Alpha Announces Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
• Reports net loss from continuing operations of $55 million for the fourth quarter 2020
• Posts Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $7 million for the fourth quarter 2020
• Continues strong cost management across all operating segments
• Closes transaction divesting Cumberland Mine, furthering strategic repositioning towards a pure metallurgical coal producer
• Completes name change to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.
• Appoints new board members to diversify and enhance corporate governance
• Reiterates 2021 operating guidance
BRISTOL, Tenn., March 15, 2021 – Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE: AMR), a leading U.S. supplier of metallurgical products for the steel industry, today reported results for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2020.
(millions, except per share)
| Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net loss(2) | $(55.1) | $(68.5) | $(210.2) |
| Net loss(2) per diluted share | $(3.00) | $(3.74) | $(11.55) |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $7.4 | $12.4 | $22.1 |
| Operating cash flow(3) | $56.2 | $(5.9) | $(5.7) |
| Capital expenditures(3) | $35.1 | $27.8 | $48.2 |
| Tons of coal sold(2) | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
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1. These are non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA is included in tables accompanying the financial schedules.
2. From continuing operations.
3. Includes discontinued operations.
“Despite the numerous challenges of the last year, we are proud of our accomplishments including significant operating cost reductions, refreshed board composition, and our rebranding to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, which reflects our strategic shift and focus on metallurgical coal,” said chairman and chief executive officer, David Stetson. “We remain confident that in 2021 we can take advantage of improved market conditions and met coal prices as expected global infrastructure spending and stimulus actions come to fruition.”
Financial Performance
Alpha reported a net loss from continuing operations of $55.1 million, or $3.00 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2020. In the third quarter 2020, the company had a net loss from continuing operations of $68.5 million or $3.74 diluted share.
Total Adjusted EBITDA was $7.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $12.4 million in the third quarter, primarily due to lower coal revenues and higher Met costs per ton.
Coal Revenues
| (millions) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Met | $289.8 | $295.4 |
| CAPP - Thermal | $33.6 | $39.8 |
| Met (excl. f&h)(1) | $241.5 | $245.6 |
| CAPP - Thermal (excl. f&h)(1) | $32.1 | $36.8 |
| Tons Sold (millions) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Met | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| CAPP - Thermal | 0.5 | 0.6 |
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1. Represents Non-GAAP coal revenues which is defined and reconciled under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Results of Operations.”
The slight Met revenue decline in the fourth quarter was driven by reduced volume relative to the third quarter. The CAPP – Thermal revenues also decreased due to lower volumes.
Coal Sales Realization(1)
| (per ton) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Met | $75.24 | $73.79 |
| CAPP - Thermal | $59.81 | $57.86 |
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1. Represents Non-GAAP coal sales realization which is defined and reconciled under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Results of Operations.”
Global metallurgical coal prices were mixed, with Australian prices declining while Atlantic prices showed modest improvement, resulting in our average Met coal sales realization increase of two percent against the prior quarter to $75.24 per ton. The CAPP – Thermal segment also saw slightly higher realization in the fourth quarter.
Cost of Coal Sales
| (in millions, except per ton data) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Coal Sales | $301.8 | $309.7 |
| Cost of Coal Sales (excl. f&h/idle)(1) | $245.9 | $250.7 |
| (per ton) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Met(1) | $69.25 | $66.51 |
| CAPP - Thermal(1) | $44.15 | $45.98 |
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1. Represents Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton which is defined and reconciled under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Results of Operations.”
In the fourth quarter, the company reported another sub-$70 per ton cost performance in the Met segment, with costs averaging $69.25 per ton, down from $82.28 in the year-ago quarter. The third quarter 2020 cost of coal sales was a record low of $66.51 per ton. Fewer mines, combined with higher production per mine and reduced labor force, were instrumental in driving the cost of coal sales per ton lower in 2020.
