Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________to________________
Commission File No.: 0-26823
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
73-1564280
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
1717 South Boulder Avenue, Suite 400, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(918) 295-7600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). [X ] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☒
Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐
Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common units representing limited partner interests
ARLP
NASDAQ Global Select Market
As of May 9, 2023, 127,195,219 common units are outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
1. Organization and Presentation
2. Acquisitions
6
3. Contingencies
4. Inventories
7
5. Fair Value Measurements
6. Long-Term Debt
8
7. Income Taxes
10
8. Variable Interest Entities
9. Investments
12
10. Partners' Capital
13
11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
15
12. Earnings per Limited Partner Unit
13. Workers' Compensation and Pneumoconiosis
16
14. Common Unit-Based Compensation Plans
17
15. Components of Pension Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost
18
16. Segment Information
ITEM 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
29
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
30
Forward-Looking Statements
31
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
33
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
34
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
ITEM 5.
Other Information
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
35
i
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except unit data)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2023
2022*
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
271,250
296,023
Trade receivables
266,334
241,412
Other receivables
9,892
8,601
Inventories, net
108,648
77,326
Advance royalties
5,824
7,556
Prepaid expenses and other assets
19,330
26,675
Total current assets
681,278
657,593
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
4,018,071
3,931,422
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
(2,108,819)
(2,050,754)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
1,909,252
1,880,668
OTHER ASSETS:
75,331
67,713
Equity method investments
48,949
49,371
Equity securities
42,000
Operating lease right-of-use assets
15,944
14,950
Other long-term assets
14,995
15,726
Total other assets
197,219
189,760
TOTAL ASSETS
2,787,749
2,728,021
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
115,106
95,122
Accrued taxes other than income taxes
23,554
22,967
Accrued payroll and related expenses
33,772
39,623
Accrued interest
13,002
5,000
Workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis benefits
14,098
14,099
Other current liabilities
51,706
53,790
Current maturities, long-term debt, net
40,554
24,970
Total current liabilities
291,792
255,571
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities, net
418,329
397,203
Pneumoconiosis benefits
100,825
100,089
Accrued pension benefit
12,250
12,553
Workers' compensation
40,117
39,551
Asset retirement obligations
143,010
142,254
Long-term operating lease obligations
13,424
12,132
Deferred income tax liabilities
35,583
35,814
Other liabilities
25,258
24,828
Total long-term liabilities
788,796
764,424
Total liabilities
1,080,588
1,019,995
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - (NOTE 3)
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
ARLP Partners' Capital:
Limited Partners - Common Unitholders 127,195,219 units outstanding
1,721,938
1,656,025
General Partner's interest
—
66,548
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(40,489)
(41,054)
Total ARLP Partners' Capital
1,681,449
1,681,519
Noncontrolling interest
25,712
26,507
Total Partners' Capital
1,707,161
1,708,026
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
*Recast as discussed in Note 1 – Organization and Presentation.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Three Months Ended
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:
Coal sales
578,784
388,360
Oil & gas royalties
34,497
33,396
Transportation revenues
30,238
29,372
Other revenues
19,403
12,294
Total revenues
662,922
463,422
EXPENSES:
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)
338,723
262,023
Transportation expenses
General and administrative
21,085
18,622
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
65,550
64,140
Total operating expenses
455,596
374,157
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
207,326
89,265
Interest expense (net of interest capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 of $1,407 and $70, respectively)
(12,676)
(9,662)
Interest income
2,790
Equity method investment income
52
883
Other income (expense)
(573)
567
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
196,919
81,088
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
4,241
42,715
NET INCOME
192,678
38,373
LESS: NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
(1,493)
(290)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARLP
191,185
38,083
GENERAL PARTNER
1,384
1,431
LIMITED PARTNERS
189,801
36,652
EARNINGS PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT - BASIC AND DILUTED
1.45
0.28
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING – BASIC AND DILUTED
127,289,340
127,195,219
* Recast as discussed in Note 1 – Organization and Presentation.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Defined benefit pension plan
Amortization of prior service cost (1)
47
Amortization of net actuarial loss (1)
173
483
Total defined benefit pension plan adjustments
220
530
345
260
Total pneumoconiosis benefits adjustments
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
565
790
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
193,243
39,163
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARLP
191,750
38,873
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
223,259
90,626
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant and equipment:
Capital expenditures
(95,474)
(59,153)
Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
12,110
13,551
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
2,395
928
Contributions to equity method investments
(540)
JC Resources acquisition
(64,999)
Oil & gas reserve acquisition
(2,800)
Other
589
(851)
Net cash used in investing activities
(148,719)
(45,525)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on equipment financings
(3,759)
(4,472)
Borrowing under long-term debt
75,000
Payments on long-term debt
(26,633)
Payments on finance lease obligations
(278)
(203)
Payment of debt issuance costs
(11,653)
Payments for purchases of units under unit repurchase program
(18,209)
Payments for tax withholdings related to settlements under deferred compensation plans
(9,320)
Excess purchase price over the contributed basis from JC Resources acquisition
(7,251)
Cash retained by JC Resources in acquisition
(2,933)
(1,590)
Distributions paid to Partners
(91,938)
(32,750)
(2,339)
(298)
Net cash used in financing activities
(99,313)
(39,313)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(24,773)
5,788
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
122,403
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
128,191
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest
2,175
1,254
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH ACTIVITY:
Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment
56,391
21,876
Right-of-use assets acquired by operating lease
99
Market value of common units issued under deferred compensation plans before tax withholding requirements
27,906
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION
Significant Relationships Referenced in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Organization
ARLP is a Delaware limited partnership listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ARLP." ARLP was formed in May 1999 and completed its initial public offering on August 19, 1999 when it acquired substantially all of the coal production and marketing assets of Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. We are managed by our general partner, MGP, a Delaware limited liability company which holds a non-economic general partner interest in ARLP.
JC Resources Acquisition
On February 22, 2023, we acquired approximately 2,682 oil & gas net royalty acres in the Delaware Basin from JC Resources LP ("JC Resources"), an entity owned by Mr. Craft, for $72.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand ("JC Resources Acquisition"). Because JC Resources is owned by Mr. Craft, the JC Resources Acquisition is accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control, whereby the assets and liabilities acquired from JC Resources are combined with the ARLP Partnership at their historical amounts for all periods presented. The JC Resources Acquisition increased revenues by $2.6 million and income from operations, net income and comprehensive income by $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. We did not recast historical earnings per limited partner unit as pre-acquisition earnings from the JC Resources Acquisition were allocated to our general partner. For more information on this acquisition please see Note 2 – Acquisition.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the ARLP Partnership and present our financial position as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and the results of our operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting and do not include all the information normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") of the United States. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2023.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the ARLP Partnership's condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit, including highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. At times the ARLP Partnership maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of stated federally insured limits. Management monitors the credit ratings and concentration of risk with these financial institutions on a continuing basis to safeguard cash deposits. Based on this monitoring and other diligence, including discussions with representatives of the financial institutions, we have no reason to believe that any of the financial institutions in which we have deposits in excess of stated federally insured limits are facing financial difficulties, defaults or limited liquidity situations that would cause us to be unable to access to our deposits.
