News & Media

Arch Coal, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results

July 24, 2009 at 12:00 AM EDT

 

                                Earnings Highlights
                                -------------------
                                    Quarter Ended            Six Months Ended
    In $ millions, except
     per share data              6/30/09     6/30/08      6/30/09      6/30/08
    ---------------------        -------     -------      -------      -------

    Revenues                       $554.6   $785.1         $1,235.7   $1,484.5
    Income from Operations            7.3    169.2             45.9      285.9
    Net Income (Loss)(1)            (15.1)   113.0             15.5      194.1
    Fully Diluted EPS               (0.11)    0.78             0.11       1.34
    ------------------              -----     ----             ----       ----
    Adjusted EBITDA(2)              $75.8   $240.9           $187.4     $430.4

    (1)- Net income (loss) attributable to ACI.
    (2)- Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled under "Reconciliation of
         Non-GAAP Measures" in this release.


ST. LOUIS, July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI - News) today reported a net loss of $15.1 million, or $0.11 per fully diluted share, in the second quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $113.0 million, or $0.78 per fully diluted share, in the second quarter of 2008. The company recorded adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization ("EBITDA") of $75.8 million in the second quarter of 2009 versus adjusted EBITDA of $240.9 million in the prior-year period when coal markets were at a peak.

During the second quarter of 2009, sales volumes were reduced by 20 percent and revenues declined 29 percent versus the year-ago quarter, consistent with previously announced expectations. Results for the quarter just ended also included $3.0 million of expenses associated with Arch's pending acquisition of the Jacobs Ranch mine.

"As expected, our financial results reflect the impact of four longwall moves in the quarter and further reductions in volume levels to match curtailed demand," said Steven F. Leer, Arch's chairman and chief executive officer. "We believe that the trough of the current coal market cycle has been reached, and anticipate better industry supply and demand balance and improving company financial performance in the second half of the year."

During the first half of 2009, Arch earned net income of $15.5 million and adjusted EBITDA of $187.4 million. Company results included $6.4 million of acquisition-related expenses pertaining to Jacobs Ranch. By comparison, Arch earned net income of $194.1 million and adjusted EBITDA of $430.4 million during the first half of 2008 when market conditions were much stronger.

"Arch remains focused on managing through a challenging 2009," said Leer. "We are continuing our aggressive efforts to reduce operating costs and capital spending across the organization to ensure profitability despite extremely weak market conditions."

"Looking ahead, we are positioning the company to capitalize on the inevitable rebound in coal demand," continued Leer. "While trends remain generally soft for the broader U.S. economy and for our customers, we are encouraged by the swift pace of domestic coal supply rationalization, signs that the economic recession has bottomed out and recovering global and domestic steel utilization. These trends - along with the resumption of power demand growth - will help improve coal market fundamentals."

Operational Results

"Arch's operational performance in the second quarter of 2009 relative to the first quarter was hampered by lower average price realizations in our Powder River Basin and Central Appalachian regions as well as the cost impact of lower volumes and four longwall moves," said John W. Eaves, Arch's president and chief operating officer.

"For the remainder of 2009, we anticipate improving operational performance," added Eaves. "This includes expected stabilization in coal markets, continued progress on recent and ongoing cost-containment efforts at our operations and only one scheduled longwall move in the second half of the year."

                                     Arch Coal, Inc.
                                   2Q09   1Q09   2Q08
                                   ----   ----   ----

    Tons sold (in millions)         27.4   30.6   34.4
    Average sales price per ton   $19.43 $20.94 $21.04
    ---------------------------   ------ ------ ------
    Cash cost per ton             $16.26 $16.53 $14.75
    Cash margin per ton            $3.17  $4.41  $6.29
    -------------------            -----  -----  -----
    Total operating cost per ton  $18.74 $18.90 $16.83
    Operating margin per ton       $0.69  $2.04  $4.21
    ------------------------       -----  -----  -----

    Consolidated results may not tie to regional breakout due to rounding.
    Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
    Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization
    per ton.
    Amounts reflected in this table exclude certain coal sales and purchases
    which have no effect on company results.  For further description of the
    excluded transactions, please refer to the supplemental regional schedule
    that can be found at http://investor.archcoal.com.