The CAPP – Thermal segment also continued its impressive cost of coal sales performance, with fourth quarter cost of $44.15 per ton as compared to $45.98 for the prior quarter.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) expenses
| (millions) | Three months ended Dec. 31, 2020 | Three months ended Sept. 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $15.3 | $14.5 |
| Less: non-cash stock compensation and one-time expenses | $(0.8) | $(1.0) |
| Non-GAAP SG&A(1) | $14.5 | $13.5 |
| DD&A | $(4.0) | $49.2 |
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1. Represents Non-GAAP SG&A which is defined under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Alpha’s fourth quarter 2020 SG&A expenses were $14.5 million, excluding non-cash stock compensation expense and one-time expenses of $0.8 million, compared with $13.5 million in the prior quarter.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
“In the fourth quarter, our teams continued their exceptional focus on cost performance with another quarter of sub-$70 met costs, and a full year average met cost of $70.19,” said Andy Eidson, Alpha’s president and chief financial officer. “While the year as a whole was challenging, both in terms of pricing and pandemic uncertainty, Alpha made progress on a number of our stated strategic goals. Divesting the Cumberland Mine has not only hastened our transition to a pure metallurgical producer, but has also meaningfully reduced our bonding and collateral requirements.”
Cash provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter 2020 was $56.2 million, which includes the receipt of $66.1 million in accelerated alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit monetization refund, and capital expenditures for the fourth quarter were $35.1 million. In the prior period, the cash used in operating activities was $5.9 million and capital expenditures were $27.8 million.
As of December 31, 2020, Alpha had $139.2 million in unrestricted cash and $157.4 million in restricted cash, deposits and investments. Total long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020, was $582.5 million, down approximately $15 million from the prior quarter. At the end of the fourth quarter, the company had total liquidity of $139.2 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $139.2 million and no remaining unused availability under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility (ABL). The future available capacity under the ABL is subject to inventory and accounts receivable collateral requirements and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 2020, the company had $3.4 million in borrowings and $123.1 million in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL. In January 2021, subsequent to the quarter close, the company posted $25.0 million in collateral to remain in compliance due to fluctuations in the borrowing base, a portion of which was then used to repay $3.4 million in borrowings under the ABL.
Operational and Strategic Update
As part of the ongoing strategic shift towards becoming a pure-play met company, Alpha closed a transaction to divest the Cumberland Mine and related assets on December 10, 2020. The previously announced transaction transferred the associated coal reserves, mining permits and operations, infrastructure and equipment to Iron Senergy LLC, releasing Alpha from all reclamation obligations, totaling $169 million in undiscounted future cash flows. After the Cumberland divestiture, the company operates only one remaining thermal mine, which is expected to cease operation by the end of 2022.
As a result of this renewed focus on supplying metallurgical products to the steel industry, the company also rebranded and changed its name to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc., effective February 1, 2021. The company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under a new symbol, AMR, shortly thereafter.
In addition, Alpha continued to enhance its board of directors by adding Michael Quillen, the founder of Alpha Natural Resources and an industry veteran, as lead independent director in November 2020. Subsequent to the quarter end, Alpha appointed three new directors to the board. Effective February 1, Kenneth Courtis, Elizabeth Fessenden and Daniel Smith joined the board as independent directors.
2021 Full-Year Guidance
In connection with the company’s strategic shift toward a pure-play metallurgical business, the reporting segments in the following guidance table have been reconfigured. The CAPP – Thermal reporting segment has been eliminated and is now included in the All Other segment. The prior CAPP – Met segment is now called the Met segment.
The company reiterates its previously issued 2021 operating guidance with coal shipments guidance range of 14.8 million tons to 16.2 million tons, with Met segment volume expected to be between 13.5 million to 14.5 million tons with pure metallurgical coal shipments of 12.5 million to 13.0 million tons and incidental thermal shipments in this segment of 1.0 million to 1.5 million tons. Our All Other segment volume is anticipated to be between 1.3 million tons to 1.7 million tons.
For 2021, Alpha has committed and priced approximately 53% of its metallurgical coal within the Met segment at an average price of $85.47 per ton and 86% of thermal coal in the Met segment at an average expected price of $50.80 per ton. In the All Other segment the company is 100% committed and priced at an average price of $57.57 per ton.
The company expects our strong cost performance to continue in 2021 with Met segment cost of coal sales per ton anticipated at a range of $68.00 to $74.00 and our All Other segment is expected to be in the range of $45.00 to $49.00 per ton.
For 2021, the company expects its SG&A to be in the range of $44 million to $49 million, excluding non-recurring items and stock compensation. Our overall 2021 capital expenditures guidance is in a range of $75 million to $95 million, near the maintenance capital level. Depreciation, depletion and amortization is expected to be between $125 million and $145 million and cash interest expense in the range of $51 million and $55 million.
