ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Unless otherwise indicated, the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of our Partnership reflect a 25% undivided interest in the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex. As used in the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of our Partnership, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to the Partnership with respect to its 25% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex’s combined assets, liabilities, revenues and costs. All amounts discussed in this section are in thousands, except for per unit or per ton amounts, unless otherwise indicated.
COVID-19 Update
The Partnership is monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has taken and will continue to take steps to mitigate the potential risks and impact on the Partnership. The health and safety of our sponsor's employees is paramount. In response to two of our sponsor's employees testing positive for COVID-19, our sponsor temporarily curtailed production at the Bailey Mine for two weeks at the end of March. Our sponsor continues to monitor the health and safety of its employees closely in order to limit potential risks to its employees, contractors, family members, and the community.
We are considered a critical infrastructure company by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As a result, we are exempt from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's executive order closing all businesses that are not life sustaining. The coal demand decline that began in the first quarter is continuing into the second quarter of 2020, driven by the widespread lockdowns caused by COVID-19. In response to the decline in demand for our coal, our sponsor announced on April 14, 2020 that it temporarily idled production at the Enlow Fork mine. This decline in coal demand has negatively impacted our operational, sales, and financial performance year-to-date, and we expect that this negative impact will continue as the pandemic continues.
It is not clear how long the government-imposed shutdowns of nonessential business in the United States and abroad will last, and there is a possibility that such shutdowns may be reimposed after being lifted if COVID-19 experiences a resurgence. We expect that depressed domestic and international demand for our coal will continue for so long as there are widespread, government-imposed shutdowns of business activity. Additionally, some of our customers have already attempted, and may in the future attempt, to invoke force majeure or similar provisions in the contracts they have in place with us in order to avoid taking possession of, and paying us for, our coal that they are contractually obligated to purchase. Sustained decrease in demand for our coal and the failure of our customers to purchase coal from us that they are obligated to purchase pursuant to existing contracts would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The extent to which COVID-19 may adversely impact our business depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including new information concerning the severity of the outbreak and the effectiveness of actions globally to contain or mitigate its effects. While we expect this matter to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial
impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The Partnership will continue to take the appropriate steps to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the Partnership's operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Overview
We are a master limited partnership formed in 2015 to manage and further develop all of our sponsor's active coal operations in Pennsylvania. Our primary strategy for growing our business is to increase operating efficiencies to maximize realizations and make acquisitions that increase our distributable cash flow. At March 31, 2020, the Partnership’s assets include a 25% undivided interest in, and operational control over, CONSOL Energy’s Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which consists of three underground mines and related infrastructure that produce high-Btu coal that is sold primarily to electric utilities in the eastern United States. We believe that our ability to efficiently produce and deliver large volumes of high-quality coal at competitive prices, the strategic location of our mines, and the industry experience of our management team position us as a leading producer of high-Btu thermal coal in the Northern Appalachian Basin and the eastern United States.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
Our management team uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability. The metrics include: (i) coal production, sales volumes and average revenue per ton; (ii) cost of coal sold, a non-GAAP financial measure; (iii) cash cost of coal sold, a non-GAAP financial measure; (iv) average cash margin per ton, an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP financial measures; (v) adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure; and (vi) distributable cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure.
Cost of coal sold, cash cost of coal sold, average cash margin per ton, adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow normalize the volatility contained within comparable GAAP measures by adjusting certain non-operating or non-cash transactions. Each of these non-GAAP metrics are used as supplemental financial measures by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts, lenders and ratings agencies, to assess:
• our operating performance as compared to the operating performance of other companies in the coal industry, without regard to financing methods, historical cost basis or capital structure;
• the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make distributions to our partners;
• our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures;
• the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities; and
• the attractiveness of capital projects and acquisitions and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative to total costs, total coal revenue, net income, operating cash flow, or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash, and these measures and the way we calculate them may vary from those of other companies. As a result, the items presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We evaluate our cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold on an aggregate basis. We define cost of coal sold as operating and other production costs related to produced tons sold, along with changes in coal inventory, both in volumes and carrying values. The cost of coal sold includes items such as direct operating costs, royalty and production taxes, direct administration, and depreciation, depletion and amortization costs on production assets. Our costs exclude any indirect costs such as selling, general and administrative costs, freight expenses, interest expenses, depreciation, depletion and amortization costs on non-production assets and other costs not directly attributable to the production of coal. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold is total costs. The cash cost of coal sold includes cost of coal sold less depreciation, depletion and amortization cost on production assets.
