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International Coal Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results

Posted on: Wednesday, 11 February 2009, 15:42 CST

SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Highlights: - Full-year Adjusted EBITDA increases 115% to $127.2 million - 2008 revenues up $247.6 million to $1.1 billion - Idling high-cost production and delaying expansion in response to market conditions - Sharply reducing 2009 capital expenditures

International Coal Group, Inc. (NYSE: ICO) today reported its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008.

-- Revenues rose 26% to $257.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $205.0 million during the same period a year ago.

-- Adjusted EBITDA, or earnings before deducting interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, impairment charges and minority interest, increased to $12.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Both revenues and EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2008 were affected by customer deferrals of higher- priced metallurgical shipments.

-- Fourth quarter 2008 financial results include non-cash asset impairment charges of $37.4 million. The pre-tax impairment charges include the previously announced $7.2 million charge for non-recoverable mine development costs related to the Sago mine closure, and a $30.2 million goodwill impairment charge related to the Company's ADDCAR subsidiary.

-- The Company reported a net loss of $37.0 million, or $0.24 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with a net loss of $127.4 million, or $0.84 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding the non-cash impairment charges, the Company would have reported fourth quarter net losses of $13.1 million in 2008 and $18.2 million in 2007.

"The global economic crisis came to bear heavily on the coal industry in the fourth quarter, as many steel companies suspended metallurgical coal shipments across the board and utilities responded to sagging electricity demand by halting spot coal purchases," said Ben Hatfield, President and CEO of ICG. "Our fourth quarter revenues were depressed by the loss of higher- priced sales - particularly metallurgical orders. Since most of our favorably priced utility contracts didn't commence shipping until January 1, 2009, our fourth quarter sales base consisted primarily of lower-priced pre-2008 contracts. Otherwise, operating performance was somewhat stronger than the third quarter, with production costs improving despite reduced shipments."

Hatfield continued, "We believe our contracting strategy, production improvements, and adjustments in response to the economic turmoil should result in improved financial performance in 2009. Approximately 92% of our planned shipments for 2009 are committed and priced at substantially higher prices than in 2008, and we have minimal exposure to the spot market during the first half of 2009.

"While our 2009 metallurgical market risk is relatively modest, we expect first-half shipments of met coal to remain weak. We are working with our customers to develop a mutually agreeable schedule for shipping contracted metallurgical orders that recognizes their constraints of reduced near-term demand. We expect all delayed met shipments to be rescheduled for future delivery."

Hatfield concluded, "We believe the long-term outlook for coal demand remains positive. Nevertheless, we have taken decisive steps to help insulate our business from the effects of reduced worldwide demand for coal by aggressively cutting capital spending, delaying expansion projects, conserving liquidity, and matching lower-cost production to existing demand."

2008 Full-Year Results

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 totaled $1.1 billion, compared to $849.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company reported Adjusted EBITDA of $127.2 million for 2008, compared to $59.1 million for 2007. Net loss for 2008 was $24.7 million, or $0.16 per share on a diluted basis, versus a net loss of $147.0 million, or $0.97 per share on a diluted basis, in 2007. The Company's 2008 and 2007 results include non-cash charges totaling $37.4 million and $170.4 million, respectively, related to the impairment of goodwill and non-recoverable mine development costs. Additionally, the Company's 2008 and 2007 results include net gains on sales of assets totaling $32.5 million and $38.7 million, respectively, including a $21.6 million non-cash gain in 2008 related to an exchange of Eastern Kentucky coal reserves.

Sales, Production and Reserves

ICG sold 4.4 million tons of coal during the fourth quarter of 2008, the same amount sold during the fourth quarter of 2007. Production totaled 4.3 million tons in the fourth quarter of 2008 versus 3.9 million tons in the fourth quarter of 2007.

For 2008, ICG sold 18.9 million tons of coal, compared to 18.3 million tons in 2007. Coal production totaled 17.8 million tons versus 16.4 million tons in 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, ICG controlled approximately 1.0 billion tons of coal reserves located primarily in Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, the company controls approximately 521 million tons of non-reserve coal deposits, which may be classified as reserves in the future as additional drilling and geotechnical work is completed.

Market Outlook and Committed Sales

While the Company believes the long-term fundamentals for coal remain strong, spot prices for the first half of 2009 are expected to remain under pressure due to high utility coal inventories, lower demand for electricity, competition from natural gas and weak demand for metallurgical coal.

In anticipation of demand remaining weak, coal producers are responding quickly by curtailing production. Previously announced industry mine closures combined with the ongoing productivity issues that affected Eastern U.S. coal producers in 2008 - difficult geology, permitting delays and heightened MSHA enforcement policies - are expected to reduce coal production. Tightened coal supply is expected to set the stage for prices to recover, once demand returns to normal levels.

