TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) today announced that the Partnership will attend the following investor conferences:
Bank of America 2024 Leveraged Finance Conference, December 3, 2024; and
Noble Capital Markets 20 th Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference, December 4, 2024.
The Partnership will post an investor presentation ahead of the events in the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com under “Events & Presentations.”
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Investor Relations Contact Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 918-295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Adjusting estimates. While our 2024 and 2025 estimates are unchanged, we have increased our 2026 through 2030 EBITDA and EPU estimates to reflect higher year-over-year growth in oil and gas royalty volumes of 12.5% compared to our previous estimate of 2.0% which we think is too conservative based on the partnership’s record. Our commodity price deck is unchanged. We have assumed an average of $75 million per year in oil and gas reserve acquisitions in 2026 through 2030. Based on our higher forward estimates and a modest 100-basis point reduction in our discount rate to 9.5%, we have increased our price target to $33 per share from $28.
Hail to the incoming chief. We expect industries associated with the fossil fuels to benefit from the upcoming change in U.S. Presidential administrations. It is our belief that the Trump Administration may seek to roll back the EPA’s carbon emissions rule which could extend the life of existing coal-fired power plants. Moreover, we think the business climate could improve based on a move toward market-based energy policies and a reduction in regulatory burden.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Third quarter financial results. Alliance reported third quarter EBITDA and earnings per unit (EPU) of $170.7 million and $0.66, respectively, compared to $227.6 million and $1.18 during the prior year period. We had forecast adjusted EBITDA of $220.5 million and $0.82, respectively. Revenue declined 3.6% to $613.6 million because of lower coal sales prices which declined 2.1% due in part to lower export pricing in Appalachia. Operating expenses increased 13.5% due to a longwall move and challenging mining conditions at all three Appalachia operations that reduced recoveries and increased costs. The partnership also experienced a $2.3 million loss related to its equity investment in Francis Energy.
Adjusting estimates. We have lowered our 2024 EBITDA and EPU estimates to $760.1 million and $3.25, respectively, from $813.6 million and $3.60. Our estimates reflect lower coal sales and higher segment adjusted EBITDA expense per ton. Additionally, we have modestly lowered our 2025 EBITDA and EPU estimates to $831.7 million and $3.40, respectively, from $835.2 million and $3.43.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Third quarter 2024 total revenue of $613.6 million, net income of $86.3 million, and EBITDA of $170.7 million
Increased oil & gas royalty volumes to 864 MBOE, up 11.9% year-over-year
Completed $10.5 million in oil & gas mineral interest acquisitions
Declares quarterly cash distribution of $0.70 per unit, or $2.80 per unit annualized
Increased committed & priced sales tons for the 2025 full year by 5.9 million tons to 22.5 million tons
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) today reported financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (the “2024 Quarter” and “2024 Period,” respectively). This release includes comparisons of results to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 (the “2023 Quarter” and “2023 Period,” respectively) and to the quarter ended June 30, 2024 (the “Sequential Quarter”). All references in the text of this release to “net income” refer to “net income attributable to ARLP.” For a definition of EBITDA and related reconciliation to its comparable GAAP financial measure, please see the end of this release.
Total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased 3.6% to $613.6 million compared to $636.5 million for the 2023 Quarter primarily as a result of reduced coal sales prices, which declined 2.1% due in part to lower export pricing in Appalachia, and lower transportation revenues. Net income for the 2024 Quarter was $86.3 million, or $0.66 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $153.7 million, or $1.18 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Quarter as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Quarter was $170.7 million compared to $227.6 million in the 2023 Quarter.
Total revenues in the 2024 Quarter increased 3.4% compared to $593.4 million in the Sequential Quarter primarily as a result of increased coal sales volumes, which rose 6.7% to 8.4 million tons sold compared to 7.9 million tons sold. Net income and EBITDA for the 2024 Quarter decreased by 13.9% and 3.9%, respectively, compared to the Sequential Quarter as a result of higher total operating expenses, partially offset by increased revenues.
Total revenues decreased 4.3% to $1.86 billion for the 2024 Period compared to $1.94 billion for the 2023 Period primarily due to lower coal sales and transportation revenues, partially offset by higher oil & gas royalties and other revenues. Net income for the 2024 Period was $344.5 million, or $2.64 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $514.7 million, or $3.93 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Period as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in the fair value of our digital assets. EBITDA for the 2024 Period was $583.4 million compared to $747.7 million in the 2023 Period.