The following table presents a reconciliation of cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold to total costs, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Total Costs
|
$
|
67,204
|
|
|
$
|
70,887
|
|
Freight Expense
|
(787
|
)
|
|
(1,665
|
)
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
|
(4,046
|
)
|
|
(4,560
|
)
|
Interest Expense, Net
|
(2,155
|
)
|
|
(1,351
|
)
|
Other Costs (Non-Production)
|
(440
|
)
|
|
(2,264
|
)
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production)
|
(533
|
)
|
|
(577
|
)
|
Cost of Coal Sold
|
$
|
59,243
|
|
|
$
|
60,470
|
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Production)
|
(11,395
|
)
|
|
(10,640
|
)
|
Cash Cost of Coal Sold
|
$
|
47,848
|
|
|
$
|
49,830
|
|
We define average cash margin per ton as average coal revenue per ton, net of average cash cost of coal sold per ton. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to average cash margin per ton sold is total coal revenue.
The following table presents a reconciliation of average cash margin per ton sold to total coal revenue, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Total Coal Revenue
|
$
|
63,863
|
|
|
$
|
83,126
|
|
Operating and Other Costs
|
48,288
|
|
|
52,094
|
|
Less: Other Costs (Non-Production)
|
(440
|
)
|
|
(2,264
|
)
|
Cash Cost of Coal Sold
|
47,848
|
|
|
49,830
|
|
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
|
11,928
|
|
|
11,217
|
|
Less: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production)
|
(533
|
)
|
|
(577
|
)
|
Cost of Coal Sold
|
$
|
59,243
|
|
|
$
|
60,470
|
|
Total Tons Sold
|
1,480
|
|
|
1,683
|
|
Average Revenue per Ton Sold
|
$
|
43.16
|
|
|
$
|
49.38
|
|
Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton
|
32.41
|
|
|
29.71
|
|
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs per Ton Sold
|
7.63
|
|
|
6.21
|
|
Average Cost of Coal Sold per Ton
|
$
|
40.04
|
|
|
$
|
35.92
|
|
Average Margin per Ton Sold
|
3.12
|
|
|
13.46
|
|
Add: Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs per Ton Sold
|
7.63
|
|
|
6.21
|
|
Average Cash Margin per Ton Sold
|
$
|
10.75
|
|
|
$
|
19.67
|
|
We define adjusted EBITDA as (i) net income (loss) before net interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, as adjusted for (ii) certain non-cash items, such as long-term incentive awards including phantom units under the CONSOL Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Unit-Based Compensation”). The GAAP measure most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA is net income.
We define distributable cash flow as (i) net income before net interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, as adjusted for (ii) certain non-cash items, such as Unit-Based Compensation, less net cash interest paid and estimated maintenance capital expenditures, which is defined as those forecasted average capital expenditures required to maintain, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our capital assets. These estimated capital expenditures do not reflect the actual cash capital incurred in the period presented. Distributable cash flow will not reflect changes in working capital balances. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. We define distribution coverage ratio as a ratio of the distributable cash flow to the distributions, which is the $0.5125 per quarter distribution for all limited partner units, including common and subordinated units, issued for the periods presented.
