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Table of Contents

 
 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 26, 2005 (April 25, 2005)

Arch Coal, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
  1-13105
  43-0921172
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)       Identification No.)

One CityPlace Drive, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri 63141


(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (314) 994-2700

     Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provision (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a -12 under the Exchange Act ( 17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

Page 1 of 4 pages.
Exhibit Index begins on page 4.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Conditions
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Press Release
Supplemental Historical Information


Table of Contents

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Conditions.

     See the Exhibit Index at page 4 of this Report.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On April 25, 2005, Arch Coal, Inc. (the “Company”), announced via press release its earnings and operating results for the first quarter of 2005. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Also on April 25, 2005, the Company posted on its website www.archcoal.com, the Supplemental Historical Information attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

In accordance with General Instruction B.6 of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Page 2 of 4 pages.
Exhibit Index begins on page 4

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

         
Dated: April 26, 2005   ARCH COAL, INC.
 
 
  By:    /s/ Robert G. Jones  
    Robert G. Jones   
    Vice President - Law, General Counsel and Secretary   
 

Page 3 of 4 pages.
Exhibit Index begins on page 4.

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit No.   Description
99.1
  Press Release dated as of April 25, 2005
 
   
99.2
  Supplemental Historical Information

Page 4 of 4 pages.

 

exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

News from
Arch Coal, Inc.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Deck S. Slone
Vice President, Investor
Relations and Public Affairs
(314) 994-2717
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2005

Arch Coal, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

 ü    Revenue increases to a record $600.5 million, up 49% vs. same period last year
 
 ü    Earnings per fully diluted share total $0.07 ($0.25 excluding special items, compared to $0.14 in 1Q04 excluding special items)
 
 ü    Average realization per ton increases 14% at Powder River Basin operations; 10% at Western Bituminous operations; and 27% at Central Appalachian operations
 
 ü    Adjusted EBITDA increases 36% to $86.8 million, compared to $64.0 million in 1Q04, excluding special items in both periods

     Saint Louis – Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) today announced that it had income available to common shareholders of $4.8 million, or $0.07 per fully diluted share, for its first quarter ended March 31, 2005. Excluding special items, Arch had income available to common shareholders of $16.0 million, or $0.25 per fully diluted share, in the quarter just ended. In the first quarter of 2004, excluding special items, Arch had income available to common shareholders of $7.7 million, or $0.14 per fully diluted share. (See table that follows release for reconciliation to GAAP net income.)

     “Arch made excellent progress on many fronts during the quarter,” said Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal’s president and chief executive officer. “Per-ton realizations increased significantly in each of our operating basins and our average per-ton operating margin increased by 13%. In addition, we achieved very strong performances at our Powder River Basin and Western Bituminous operations as we continued to build on the highly strategic acquisitions completed in those basins during 2004.”

     Leer reiterated earnings guidance of $1.50 to $2.00 per fully diluted share and EBITDA guidance of $400 million to $450 million for the full year. “We remain on track for substantially improved operating results in 2005, and additional progress in 2006 and 2007,” Leer said.

     As expected, Arch’s principal challenge during the quarter was in the Central Appalachia region, where the performance of the Mingo Logan mine was adversely affected by difficult geologic conditions in the previous longwall panel, a major longwall move and a slow startup of the longwall following the move due principally to equipment problems. “We are making progress in returning our historically strong Mingo Logan operation to more normal rates of productivity,” said Leer. “We expect improved results in future periods.”

 


 

     Revenues increased to $600.5 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $403.5 million during the same period last year, due principally to higher realizations as well as consolidating acquisitions in the second half of 2004. Sales volume as reported increased to 37.0 million tons, compared to 25.8 million tons during the same period of 2004. Operating income for the first quarter totaled $35.9 million, compared to $23.5 million in the same period of 2004, excluding special items in both periods. Excluding special items, Adjusted EBITDA totaled $86.8 million vs. $64.0 million in last year’s first quarter, which benefited from a large gain associated with the partial sale of the company’s interest in Natural Resource Partners.