Consolidated tons sold were reduced by 3.2 million tons in the second quarter of 2009 versus the already reduced volume levels in the first quarter, reflecting additional equipment idling, planned production reductions and continued weak market demand. Average sales price decreased $1.51 per ton over the same time period, due to a larger percentage of Powder River Basin coal in the company's overall volume mix coupled with lower price realizations in the Powder River Basin and in Central Appalachia. Second quarter 2009 consolidated per-ton operating costs declined slightly versus the first quarter, benefiting from a larger percentage of Powder River Basin production and improved cost containment from that segment. Arch earned $0.69 per ton in consolidated operating margin in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $2.04 per ton in the first quarter.

                                   Powder River Basin
                                   2Q09   1Q09   2Q08
                                   ----   ----   ----

    Tons sold (in millions)         21.3   23.1   24.8
    Average sales price per ton   $12.56 $13.25 $11.38
    ---------------------------   ------ ------ ------
    Cash cost per ton             $10.54 $10.65  $9.29
    Cash margin per ton            $2.02  $2.60  $2.09
    -------------------            -----  -----  -----
    Total operating cost per ton  $11.84 $11.92 $10.44
    Operating margin per ton       $0.72  $1.33  $0.94
    ------------------------       -----  -----  -----

    Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
    Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization
    per ton.


In the Powder River Basin, second quarter 2009 volumes were reduced by 1.8 million tons from the first quarter, reflecting the idling of a second dragline and associated equipment at the Black Thunder mine in early May. Average sales price fell by $0.69 per ton over the same time period, resulting from lower pricing on market-indexed tons. Second quarter 2009 operating costs per ton decreased slightly versus the first quarter, driven by cost containment efforts which helped offset the impact of lower volumes and higher hedged diesel prices. Arch's Powder River Basin segment earned $0.72 per ton of operating margin in the second quarter of 2009 versus $1.33 per ton in the first quarter.

                                 Western Bituminous Region
                                   2Q09    1Q09    2Q08
                                   ----    ----    ----

    Tons sold (in millions)          3.5     4.0     5.7
    Average sales price per ton   $29.93  $28.11  $29.91
    ---------------------------   ------  ------  ------
    Cash cost per ton             $26.06  $25.40  $18.90
    Cash margin per ton            $3.87   $2.71  $11.01
    -------------------            -----   -----  ------
    Total operating cost per ton  $31.49  $30.33  $22.37
    Operating margin per ton      ($1.56) ($2.22)  $7.54
    ------------------------      ------  ------   -----

    Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
    Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization
    per ton.


In the Western Bituminous region, second quarter 2009 volumes were reduced by 0.5 million tons from the first quarter, primarily reflecting the impact of three longwall moves in the region. Average sales price increased $1.82 per ton over the same time period, resulting from a more favorable mix of customer shipments offset somewhat by quality-related discounts stemming from continuing coal quality issues on a portion of the production at the West Elk mine in Colorado. Second quarter 2009 operating costs rose by $1.16 per ton versus the first quarter due to the lost production from the longwall moves. The Western Bituminous region incurred an operating loss of $1.56 per ton in the second quarter of 2009 compared with a loss of $2.22 per ton in the first quarter.

Looking ahead, Arch has chosen to further curtail production at West Elk due to elevated levels of lower quality, mid-ash coal currently being produced at the mine resulting from intermittent sandstone intrusions in the E-seam. For full year 2009, the company now expects West Elk to produce between 3.5 million and 4.0 million tons compared with a normalized production level of around 6.5 million tons. Arch estimates that the challenges at West Elk will cost the company between $50 million and $75 million in lost operating income during 2009.

"The coal quality issues at West Elk coupled with declining demand from power generators and industrial customers for Western Bituminous coal has reduced the market for mid-ash coal - a product that could be more easily placed under better market conditions," said Eaves. "As a result, we have reduced production at West Elk in the near term to better manage our level of mid-ash product. We are also actively moving forward with the planning and design of a preparation plant at the mine, which we view as the long-term solution to any continuing coal quality issues there. Our goal is to build the plant by mid-2010, with estimated capital costs of $25 million to $30 million."