CEO Commentary
“We delivered sequential improvement in revenue, coal sales, and minerals volumes during the third quarter, however revenues were lower than our expectations primarily due to lower coal sales volumes and pricing related to export sales from our MC Mining, Mettiki and Hamilton operations, as well as shipping deferrals on some of our higher priced domestic contracted commitments,” commented Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President, and CEO. “Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton sold was $46.11 during the 2024 Quarter, slightly higher than the Sequential Quarter and increasing 11.9% year-over-year due to a longwall move at our Tunnel Ridge operations and challenging mining conditions at all three Appalachia operations that lowered recoveries and increased costs related to roof control and maintenance. We took proactive steps during the 2024 Quarter to more closely align production with shipments at our MC Mining, Mettiki and Hamilton operations by reducing production due to high stockpile levels at each operation which also impacted our costs. As a result, coal inventory levels declined by over 0.5 million tons in the 2024 Quarter.”
Mr. Craft added, “We are pleased to report that all of the major capital and mine infrastructure projects we have been investing in over the last several years are wrapping up and are projected to be on schedule to deliver lower mining expenses beginning next year.”
Mr. Craft concluded, “We realized another solid quarter of year-over-year volumetric growth in our Oil & Gas Royalties business. We continue to reap the benefits of a minerals portfolio that is heavily weighted towards the Permian Basin, where top-tier upstream operators are actively drilling and completing new wells on our mineral acreage. Additionally, we continued to add to our position in the Permian, successfully closing $10.5 million of ground game acquisitions during the 2024 Quarter. As we have mentioned previously, we believe the value and prospects for our oil and gas royalty segment was a major contributor to the success of our Senior Notes offering earlier this year. We remain committed to growing this segment as a complement to our core coal operations, and as we scale the business, we believe investors will continue to recognize the intrinsic value the segment possesses as a growth vehicle.”
Coal Operations
Total coal sales volumes for the 2024 Quarter increased 6.7% compared to the Sequential Quarter while remaining relatively consistent compared to the 2023 Quarter. Sequentially, tons sold increased by 3.1% in the Illinois Basin due to higher sales volumes from our River View and Hamilton mines. In Appalachia, tons sold increased by 16.9% in the 2024 Quarter compared to the Sequential Quarter primarily due to improved conditions on the Ohio River allowing for higher shipments from our Tunnel Ridge operation. Coal sales price per ton decreased by 5.8% in Appalachia compared to the 2023 Quarter as a result of reduced export price realizations from our Mettiki and MC Mining operations. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, coal sales prices decreased by 7.7% in Appalachia primarily due to reduced domestic price realizations across the region. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total coal inventory of 2.0 million tons, representing an increase of 0.2 million tons and a decrease of 0.5 million tons compared to the end of the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for the 2024 Quarter increased by 7.2% in the Illinois Basin compared to the 2023 Quarter due primarily to reduced production and higher beginning inventory cost per ton at our Hamilton and River View mines. Increased expenses and lower production at our Hamilton mine during the 2024 Quarter was partially attributable to increased longwall move days compared to the 2023 Quarter. In Appalachia, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for the 2024 Quarter increased by 19.3% compared to the 2023 Quarter due to a longwall move at our Tunnel Ridge operation, increased subsidence related expenses and challenging mining conditions at all three operations that lowered recoveries, and increased costs related to roof control and maintenance.
Royalties
Oil & gas volumes increased to 864 MBOE in the 2024 Quarter, representing an 11.9% and a 5.8% increase compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, due to increased drilling and completion activities on our interests and acquisitions of additional oil & gas mineral interests. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Oil & Gas Royalties segment decreased 8.5% and 8.2% in the 2024 Quarter compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, primarily due to reduced average realized sales prices per BOE.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Coal Royalties segment in the 2024 Quarter increased by $1.2 million and $1.1 million compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, as a result of increased royalty tons sold and reduced expenses, partially offset by reduced prices.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of September 30, 2024, total debt and finance leases outstanding were $497.4 million, including $400 million in recently issued Senior Notes due 2029. The Partnership’s total and net leverage ratios were 0.64 times and 0.39 times debt to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, as of September 30, 2024. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total liquidity of $657.7 million, which included $195.4 million of cash and cash equivalents and $462.3 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities.