Regional Analysis and Other Data

                                                                 
                    Central         Western            
    PRB     App.         Bit.1              Total  
    1Q 05     1Q 04     1Q 05     1Q 04     1Q 05     1Q 04     1Q 05     1Q 04  
Tons sold (in mm)
    23.6       16.6       7.2       7.5       4.8       4.7       35.6       28.8  
Sales price per ton2
  $ 7.79     $ 6.86     $ 41.90     $ 33.06     $ 17.08     $ 15.54     $ 15.92     $ 15.12  
Operating cost per ton2,3
  $ 6.68     $ 5.92     $ 40.37     $ 30.28     $ 14.45     $ 15.72     $ 14.52     $ 13.88  
Operating margin per ton
  $ 1.11     $ 0.95     $ 1.53     $ 2.78     $ 2.63     $ (0.18 )   $ 1.40     $ 1.24  

Note: The above excludes 1.4 million tons of purchased coal in 1Q 05 in which Arch acts as the intermediary, creating a pass-through transaction. Per-ton costs have been adjusted to include the effects of amortization of values attributed to coal supply agreements in purchase accounting. Comparable amounts for all quarters beginning Q1 2003 can be found in the investor section of archcoal.com.

(1) For comparative purposes, Western Bituminous Region (WBIT) data reflect the results of Canyon Fuel Company at 100% in both periods, even though Arch accounted for Canyon Fuel on the equity method until acquiring the remaining 35% of the company on July 31, 2004.

(2) Per-ton realizations and costs as detailed above exclude transportation costs that are billed to customers. Powder River Basin transportation costs totaled $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2005 and $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2004. Central Appalachia transportation costs totaled $10.2 million in the first quarter of 2005 and $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2004. Western Bituminous transportation costs totaled $15.7 million in the first quarter of 2005 and $12.3 million in the first quarter of 2004.

(3) Per-ton costs detailed above exclude postretirement medical costs totaling $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2005 and $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2004.

Powder River Basin

     Arch’s Powder River Basin mine, Black Thunder, achieved a 14% increase in its average per-ton realization compared to the same quarter last year and boosted shipments by more than 40% to a record 23.6 million tons. The mine shipped a record 8.3 million tons in March.

     “The acquisition of the North Rochelle mine and its integration into Black Thunder is proving to be a tremendous success,” said John W. Eaves, Arch’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “It is increasingly clear that the combination of these two mines has created a truly world-class asset with operating synergies well in excess of our initial estimates. With recent improvements in rail service, the expanded Black Thunder is currently producing at a rate of nearly 100 million tons annually, which is approximately 15% greater than the combined capacity of the two mines operating separately.”

     Eaves indicated that Western rail service has improved significantly since the beginning of March.

 


 

“We are confident that the Western rail carriers are committed to meeting what is expected to be extremely robust growth in the demand for PRB coal,” he said.

Western Bituminous Region

     In the Western Bituminous Region, a 10% increase in average realization and an 8% reduction in per-ton operating costs contributed to substantially stronger results during the quarter. Arch’s average operating margin in the region climbed to $2.63 per ton vs. a loss of $0.18 per ton during the same period of 2004.

     “We see great things ahead for our Western Bituminous operations,” Eaves said. “Demand for Colorado and Utah coal has shifted to a new and higher level as power generators have looked to the region for replacement tonnage for high-Btu, low-sulfur Eastern coal, which is in short supply and likely to remain so.”

     During the first quarter, Arch initiated development work on one of the best undeveloped reserves in the region – the North Lease at the Skyline mine complex. Development production has now begun, and the longwall is scheduled to start up in mid- to late 2006. Production at the new mine is expected to climb to 3 million tons annually.

Central Appalachia

     Extremely robust market conditions in the East boosted Arch’s average realization in the region by 27% during the quarter. Unfortunately, that strong revenue growth was offset by higher costs and lower volumes associated with the previously discussed challenges at Mingo Logan.

     “After moving the longwall to the new panel in mid-February, the start-up process proved to be more challenging than anticipated due principally to a greater-than-expected influx of water, which in turn resulted in a series of equipment-related difficulties,” Eaves said. “We have taken steps to resolve these issues, which reduced operating income by approximately $18 million from expected levels during the quarter, and we have seen progress in recent weeks. Given the advantageous geologic conditions in this new reserve area, we remain confident that Mingo Logan’s performance will improve in future periods.”