                                   Central Appalachia
                                   2Q09   1Q09   2Q08
                                   ----   ----   ----

    Tons sold (in millions)          2.7    3.5    3.9
    Average sales price per ton   $60.66 $63.47 $69.54
    ---------------------------   ------ ------ ------
    Cash cost per ton             $49.26 $45.22 $43.43
    Cash margin per ton           $11.40 $18.25 $26.11
    -------------------           ------ ------ ------
    Total operating cost per ton  $57.30 $51.94 $49.38
    Operating margin per ton       $3.36 $11.53 $20.16
    ------------------------       ----- ------ ------

    Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
    Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization
    per ton.
    Amounts reflected in this table exclude certain coal sales and purchases
    which have no effect on company results.  For further description of the
    excluded transactions, please refer to the supplemental regional schedule
    that can be found at http://investor.archcoal.com.



In Central Appalachia, second quarter 2009 volumes were reduced by 0.8 million tons compared with the first quarter, reflecting lower shipment levels across all mining complexes in the region. Average price realizations declined $2.81 per ton over the same time period due to reduced metallurgical coal shipments and lower pricing on metallurgical coal sales. Second quarter 2009 operating costs rose by $5.36 per ton versus the first quarter, driven by the impact of lower volumes across all operations. Arch's Central Appalachian segment contributed $3.36 per ton in operating margin in the second quarter of 2009 versus $11.53 per ton in the first quarter.

Key Pillars

Several of Arch's operations achieved key milestones in safety and environmental performance during the first half of 2009. In particular, five mining operations and facilities attained a Perfect Zero - achieving a dual goal of operating without a reportable safety incident or environmental violation - for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Arch's Powder River Basin operations excelled in terms of safety performance. During the second quarter of 2009, Black Thunder surpassed 2.5 million employee-hours and Coal Creek surpassed 1 million employee-hours without a lost-time safety incident. Coal Creek also was honored by the Wyoming State Mine Inspector for its superior 2008 safety record.

In the Western Bituminous region, the Skyline mine in Utah was recognized for a third consecutive year by the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute as the 2009 Safety Award recipient based on its total incident rate compared to other underground mines in an eight-state region. Also, the Sufco mine in Utah earned an environmental certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its support of wildlife programs on national forest lands.

In Central Appalachia, Coal-Mac continued its excellent safety performance, surpassing 2.4 million employee-hours without a lost-time safety incident in May. "We commend the employees across our operations for these milestone achievements, which further underscore our commitment to achieving a best-in-class safety and environmental record," said Eaves.

Coal Market Trends

Arch currently believes that coal markets are in the process of bottoming out, as evidenced by the following:

  • Power generation declined 4.2 percent year-to-date through the third week of July, according to the Edison Electric Institute. However, Arch expects the rate of decline in power demand to moderate as 2009 progresses due to signs of modest economic improvement and easier comparisons versus the second half of last year.
  • Arch estimates that coal consumption used in power generation declined more than 10 percent through the end of June 2009. Arch also believes that weak industrial demand was the primary reason for this decline because geographic regions that traditionally rely more heavily on coal-fueled generation have been disproportionately impacted by the U.S. economic recession. However, as manufacturing activity begins to pick up and the domestic economy resumes its growth pattern, coal demand should particularly benefit.
  • Coal production declined 5.6 percent year-to-date through July 11, according to government estimates. Supply rationalization accelerated throughout the second quarter, and Arch anticipates further production curtailment during the second half of 2009. Consequently, the company believes that domestic coal production is on pace to decline by more than 100 million tons in 2009.
  • Despite a mild start to the summer demand season, U.S. generator coal stockpiles should peak during the summer on a seasonally adjusted basis as domestic coal production and consumption come into better balance.
  • While weak near-term natural gas prices remain a concern for coal, the swift and drastic decline in rig counts and the associated under-investment across the natural gas sector should begin to improve fundamentals during the next 12 months.
  • Demand stability in Asia, particularly driven by increased coal imports in China and India, has supported seaborne coal demand and could create pull for U.S. coal exports. Improving global and domestic steel utilization also should benefit metallurgical coal demand and create a spillover effect for steam coal. Additionally, ongoing supply constraints in traditional coal export nations could once again tighten seaborne coal supply as demand recovers.

"We believe coal fundamentals are poised to improve over the next 12 months, and we remain very bullish on coal markets over the intermediate and long term," said Leer. "A growing U.S. population and rising GDP will increase power demand, while ongoing rationalization of high-cost coal mines should lead to a healthier supply equation. New coal plants that start up in the next 40 months will also boost domestic coal demand by an estimated 55 million tons annually. Additionally, a sustainable U.S. coal export market could develop as global coal consumption growth has continued to outpace growth in other fuels since 2000."