The Company expects negotiations on 2009 metallurgical coal contracts to extend well beyond the normal first quarter settlement timeframe. Recovery of metallurgical coal demand will be influenced by the timing and effectiveness of global economic stimulus efforts.

-- The Company's committed and priced sales for 2009 are approximately 19.3 million tons, or 92% of planned shipments. Currently priced volume for 2009 averages approximately $61.00 per ton, excluding freight and handling expenses.

-- For 2010, committed and priced sales are approximately 10.5 million tons, or 51% of planned shipments. Currently priced volume for 2010 averages $60.00 per ton, excluding freight and handling expenses.

Operational and Other Updates

-- In response to the recent deterioration in coal pricing, the Company idled in early 2009 approximately 600,000 tons of high-cost coal production in Eastern Kentucky, including an underground mine at Flint Ridge and a surface mine loader spread at the Hazard complex. Further production cuts will be considered later in the year if anticipated market improvement does not occur.

-- Construction work on the Company's Tygart No. 1 mining complex in Taylor County, West Virginia, continues to be suspended due to a technical permitting issue cited by the West Virginia Surface Mine Board on October 7, 2008. The Company has since submitted a permit modification to address those technical concerns, and that modification is under review by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Although all efforts to resolve the permit challenges will continue until final approval is secured, the Company does not plan to resume construction on the Tygart No. 1 complex until market conditions improve sufficiently to justify the capital investment. It is currently expected that construction work may not resume before 2011.

-- The Beckley complex, which produces premium low-volatile metallurgical coal, will delay the addition of its third and final production section until market conditions improve. This delay will lower planned production by 300,000 tons in 2009. With this adjustment, Beckley's 2009 production is 100% contracted.

-- As previously announced, ICG's Wolf Run Mining Company subsidiary is permanently closing its Sago mine. The Sago mine idled production in March of 2007. After a thorough evaluation of the mine's infrastructure and remaining reserves, Wolf Run determined that the operation is no longer economically viable in today's market. The Company expects to permanently close and seal the mine in the first quarter of 2009.

Liquidity and Debt

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $63.9 million in cash on hand. Total debt as of December 31, 2008 was $455.0 million, consisting primarily of $175.0 million of 10.25% Senior Notes and $225.0 million of 9% Convertible Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $26.4 million in available borrowing capacity under its credit agreement. Fourth quarter cash requirements included $38.4 million for capital expenditures.

Outlook

Reflecting the current global economic slowdown, the Company is providing the following updated guidance:

-- For 2009, the Company expects to sell approximately 20.5 million to 21.3 million tons of coal. The average selling price is projected to be $61.50 to $63.50 per ton. The projected average cost per ton sold is $51.00 to $53.00, excluding selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company expects coal production to be approximately 19.5 million to 20.3 million tons.

-- The Company's updated outlook for its expected average coal pricing by region for 2009 is as follows:

Region 2009 Forecast Central Appalachia $67.50- $69.50 Northern Appalachia $60.50- $63.75 Illinois Basin $32.25- $32.75 Average $61.50 - $63.50

-- For 2010, the Company expects to sell 20.0 million to 21.0 million tons of coal. Coal production is expected to total 19.5 million to 20.5 million tons.

-- Due to the high degree of market uncertainty, the Company is not offering revenue or cost guidance for 2010.

-- The Company has significantly reduced its projected 2009 capital expenditures, and now expects to spend approximately $100 million.

General Information

ICG is a leading producer of coal in Northern and Central Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. The Company has 13 active mining complexes, of which 12 are located in Northern and Central Appalachia and one in Central Illinois. ICG's mining operations and reserves are strategically located to serve utility, metallurgical and industrial customers domestically and internationally.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We have used the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements: market demand for coal, electricity and steel; availability of qualified workers; future economic or capital market conditions; weather conditions or catastrophic weather-related damage; our production capabilities; consummation of financing, acquisition or disposition transactions and the effect thereof on our business; a significant number of conversions of our convertible senior notes prior to maturity; our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion or consolidation; our relationships with, and other conditions affecting, our customers; availability and costs of key supplies or commodities such as diesel fuel, steel, explosives and tires; availability and costs of capital equipment; prices of fuels which compete with or impact coal usage, such as oil and natural gas; timing of reductions or increases in customer coal inventories; long-term coal supply arrangements; risks in or related to coal mining operations, including risks related to third-party suppliers and carriers operating at our mines or complexes; unexpected maintenance and equipment failure; environmental, safety and other laws and regulations, including those directly affecting our coal mining and production, and those affecting our customers' coal usage; ability to obtain and maintain all necessary governmental permits and authorizations; competition among coal and other energy producers in the United States and internationally; railroad, barge, trucking and other transportation availability, performance and costs; employee benefits costs and labor relations issues; replacement of our reserves; our assumptions concerning economically recoverable coal reserve estimates; availability and costs of credit, surety bonds and letters of credit; title defects or loss of leasehold interests in our properties which could result in unanticipated costs or inability to mine these properties; future legislation and changes in regulations or governmental policies or changes in interpretations thereof, including with respect to safety enhancements and environmental initiatives relating to global warming; the impairment of the value of our goodwill and long-lived assets; the ongoing effect of the Sago mine accident; our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition; adequacy and sufficiency of our internal controls; and legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims and the availability of related insurance coverage.