2021 Guidance
| in millions of tons | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical | 12.5 | 13.0 |
| Thermal | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| Met Segment | 13.5 | 14.5 |
| All Other | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| Total Shipments | 14.8 | 16.2 |
| Committed/Priced1,2,3 | Committed | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical | 53% | $85.47 |
| Thermal | 86% | $50.80 |
| Met Segment | 56% | $80.68 |
| All Other | 100% | $57.57 |
| Committed/Unpriced1,3 | Committed |
|---|---|
| Metallurgical | 32% |
| Thermal | 8% |
| Met Segment | 30% |
| All Other | -- |
| Costs per ton4 | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Met Segment | $68.00 | $74.00 |
| All Other | $45.00 | $49.00 |
| In millions (except taxes) | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| SG&A5 | $44 | $49 |
| Idle Operations Expense | $24 | $30 |
| Cash Interest Expense | $51 | $55 |
| DD&A | $125 | $145 |
| Capital Expenditures | $75 | $95 |
| Tax Rate | --% | 5% |
Notes:
1. Based on committed and priced coal shipments as of March 11, 2021. Committed percentage based on the midpoint of shipment guidance range.
2. Actual average per-ton realizations on committed and priced tons recognized in future periods may vary based on actual freight expense in future periods relative to assumed freight expense embedded in projected average per-ton realizations.
3. Includes estimates of future coal shipments based upon contract terms and anticipated delivery schedules. Actual coal shipments may vary from these estimates.
4. Note: The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton sold financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying with reasonable accuracy significant items required for the reconciliation. The most directly comparable GAAP measure, GAAP cost of sales, is not accessible without unreasonable efforts on a forward- looking basis. The reconciling items include freight and handling costs, which are a component of GAAP cost of sales. Management is unable to predict without unreasonable efforts freight and handling costs due to uncertainty as to the end market and FOB point for uncommitted sales volumes and the final shipping point for export shipments. These amounts have historically varied and may continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and material changes to these items could have a significant effect on our future GAAP results.
5. Excludes expenses related to non-cash stock compensation and non-recurring business development expenses.
Conference Call
The company plans to hold a conference call regarding its fourth quarter 2020 results on March 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The conference call will be available live on the investor section of the company’s website at https://investors.alphametresources.com/investors. Analysts who would like to participate in the conference call should dial 866-270-1533 (domestic toll-free) or 412-317-0797 (international) approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.
About Alpha Metallurgical Resources
Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE: AMR) is a Tennessee-based mining company with operations across Virginia and West Virginia. With customers across the globe, high-quality reserves and significant port capacity, Alpha reliably supplies metallurgical products to the steel industry. For more information, visit www.AlphaMetResources.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Alpha’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Alpha’s control. Forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Alpha to predict these events or how they may affect Alpha. Except as required by law, Alpha has no duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere after the date this release is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this news release may not occur.
FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The discussion below contains “non-GAAP financial measures.” These are financial measures which either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”). Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP financial measures “Adjusted EBITDA,” “non-GAAP coal revenues,” “non-GAAP cost of coal sales,” and “Adjusted cost of produced coal sold.” We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of our segments and allocate resources to the segments. Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance. We use non-GAAP coal revenues to present coal revenues generated, excluding freight and handling fulfillment revenues. Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal revenues divided by tons sold. We use non-GAAP cost of coal sales to adjust cost of coal sales to remove freight and handling costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization – production (excluding the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions), accretion on asset retirement obligations, amortization of acquired intangibles, net, idled and closed mine costs and coal inventory acquisition accounting impacts. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of coal sales divided by tons sold. Non-GAAP coal margin per ton for our coal operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our coal operations less non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our coal operations. We also use Adjusted cost of produced coal sold to distinguish the cost of captive produced coal from the effects of purchased coal. The presentation of these measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Management uses non-GAAP financial measures to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. The definition of these non-GAAP measures may be changed periodically by management to adjust for significant items important to an understanding of operating trends and to adjust for items that may not reflect the trend of future results by excluding transactions that are not indicative of our core operating performance. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate the Company’s operating performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentations of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate, and capital investments.
Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.
ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION
(Amounts in thousands)
ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except for per ton data)
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