2.ACQUISITIONS
JC Resources
As discussed in Note 1 – Organization and Presentation, on February 22, 2023, we completed the JC Resources Acquisition, which gives us increased exposure to a prolific area of the Delaware Basin that is within close proximity to reserves that we currently own. This acquisition was approved by the conflicts committee of MGP's board of directors, which is comprised entirely of independent directors. Because JC Resources is under common control with us, we recorded the acquisition at JC Resources' carrying value for each period presented. The carrying value of the mineral interests as well as related receivables and payables at February 22, 2023 was $65.0 million inclusive of $25.4 million and $37.8 million of mineral interests in proved and unproved properties, respectively.
Acquisition Agreement
On January 27, 2023, we entered into a one-year collaborative agreement with a third party, effective January 1, 2023, committing up to $35.0 million for the acquisition of oil & gas mineral interests in the Midland and Delaware Basins. Under the agreement, the third party assists us in the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of target oil & gas mineral interests. In exchange for these services, the third party receives a participation share, partially funded by the third party, and is paid a periodic management fee. As of March 31, 2023, we have purchased $1.6 million and $1.2 million of oil & gas mineral interests in proved and unproved properties, respectively, pursuant to this agreement. Management fees paid under this agreement have been immaterial.
3.CONTINGENCIES
Certain of our subsidiaries are party to litigation in which the plaintiffs allege violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state law due to alleged failure to compensate for time "donning" and "doffing" equipment and to account for certain bonuses in the calculation of overtime rates and pay. The plaintiffs seek class and collective action certification, which we oppose, and the courts have not yet made definitive final rulings on those issues. We have scheduled a mediation with the plaintiffs for June 12, 2023. We do not have an estimate of the range of potential exposure; however, we are in the process of developing such an estimate based on the facts related to these matters. We are defending this litigation vigorously and continue to believe the plaintiffs' claims are without merit. We believe our ultimate exposure, if any, will not be material to our results of operations or financial position; however, if our current belief that the claims are without merit is not upheld, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters could result in a potential loss that may be material to our results of operations.
We also have various other lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business that are pending against the ARLP Partnership. We record an accrual for a potential loss related to these matters when, in management's opinion, such loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Based on known facts and circumstances, we believe the ultimate outcome of these outstanding lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, if the results of these matters are different from management's current expectations and in amounts greater than our accruals, such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
4.INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
2022
(in thousands)
Coal
50,406
23,553
Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $6,967 and $6,601, respectively)
58,242
53,773
Total inventories, net
5.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table summarizes our fair value measurements within the hierarchy not included elsewhere in these notes:
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Long-term debt
469,904
424,420
Total
The carrying amounts for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
The estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, is based on interest rates that we believe are currently available to us in active markets for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities (See Note 6 – Long-Term Debt). The fair value of debt, which is based upon these interest rates, is classified as a Level 2 measurement under the fair value hierarchy.
6.LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
Unamortized Discount and
Principal
Debt Issuance Costs
Revolving credit facility
(9,313)
(2,702)
Term Loan
(1,643)
Senior notes
373,367
400,000
(1,779)
(2,134)
Securitization facility
November 2019 equipment financing
18,266
21,072
June 2020 equipment financing
4,985
5,937
471,618
427,009
(12,735)
(4,836)
Less current maturities
(40,974)
(24,970)
420
Total long-term debt
430,644
402,039
(12,315)
Credit Facility. On January 13, 2023, Alliance Coal, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with various financial institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for a $425 million revolving credit facility, which includes a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings and permits the issuance of letters of credit of up to the full amount of $425 million (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), and for a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $75 million (the "Term Loan"). The Credit Agreement matures on March 9, 2027, at which time the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Revolving Credit Facility advances and all Term Loan advances are required to be repaid in full. The Credit Agreement will instead mature on January 30, 2025, if on that date our Senior Notes, as discussed below, are still outstanding and Alliance Coal does not have liquidity of at least $200 million. Interest is payable quarterly, with principal of the Term Loan due in quarterly installments equal to 6.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2023 and the balance payable at maturity. The Revolving Credit Facility replaces the $459.5 million revolving credit facility, which included a sublimit of $125.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit and a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings, extended to the Intermediate Partnership under its Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2020 that would have expired on March 9, 2024. We incurred debt issuance costs during the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $11.7 million in connection with the Credit Agreement. These debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Revolving Credit Facility is underwritten by a syndicate of eighteen financial institutions and the obligations of the lenders are individual obligations, which means the failure of one or more lenders to be able to fund its obligation does not relieve the remaining lenders from funding their obligations. Based on our diligence, including discussions with representatives of certain of these financial institutions, as of March 31, 2023 we have no reason to believe that the banks within our syndicate are facing financial difficulties, defaults or limited liquidity situations that would cause them to be unable to fund their obligations under the Credit Agreement. However, should any of the banks in our syndicate experience conditions in the future that limit their ability to fund their obligations, the amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility could be reduced.
The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by ARLP and certain of its subsidiaries, including the Intermediate Partnership and most of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Alliance Coal (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). The Credit Agreement also is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors and Alliance Coal. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at either (i) an adjusted term rate plus the applicable margin or (ii) the base rate plus the applicable margin. The base rate is the highest of (i) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) the Administrative Agent's prime rate, and (iii) the Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 100 basis points. The applicable margin for borrowings under the Credit Agreement are determined by reference to the Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Cash Flow Ratio and was 0.54% as of March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, we had $41.0 million of letters of credit outstanding with $384.0 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility. We incurred an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on the undrawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. We utilize the Credit
Agreement, as appropriate, for working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments, scheduled debt payments and distribution payments.
The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions affecting Alliance Coal and its subsidiaries, including, among other things, restrictions on incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, sale of assets, investments, mergers and consolidations and transactions with affiliates. In each case, these restrictions are subject to various exceptions. In addition, restrictions apply to cash distributions by Alliance Coal to the Intermediate Partnership if such distribution would result in exceeding a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as determined in the Credit Agreement) or in Alliance Coal having liquidity of less than $200 million. The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain (a) a debt of Alliance Coal to cash flow ratio of not more than 1.5 to 1.0, (b) a consolidated debt of Alliance Coal and the Intermediate Partnership to cash flow ratio of not more than 2.5 to 1.0 and (c) an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0, in each case, during the four most recently ended fiscal quarters. The debt of Alliance Coal to cash flow ratio, consolidated debt of Alliance Coal and the Intermediate Partnership to cash flow ratio, and interest coverage ratio were 0.09 to 1.0, 0.54 to 1.0 and 294.35 to 1.0, respectively, for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2023. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2023 and anticipate remaining in compliance with the covenants.
Senior Notes. On April 24, 2017, the Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation (as co-issuer), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Intermediate Partnership ("Alliance Finance"), issued an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes due 2025 ("Senior Notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers. The Senior Notes have a term of eight years, maturing on May 1, 2025 (the "Term") and accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1. The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary terms, events of default and covenants relating to, among other things, the incurrence of debt, the payment of distributions or similar restricted payments, undertaking transactions with affiliates and limitations on asset sales. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we repurchased $26.6 million of our Senior Notes. The gain on extinguishment of the Senior Notes is immaterial.
Accounts Receivable Securitization. Certain direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership are party to a $60.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility ("Securitization Facility"). Under the Securitization Facility, certain subsidiaries sell certain trade receivables on an ongoing basis to our Intermediate Partnership, which then sells the trade receivables to AROP Funding, LLC ("AROP Funding"), a wholly owned bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary of our Intermediate Partnership, which in turn borrows on a revolving basis up to $60.0 million secured by the trade receivables. After the sale, Alliance Coal, as servicer of the assets, collects the receivables on behalf of AROP Funding. The Securitization Facility bears interest based on a short-term bank yield index. On March 31, 2023, we had $11.7 million of letters of credit outstanding with $48.3 million available for borrowing under the Securitization Facility. The agreement governing the Securitization Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including limitations with regards to certain customer credit ratings. In January 2023, we extended the term of the Securitization Facility to January 2024. The Securitization Facility was previously scheduled to mature in January 2023. At March 31, 2023, we did not have any outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility.