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated. The table also presents a reconciliation of distributable cash flow to net income and operating cash flows, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Net Income
|
$
|
164
|
|
|
$
|
15,220
|
|
Plus:
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense, Net
|
2,155
|
|
|
1,351
|
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
|
11,928
|
|
|
11,217
|
|
Unit-Based Compensation
|
159
|
|
|
397
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
14,406
|
|
|
$
|
28,185
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
Cash Interest
|
2,046
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures
|
8,872
|
|
|
8,981
|
|
Distributable Cash Flow
|
$
|
3,488
|
|
|
$
|
17,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
$
|
16,777
|
|
|
$
|
25,218
|
|
Plus:
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense, Net
|
2,155
|
|
|
1,351
|
|
Other, Including Working Capital
|
(4,526
|
)
|
|
1,616
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
14,406
|
|
|
$
|
28,185
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
Cash Interest
|
2,046
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures
|
8,872
|
|
|
8,981
|
|
Distributable Cash Flow
|
$
|
3,488
|
|
|
$
|
17,329
|
|
Minimum Quarterly Distributions
|
$
|
14,434
|
|
|
$
|
14,405
|
|
Distribution Coverage Ratio
|
0.2
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Total net income was $164 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $15,220 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Our results of operations for each of these periods are presented in the table below. Variances are discussed following the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended
|
|
March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Variance
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal Revenue
|
$
|
63,863
|
|
|
$
|
83,126
|
|
|
$
|
(19,263
|
)
|
Freight Revenue
|
787
|
|
|
1,665
|
|
|
(878
|
)
|
Other Income
|
2,718
|
|
|
1,316
|
|
|
1,402
|
|
Total Revenue and Other Income
|
67,368
|
|
|
86,107
|
|
|
(18,739
|
)
|
Cost of Coal Sold:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Costs
|
47,848
|
|
|
49,830
|
|
|
(1,982
|
)
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
|
11,395
|
|
|
10,640
|
|
|
755
|
|
Total Cost of Coal Sold
|
59,243
|
|
|
60,470
|
|
|
(1,227
|
)
|
Other Costs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Costs
|
440
|
|
|
2,264
|
|
|
(1,824
|
)
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
|
533
|
|
|
577
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
Total Other Costs
|
973
|
|
|
2,841
|
|
|
(1,868
|
)
|
Freight Expense
|
787
|
|
|
1,665
|
|
|
(878
|
)
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
|
4,046
|
|
|
4,560
|
|
|
(514
|
)
|
Interest Expense, Net
|
2,155
|
|
|
1,351
|
|
|
804
|
|
Total Costs
|
67,204
|
|
|
70,887
|
|
|
(3,683
|
)
|
Net Income
|
$
|
164
|
|
|
$
|
15,220
|
|
|
$
|
(15,056
|
)
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
14,406
|
|
|
$
|
28,185
|
|
|
$
|
(13,779
|
)
|
Distributable Cash Flow
|
$
|
3,488
|
|
|
$
|
17,329
|
|
|
$
|
(13,841
|
)
|
Distribution Coverage Ratio
|
0.2
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
Coal Production
The table below presents total tons produced from the Pennsylvania Mining Complex on our 25% undivided interest for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
Mine
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Variance
|
Bailey
|
|
701
|
|
|
737
|
|
|
(36
|
)
|
Enlow Fork
|
|
594
|
|
|
707
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
Harvey
|
|
198
|
|
|
268
|
|
|
(70
|
)
|
Total
|
|
1,493
|
|
|
1,712
|
|
|
(219
|
)
|
Coal production was 1,493 tons for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 1,712 tons for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Coal production decreased 219 tons mainly in response to weakened customer demand as a result of a warmer than normal winter, followed by a decline in global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, the widespread government-imposed shutdowns, which have significantly reduced electricity consumption and, therefore, demand for the Partnership's coal.
Coal Operations
Coal revenue and cost components on a per unit basis for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are detailed in the table below. Our operations also include various costs such as selling, general and administrative, freight and other costs not included in our unit cost analysis because these costs are not directly associated with coal production.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Variance
|
Total Tons Sold
|
1,480
|
|
|
1,683
|
|
|
(203
|
)
|
Average Revenue per Ton Sold
|
$
|
43.16
|
|
|
$
|
49.38
|
|
|
$
|
(6.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton (1)
|
$
|
32.41
|
|
|
$
|
29.71
|
|
|
$
|
2.70
|
|
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization per Ton Sold (Non-Cash Cost)
|
7.63
|
|
|
6.21
|
|
|
1.42
|
|
Average Cost of Coal Sold per Ton
|
$
|
40.04
|
|
|
$
|
35.92
|
|
|
$
|
4.12
|
|
Average Margin per Ton Sold
|
$
|
3.12
|
|
|
$
|
13.46
|
|
|
$
|
(10.34
|
)
|
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs per Ton Sold
|
7.63
|
|
|
6.21
|
|
|
1.42
|
|
Average Cash Margin per Ton Sold (1)
|
$
|
10.75
|
|
|
$
|
19.67
|
|
|
$
|
(8.92
|
)
|
(1) Average cash cost of coal sold per ton, average margin per ton sold and average cash margin per ton sold are each an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP measures. See “How We Evaluate Our Operations – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
Revenue and Other Income
Coal revenue was $63,863 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $83,126 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Total tons sold decreased in the period-to-period comparison in response to weakened customer demand due to a warmer than normal winter followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, the widespread government-imposed shutdowns, which have significantly reduced electricity consumption and, therefore, demand for the Partnership's coal. The decrease in customer demand resulted in lower pricing received on netback contracts and export sales.
Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. This revenue is based on the weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation, primarily rail, used by the customers for which we contractually provide transportation services. Freight revenue is completely offset in freight expense. Freight revenue and freight expense were both $787 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $1,665 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $878 decrease was due to decreased shipments to customers where we were contractually obligated to provide transportation services.
Other income is comprised of income generated by the Partnership relating to non-coal producing activities. Other income was $2,718 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $1,316 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $1,402 increase was primarily the result of additional customer contract buyouts in the three months ended March 31, 2020, offset, in part, by a decrease in sales of externally purchased coal to blend and resell. These contract buyouts involved the negotiation of early terminations of several customer contracts in exchange for payment of certain fees to us.
Cost of Coal Sold
Cost of coal sold is comprised of operating costs related to produced tons sold, along with changes in both volumes and carrying values of coal inventory. The cost of coal sold includes items such as direct operating costs, royalties and production taxes, direct administration expenses, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization costs on production assets. Total cost of coal sold was $59,243 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, or $1,227 lower than the $60,470 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Average cost of coal sold per ton was $40.04 per ton for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $35.92 per ton for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in the total cost of coal sold was primarily driven by a decrease in production-related expenses, as less coal was mined in response to weakened commodity markets. This was partially offset by an increase in subsidence expense, primarily due to the timing and nature of properties undermined. On a per unit basis, the decreased production and higher subsidence costs resulted in an overall increase in the average cost of coal sold per ton.
Total Other Costs
Total other costs are comprised of various costs that are not allocated to each individual mine and therefore are not included in unit costs. Total other costs decreased $1,868 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in costs related to externally purchased coal to blend and resell.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expense
Selling, general, and administrative expenses remained materially consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which primarily relates to obligations under our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement, remained materially consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $14,406 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $28,185 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $13,779 decrease was primarily a result of a $8.92 decrease in the average cash margin per ton sold, coupled with 203 fewer tons sold during the first quarter of 2020, which equated to a $17,281 decrease to adjusted EBITDA. This was partially offset by an increase in non-production related income and lower non-production related costs, as discussed above.
Distributable Cash Flow
Distributable cash flow was $3,488 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $17,329 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The $13,841 decrease was primarily attributable to a $13,779 decrease in Adjusted EBITDA, as discussed above.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Our ongoing sources of liquidity include cash generated from operations, borrowings under our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement, and, if necessary, the ability to issue additional equity or debt securities (either directly or indirectly). We believe that cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and our long-term capital expenditure requirements.
The demand for coal experienced unprecedented decline starting at the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and the coal demand decline is continuing into the second quarter of 2020 driven by the widespread government-imposed lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically reduced electricity usage, and therefore, demand for our coal. This decline in coal demand has negatively impacted our operational, sales and financial performance year-to-date and we expect that this negative impact will continue as the pandemic continues. It is not clear how long the government-imposed shutdowns of nonessential business in the United States and abroad will last, and there is a possibility that such shutdowns may be reimposed after being lifted if COVID-19 experiences a resurgence. We expect that depressed demand for our coal will continue for so long as there is a widespread, government-imposed shutdown of business activity. Additionally, some of our customers have already attempted, and may in the future attempt, to invoke force majeure or similar provisions in the contracts they have in place with us in order to avoid taking possession of and paying us for our coal that they are contractually obligated to purchase. Sustained decrease in demand for our coal and the failure of our customers to purchase coal from us that they are obligated to purchase pursuant to existing contracts would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The extent to which COVID-19 may adversely impact our business depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including new information concerning the severity of the outbreak and the effectiveness of actions globally to contain or mitigate its effects. While we expect this matter to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The Partnership will continue to take the appropriate steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the Partnership’s operations, liquidity and financial condition. During the first quarter, the Partnership has withdrawn its previously announced operational and financial guidance for 2020, and we recently announced our temporary idling of the Enlow Fork Mine, due to the weakness in coal demand and economic slowdown related to the pandemic. Cost containment and capital expenditure reductions remains the focus as volume opportunities remain limited in the near term.