Contract Activity

     Arch ended the quarter with very little coal left to sell for the remainder of 2005. In 2006, the company has 45 to 55 million tons of its expected production yet to be priced, and in 2007, it has 90 to 100 million tons yet to be priced.

     “We continue to take a patient approach to the current market environment,” Leer said. “We have reached agreements on approximately 10 million tons of PRB coal per year for delivery in 2006, 2007 and 2008, at an average netback to the mine that is 40% to 60% higher than our current average realization in the PRB, factoring in the premium we earn for Black Thunder coal based on today’s sulfur dioxide emissions allowance prices. Our strategy is to continue to layer in new commitments in the current rising market environment, while still maintaining significant leverage to dynamic U.S. coal markets.”

 


 

U.S. Coal Markets

     The first quarter saw continued market strength in Central Appalachia and the Western Bituminous Region, as well as a rally in the Powder River Basin late in the period. With rail service improving, published spot prices for PRB coal have increased by 20% to 30% since the beginning of January, with much of that movement occurring in recent weeks. The spot price for Arch’s ultra-low sulfur PRB production has increased even more, buoyed by the climbing price of sulfur dioxide emissions allowances.

     Since the first quarter began, the price of sulfur dioxide emissions allowances has climbed an additional 20%, to approximately $850 per ton. Such allowances were trading at just $130 per ton in January 2003. The increased price of SO2 allowances boosts the value of compliance and low-sulfur coals – the only types of coal that Arch produces.

     Generally speaking, coal offers a compelling economic advantage over virtually every other competing fuel for electric generation. For the vast majority of coal-fired power generating stations in the United States, the economics of burning coal from the PRB are more compelling still.

     “The PRB is already the fastest growing U.S. coal supply basin, and it appears poised for more accelerated growth in the years ahead,” Leer said. “In recent weeks, power generators in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other Eastern states have announced plans to increase the amount of PRB coal they use in the future. Furthermore, recent improvements in Western rail service are finally allowing this increased level of interest to translate into higher shipments out of the basin.”

     Despite continuing growth in PRB output, overall U.S. coal supply remains constrained. Through April 16, total U.S. coal production was flat compared to the same period of 2004, according to the Energy Information Administration. In fact, U.S. coal production has increased very little since 2000, despite significant increases in consumption for both electric generation and metallurgical purposes. That has led to continuing declines in power plant stockpiles, particularly in the Eastern United States. Arch estimates that such stockpiles currently stand at 109 million tons – approximately 17% lower than the five-year average. “Pressure on supply and restocking requirements should keep coal demand strong for the foreseeable future,” Leer said.

     Metallurgical markets remained strong as well, despite a pullback in world steel prices. Arch is targeting met sales of 5 million tons in 2005 and 7 million tons in 2006, assuming the met market remains robust through that period.

Financial Developments

     Arch ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $290.7 million and total available liquidity of $900 million. At March 31, total debt as a percentage of total capitalization had declined to approximately 47%, vs. 84% at the end of 2000.

     “After a systematic and multi-year effort to strengthen our balance sheet and enhance our financial flexibility, Arch is in its strongest financial position in many years,” said Robert J. Messey, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

     Arch has budgeted significant expansion-related capital requirements during 2005 and 2006 related

 


 

to the development of the 5-million-ton-per-year Mountain Laurel longwall mine in southern West Virginia; the development of the 3-million-ton-per-year North Lease mine at the Skyline complex in Utah; and future payments on the recently acquired 719-million-ton Little Thunder Creek federal lease in the Powder River Basin. Despite those requirements, Arch expects its current cash balance and cash flows from operations to be sufficient to fund its capital needs through the period, absent the potential need for short-term borrowing due to timing issues.

Capital Spending and DD&A (in millions):

                                 
    Q1 2005     Q1 2004     FY 2004     FY 2005 (proj.)  
Capital spending
  $ 58.2     $ 33.5     $ 295.3     $ 340-$360  
DD&A
  $ 50.9     $ 40.5     $ 176.7     $ 230-$250  

Note: Capital spending and DD&A data reflect Arch’s 65% ownership interest in Canyon Fuel Company through July 31, 2004, and its 100% ownership position thereafter.