November 2019 Equipment Financing. On November 6, 2019, the Intermediate Partnership entered into an equipment financing arrangement accounted for as debt, wherein the Intermediate Partnership received $53.1 million in exchange for conveying its interest in certain equipment owned indirectly by the Intermediate Partnership and entering into a master lease agreement for that equipment (the "November 2019 Equipment Financing"). The November 2019 Equipment Financing contains customary terms and events of default and an implicit interest rate of 4.75%, providing for a four-year term with forty-seven monthly payments of $1.0 million and a balloon payment of $11.6 million upon maturity on November 6, 2023. Upon maturity, the equipment will revert to the Intermediate Partnership.
June 2020 Equipment Financing. On June 5, 2020, the Intermediate Partnership entered into an equipment financing arrangement accounted for as debt, wherein the Intermediate Partnership received $14.7 million in exchange for conveying its interest in certain equipment owned indirectly by the Intermediate Partnership and entering into a master lease agreement for that equipment (the "June 2020 Equipment Financing"). The June 2020 Equipment Financing contains customary terms and events of default and provides for forty-eight monthly payments with an implicit interest rate of 6.1%, maturing on June 5, 2024. Upon maturity, the equipment will revert to the Intermediate Partnership.
9
7.INCOME TAXES
Components of income tax expense are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Current:
Federal
4,312
5,034
State
301
386
4,613
5,420
Deferred:
(331)
34,920
(41)
2,375
(372)
37,295
Income tax expense
On March 15, 2022, Alliance Minerals changed its U.S. federal income tax status from a pass-through entity to a taxable entity via a "check the box" election (the "Tax Election"), which became effective January 1, 2022. The Tax Election resulted in the recognition of an initial deferred tax liability of $37.3 million and a corresponding increase to income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
The effective income tax rate for our income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is less than the federal statutory rate, primarily due to the portion of income not subject to income taxes. The effective income tax rate for our income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 is greater than the federal statutory rate, primarily due to the effect of the Tax Election previously discussed, partially offset by the portion of income not subject to income taxes.
Our 2019 through 2022 tax years remain open to examination by tax authorities. We have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that lower-tier partnership income tax returns for the tax year ended December 31, 2020 have been selected for audit.
8.VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Cavalier Minerals
On November 10, 2014, our subsidiary, Alliance Minerals, and Bluegrass Minerals Management, LLC ("Bluegrass Minerals") entered into a limited liability company agreement (the "Cavalier Agreement") to create Cavalier Minerals JV, LLC ("Cavalier Minerals"), which was formed to indirectly acquire oil & gas mineral interests through its ownership in AllDale I & II. Alliance Minerals owns a 96% member interest in Cavalier Minerals, and Bluegrass Minerals owns a 4% member interest in Cavalier Minerals and a profits interest which entitles it to receive distributions equal to 25% of all distributions (including in liquidation) after all members have recovered their investment. Distributions with respect to Bluegrass Minerals' profits interest are offset by all distributions received by Bluegrass Minerals from the former general partners of AllDale I & II. All members have recovered their investment and Bluegrass Minerals began receiving its profits interest distributions in late 2022. We hold the managing member interest in Cavalier Minerals.
We have concluded that Cavalier Minerals is a variable interest entity ("VIE") which we consolidate as the primary beneficiary because we are the managing member and a substantial equity owner in Cavalier Minerals. Bluegrass Minerals' equity ownership of Cavalier Minerals is accounted for as noncontrolling ownership interest in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, earnings attributable to Bluegrass Minerals are recognized as noncontrolling interest in our condensed consolidated statements of income.
AllDale III
In February 2017, Alliance Minerals committed to directly invest $30.0 million in AllDale Minerals III, LP ("AllDale III") which was created for similar investment purposes as AllDale I & II. Alliance Minerals completed funding of this commitment in 2018. Alliance Minerals' limited partner interest in AllDale III is 13.9%.
The AllDale III Partnership Agreement includes a 25% profits interest for the general partner, subject to a return hurdle equal to the greater of 125% of cumulative capital contributions and a 10% internal rate of return, and following an 80/20 "catch-up" provision for the general partner.
Since AllDale III is structured as a limited partnership with the limited partners (1) not having the ability to remove the general partner and (2) not participating significantly in the operational decisions, we concluded that AllDale III is a VIE. We are not the primary beneficiary of AllDale III as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact AllDale III's economic performance. We account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of AllDale III as an equity method investment. We record equity income or loss based on AllDale III's distribution structure. See Note 9 – Investments for more information.
Francis
On April 5, 2022, we invested $20 million in Francis Renewable Energy, LLC ("Francis"), in the form of a convertible note. Our convertible note matured on April 1, 2023 and was converted into preferred equity interests in Francis. Prior to conversion, we had determined the note more closely represented equity as opposed to debt. Therefore, we accounted for the convertible note as an equity contribution even though we did not participate in Francis' earnings or losses and were not eligible to receive distributions during the term of the note. After the conversion on April 1, 2023, we will participate in earnings and losses and be eligible to receive distributions.
We have concluded that Francis is a VIE as the management structure is similar to a limited partnership with the non-managing members (i) not having the ability to remove the managing member and (ii) not participating significantly in the operational decisions. We are not the primary beneficiary of Francis as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Francis's economic performance. We account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of Francis as an equity method investment. After the conversion of our note to preferred equity, we will record equity income or loss based on Francis' distribution structure. See Note 9 – Investments for more information.
NGP ETP IV
On June 2, 2022, we committed to purchase $25.0 million of limited partner interests in NGP ETP IV, L.P. ("NGP ETP IV"), a private equity fund sponsored by NGP and focused on investments that are part of the global transition toward a lower carbon economy. As of March 31, 2023, we have funded $4.6 million of this commitment. Our final ownership percentage in NGP ETP IV is not yet known.
We have concluded that NGP ETP IV is a VIE as it is structured as a limited partnership with limited partners (i) not having the ability to remove the general partner and (ii) not participating significantly in the operational decisions. We are not the primary beneficiary of NGP ETP IV as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact NGP ETP IV's economic performance. We account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of NGP ETP IV as an equity method investment. See Note 9 – Investments for more information.
11
9.INVESTMENTS
As discussed in Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities, we account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of AllDale III as an equity method investment. We record equity income or loss based on AllDale III's distribution structure. The changes in our equity method investment in AllDale III for each of the periods presented were as follows:
Beginning balance
25,284
26,325
425
Distributions received
(1,014)
Ending balance
24,695
26,194
As discussed in Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities, we account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of Francis as an equity method investment. As a development stage company, Francis depends on capital contributions to meet its operating and debt obligations. We currently believe that the carrying value of our investment is recoverable; however, if Francis is unable to raise sufficient funds to continue its operations and meet its debt obligations, it could have an adverse effect on our investment.
