obligations on us;

 

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  management’s ability to correctly estimate and accrue for contingent liabilities;

 

  increased exposure to workers’ compensation and black lung benefit liabilities;

 

  the outcome of various asbestos litigation cases; and

 

  our ability to comply with laws or regulations requiring that we obtain surety bonds for workers’ compensation and other statutory requirements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

In addition to the risks inherent in operations, CONSOL Energy is exposed to financial, market, political and economic risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding CONSOL Energy’s exposure to the risks of changing natural gas prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

 

CONSOL Energy is exposed to market price risk in the normal course of selling natural gas production and to a lesser extent in the sale of coal. CONSOL Energy sells coal under both short-term and long-term contracts with fixed price and/or indexed price contracts that reflect market value. CONSOL Energy uses fixed-price contracts, collar-price contracts and derivative commodity instruments that qualify as cash-flow hedges under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 to minimize exposure to market price volatility in the sale of natural gas. Our risk management policy strictly prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative positions.

 

CONSOL Energy has established risk management policies and procedures to strengthen the internal control environment of the marketing of commodities produced from its asset base. All of the derivative instruments are held for purposes other than trading. They are used primarily to mitigate uncertainty and volatility and cover underlying exposures. CONSOL Energy’s market risk strategy incorporates fundamental risk management tools to assess market price risk and establish a framework in which management can maintain a portfolio of transactions within pre-defined risk parameters.

 

CONSOL Energy believes that the use of derivative instruments along with the risk assessment procedures and internal controls does not expose CONSOL Energy to material risk. The use of derivative instruments could materially affect CONSOL Energy’s results of operations depending on interest rates, exchange rates or market prices. However, we believe that use of these instruments will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.

 

For a summary of accounting policies related to derivative instruments, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, as amended.

 

 

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Sensitivity analyses of the incremental effects on pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2003 of a hypothetical 10 percent and 25 percent change in natural gas prices, foreign exchange and interest rates for open derivative instruments as of March 31, 2003 are provided in the following table:

 

     Incremental Decrease in Pre-tax Income Assuming
a Hypothetical Price, Exchange Rate or
Interest Rate Change of:


     10%

   25%

     (in millions)

Natural Gas (a)

   $ 10.7    $ 17.9

Foreign Currency (b)

   $ 1.0    $ 2.2

Interest Rates (c)

   $ 0.4    $ 1.0

 

(a)   CONSOL Energy remains at risk for possible changes in the market value of these derivative instruments; however, such risk should be mitigated by price changes in the underlying hedged item. The effect of this offset is not reflected in the sensitivity analyses. CONSOL Energy entered into derivative instruments to convert the market prices related to 2003 and 2004 anticipated sales of natural gas to fixed prices. The sensitivity analysis reflects an inverse relationship between increases in commodity prices and a benefit to earnings. When commodity prices increase, pre-tax income decreases. The fair value of these contracts was a loss of $3.9 million (net of $2.5 million deferred tax) at March 31, 2003. We continually evaluate the portfolio of derivative commodity instruments and adjust the strategy to anticipated market conditions and risks accordingly.
(b)   CONSOL Energy uses foreign currency contracts to fix the costs of anticipated Australian dollar capital expenditures. The U.S. dollar notional amount of all foreign currency contracts was $15 million as of March 31, 2003. The sensitivity analysis reflects a direct correlation between increases in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar and a benefit to earnings. When foreign currency exchange rates increase relative to U.S dollar pre-tax income increases. The fair value of these contracts resulted in $1.1 million of income in the 2003 period.
(c)   CONSOL Energy uses interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk exposure of forecasted interest payments on CONSOL Energy Australia Pty Ltd’s, one of CONSOL Energy’s subsidiaries, outstanding variable rate debt. These agreements effectively convert variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. The fair value of these contracts was a loss of $0.6 million (net of $0.4 million deferred tax) at March 31, 2003. The use of these contracts is monitored by CONSOL Energy’s executive management and treasury group.

 

CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. The credit worthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review.

 

CONSOL Energy’s interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States. At March 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy had $499 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under fixed-rate instruments and $154 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under variable-rate instruments. CONSOL Energy’s primary exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to its commercial paper program. At March 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy had an aggregate of $151 million in commercial paper outstanding. CONSOL Energy’s commercial paper bore interest at a weighted average rate of

 

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1.6% during the three months ended March 31, 2003. A 100 basis-point increase in the average rate for CONSOL Energy’s commercial paper would have decreased net income for the three months ended March 31, 2003 by approximately $0.3 million.

 

Almost all of CONSOL Energy’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and, as a result, it does not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks. CONSOL Energy uses foreign currency contracts to fix the costs of anticipated Australian dollar capital expenditures. CONSOL Energy does not have a material exposure to currency exchange rate risks other than for the foreign currency contract.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this Report, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)   

Exhibits filed as part of this Report:

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
(b)   

Reports on Form 8-K:

 

None.

 

*   In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amended report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

Date: February 18, 2004

      By:  

/s/    WILLIAM J. LYONS        


           

William J. Lyons,

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Finance and Accounting Officer)

 

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