We believe our strong contracted position, consistent cost control measures and liquidity will allow us to fund our 2020 capital and operating expenses. We experienced some delays in collections of trade receivables in 2019. If these delays continue or increase, we may have less cash flow from operations. Collections showed some improvement during the first quarter of 2020. However, we will continue to monitor the creditworthiness of our customers.
We started a capital construction project on the coarse refuse disposal area in 2017, which is expected to continue through 2021. We have taken steps to reduce other capital expenditures and explore alternative sources of capital, including closing on the refinancing of a shield rebuild using a finance lease transaction, which generated cash proceeds of $4.1 million. The interest rate on this transaction is approximately 5.6%.
Uncertainty in the financial markets brings additional potential risks to the Partnership. These risks include declines in the Partnership's unit price, less availability and higher costs of additional credit, potential counterparty defaults, and commercial bank failures. Financial market disruptions may impact the Partnership's collection of trade receivables. As a result, the Partnership regularly monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and counterparties and manages credit exposure through payment terms, credit limits, prepayments and security.
Our Partnership Agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash, if any, to our unitholders. In determining our available cash, in accordance with our Partnership Agreement, our general partner determines the amount of cash reserves needed to properly conduct our business in subsequent quarters. As a result, we expect to rely primarily upon financing under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement and the issuance of debt and equity securities to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures, if any. Due to the ongoing uncertainty in the commodity markets, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic-related demand decline, on April 23, 2020, the Board of Directors of our general partner made the decision to temporarily suspend the quarterly distribution to all of our unitholders. While the Partnership did generate cash flow from operations during the three months ended March 31, 2020, the ongoing decline in Adjusted EBITDA has impaired our leverage ratio, and the cushion against the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities has been reduced. Accordingly, we will focus on deleveraging our balance sheet by conserving cash, boosting liquidity and reducing our outstanding debt. As
we get better visibility on customer demand in the next quarter, the Board of Directors of our general partner will determine an appropriate level for cash distributions.
On July 25, 2019, the Board of Directors of our general partner announced that upon payment of the cash distribution with respect to the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the financial requirements for the conversion of all subordinated units had been satisfied. As a result, on August 16, 2019, all 11,611,067 subordinated units, which were owned entirely by CONSOL Energy Inc., were converted into common units on a one-for-one basis. The conversion did not impact the amount of the cash distribution paid or the total number of the Partnership's outstanding units representing limited partner interests.
The Partnership is actively monitoring the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on its liquidity and capital resources. We took several steps in the first quarter to buttress our liquidity. We expect that there will be a decrease in demand for our coal, which could affect our liquidity. Our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement and Securitization Facility (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”) contain certain financial covenants. Events resulting from the effects of COVID-19 may negatively impact our liquidity and, as a result, our ability to comply with these covenants, which could lead us to seek an amendment or waivers from our lenders, limit access to or require accelerated repayment of amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities, or require us to pursue alternative financing. We have no assurance that any such alternative financing, if required, could be obtained at terms acceptable to us, or at all, as a result of the effects of COVID-19 on capital markets at such time.
Affiliated Company Credit Agreement
On November 28, 2017, the Partnership and the other Credit Parties entered into the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement by and among the Credit Parties, CONSOL Energy, as lender and administrative agent, and PNC, as collateral agent. On March 28, 2019, the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement was amended to extend the maturity date from February 27, 2023 to December 28, 2024. The Affiliated Company Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $275,000 to be provided by CONSOL Energy, as lender. In connection with the Partnership’s entry into the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement, the Partnership made an initial draw of $200,583, the net proceeds of which were used to repay the amounts outstanding under the Partnership's prior credit facility. Additional drawings under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement are available for general partnership purposes. The obligations under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Partnership’s subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries pursuant to the security agreement and various mortgages.
Interest on outstanding obligations under our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement accrues at a fixed rate ranging from 3.75% to 4.75% depending on the total net leverage ratio. The unused portion of our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement is subject to a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum.
As of March 31, 2020, the Partnership had $180,600 of borrowings outstanding under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement, leaving $94,400 of unused capacity. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement at March 31, 2020 was accrued at a rate of 4.00%.