As discussed in Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities, we account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of NGP ETP IV as an equity method investment. The changes in our equity method investment in NGP ETP IV for three months ended March 31, 2023 were as follows:
4,087
Contributions
540
Equity method investment loss
(373)
4,254
Infinitum
We hold $42.0 million of Series D Preferred Stock in Infinitum Electric, Inc. ("Infinitum"), a Texas-based startup developer and manufacturer of electric motors featuring printed circuit board stators. Our preferred stock provides for non-cumulative dividends when and if declared by Infinitum's board of directors. Each share is convertible, at any time, at our option, into shares of common stock of Infinitum. We account for our ownership interest in Infinitum as an equity investment without a readily determinable fair value. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of our investment in Infinitum because of the lack of a quoted market price for our ownership interests. Therefore, we use a measurement alternative other than fair value to account for our investment. There have been no fair value adjustments in our investment in Infinitum subsequent to our purchases. During the period we have not observed any price changes that have occurred to identical or similar securities sold by Infinitum that would indicate an adjustment to the fair value of our investment is warranted.
10.PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Distributions
Distributions paid or declared during 2022 and 2023 were as follows:
Payment Date
Per Unit Cash Distribution
Total Cash Distribution
February 14, 2022
0.2500
32,750
May 13, 2022
0.3500
45,810
August 12, 2022
0.4000
52,338
November 14, 2022
0.5000
65,449
1.5000
196,347
February 14, 2023
0.7000
91,938
May 15, 2023 (1)
1.4000
Unit Repurchase Program
In January 2023, the board of directors of MGP authorized a $93.5 million increase to the unit repurchase program, which had $6.5 million of available capacity as of December 31, 2022. As a result, we are authorized to repurchase up to a total of $100.0 million of ARLP common units. During the first quarter of 2023, we repurchased and retired 860,060 units at an average unit price of $21.17 for an aggregate purchase price of $18.2 million. Since inception of the unit repurchase program, we have repurchased and retired 6,320,664 units at an average unit price of $17.67 for an aggregate purchase price of $111.7 million.
Change in Partners' Capital
The following tables present the quarterly change in Partners' Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
Accumulated
Number of
Limited
General
Limited Partner
Partners'
Partner's
Comprehensive
Noncontrolling
Total Partners'
Units
Capital
Income (Loss)
Interest
(in thousands, except unit data)
Balance at January 1, 2023
Comprehensive income:
Net income
1,493
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments
Total comprehensive loss
Settlement of deferred compensation plans
860,060
Purchase of units under unit repurchase program
(860,060)
Common unit-based compensation
2,830
Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation
(2,901)
Distributions from consolidated company to affiliate noncontrolling interest
(2,288)
JC Resources acquisition - See Note 1
(72,250)
Cash retained by JC Resources in acquisition - See Note 1
Distributions to Partners
(89,037)
Balance at March 31, 2023
Capital *
Balance at January 1, 2022
1,279,183
68,075
(64,229)
11,115
1,294,144
290
Total comprehensive income
2,640
(950)
(31,800)
Balance at March 31, 2022
1,285,725
67,916
(63,439)
11,107
1,301,309
14
11.REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
The following table illustrates the disaggregation of our revenues by type, including a reconciliation to our segment presentation as presented in Note 16 – Segment Information.
Coal Operations
Royalties
Other,
Illinois
Corporate and
Basin
Appalachia
Oil & Gas
Elimination
Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
336,910
241,874
Coal royalties
15,513
(15,513)
21,328
8,910
2,168
475
1,040
15,720
360,406
251,259
35,537
207
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
253,905
134,455
Oil & gas royalties *
15,167
(15,167)
18,891
10,481
1,900
363
124
9,907
274,696
145,299
33,520
(5,260)
The following table illustrates the amount of our transaction price for all current coal supply contracts allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of March 31, 2023 and disaggregated by segment and contract duration.
2026 and
2024
2025
Thereafter
Illinois Basin Coal Operations coal revenues
998,751
891,382
344,601
243,600
2,478,334
Appalachia Coal Operations coal revenues
646,670
550,147
325,425
1,600
1,523,842
Total coal revenues (1)
1,645,421
1,441,529
670,026
245,200
4,002,176
(1) Coal revenues generally consists of consolidated revenues excluding our Oil & Gas Royalties segment as well as intercompany revenues from our Coal Royalties segment.
12.EARNINGS PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT
We utilize the two-class method in calculating basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit ("EPU"). Subsequent to the JC Resources Acquisition, which is discussed in more detail in Note 1 – Organization and Presentation, net income attributable to ARLP is allocated to limited partners and participating securities with nonforfeitable distributions or distribution equivalents, while net losses attributable to ARLP are allocated only to limited partners but not to participating securities. Prior to the JC Resources Acquisition, in addition to limited partners and participating securities allocations, amounts are also allocated to our general partner for historical earnings from the mineral interests acquired in the JC Resources Acquisition.
Our participating securities are outstanding restricted unit awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") and phantom units in notional accounts under our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") and the MGP Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors ("Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan").
The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to ARLP used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per unit and the weighted-average units used in computing EPU for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
2022 (1)
(in thousands, except per unit data)
Net income attributable to ARLP
Adjustment:
General partner's interest in net income attributable to ARLP
(1,384)
(1,431)
Limited partners' interest in net income attributable to ARLP
Less:
Distributions to participating securities
(2,432)
(1,552)
Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities
(2,979)
Net income attributable to ARLP available to limited partners
184,390
35,100
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding – basic and diluted
127,289
127,195
Earnings per limited partner unit - basic and diluted (2)
13.WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS
The changes in the workers' compensation liability, including current and long-term liability balances, for each of the periods presented were as follows:
49,452
53,448
Changes in accruals
3,874
2,275
Payments
(3,859)
(2,804)
Interest accretion
550
287
50,017
53,206
We limit our exposure to traumatic injury claims by purchasing a high deductible insurance policy that starts paying benefits after deductibles for a claim have been met. The deductible level may vary by claim year. Our workers' compensation liability above is presented on a gross basis and does not include our expected receivables on our insurance policy. Our receivables for traumatic injury claims under this policy as of March 31, 2023 are $4.1 million and are included in Other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Certain of our mine operating entities are liable under state statutes and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to pay pneumoconiosis, or black lung, benefits to eligible employees and former employees and their dependents. Components of the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods presented are as follows:
Black lung benefits:
Service cost
669
947
Interest cost (1)
1,238
747
Net amortization (1)
346
Net periodic benefit cost
2,253
1,954
14.COMMON UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Long-Term Incentive Plan
A summary of non-vested LTIP grants as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is as follows:
Number of units
Weighted average grant date fair value per unit
Intrinsic value
Non-vested grants at January 1, 2023
3,697,133
7.40
75,126
Granted (1)
447,225
21.54
Vested (2)
(1,291,330)
5.02
Forfeited
(118,144)
6.48
Non-vested grants at March 31, 2023
2,734,884
10.88
55,163
LTIP expense for grants of restricted units was $2.3 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. The total obligation associated with LTIP grants of restricted units as of March 31, 2023 was $11.5 million and is included in the partners' capital Limited partners-common unitholders line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2023, there was $18.2 million in total unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested LTIP restricted unit grants that are expected to vest. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan
A summary of SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is as follows:
Phantom units outstanding as of January 1, 2023
742,540
20.28
15,088
Granted
23,980
21.30
Phantom units outstanding as of March 31, 2023
766,520
20.31
15,461
Total SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan expense was $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, the total obligation associated with the SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan was $15.6 million and is included in the partners' capital Limited partners-common unitholders line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
15.COMPONENTS OF PENSION PLAN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS
Eligible employees at certain of our mining operations participate in a defined benefit plan (the "Pension Plan") that we sponsor. The Pension Plan is currently closed to new applicants and participants in the Pension Plan are no longer receiving benefit accruals for service. The benefit formula for the Pension Plan is a fixed dollar unit based on years of service. Components of the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods presented are as follows:
Interest cost
1,295
932
Expected return on plan assets
(1,598)
(1,665)
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net loss
Net periodic benefit credit (1)
(83)
As a result of certain pension plan relief provided by the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in March 2021, we do not expect to make contributions to the Pension Plan during 2023.