Sales Contract Portfolio

Arch has further reduced its forecasted sales volumes in 2009 to reflect production curtailment at West Elk and continued softness in coal demand that has resulted in some pushback of tonnage under several existing sales contracts. The company now projects sales volumes from company-controlled operations of 114 million to 118 million tons for the full year, excluding purchased coal from third parties.

Given revised volume levels and some sales commitments signed in the second quarter, Arch now has coal volumes of roughly 3 million tons left to be priced in 2009. Based on current production levels, the company also has uncommitted volumes of 15 million to 25 million tons in 2010, and uncommitted volumes of 65 million to 75 million tons in 2011. In addition, Arch has approximately 10 million tons of coal committed but not yet priced in 2010 and 2011.

"We have reduced some of our sales exposure in 2010 while continuing to implement our strategy of operating at reduced volume levels in the bottom of the market cycle," said Leer. "At the same time, we have maintained the capacity necessary to respond to the next market upturn - which we believe will deliver a significant rebound in coal demand. We expect coal markets to strengthen markedly during the course of 2010 and 2011, and we are well positioned to capitalize."

Capital Spending and Liquidity

Arch substantially reduced its capital spending levels during the first half of 2009. For the full year, the company is further trimming its capital expenditures beyond the previously announced reduced levels. Arch now expects to spend $160 million to $170 million for capital programs, excluding acquisitions, and $130 million to $150 million for land and reserve additions in 2009.

Arch ended the second quarter of 2009 with $1.4 billion in debt and maintained its debt-to-total-capital ratio at 45 percent. At June 30, the company had $476 million of committed total liquidity, comprised of $51 million of cash on hand and $425 million available to be borrowed under its revolving credit facility.

"We continue to trim our discretionary capital spending during this weak market period, with a goal of reducing our overall expenditures by at least $190 million from last year's levels," said John T. Drexler, Arch's senior vice president and chief financial officer. "This reduction helps to maintain our solid liquidity position and better aligns capital spending with our 2009 volume expectations."

2009 Guidance

Based on the company's current expectations and absent any effect of the pending Jacobs Ranch transaction, Arch is reducing its sales volume and capital spending guidance as previously indicated, while tightening its 2009 earnings forecast as follows:

  • Earnings per fully diluted share in the $0.25 to $0.55 range.
  • Adjusted EBITDA in the $403 million to $462 million range.
  • Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $295 million to $303 million.

"As our full year guidance suggests, we expect to profitably manage through the trough of the current energy market cycle," said Leer. "Our low-cost, diverse and national mining scope creates the operational flexibility needed to adhere to our market-driven philosophy of matching production levels to market demand. Moreover, we are actively pursuing a growth strategy during this period of market weakness as we position the company to seize the full value-creating potential that will be available during the market rebound."

A conference call discussing Arch Coal's second quarter 2009 financial results will be webcast live today at 11 a.m. E.D.T. 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 one of the largest U.S. coal producers, with revenues of $3.0 billion in 2008. Through its national network of mines, Arch supplies cleaner-burning, low-sulfur coal to fuel roughly 6 percent of the nation's electricity. The company also ships coal to domestic and international steel manufacturers as well as international power producers.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties arise from changes in the demand for our coal by the domestic electric generation industry; from legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and other environmental initiatives; from operational, geological, permit, labor and weather-related factors; from fluctuations in the amount of cash we generate from operations; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For a description of some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, you should see the risk factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

                                 Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended
                                      June 30,              June 30,
                                     ---------              --------
                                 2009        2008        2009        2008
                                 ----        ----        ----        ----
                                   (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)
    Revenues
      Coal sales               $554,612    $785,117  $1,235,652  $1,484,467

    Costs, expenses and other
      Cost of coal sales        467,521     568,483   1,014,647   1,082,887
      Depreciation, depletion
       and amortization          68,477      71,953     141,518     144,995
      Selling, general and
       administrative expenses   21,627      33,022      46,741      58,702
      Change in fair value of
       coal derivatives and coal
       trading activities, net   (6,458)    (53,160)     (6,986)    (83,718)
      Costs related to
       acquisition of Jacobs
       Ranch                      3,025           -       6,375           -
      Other operating income,
       net                       (6,889)     (4,405)    (12,524)     (4,347)
                                 ------      ------     -------      ------
                                547,303     615,893   1,189,771   1,198,519
                                -------     -------   ---------   ---------