You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release or elsewhere speaks only as of the date on which the statements were made. See also the "Risk Factors" in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings on Form 10-Q, all which are currently available on our website at www.intlcoal.com. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us or our anticipated results. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this press release except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made in this press release might not occur. All data presented herein is as of February 11, 2009 unless otherwise noted.

INTERNATIONAL COAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 REVENUES: Coal sales revenues $236,282 $178,582 $998,245 $770,663 Freight and handling revenues 9,739 14,949 45,231 29,594 Other revenues 11,706 11,431 53,260 48,898 Total revenues 257,727 204,962 1,096,736 849,155 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of coal sales 216,385 174,325 882,983 732,112 Freight and handling costs 9,739 14,949 45,231 29,594 Cost of other revenues 7,825 6,907 35,672 34,046 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 25,169 20,530 96,047 86,517 Selling, general and administrative 11,096 7,457 38,147 33,325 (Gain) loss on sale of assets, net 157 (858) (32,518) (38,656) Impairment loss 37,428 170,402 37,428 170,402 Total costs and expenses 307,799 393,712 1,102,990 1,047,340 Loss from operations (50,072) (188,750) (6,254) (198,185) INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest expense, net (12,088) (8,505) (41,107) (35,140) Other, net - (982) - 319 Total interest and other income (expense) (12,088) (9,487) (41,107) (34,821) Loss before income taxes and minority interest (62,160) (198,237) (47,361) (233,006) INCOME TAX BENEFIT 25,207 70,951 22,711 85,623 MINORITY INTEREST 3 (163) - 349 Net loss $(36,950) $(127,449) $(24,650) $(147,034) Other Data: Adjusted EBITDA (a) $12,525 $1,200 $127,221 $59,053 Earnings per share: Basic and diluted $(0.24) $(0.84) $(0.16) $(0.97) Weighted-average shares - basic and diluted 152,765,879 152,428,001 152,632,586 152,304,461 (a) This press release includes a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of applicable SEC rules and regulations. Adjusted EBITDA is a non- GAAP financial measure used by management to gauge operating performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss before deducting net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, impairment charges and minority interest. Adjusted EBITDA is not, and should not be used as, a substitute for operating income, net income and cash flow as determined in accordance with GAAP. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our performance and believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry, substantially all of which present EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. We also use Adjusted EBITDA as our executive compensation plan bases incentive compensation payments on our Adjusted EBITDA performance measured against budgets and a peer group. Our credit facility uses Adjusted EBITDA (with additional adjustments) to measure our compliance with covenants, such as interest coverage and leverage. EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is also widely used by us and others in our industry to evaluate and price potential acquisition candidates. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts. Although depreciation, depletion and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, depleted and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future. Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net loss appears at the end of this press release. INTERNATIONAL COAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007 (in thousands) December 31, 2008 2007 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $63,930 $107,150 Accounts receivable, net 75,321 83,765 Inventories, net 58,788 40,679 Deferred income taxes 17,649 5,000 Prepaid expenses and other 32,477 28,610 Total current assets 248,165 265,204 PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINE DEVELOPMENT, net 1,068,146 974,334 DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, net 10,635 13,466 ADVANCE ROYALTIES, net 17,462 14,661 GOODWILL - 30,237 OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 5,435 5,661 Total assets $1,349,843 $1,303,563 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $75,810 $70,042 Short-term debt 4,741 - Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 15,319 4,234 Current portion of reclamation and mine closure costs 11,139 7,333 Current portion of employee benefits 3,359 2,925 Accrued expenses and other 87,704 62,723 Total current liabilities 198,072 147,257 LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES 434,920 408,096 RECLAMATION AND MINE CLOSURE COSTS 68,107 78,587 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 61,194 55,132 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 42,462 52,355 BELOW-MARKET COAL SUPPLY AGREEMENTS 43,888 39,668 OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,195 8,062 Total liabilities 854,838 789,157 MINORITY INTEREST 35 35 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock 1,533 1,530 Additional paid-in capital 643,480 639,160 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,977) (5,903) Retained deficit (145,066) (120,416) Total