16.SEGMENT INFORMATION
We operate in the United States as a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from the production and marketing of coal to major domestic and international utilities, metallurgical and industrial users as well as royalty income from oil & gas mineral interests. In addition, we continue to position ourselves as a reliable energy partner for the future as we pursue opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure. We aggregate multiple operating segments into four reportable segments, Illinois Basin Coal Operations, Appalachia Coal Operations, Oil & Gas Royalties and Coal Royalties. We also have an "all other" category referred to as Other, Corporate and Elimination. Our two coal operations reportable segments correspond to major coal producing regions in the eastern United States with similar economic characteristics including coal quality, geology, coal marketing opportunities, mining and transportation methods and regulatory issues. The two coal operations reportable segments include seven mining complexes operating in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and a coal loading terminal in Indiana on the Ohio River. Our Oil & Gas Royalties reportable segment includes our oil & gas mineral interests which are located primarily in the Permian (Delaware and Midland), Anadarko (SCOOP/STACK) and Williston (Bakken) basins. The operations within our Oil & Gas Royalties reportable segment primarily include receiving royalties and lease
bonuses for our oil & gas mineral interests. Our Coal Royalties reportable segment includes coal mineral reserves and resources owned or leased by Alliance Resource Properties, which are either (a) leased to our mining complexes or (b) near our coal mining operations but not yet leased.
The Illinois Basin Coal Operations reportable segment includes (a) the Gibson County Coal, LLC's ("Gibson County Coal") mining complex, (b) the Warrior Coal, LLC ("Warrior") mining complex, (c) the River View mining complex and (d) the Hamilton mining complex. The segment also includes our Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC ("Mt. Vernon") coal loading terminal in Indiana which operates on the Ohio River, Mid-America Carbonates, LLC ("MAC") and other support services, and our non-operating mining complexes.
The Appalachia Coal Operations reportable segment includes (a) the Mettiki mining complex, (b) the Tunnel Ridge mining complex and (c) the MC Mining, LLC ("MC Mining") mining complex.
The Oil & Gas Royalties reportable segment includes oil & gas mineral interests held by AR Midland, LP ("AR Midland") and AllDale I & II and includes Alliance Minerals' equity interests in both AllDale III (Note 9 – Investments) and Cavalier Minerals.
The Coal Royalties reportable segment includes coal mineral reserves and resources owned or leased by Alliance Resource Properties that are (a) leased to certain of our mining complexes in both the Illinois Basin Coal Operations and Appalachia Coal Operations reportable segments or (b) located near our operations and external mining operations. Approximately two-thirds of the coal sold by our Coal Operations' mines is leased from our Coal Royalties entities.
Other, Corporate and Elimination includes marketing and administrative activities, Matrix Design Group, LLC, its subsidiaries, and Alliance Design Group, LLC (collectively referred to as the "Matrix Group"), our investments in Francis, Infinitum and NGP ETP IV (see Note 9 – Investments), Wildcat Insurance, which assists the ARLP Partnership with its insurance requirements, AROP Funding and Alliance Finance (both discussed in Note 6 – Long-Term Debt) and other miscellaneous activities. The eliminations included in Other, Corporate and Elimination primarily represent the intercompany coal royalty transactions described above between our Coal Royalties reportable segment and our coal operations' mines.
Reportable segment results are presented below.
Revenues - Outside
Revenues - Intercompany
Total revenues (2)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)
207,069
125,799
4,424
5,388
(3,384)
339,296
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)
132,008
116,550
30,045
10,125
3,219
291,947
Total assets
840,792
459,834
768,728
326,064
392,331
Capital expenditures (5)
61,982
32,505
400
585
95,474
Revenues - Outside (1)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (1) (3)
177,589
83,715
3,277
4,819
(7,944)
261,456
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (1) (4)
78,215
51,103
30,835
10,348
2,686
173,187
Total assets (1)
704,627
425,929
718,710
291,153
153,044
2,293,463
36,547
18,345
4,261
59,153
19
The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization):
Other expense (income)
573
(567)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense
Interest expense, net
9,886
9,627
Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA
20
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Significant relationships referenced in this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations include the following:
Summary
We are a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from the production and marketing of coal to major domestic utilities, industrial users and international customers, as well as royalty income from oil & gas mineral interests located in strategic producing regions across the United States. In addition, we continue to position ourselves as a reliable energy partner for the future as we pursue opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure. We intend to pursue strategic investments that leverage our core competencies and relationships with electric utilities, industrial customers, and federal and state governments.
We are currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States with seven operating underground mining complexes near many of the major eastern utility generating plants and on major coal hauling railroads in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as a coal-loading terminal in Indiana. Two of our mines have loading facilities located on the banks of the Ohio River.
In addition to our mining operations, Alliance Resource Properties owns or leases substantially all of our measured, indicated and inferred coal mineral resources and the majority of our proved and probable coal mineral reserves in the Illinois and Appalachia Basins that are (a) leased to our internal mining complexes or (b) near other internal and external coal mining operations.
We currently own oil & gas mineral interests in approximately 65,000 net royalty acres in premier oil & gas producing regions of the United States, primarily in the Permian (Delaware and Midland), Anadarko (SCOOP/STACK), and Williston (Bakken) basins providing us with diversified exposure to industry-leading operators consistent with our general strategy to grow our oil & gas mineral interest business.
We have invested in energy and infrastructure opportunities including our investments in Francis, Infinitum, and NGP ETP IV, which are in the businesses of, respectively, electric vehicle charging stations, electric motor manufacturing, and private equity investments in renewable energy, the electrification of our economy or the efficient use of energy.
On January 27, 2023, we entered into a one-year collaborative agreement with a third party effective January 1, 2023, committing up to $35.0 million for the acquisition of oil & gas mineral interests in the Midland and Delaware basins (the "Acquisition Agreement").
On February 22, 2023, we acquired mineral interests in approximately 2,682 oil & gas net royalty acres in the Delaware Basin from JC Resources, LP ("JC Resources"), a related-party entity owned by Mr. Craft (the "JC Resources Acquisition").
For more information about the Acquisition Agreement and the JC Resources Acquisition, please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 2 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We have four reportable segments, Illinois Basin Coal Operations, Appalachia Coal Operations, Oil & Gas Royalties and Coal Royalties. We also have an "all other" category referred to as Other, Corporate and Elimination. Our two coal operations reportable segments correspond to major coal producing regions in the eastern United States with similar economic characteristics including coal quality, geology, coal marketing opportunities, mining and transportation methods and regulatory issues. Our Oil & Gas Royalties reportable segment includes our oil & gas mineral interests. Our Coal Royalties reportable segment includes coal mineral reserves and resources owned or leased by Alliance Resource Properties, which are either (a) leased to our mining complexes or (b) near our coal mining operations but not yet leased.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
(per ton / per BOE sold)
Coal - Tons sold
8,469
8,162
N/A
Coal - Tons produced
9,244
9,178
Coal - Coal sales
68.34
47.58
Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (2) (3)
335,876
261,742
39.66
32.07
Oil & Gas Royalties - BOE sold
759
544
Oil & Gas Royalties - Royalties (4)
45.42
61.35
Coal Royalties - Tons sold
5,057
5,553
Coal Royalties - Intercompany royalties
3.07
2.73
22
Total Revenues. Total revenues for the 2023 Quarter increased 43.0% to $662.9 million compared to $463.4 million for the 2022 Quarter as a result of significantly higher coal sales. Coal sales increased 49.0% to $578.8 million in the 2023 Quarter from $388.4 million in the 2022 Quarter due to $175.8 million in higher price realizations in both domestic and export markets, which reflects a 43.6% increase to $68.34 per ton sold compared to $47.58 per ton sold in the 2022 Quarter, and $14.6 million in increased coal sales volumes, reflecting a 3.8% increase compared to the 2022 Quarter.