        Income from
         operations               7,309     169,224      45,881     285,948

    Interest expense, net:
      Interest expense          (20,657)    (18,721)    (40,675)    (39,209)
      Interest income               417         468       6,885         893
                                    ---         ---       -----         ---
                                (20,240)    (18,253)    (33,790)    (38,316)
                                -------     -------     -------     -------

        Income (loss) before
         income taxes           (12,931)    150,971      12,091     247,632
    Provision for (benefit
     from) income taxes           2,230      37,700      (3,320)     52,940
                                  -----      ------      ------      ------
        Net income (loss)       (15,161)    113,271      15,411     194,692
        Less: Net (income) loss
         attributable to
         noncontrolling
         interest                    35        (274)         42        (548)
                                    ---        ----         ---        ----
        Net income (loss)
         attributable to Arch
         Coal, Inc.            $(15,126)   $112,997     $15,453    $194,144
                               ========    ========     =======    ========

    Earnings (loss) per
     common share
    Basic earnings (loss) per
     common share                $(0.11)      $0.78       $0.11       $1.35
                                 ======       =====       =====       =====
    Diluted earnings (loss)
     per common share            $(0.11)      $0.78       $0.11       $1.34
                                 ======       =====       =====       =====

    Weighted average shares
     outstanding
      Basic                     142,815     144,120     142,802     143,809
                                =======     =======     =======     =======
      Diluted                   142,815     145,049     142,924     144,823
                                =======     =======     =======     =======

    Dividends declared per
     common share                 $0.09       $0.09       $0.18       $0.16
                                  =====       =====       =====       =====

    Adjusted EBITDA (A)         $75,821    $240,903    $187,441    $430,395
                                =======    ========    ========    ========

    (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)

                                                   June 30,     December 31,
                                                     2009          2008
                                                     ----          ----
                                                 (Unaudited)
    Assets
      Current assets
        Cash and cash equivalents                    $50,560       $70,649
        Trade accounts receivable                    172,085       215,053
        Other receivables                             31,105        43,419
        Inventories                                  240,828       191,568
        Prepaid royalties                             23,582        43,780
        Deferred income taxes                         23,872        52,918
        Coal derivative assets                        23,408        43,173
        Other                                         40,461        45,818
                                                      ------        ------
            Total current assets                     605,901       706,378
                                                     -------       -------

      Property, plant and equipment, net           2,783,686     2,703,083
                                                   ---------     ---------

      Other assets
        Prepaid royalties                             92,468        66,918
        Goodwill                                      46,832        46,832
        Deferred income taxes                        315,605       294,682
        Equity investments                            88,864        87,761
        Other                                         95,641        73,310
                                                      ------        ------
            Total other assets                       639,410       569,503
                                                     -------       -------
            Total assets                          $4,028,997    $3,978,964
                                                  ==========    ==========

    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
      Current liabilities
        Accounts payable                            $140,739      $186,322
        Coal derivative liabilities                    7,036        10,757
        Accrued expenses and other current
         liabilities                                 187,068       249,203
        Current maturities of debt and short-term
         borrowings                                  195,522       213,465
                                                     -------       -------
            Total current liabilities                530,365       659,747
      Long-term debt                               1,240,793     1,098,948
      Asset retirement obligations                   265,904       255,369
      Accrued pension benefits                        75,976        73,486
      Accrued postretirement benefits other than
       pension                                        60,250        58,163
      Accrued workers' compensation                   26,527        30,107
      Other noncurrent liabilities                    69,724        65,526
                                                      ------        ------
            Total liabilities                      2,269,539     2,241,346
                                                   ---------     ---------

      Redeemable noncontrolling interest               8,844         8,885

    Stockholders' Equity
        Common stock                                   1,448         1,447
        Paid-in capital                            1,388,454     1,381,496
        Treasury stock, at cost                      (53,848)      (53,848)
        Retained earnings                            468,462       478,734
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss         (53,902)      (79,096)
                                                     -------       -------
            Total stockholders' equity             1,750,614     1,728,733
                                                   ---------     ---------
            Total liabilities and stockholders'
             equity                               $4,028,997    $3,978,964
                                                  ==========    ==========