     Arch’s resource management efforts during the quarter included the planned disposition of used equipment and excess land totaling approximately $18.8 million. “We remain focused on maximizing the value of our very substantial land holdings and used equipment fleet,” Messey said.

Looking Ahead

     “Arch is in an exceptionally strong position to benefit from the growing demand for the lowest sulfur coals,” Leer said. “We expect continued growth in profitability throughout the remainder of this year and into 2006 and 2007, and we are confident this trend will create significant new value for our shareholders.”

     Arch expects stronger results in each successive quarter as the company progresses through the remainder of 2005.

     A conference call concerning first quarter earnings will be webcast live today at 11 a.m. Eastern. The conference call can be accessed via the “investor” section of the Arch Coal Web site (www.archcoal.com).

     St. Louis-based Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer, with subsidiary operations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Through these operations, Arch Coal provides the fuel for approximately 7% of the electricity generated in the United States.

     Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to, and expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by, the company. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected in the statements. These expectations, assumptions and uncertainties include: the company’s expectation of continued growth in the demand for electricity; belief that legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and the relatively higher costs of competing fuels will increase demand for its compliance and low-sulfur coal; expectation of continued improved market conditions for the price of coal; expectation that the company will continue to have adequate liquidity from its cash flow from operations, together with available borrowings under its credit facilities, to finance the company’s working capital needs; a variety of operational, geologic, permitting, labor and weather related factors; and the other risks and uncertainties which are described from time to time in the company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Revenues
               
Coal sales
  $ 600,464     $ 403,490  
 
               
Costs and expenses
               
Cost of coal sales
    519,641       348,537  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    50,903       36,105  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    22,276       14,913  
Other expenses
    13,046       5,645  
 
           
 
    605,866       405,200  
 
           
 
               
Other operating income
               
Income from equity investments
          3,690  
Gain on sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, LP
          89,638  
Other operating income
    31,354       15,291  
 
           
 
    31,354       108,619  
 
           
 
               
Income from operations
    25,952       106,909  
 
               
Interest expense, net:
               
Interest expense
    (18,072 )     (14,741 )
Interest income
    1,846       710  
 
           
 
    (16,226 )     (14,031 )
 
           
 
               
Other non-operating income (expense):
               
Expenses resulting from early debt extinguishment and termination of hedge accounting for interest rate swaps
    (2,066 )     (2,066 )
Other non-operating income (expense)
    (385 )     171  
 
           
 
    (2,451 )     (1,895 )
 
           
 
               
Income before income taxes
    7,275       90,983  
Provision for income taxes
    700       21,000  
 
           
Net income
    6,575       69,983  
Preferred stock dividends
    (1,797 )     (1,797 )
 
           
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 4,778     $ 68,186  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per common share
               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 1.27  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.07     $ 1.14  
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
               
Basic
    62,782       53,825  
Diluted
    63,792       61,592  
 
           
 
               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.0800     $ 0.0575  
 
           
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA (A)
  $ 76,855     $ 147,404  
 
           


(A) Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” later in this release.

 


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)          
Assets
               
 
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 290,693     $ 323,167  
Trade receivables
    226,732       180,902  
Other receivables
    29,606       34,407  
Inventories
    124,675       119,893  
Prepaid royalties
    11,791       12,995  
Deferred income taxes
    33,915       33,933  
Other
    28,241       25,560  
 
           
Total current assets
    745,653       730,857  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,038,274       2,033,200  
 
           
 
               
Other assets
               
Prepaid royalties
    103,185       87,285  
Goodwill
    36,132       37,381  
Deferred income taxes
    240,048       241,226  
Other
    124,560       126,586  
 
           
 
    503,925       492,478  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 3,287,852     $ 3,256,535  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 194,613     $ 148,014  
Accrued expenses
    204,370       217,216  
Current portion of debt
    7,279       9,824  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    406,262       375,054  
Long-term debt
    975,238       1,001,323  
Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension
    386,976       380,424  
Asset retirement obligations
    180,987       179,965  
Accrued workers’ compensation
    77,557       82,446  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    150,678       157,497  
 