Total operating expenses. Total operating expenses increased to $455.6 million in the 2023 Quarter, compared to $374.2 million in the 2022 Quarter, due primarily to increased coal sales volumes and inflationary pressures on certain expense items.
Net income attributable to ARLP. Increased revenues and lower income tax expense, partially offset by higher total operating expenses, led net income attributable to ARLP for the 2023 Quarter to $191.2 million, or $1.45 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $38.1 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2022 Quarter.
Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for our coal operations increased 28.3% to $335.9 million, as a result of higher coal sales volumes and ongoing inflationary cost pressures. On a per ton basis, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for our coal operations increased 23.7% to $39.66 per ton sold in the 2023 Quarter compared to $32.07 per ton in the 2022 Quarter, primarily due to certain cost increases, which are discussed below by category:
Other revenues. Other revenues principally comprised Matrix Design sales, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues, oil & gas lease bonus revenues and other miscellaneous sales and revenue activities. Other revenues increased to $19.4 million in the 2023 Quarter from $12.3 million in the 2022 Quarter. The increase of $7.1 million was primarily due to increased sales of mining technology products by our Matrix Design subsidiary.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense decreased to $4.2 million for the 2023 Quarter compared to $42.7 million for the 2022 Quarter as a result of Alliance Minerals' election during the 2022 Quarter to be treated as a taxable
23
entity for federal and state income tax purposes. We recognized a one-time non-cash income tax charge of $37.3 million during the 2022 Quarter related to this election.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Our 2023 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $118.7 million to $291.9 million from the 2022 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $173.2 million.
Increase (Decrease)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Illinois Basin Coal Operations
53,793
68.8
%
Appalachia Coal Operations
65,447
128.1
Oil & Gas Royalties
(790)
(2.6)
Coal Royalties
(223)
(2.2)
Other, Corporate and Elimination (3)
533
19.8
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)
118,760
68.6
6,190
5,882
308
5.2
2,279
2,280
(1)
(0.0)
Total tons sold
307
3.8
83,005
32.7
107,419
79.9
Total coal sales
190,424
49.0
268
14.1
112
30.9
916
(2)
Other, Corporate and Elimination
5,813
58.7
Total other revenues
7,109
57.8
29,480
16.6
42,084
50.3
1,147
35.0
569
11.8
4,560
57.4
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (4)
77,840
29.8
Volume - BOE (5)
215
39.5
1,101
3.3
Volume - Tons sold (6)
(496)
(8.9)
Intercompany coal royalties
2.3
24
Illinois Basin Coal Operations – Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased to $132.0 million in the 2023 Quarter from $78.2 million in the 2022 Quarter. The increase of $53.8 million was primarily attributable to higher coal sales, which increased 32.7% to $336.9 million in the 2023 Quarter from $253.9 million in the 2022 Quarter, partially offset by increased operating expenses. The increase in coal sales reflects higher coal sales price realizations and increased sales volumes. Coal sales price per ton sold in the 2023 Quarter increased by 26.1% compared to the 2022 Quarter reflecting improved price realizations in both the domestic and export markets. Tons sold were higher by 5.2% compared to the 2022 Quarter as a result of increased sales volumes from the Gibson South and River View mines. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased 16.6% to $207.1 million in the 2023 Quarter from $177.6 million in the 2022 Quarter primarily as a result of increased sales volumes and higher expenses per ton. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased $3.26 per ton sold to $33.45 from $30.19 per ton sold in the 2022 Quarter primarily as a result of inflationary pressures on certain expense items, most notably labor-related expenses, maintenance costs and increased sales-related expenses due to higher price realizations.
Appalachia Coal Operations – Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 128.1% to $116.6 million for the 2023 Quarter from $51.1 million in the 2022 Quarter. The increase of $65.5 million was primarily attributable to higher coal sales, which increased 79.9% to $241.9 million in the 2023 Quarter from $134.5 million in the 2022 Quarter, due to substantially higher coal sales prices. Coal sales prices increased by 80.0% compared to the 2022 Quarter primarily due to improved price realizations in both the domestic and export markets. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased 50.3% to $125.8 million in the 2023 Quarter from $83.7 million in the 2022 Quarter due to higher per ton expenses. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased $18.48 per ton sold to $55.20 compared to $36.72 per ton sold in the 2022 Quarter, as a result of increased longwall move days at the Tunnel Ridge mine, reduced recoveries at the MC Mining and Mettiki operations and inflationary pressures on certain expense items, most notably labor-related expenses, materials and maintenance costs and increased sales-related expenses due to higher price realizations.
Oil & Gas Royalties – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly to $30.0 million in the 2023 Quarter compared to $30.8 million in the 2022 Quarter primarily due to lower average sales price per BOE, partially offset by higher BOE sold. Higher BOE volumes during the 2023 Quarter resulted from increased drilling and completion activities on our properties and additional volumes from oil & gas mineral interest acquisitions.
Coal Royalties – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2.2% to $10.1 million for the 2023 Quarter compared to $10.3 million for the 2022 Quarter as a result of fewer royalty tons sold and increased selling expenses, partially offset by higher average royalty rates per ton received from our mining subsidiaries.
Reconciliation of GAAP "net income" to non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA" and reconciliation of GAAP "Operating Expenses" to non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense"
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) is defined as net income attributable to ARLP before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and general and administrative expenses. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a key component of consolidated EBITDA, which is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others. We believe that the presentation of EBITDA provides useful information to investors regarding our performance and results of operations because EBITDA, when used in conjunction with related GAAP financial measures, (i) provides additional information about our core operating performance and ability to generate and distribute cash flow, (ii) provides investors with the financial analytical framework upon which we base financial, operational, compensation and planning decisions and (iii) presents a measurement that investors, rating agencies and debt holders have indicated is useful in assessing us and our results of operations.
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a supplemental financial measure by our management for reasons similar to those stated in the previous explanation of EBITDA. In addition, the exclusion of corporate general and administrative expenses from consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA allows management to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.
The following is a reconciliation of net income, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA:
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (a non-GAAP financial measure) includes operating expenses, coal purchases, if applicable, and other expense (income). Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and, consequently, we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management to assess the operating performance of our segments. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is a key component of Segment Adjusted EBITDA in addition to coal sales, royalty revenues and other revenues. The exclusion of corporate general and administrative expenses from Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense allows management to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating performance as it primarily relates to our operating expenses.