The Affiliated Company Credit Agreement contains certain covenants and conditions that, among other things, limit the Partnership’s ability to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt; (ii) make cash distributions (subject to certain limited exceptions); provided that we will be able to make cash distributions of available cash to partners so long as no event of default
is continuing or would result therefrom; (iii) incur certain liens or permit them to exist; (iv) make particular investments and loans; provided that we will be able to increase our ownership percentage of our undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and make investments in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex in accordance with our ratable ownership; (v) enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate with another company; and (vii) transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of assets. The Partnership is also subject to covenants that require the Partnership to maintain certain financial ratios. For example, the Partnership is obligated to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter (a) maximum first lien gross leverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.00 and (b) a maximum total net leverage ratio of 3.25 to 1.00, each of which will be calculated on a consolidated basis for the Partnership and its restricted subsidiaries at the end of each fiscal quarter. At March 31, 2020, the Partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants with a first lien gross leverage ratio at 2.21 to 1.00 and a total net leverage ratio at 2.21 to 1.00.
Receivables Financing Agreement
On November 30, 2017, (i) CONSOL Marine Terminals LLC, as an originator of receivables, (ii) CPCC, as an originator of receivables and as initial servicer of the receivables for itself and the other originators (collectively, the “Originators”), each a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, and (iii) CONSOL Funding LLC (the “SPV”), as buyer, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”). Concurrently, (i) CONSOL Thermal
Holdings, as sub-originator, and (ii) CPCC, as buyer and as initial servicer of the receivables for itself and CONSOL Thermal Holdings, entered into a Sub-Originator Agreement (the “Sub-Originator PSA”). In addition, on that date, the SPV entered into a Receivables Financing Agreement (the “Receivables Financing Agreement”) by and among (i) the SPV, as borrower, (ii) CPCC, as initial servicer, (iii) PNC, as administrative agent, LC Bank and lender, and (iv) the additional persons from time to time party thereto as lenders. Together, the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Sub-Originator PSA and the Receivables Financing Agreement establish the primary terms and conditions of an accounts receivable securitization program (the “Securitization”). In March 2020, the Securitization was amended, among other things, to extend the scheduled termination date to March 27, 2023.
Pursuant to the Securitization, (i) CONSOL Thermal Holdings will sell current and future trade receivables to CPCC and (ii) the Originators will sell and/or contribute current and future trade receivables (including receivables sold to CPCC by CONSOL Thermal Holdings) to the SPV and the SPV will, in turn, pledge its interests in the receivables to PNC, which will either make loans or issue letters of credit on behalf of the SPV. The maximum amount of advances and letters of credit outstanding under the Securitization may not exceed $100,000.
Loans under the Securitization will accrue interest at a reserve-adjusted LIBOR market index rate equal to the one-month Eurodollar rate. Loans and letters of credit under the Securitization also will accrue a program fee and a letter of credit participation fee, respectively, ranging from 2.00% to 2.50% per annum, depending on the total net leverage ratio of CONSOL Energy. In addition, the SPV paid certain structuring fees to PNC Capital Markets LLC and will pay other customary fees to the lenders, including a fee on unused commitments equal to 0.60% per annum.
The SPV’s assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debts and obligations owed to the creditors of CONSOL Energy, CONSOL Thermal Holdings or any of the Originators. CONSOL Thermal Holdings, the Originators and CPCC as servicer are independently liable for their own customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities. In addition, CONSOL Energy has guaranteed the performance of the obligations of CONSOL Thermal Holdings, the Originators and CPCC as servicer, and will guarantee the obligations of any additional originators or successor servicer that may become party to the Securitization. However, neither CONSOL Energy nor its affiliates will guarantee collectability of receivables or the creditworthiness of obligors thereunder.
The agreements comprising the Securitization contain various customary representations and warranties, covenants and default provisions which provide for the termination and acceleration of the commitments and loans under the Securitization in certain circumstances including, but not limited to, failure to make payments when due, breach of representation, warranty or covenant, certain insolvency events or failure to maintain the security interest in the trade receivables, and defaults under other material indebtedness.
As of March 31, 2020, the Partnership, through CONSOL Thermal Holdings, sold $28,747 of trade receivables to CPCC. The Partnership has not derecognized the receivables due to its continued involvement in the collections efforts.
Cash Flows
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
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2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Variance
|
Cash flows provided by operating activities
|
$
|
16,777
|
|
|
$
|
25,218
|
|
|
$
|
(8,441
|
)
|
Cash used in investing activities
|
$
|
(5,173
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,093
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,920
|
|
Cash used in financing activities
|
$
|
(11,924
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)
|
|
$
|
(17,723
|
)
|
|
$
|
5,799
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $8,441 in the period-to-period comparison, primarily due to a decrease in net income, partially offset by other working capital changes that occurred throughout both periods.