           
Total liabilities
    2,177,698       2,176,709  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock
    29       29  
Common stock
    639       631  
Paid-in capital
    1,307,437       1,280,513  
Retained deficit
    (166,552 )     (166,273 )
Unearned compensation
    (3,350 )     (1,830 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (5,047 )     (5,047 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (23,002 )     (28,197 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,110,154       1,079,826  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 3,287,852     $ 3,256,535  
 
           

 


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 6,575     $ 69,983  
Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    50,903       36,105  
Prepaid royalties expensed
    5,404       3,730  
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
    3,737       2,947  
Net gain on disposition of assets
    (18,792 )     (318 )
Gain on sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, LP
          (89,638 )
Income from equity investments
          (3,690 )
Net distributions from equity investments
          2,461  
Other nonoperating expense
    2,451       1,895  
Changes in:
               
Receivables
    (41,029 )     (25,977 )
Inventories
    (4,782 )     (5,934 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    33,837       (3,524 )
Income taxes
    4,545       15,031  
Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension
    6,552       8,521  
Asset retirement obligations
    (2,716 )     (2,336 )
Accrued workers’ compensation benefits
    (4,890 )     (211 )
Other
    (880 )     2,300  
 
           
 
               
Cash provided by operating activities
    40,915       11,345  
 
           
 
               
Investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (58,237 )     (31,654 )
Proceeds from sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, LP
          100,121  
Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment
    19,079       717  
Additions to prepaid royalties
    (20,100 )     (21,188 )
 
           
 
               
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (59,258 )     47,996  
 
           
 
               
Financing activities
               
Net payments on revolver and lines of credit
    (28,289 )      
Payments on long-term debt
          (2,099 )
Deferred financing costs
    (1,902 )     (957 )
Dividends paid
    (6,854 )     (4,893 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock
    22,914       17,074  
 
           
 
               
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (14,131 )     9,125  
 
           
 
               
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (32,474 )     68,466  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    323,167       254,541  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 290,693     $ 323,007  
 
           
 
               
Canyon Fuel Company cash flow information (for Arch Coal’s 65% ownership percentage through July 31, 2004)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
          4,390  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
          (1,860 )

 


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
(In thousands, except per share data)

Included in the accompanying release, we have disclosed certain non-GAAP measures as defined by Regulation G. The following reconciles these items to net income as reported under GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Special Items:

    (A) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before the effect of net interest expense; income taxes; our depreciation, depletion and amortization; our equity interest in the depreciation, depletion and amortization of Canyon Fuel Company, LLC (for periods prior to our July 31, 2004 purchase of the remainder of Canyon Fuel); expenses resulting from early extinguishment of debt; and mark-to-market adjustments in the value of derivative instruments.
 
    Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and items excluded to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are significant in understanding and assessing our financial condition. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation nor as an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operations or as a measure of our profitability, liquidity or performance under generally accepted accounting principles. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA presents a useful measure of our ability to service and incur debt based on ongoing operations. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate operating performance. Investors should be aware that our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table below shows how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA.
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Net income
  $ 6,575     $ 69,983  
Provision for income taxes
    700       21,000  
Interest expense, net
    16,226       14,031  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization — Arch Coal, Inc.
    50,903       36,105  
DD&A — Equity interest in Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
          4,390  
Expenses from early debt extinguishment and other nonoperating
    2,451       1,895  
 
           
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 76,855     $ 147,404  
 
           
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Special Items
               
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 76,855     $ 147,404  
 
               
Gain on sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, L.P.
          (89,638 )
Long-term incentive compensation plan expense
    9,937       5,003  
Severance costs related to Skyline idling
          1,235  
 
           
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items
  $ 86,792     $ 64,004  
 
           
 
               
Operating Income Excluding Special Items:
               
 
               
Operating income
  $ 25,952     $ 106,909  
 
               
Gain on sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, L.P.
          (89,638 )
Long-term incentive compensation plan expense
    9,937       5,003  
Severance costs related to Skyline idling
          1,235  
 
           
 
               
Operating income excluding special items
  $ 35,889     $ 23,509  
 
           