The following is a reconciliation of operating expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense:
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We have historically satisfied our working capital requirements and funded our capital expenditures, investments, contractual obligations and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations, cash provided by the issuance of debt or equity, borrowings under credit and securitization facilities and other financing transactions. We believe that existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations and investments, borrowings under credit facilities and cash provided from the issuance of debt or equity will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and additional investments, debt payments, contractual obligations, commitments and distribution payments. Nevertheless, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements and additional investments, to satisfy our contractual obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, to service our debt obligations or to pay distributions will depend upon our future operating performance and access to and cost of financing sources, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions generally, and in both the coal and oil & gas industries specifically, as well as other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond our control. Based on our recent operating cash flow results, current cash position, anticipated future cash flows and sources of financing that we expect to have available, we anticipate being in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement and expect to have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and growth strategies. However, to the extent operating cash flow or access to and cost of financing sources are materially different than expected, future covenant compliance or liquidity may be adversely affected. Please read "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Oil & Gas Acquisitions — As of March 31, 2023, we have purchased mineral interests for $2.8 million with cash on hand under our $35.0 million Acquisition Agreement. Future acquisitions under the Acquisition Agreement are expected to be funded with cash on hand or cash generated from operations.
On February 22, 2023, we closed on the JC Resources Acquisition for $72.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand.
Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 2 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information about the Acquisition Agreement and the JC Resources Acquisition.
Credit Facility — On January 13, 2023, Alliance Coal, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with various financial institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for a $425 million revolving credit facility, which includes a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings and permits the issuance of letters of credit of up to the full amount of $425 million (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), and for a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $75 million (the "Term Loan"). The Credit Agreement matures on March 9, 2027, at which time the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Revolving Credit Facility advances and all Term Loan advances are required to be repaid in full. The Credit Agreement will instead mature on January 30, 2025, if on that date our Senior Notes are still outstanding and Alliance Coal does not have liquidity of at least $200 million. Interest is payable quarterly, with principal of the Term Loan due in quarterly installments equal to 6.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2023 and the balance payable at maturity. The Revolving Credit Facility replaces the $459.5 million revolving credit facility, which included a sublimit of $125.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit and a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings, extended to the Intermediate Partnership under its Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2020 that would have expired on March 9, 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by ARLP and certain of its subsidiaries, including the Intermediate Partnership and most of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Alliance Coal (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). The Credit Agreement also is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors and Alliance Coal. For additional information on the Credit Agreement, please see "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 6 – Long-Term Debt."
Accounts Receivable Securitization — In January 2023, we extended the term of our $60.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") from January 2023 to January 2024. For additional information on the Securitization Facility, please see "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 6 – Long-Term Debt."
Unit Repurchase Program — In May 2018, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a unit repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $100 million of ARLP common units. In January 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a $93.5 million increase to the unit repurchase program, which had $6.5 million of available
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capacity as of December 31, 2022. The program has no time limit and we may repurchase units from time to time in the open market or in other privately negotiated transactions. The unit repurchase program authorization does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of units. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we repurchased and retired 860,060 units at an average price of $21.17 for an aggregate purchase price of $18.2 million. The timing of any future unit repurchases and the ultimate number of units to be purchased will depend on a number of factors, including business and market conditions, our future financial performance, and other capital priorities. Please read "Part II - Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the unit repurchase program.
Repurchase of Senior Notes — During the 2023 Quarter, we repurchased $26.6 million of our 7.5% senior notes due 2025. At March 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 7.5% senior notes due 2025 was $373.4 million. We expect to continue such purchases on an opportunistic basis.
Shelf Registration Statement — We currently have an effective universal shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 that provides for the registration and sale of an unspecified amount of our equity or debt securities. We may over time, and subject to market conditions, in one or more offerings, offer and sell any of the securities described in the prospectus.
Cash Flows
Cash provided by operating activities was $223.3 million for the 2023 Quarter compared to $90.6 million for the 2022 Quarter. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items and favorable working capital changes related primarily to trade receivables, prepaid expenses and accrued taxes other than income taxes. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable working capital changes related primarily to other receivables, accounts payable and miscellaneous other changes compared to the 2022 Quarter.
Net cash used in investing activities was $148.7 million for the 2023 Quarter compared to $45.5 million for the 2022 Quarter. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures and the acquisition of oil & gas reserves under the JC Resources Acquisition and Acquisition Agreement. Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 2 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information about the JC Resources Acquisition and the Acquisition Agreement.
Net cash used in financing activities was $99.3 million for the 2023 Quarter compared to $39.3 million for the 2022 Quarter. The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to increased cash distributions paid to unitholders, the repurchase of senior notes during the 2023 Quarter, debt issuance costs and the purchase of units under the unit repurchase program. These increases were partially offset by increased long-term borrowings.
Cash Requirements
Management anticipates having sufficient cash flow to meet 2023 cash requirements, including capital expenditures, scheduled payments on long-term debt, lease obligations, asset retirement obligation costs and workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis costs, with our March 31, 2023 cash and cash equivalents of $271.3 million and cash flows from operations, or borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and Securitization Facility if necessary. We currently project average estimated annual maintenance capital expenditures over the next five years of approximately $7.05 per ton produced. Our anticipated total capital expenditures, including maintenance capital expenditures, for 2023 are estimated in a range of $400.0 million to $460.0 million. We will continue to have significant cash requirements over the long term, which may require us to incur debt or seek additional equity capital. The availability and cost of additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common units and several other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations.
Debt Obligations
See "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 6 – Long-Term Debt" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of our long-term debt obligations.
We also have an agreement with a bank to provide additional letters of credit in an amount of $5.0 million to maintain surety bonds to secure certain asset retirement obligations and our obligations for workers' compensation benefits. On March 31, 2023, we had $5.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under this agreement.
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Related-Party Transactions
We have related-party transactions and activities with Mr. Craft, MGP and their respective affiliates as well as other related parties. These related-party transactions and activities relate principally to (1) coal mineral leases with The Joseph W. Craft III Foundation and The Kathleen S. Craft Foundation, (2) the use of aircraft, and (3) the purchase of oil & gas mineral interests from JC Resources LP, an entity owned by Mr. Craft. Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 2 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the purchase of oil & gas mineral interests. We also have related-party transactions with (a) WKY CoalPlay, LLC regarding three mineral leases, and (b) with entities in which we hold equity investments. For more information regarding our investments, please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 9 – Investments" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Please read our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 22 – Related-Party Transactions" for additional information concerning related-party transactions.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Price Risk
We have significant long-term coal sales contracts. Most of the long-term sales contracts are subject to price adjustment provisions, which periodically permit an increase or decrease in the contract price, typically to reflect changes in specified indices or changes in production costs resulting from regulatory changes, or both.
Our results of operations are highly dependent upon the prices we receive for our coal, oil and natural gas. Regarding coal, the short-term sales contracts favored by some of our coal customers leave us more exposed to risks of declining coal price periods. Also, a significant decline in oil & gas prices would have a significant impact on our oil & gas royalty revenues.
We have exposure to coal and oil & gas sales prices and price risk for supplies that are used directly or indirectly in the normal course of coal and oil & gas production such as steel, electricity and other supplies. We manage our risk for these items through strategic sourcing contracts for normal quantities required by our operations. Historically, we have not utilized any commodity price-hedges or other derivatives related to either our sales price or supply cost risks but may do so in the future.