Distributions
ARLP is also announcing today that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (the “Board”) approved a cash distribution to unitholders for the 2024 Quarter of $0.70 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.80 per unit), payable on November 14, 2024, to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on November 7, 2024. The announced distribution is consistent with the cash distributions for the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter.
Outlook
“We have repeatedly warned about the impact of federal regulations on grid reliability, influencing what we believe to be the premature retirement of essential baseload power sources even as significant demand growth from AI, data centers, and manufacturing onshoring is being projected,” commented Mr. Craft. “This summer’s PJM capacity auction results highlight these concerns. Recognizing a potential crisis due to unexpectedly high demand growth, the delayed construction of new generation, and planned capacity retirements, particularly in our served markets, PJM prioritized baseload capacity over interruptible sources. This further supports recent third-party sources which indicate that greater than 40% of previously announced baseload power plant retirement dates have been deferred nationwide.”
Mr. Craft concluded, “Many of our largest domestic customers have been active on the contracting side of late. Since our last update, we are in the process of finalizing commitments for 21.7 million tons over the 2025 to 2030 time period. We are also in active discussions with other customers to add to future commitments, that if secured, will lift our 2025 domestic sales order book to a level near our historical contracted position heading into the new calendar year. Looking longer-term, the underlying coal demand fundamentals of non-traditional demand growth is accelerating, particularly in the markets we serve in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.”
ARLP is maintaining the following guidance for the full year ended December 31, 2024 (the “2024 Full Year”) and updating our committed and priced sales tons:
Conference Call
A conference call regarding ARLP’s 2024 Quarter financial results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13749425.
Concurrent with this announcement we are providing qualified notice to brokers and nominees that hold ARLP units on behalf of non-U.S. investors under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b) and (d) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446(f)-4(c)(2)(iii). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of ARLP’s distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. In addition, brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of the distribution as being in excess of cumulative net income for purposes of determining the amount to withhold. Accordingly, ARLP’s distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at a rate equal to the highest applicable effective tax rate plus ten percent (10%). Nominees, and not ARLP, are treated as the withholding agents responsible for withholding on the distributions received by them on behalf of non-U.S. investors.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
The statements and projections used throughout this release are based on current expectations. These statements and projections are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. These projections do not include the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that may occur after the date of this release. We have included more information below regarding business risks that could affect our results.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: With the exception of historical matters, any matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Those forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to our future financial performance, coal and oil & gas consumption and expected future prices, our ability to increase unitholder distributions in future quarters, business plans and potential growth with respect to our energy and infrastructure transition investments, optimizing cash flows, reducing operating and capital expenditures, infrastructure projects at our existing properties, growth in domestic electricity demand, preserving liquidity and maintaining financial flexibility, and our future repurchases of units and senior notes, among others. These risks to our ability to achieve these outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: decline in the coal industry’s share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion, the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity and fuels, such as oil & gas, nuclear energy, and renewable fuels and the planned retirement of coal-fired power plants in the U.S.; our ability to provide fuel for growth in domestic energy demand, should it materialize; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position; changes in global economic and geo-political conditions or changes in industries in which our customers operate; changes in commodity prices, demand and availability which could affect our operating results and cash flows; the outcome or escalation of current hostilities in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict; the severity, magnitude and duration of any future pandemics and impacts of such pandemics and of businesses’ and governments’ responses to such pandemics on our operations and personnel, and on demand for coal, oil, and natural gas, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers and operators, available liquidity and capital sources and broader economic disruptions; actions of the major oil-producing countries with respect to oil production volumes and prices could have direct and indirect impacts over the near and long term on oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes; potential shut-ins of production by the operators of the properties in which we hold oil & gas mineral interests due to low commodity prices or the lack of downstream demand or storage capacity; risks associated with the expansion of and investments into the infrastructure of our operations and properties, including the timing of such investments coming online; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions and to successfully integrate such acquisitions into our business and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; our ability to identify and invest in new energy and infrastructure transition ventures; the success of our development plans for our wholly owned subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC, and our investments in emerging infrastructure and technology companies; dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration; adjustments made in price, volume, or terms to existing coal supply agreements; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, and the results of central bank policy actions, including interest rates, bank failures, and associated liquidity risks; the effects of and changes in taxes or tariffs and other trade measures adopted by the United States and foreign governments; legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently promulgated emissions regulations for coal-fired power plants, mining, miner health and safety, hydraulic fracturing, and health care; deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; investors’ and other stakeholders’ increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance matters; liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing; customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform; customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments; our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales; disruptions to oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in equipment, raw material, service or labor costs or availability, including due to inflationary pressures; changes in our ability to recruit, hire and maintain labor; our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees; increases in labor costs, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with workers’ compensation claims; increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather, supply chain shortage of equipment or mine supplies, or other factors; risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions; results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad; difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits; difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits, and other post-retirement benefit liabilities; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal mineral reserves and resources; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves; uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties; uncertainties in the future of the electric vehicle industry and the market for EV charging stations; the impact of current and potential changes to federal or state tax rules and regulations, including a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits; difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program; evolving cybersecurity risks, such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or others with authorized access, cyber or phishing attacks, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, or other actions; and difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control.