Cash used in investing activities decreased $2,920 in the period-to-period comparison. Capital expenditures decreased primarily due to a decrease in expenditures related to building and infrastructure, as well as a decrease in expenditures associated with the coarse refuse disposal area project. The table below represents the various items for which cash was used for investing purposes during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Variance
|
Building and Infrastructure
|
$
|
2,827
|
|
|
$
|
3,692
|
|
|
$
|
(865
|
)
|
Equipment Purchases and Rebuilds
|
1,326
|
|
|
1,761
|
|
|
(435
|
)
|
Refuse Storage Area
|
821
|
|
|
1,670
|
|
|
(849
|
)
|
Other
|
199
|
|
|
970
|
|
|
(771
|
)
|
Total Capital Expenditures
|
$
|
5,173
|
|
|
$
|
8,093
|
|
|
$
|
(2,920
|
)
|
Cash flows used in financing activities decreased $5,799 in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to $4,073 of proceeds received in the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to a finance leasing arrangement and lower discretionary payments made under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement. Net payments made under the Affiliated Company Credit Agreement decreased $1,175 in the period-to-period comparison.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We are including the following cautionary statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to make applicable and 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 Quarterly 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 and outcomes to differ materially from results expressed in or implied by our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. When we use the words “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by securities law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:
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•
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the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has on our business and results of operations and the global economy;
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|
•
|
changes in coal prices or the costs of mining or transporting coal;
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|
|
•
|
uncertainty in estimating economically recoverable coal reserves and replacement of reserves;
|
|
|
•
|
our ability to develop our existing coal reserves, acquire additional reserves and successfully execute our mining plans;
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|
|
•
|
defects in title or loss of any leasehold interests with respect to our properties;
|
|
|
•
|
changes in general economic conditions, both domestically and globally;
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|
|
•
|
competitive conditions within the coal industry;
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|
|
•
|
changes in the consumption patterns of coal-fired power plants and steelmakers and other factors affecting the demand for coal by coal-fired power plants and steelmakers;
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|
•
|
the availability and price of coal to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels;
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|
•
|
competition from the same and alternative energy sources;
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|
|
•
|
energy efficiency and technology trends;
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|
|
•
|
our ability to successfully implement our business plan;
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|
|
•
|
the price and availability of debt and equity financing;
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|
|
•
|
operating hazards and other risks incidental to coal mining;
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|
|
•
|
major equipment failures and difficulties in obtaining equipment, parts and raw materials;
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|
|
•
|
availability, reliability and costs of transporting coal;
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|
|
•
|
adverse or abnormal geologic conditions, which may be unforeseen;
|
|
|
•
|
natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;
|
|
|
•
|
operating in a single geographic area;
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|
|
•
|
our reliance on a few major customers;
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|
|
•
|
labor availability, relations and other workforce factors;
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|
|
•
|
defaults by CONSOL Energy under our operating agreement, employee services agreement and Affiliated Company Credit Agreement;
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|
|
•
|
restrictions in our Affiliated Company Credit Agreement that may adversely affect our business;
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|
|
•
|
changes in our tax status;
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|
|
•
|
delays in the receipt of, failure to receive or revocation of necessary governmental permits;
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|
|
•
|
the effect of existing and future laws and government regulations, including the enforcement and interpretation of environmental laws thereof;
|
|
|
•
|
the effect of new or expanded greenhouse gas regulations;
|
|
|
•
|
coal users switching to other fuels in order to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion emissions;
|
|
|
•
|
the impact of potential, as well as many adopted, regulations to address climate change, including any relating to greenhouse gas emissions on our operating costs as well as on the market for coal;
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|
|
•
|
the effects of litigation;
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|
|
•
|
adverse effect of cybersecurity threats;
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|
•
|
failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting;
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|
|
•
|
recent action and the possibility of future action on trade by U.S. and foreign governments;
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|
|
•
|
conflicts of interest that may cause our general partner or CONSOL Energy to favor their own interest to our detriment;
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|
|
•
|
the requirement that we distribute all of our available cash; and
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|
|
•
|
other factors discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Risk Factors,” as updated by any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, which are on file at the SEC.
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