Credit Risk
Most of our coal is sold to U.S. electric utilities or into the international markets through brokered transactions. Therefore, our credit risk is primarily with domestic electric power generators and reputable global brokerage firms. Our policy is to independently evaluate each customer's creditworthiness prior to entering into transactions and to constantly monitor outstanding accounts receivable. When deemed appropriate by our credit management department, we will take steps to reduce our credit exposure to customers that do not meet our credit standards or whose credit has deteriorated. These steps may include obtaining letters of credit or cash collateral, requiring prepayments for shipments or establishing customer trust accounts held for our benefit in the event of a failure to pay. Such credit risks from customers may impact the borrowing capacity of our Securitization Facility. See "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 6– Long-Term Debt" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on our Securitization Facility.
Exchange Rate Risk
Almost all our transactions are denominated in United States dollars, and as a result, we do not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks. However, because coal is sold internationally in United States dollars, general economic conditions in foreign markets and changes in foreign currency exchange rates may provide our foreign competitors with a competitive advantage. If our competitors' currencies decline against the United States dollar or against foreign purchasers' local currencies, those competitors may be able to offer lower prices for coal to these purchasers. Furthermore, if the currencies of overseas purchasers were to significantly decline in value in comparison to the United States dollar, those purchasers may seek decreased prices for the coal we sell to them. Consequently, currency fluctuations could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal in international markets.
Interest Rate Risk
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Securitization Facility are at variable rates and, as a result, we have interest rate exposure on any amounts drawn under these facilities. Historically, our earnings have not been materially affected by changes in interest rates and we have not utilized interest rate derivative instruments related to our outstanding debt. We did not have an outstanding balance under either the Revolving Credit Facility or the Securitization Facility at March 31, 2023.
There were no other changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2023.
During the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in connection with our evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements and information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and certain oral statements made from time to time by our representatives, constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. When used in this document, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "foresee," "may," "outlook," "plan," "project," "potential," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, all statements relating to our future outlook, anticipated capital expenditures, future cash flows and borrowings, and sources of funding are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are:
If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statement. When considering forward-looking statements, you should also keep in mind our risk factors and legal proceedings. Known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are described in "Item 1. Legal Proceedings" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" below. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments unless required by law.
You should consider the information above when reading or considering any forward-looking statements contained in:
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ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation was initiated in November 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky (Branson v. Webster County Coal, LLC et al.) against certain of our subsidiaries in which the plaintiffs allege violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act state law due to alleged failure to compensate for time "donning" and "doffing" equipment and to account for certain bonuses in the calculation of overtime rates and pay. A similar lawsuit was initiated in March 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (Brewer v. Alliance Coal, LLC, et al.). Collectively, the plaintiffs of these two lawsuits allege damages ranging from approximately $22.2 million to $143.7 million. Subsequently, four additional lawsuits making similar allegations were initiated against certain of our subsidiaries: filed March 4, 2021 in the Circuit Court for Hopkins County, Kentucky (Johnson v. Hopkins County Coal, LLC, et al.); filed April 6, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia (Rettig v. Mettiki Coal WV, LLC, et al.); filed April 9, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (Cates v. Hamilton County Coal, LLC, et al.); and filed April 13, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (Prater v. Gibson County Coal, LLC, et al.). The plaintiffs in these cases seek class and collective action certification, which we oppose, and the courts have not yet made definitive final rulings on these issues. The plaintiffs seek to recover alleged compensatory, liquidated and/or exemplary damages for the alleged underpayment, and costs and fees that potentially may be recoverable under applicable law. We have scheduled a mediation with the plaintiffs for June 12, 2023. We believe the claims made in these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend the litigation vigorously. We do not believe this litigation will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I - Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in these reports are not our only risks. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial based on current knowledge and factual circumstances, if such knowledge or facts change, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results in the future.
Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as actual events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults, or non-performance by financial institutions or transactional counterparties, could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and our financial condition and results of operations.
Events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. Recently, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp., and then on May 1, 2023, First Republic Bank, were each swept into receivership. Although a statement by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC indicated that all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts, borrowers under credit agreements, letters of credit and certain other financial instruments with SVB, Signature Bank or any other financial institution that is placed into receivership by the FDIC may be unable to access undrawn amounts thereunder. Access to any deposits in excess of insured amounts, as well as funding under our credit arrangements could be significantly impaired by factors that affect the banks in which we hold deposits, our lenders, the financial services industry, or the economy in general. These factors could include, among others, events such as liquidity constraints or failures, the ability to perform obligations under our credit agreements, disruptions or instability in the financial services industry or financial markets, or concerns or negative expectations about the prospects for companies in the financial services industry.
In addition, investor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or
systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all. Any decline in available funding or access to our cash and liquidity resources could, among other risks, adversely impact our ability to meet our financial or other obligations. Any of these impacts, or any other impacts resulting from the factors described above or other related or similar factors, could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity and our business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On May 31, 2018, ARLP announced that the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a unit repurchase program authorizing ARLP to repurchase up to $100 million of its outstanding limited partner common units. In January 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a $93.5 million increase to the unit purchase program, which had $6.5 million of available capacity as of December 31, 2022. The unit repurchase program is intended to enhance ARLP's ability to achieve its goal of creating long-term value for its unitholders and provides another means, along with quarterly cash distributions, of returning cash to unitholders. The program has no time limit and ARLP may repurchase units from time to time in the open market or in other privately negotiated transactions. The unit repurchase program authorization does not obligate ARLP to repurchase any dollar amount or number of units and repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice.
The table below represents all unit repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Period
Total Number of Units Purchased
Average Price Paid per Unit
Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program
Maximum Dollar Value that May Yet Be Used to Repurchase Units Under the Publicly Announced Program
February 1 through February 28, 2023
21.17
81,791
As of March 31, 2023, we had repurchased 6,320,664 units as part of the unit repurchase program at an average unit price of $17.67, for an aggregate purchase price of $111.7 million since inception of the unit purchase program. The remaining authorized amount for unit purchase under this program was $81.8 million.
ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
Incorporated by Reference
ExhibitNumber
Exhibit Description
Form
SECFile No. andFilm No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
FiledHerewith*
3.1
Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
8-K
000-26823
17990766
3.2
07/28/2017
Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
10-K
18634634
3.9
02/23/2018
Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
18883834
06/06/2018
3.4
Amendment No. 3 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
3.5
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.
583595
03/29/2000
3.6
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.
3.7
Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.
S-1/A
333-78845
99669102
07/23/1999
Certificate of Formation of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC
3.10
Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC
3.11
Certificate of Formation of MGP II, LLC
3.12
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of MGP II, LLC
10.1
Eleventh Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2023.
23666549
10.54
02/24/2023
10.2
Credit Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2023, among Alliance Coal, LLC, as borrower, Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., UC Coal, LLC, UC Mining, LLC, UC Processing, LLC and MGP II, LLC as additional Alliance entities and the initial lenders, initial issuing banks and swingline bank named therein, PNC Bank, National Association as administrative agent and collateral agent and PNC Capital Markets LLC, BOKF, NA DBA Bank of Oklahoma, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, Old National Bank and Truist Securities, Inc. as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners and the other institutions named therein as documentation agents.
23540292
01/20/2023
31.1
Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated May 9, 2023, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Cary P. Marshall, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated May 9, 2023, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated May 9, 2023, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Cary P. Marshall, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated May 9, 2023, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
95.1
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act Information
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101
Interactive Data File (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 filed in Inline XBRL).
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Or furnished, in the case of Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 9, 2023.
By:
Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC
its general partner
/s/ Joseph W. Craft, III
Joseph W. Craft, III
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman, duly authorized to sign on behalfof the registrant.
/s/ Megan J. Cordle
Megan J. Cordle
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
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