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders and Earnings Per Common Share Excluding Special Items:

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Net income
  $ 6,575     $ 69,983  
Preferred stock dividends (for periods where preferred shares are assumed to be converted)
    (1,797 )     (1,797 )
 
           
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 4,778     $ 68,186  
 
               
Other non-operating expense
    2,451       1,895  
Gain on sale of units of Natural Resource Partners, L.P.
          (89,638 )
Long-term incentive compensation plan expense
    9,937       5,003  
Severance costs related to Skyline idling
          1,235  
Tax impact of the excluded items
    (1,125 )     20,990  
 
           
 
               
Net income available to common shareholders excluding items
  $ 16,041     $ 7,671  
 
           
 
               
Fully diluted shares outstanding
    63,792       61,592  
Adjustment to exclude impact of convertible preferred shares that would not be dilutive
          (6,896 )
 
           
Fully diluted shares outstanding
    63,792       54,696  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per fully diluted common share excluding special items
  $ 0.25     $ 0.14  
 
           


Note: Payout under the company’s long-term incentive compensation plan that was triggered in March 2005 when Arch’s common stock achieved an average closing price of $40 or more during a period of 20 consectutive trading days. The current plan does not provide for additional payouts of this type in the future.

 


 

Arch Western Resources, LLC
Condensed Financial Information
(In thousands)

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Tons sold
    27,916       17,903  
 
           
 
               
Coal sales revenues
  $ 277,416     $ 139,848  
 
               
Income from operations
    39,395       13,508  
 
               
Net income
    26,071       922  
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA
    64,914       34,534  
 
               
Capital Expenditures
    21,913       16,955  
                 
    March 31     December 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)          
Receivable from Arch Coal, Inc.
  $ 679,055     $ 677,934  

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)  
Net income
  $ 26,071     $ 922  
Interest expense, net
    7,208       9,198  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization — Arch Western Resources
    25,519       16,636  
DD&A — Equity interest in Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
          4,390  
Other nonoperating expense
    3,388       3,388  
Minority interest
    2,728        
 
           
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA (A)
  $ 64,914     $ 34,534  
 
           


(A)   Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before the effect of net interest expense; our depreciation, depletion and amortization; our equity interest in the depreciation, depletion and amortization of Canyon Fuel Company, LLC (for periods prior to our July 31, 2004 purchase of the remainder of Canyon Fuel); expenses resulting from early extinguishment of debt; mark-to-market adjustments in the value of derivative instruments; and the minority interest that Arch Western Resources holds in Canyon Fuel (Arch Coal, Inc. owns the remaining 35% as of July 31, 2004).
 
    Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and items excluded to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are significant in understanding and assessing our financial condition. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation nor as an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operations or as a measure of our profitability, liquidity or performance under generally accepted accounting principles. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA presents a useful measure of our ability to service and incur debt based on ongoing operations. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate operating performance. Investors should be aware that our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table above shows how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA.

 

exv99w2
 

EXHIBIT 99.2

Arch Coal, Inc.
Supplemental Historical Information
Regional Realization and Cost Analysis (on a per-ton basis)

                                                                                         
    Q1 03     Q2 03     Q3 03     Q4 03     FY 2003     Q1 04     Q2 04     Q3 04     Q4 04     FY 2004     Q1 05  
Tons sold (in mm)
                                                                                       
Central App.
    6.8       8.1       7.3       7.5       29.7       7.5       7.3       7.6       7.5       29.9       7.2  
PRB
    14.4       15.8       16.2       17.7       64.1       16.6       17.6       20.5       22.4       77.1       23.6  
Western Bit. *
    4.8       5.1       4.9       5.4       20.2       4.7       5.0       4.6       4.5       18.8       4.8  
 
                                                                 
Total tons sold
    26.0       29.0       28.4       30.6       114.0       28.8       29.9       32.7       34.4       125.8       35.6  
 