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

                                                          Six Months Ended
                                                              June 30,
                                                              --------
                                                           2009      2008
                                                           ----      ----
                                                             (Unaudited)
    Operating activities
    Net income                                            $15,411  $194,692
    Adjustments to reconcile to cash  provided by
     operating activities:
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization            141,518   144,995
      Prepaid royalties expensed                           17,173    16,544
      Gain on dispositions of property, plant and
       equipment                                             (286)     (179)
      Employee stock-based compensation expense             6,901     6,921
      Changes in:
          Receivables                                      60,982   (21,572)
          Inventories                                     (49,260)      500
          Coal derivative assets and liabilities           16,830   (88,769)
          Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
           current liabilities                            (51,760)   52,239
          Deferred income taxes                            (5,751)   10,926
          Other                                             8,433    19,218
                                                            -----    ------

        Cash provided by operating activities             160,191   335,515
                                                          -------   -------

    Investing activities
    Capital expenditures                                 (246,562) (336,080)
    Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and
     equipment                                                715     1,070
    Purchases of investments and advances to affiliates    (9,463)   (2,994)
    Additions to prepaid royalties                        (22,524)  (19,079)
    Reimbursement of deposits on equipment                  3,209     2,455
                                                            -----     -----

        Cash used in investing activities                (274,625) (354,628)
                                                         --------  --------

    Financing activities
    Net proceeds from commercial paper and net
     borrowings on lines of credit                        134,349    41,016
    Net payments on other debt                             (9,763)   (8,895)
    Debt financing costs                                   (4,574)     (219)
    Dividends paid                                        (25,725)  (22,996)
    Issuance of common stock under incentive plans             58     6,288
                                                              ---     -----

        Cash provided by financing activities              94,345    15,194
                                                           ------    ------

    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                 (20,089)   (3,919)
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period         70,649     5,080
                                                           ------     -----

    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period              $50,560    $1,161
                                                          =======    ======



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

    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:

        Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before the effect of net
        interest expense, income taxes and our depreciation, depletion and
        amortization; less the income or loss of subsidiaries attributable to
        noncontrolling interests.

        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   Six Months Ended
                                             June 30,            June 30,
                                             --------            --------
                                           2009      2008      2009      2008
                                           ----      ----      ----      ----
                                           (Unaudited)         (Unaudited)
    Net income (loss)                 $(15,161) $113,271   $15,411  $194,692
         Income tax expense (benefit)    2,230    37,700    (3,320)   52,940
         Interest expense, net          20,240    18,253    33,790    38,316
         Depreciation, depletion and
          amortization                  68,477    71,953   141,518   144,995
         (Income) loss attributable to
          noncontrolling interest           35      (274)       42      (548)
                                           ---      ----       ---      ----

         Adjusted EBITDA               $75,821  $240,903  $187,441  $430,395
                                       =======  ========  ========  ========



    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income - 2009 Targets
                             Targeted Results
                                 Year Ended
                             December 31, 2009
                             -----------------
                                Low      High
                                ---      ----
                                (Unaudited)
    Net income attributable
     to Arch Coal, Inc.       $36,000   $78,000
         Income tax expense
          (benefit)           (12,000)    1,000
         Interest expense,
          net                  84,000    80,000
         Depreciation,
          depletion and
          amortization        295,000   303,000
                              -------   -------

         Adjusted EBITDA     $403,000  $462,000
                             ========  ========



                        Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                          Schedule of Consolidated Debt
                                 (In thousands)

                                                      June 30,    December 31,
                                                        2009         2008
                                                        ----         ----
                                                     (Unaudited)

    Commercial Paper                                    $38,744      $65,671
    Revolving Credit Agreement                          375,000      205,000
    Accounts Receivable Securitization Program           59,872       68,597
    6.75% senior notes ($950.0 million face value)      955,465      956,148
    Other                                                 7,234       16,997
                                                          -----       ------
                                                      1,436,315    1,312,413
    Less: current maturities of debt and short-
     term borrowings                                    195,522      213,465
                                                        -------      -------
    Long-term debt                                   $1,240,793   $1,098,948
                                                     ==========   ==========