stockholders' equity 494,970 514,371 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,349,843 $1,303,563 INTERNATIONAL COAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED Condensed Consolidated Statements of CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2008 2007 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $(24,650) $(147,034) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 96,047 86,517 Impairment loss 37,428 170,402 Write-off and amortization of deferred finance costs included in interest expense 2,831 8,291 Amortization of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 430 283 Minority interest - (349) Compensation expense on restricted stock and options 4,174 5,224 Gain on sale of assets, net (32,518) (38,656) Provision for bad debt 994 503 Deferred income taxes (23,102) (87,078) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 7,918 (13,606) Inventories (17,333) (92) Prepaid expenses and other (3,920) 3,202 Other non-current assets (2,744) (457) Accounts payable 7,116 12,588 Accrued expenses and other 24,677 11,648 Reclamation and mine closure costs (5,281) 5,509 Other liabilities 5,886 5,200 Net cash from operating activities 77,953 22,095 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from the sale of assets 8,786 46,524 Additions to property, plant, equipment and mine development (131,421) (160,431) Cash paid related to acquisitions and net assets acquired (603) (12,717) Withdrawals (deposits) of restricted cash (26) 193 Distribution to joint venture - (100) Net cash from investing activities (123,264) (126,531) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on short-term debt 6,310 26,082 Repayments on short-term debt (1,569) (45,368) Borrowings on long-term debt 3,496 65,000 Repayments on long-term debt and capital leases (6,295) (68,585) Proceeds from convertible notes offering - 225,000 Proceeds from stock options exercised 149 - Debt issuance costs - (9,285) Net cash from financing activities 2,091 192,844 NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (43,220) 88,408 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 107,150 18,742 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $63,930 $107,150 INTERNATIONAL COAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA FOR THE THREE MONTHS and Years ENDED December 31, 2008 AND 2007 (Unaudited) (in thousands) Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net loss $(36,950) $(127,449) $(24,650) $(147,034) Depreciation, depletion and amortization 25,169 20,530 96,047 86,517 Interest expense, net 12,088 8,505 41,107 35,140 Income tax benefit (25,207) (70,951) (22,711) (85,623) Impairment loss 37,428 170,402 37,428 170,402 Minority interest (3) 163 - (349) Adjusted EBITDA $12,525 $1,200 $127,221 $59,053 INTERNATIONAL COAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES OPERATING STATISTICS FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007 (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per ton amounts) Central Northern Illinois Purchased Appalachia Appalachia Basin Coal Total For the three months ended December 31, 2008: Tons sold 2,709 968 569 166 4,412 Coal sales revenues $159,540 $52,404 $17,177 $7,161 $236,282 Cost of coal sales $152,231 $45,901 $12,877 $5,376 $216,385 Coal sales revenue per ton (a) $58.91 $54.17 $30.17 $43.01 $53.56 Cost of coal sales per ton (a) $56.21 $47.45 $22.62 $32.29 $49.05 For the three months ended December 31, 2007: Tons sold 2,777 870 462 289 4,398 Coal sales revenues $118,825 $33,466 $13,641 $12,650 $178,582 Cost of coal sales $114,809 $35,802 $9,946 $13,768 $174,325 Coal sales revenue per ton (a) $42.79 $38.47 $29.53 $43.77 $40.61 Cost of coal sales per ton (a) $41.34 $41.15 $21.53 $47.64 $39.64 For the year ended December 31, 2008: Tons sold 11,617 3,937 2,331 1,029 18,914 Coal sales revenues $672,077 $209,932 $69,796 $46,440 $998,245 Cost of coal sales $595,683 $193,389 $57,424 $36,487 $882,983 Coal sales revenue per ton (a) $57.85 $53.33 $29.94 $45.10 $52.78 Cost of coal sales per ton (a) $51.28 $49.13 $24.63 $35.43 $46.68 For the year ended December 31, 2007: Tons sold 11,323 3,291 2,025 1,704 18,343 Coal sales revenues $512,352 $121,200 $60,368 $76,743 $770,663 Cost of coal sales $468,958 $147,745 $46,701 $68,708 $732,112 Coal sales revenue per ton (a) $45.25 $36.83 $29.81 $45.04 $42.01 Cost of coal sales per ton (a) $41.42 $44.89 $23.06 $40.32 $39.91 (a) "Coal sales revenue per ton" and "Cost of coal sales per ton" are calculated as Coal sales revenues or Cost of coal sales, respectively, divided by Tons sold. Although Coal sales revenue per ton and Cost of coal sales per ton are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, management believes that they are useful to an investor in evaluating performance because they are widely used in the coal industry as a measure to evaluate a company's sales performance or control over its costs. Coal sales revenue per ton and Cost of coal sales per ton should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of performance in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because Coal sales revenue and Cost of coal sales per ton are not calculated identically by all companies, ICG's presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

SOURCE International Coal Group, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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