                                                                                       
Sales price per ton
                                                                                       
Central App.
  $ 29.89     $ 29.66     $ 29.45     $ 29.94     $ 29.73     $ 33.06     $ 36.21     $ 38.35     $ 36.65     $ 36.08     $ 41.90  
PRB
  $ 6.28     $ 6.47     $ 6.35     $ 6.27     $ 6.34     $ 6.86     $ 6.91     $ 7.24     $ 7.64     $ 7.20     $ 7.79  
Western Bit. *
  $ 15.91     $ 16.09     $ 15.84     $ 15.12     $ 15.73     $ 15.54     $ 16.09     $ 15.95     $ 15.03     $ 15.67     $ 17.08  
Total sales price per ton
  $ 14.24     $ 14.66     $ 13.90     $ 13.63     $ 14.10     $ 15.12     $ 15.61     $ 15.71     $ 14.95     $ 15.34     $ 15.92  
 
                                                                                       
Operating cost per ton
                                                                                       
Central App.
  $ 30.28     $ 29.12     $ 28.48     $ 29.93     $ 29.43     $ 30.28     $ 33.37     $ 33.71     $ 35.10     $ 33.12     $ 40.37  
PRB
  $ 5.64     $ 5.50     $ 5.59     $ 5.12     $ 5.45     $ 5.92     $ 6.07     $ 6.66     $ 6.36     $ 6.28     $ 6.68  
Western Bit. *
  $ 14.16     $ 14.20     $ 15.74     $ 15.16     $ 14.82     $ 15.72     $ 14.34     $ 14.69     $ 14.92     $ 14.91     $ 14.45  
Total operating cost per ton
  $ 13.67     $ 13.65     $ 13.20     $ 12.96     $ 13.36     $ 13.88     $ 14.13     $ 14.08     $ 13.76     $ 13.96     $ 14.52  
 
                                                                                       
Operating margin per ton
                                                                                       
Central App.
  $ (0.39 )   $ 0.54     $ 0.97     $ 0.01     $ 0.30     $ 2.78     $ 2.84     $ 4.64     $ 1.55     $ 2.96     $ 1.53  
PRB
  $ 0.64     $ 0.97     $ 0.76     $ 1.15     $ 0.89     $ 0.95     $ 0.84     $ 0.58     $ 1.28     $ 0.92     $ 1.11  
Western Bit. *
  $ 1.75     $ 1.89     $ 0.10     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.91     $ (0.18 )   $ 1.75     $ 1.26     $ 0.11     $ 0.76     $ 2.63  
Total operating margin per ton
  $ 0.57     $ 1.01     $ 0.70     $ 0.67     $ 0.74     $ 1.24     $ 1.48     $ 1.63     $ 1.19     $ 1.38     $ 1.40  
 
                                                                                       
Additional detail
                                                                                       
 
                                                                                       
Transportation costs billed to customer
                                                                                       
Central App.
  $ 1.33     $ 1.08     $ 1.35     $ 1.11     $ 1.21     $ 1.39     $ 1.38     $ 1.45     $ 1.61     $ 1.46     $ 1.43  
PRB
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.06     $ 0.04     $ 0.06     $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ 0.06  
Western Bit. *
  $ 1.51     $ 1.47     $ 1.29     $ 1.95     $ 1.56     $ 1.75     $ 1.70     $ 2.12     $ 2.97     $ 2.12     $ 3.28  
Total
  $ 0.66     $ 0.58     $ 0.59     $ 0.64     $ 0.62     $ 0.68     $ 0.64     $ 0.67     $ 0.76     $ 0.69     $ 0.77  
 
                                                                                       
Postretirement medical costs (total)
  $ 0.58     $ 0.57     $ 0.50     $ 0.49     $ 0.53     $ 0.48     $ 0.47     $ 0.43     $ 0.40     $ 0.44     $ 0.46  
 
                                                                                       
Purchased coal in which Arch acts as an intermediary Volume (in mm tons)
                                              2.1       2.6       4.7       1.4  
Per ton realization and COS on pass-through tons
                                            $ 4.99     $ 4.81     $ 4.89     $ 4.51  


* For comparative purposes, all Western Bituminous Region (WBIT) data reflect the results of Canyon Fuel Company at 100% in all periods, even though Arch accounted for Canyon Fuel on the equity method until acquiring the remaining 35% of the company on July 31, 2004.

Note: Per ton realizations and costs as detailed above exclude transportation costs that are billed to customers and postretirement medical costs.