Additional information concerning these, and other factors can be found in ARLP’s public periodic filings with the SEC, including ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 23, 2024,and ARLP’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, filed on May 9, 2024 and August 7, 2024, respectively. Except as required by applicable securities laws, ARLP does not intend to update its forward-looking statements.
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Crude oil and natural gas prices. Because ARLP has hedge-free exposure to commodity prices within its oil and gas royalty business, we revised our model to reflect updated commodity prices. We have revised our 2024 average crude oil and natural gas price estimates to $75.97 per barrel and $2.37 per Mcf, respectively, from $77.66 and $2.32. Our average 2025 crude oil and natural gas price estimates were lowered to $68.41 per barrel and $3.17 per Mcf from $71.39 and $3.22.
Updating estimates. We have trimmed our 2024 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $813.6 million and $3.60, respectively, from $816.1 million and $3.61. Our 2025 EBITDA and EPS estimates were lowered to $835.2 million and $3.43, respectively, from $841.0 million and $3.47. Beyond hedge-free exposure to crude oil and natural gas, ARLP’s ownership of bitcoin may also influence results. As of June 30, Alliance owned 452 bitcoins. On June 30, the price of a bitcoin closed at $62,678.29 compared to $63,329.50 on September 30. The bitcoin price closed at $67,640.84 on October 16. While there is a futures market, we generally do not try to predict the price of bitcoin or how many coins the partnership may sell during any given quarter.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, October 28, 2024. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.
To participate in the conference call, dial U.S. Toll Free (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13749425.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Investor Relations Contact Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (918) 295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Second quarter financial results. Alliance reported second quarter EBITDA and earnings per unit (EPU) of $177.7 million and $0.77, respectively, compared to $249.2 million and $1.30 during the prior year period. We had forecast EBITDA and EPU of $196.9 million and $0.86. Revenue declined 7.6% to $593.4 million due to lower coal sales volumes, which declined 11.8% due to transportation delays that were partially offset by higher coal sales price realizations which increased 3.8% to $65.30 per ton. Alliance experienced a $3.7 million, or $0.03 per unit, decrease in the fair value of the partnership’s digital assets. Roughly 500,000 tons of coal sales were deferred and are expected to be made up during the remainder of the year.
Updated 2024 corporate guidance. Management updated its 2024 guidance which calls for lower coal sales volumes and higher oil and gas royalty volumes. The lower coal sales guidance is based on uncertainty associated with coal export sales. While the guidance for coal sales volume was lowered, sales price realization expectations were increased at the midpoint of guidance.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Second quarter 2024 total revenue of $593.4 million, net income of $100.2 million, and EBITDA of $177.7 million
Coal sales price realizations of $65.30 per ton sold, up 3.8% year-over-year
Increased oil & gas royalty volumes to 817 MBOE, up 6.8% year-over-year
In June 2024, issued $400 million in 8.625% Senior Notes due 2029 and redeemed outstanding balance of Senior Notes due 2025
Extended revolving credit facility maturity to March 2028
Enhanced liquidity position to $666.0 million, which included $203.7 million in cash and $462.3 million of borrowings available under credit facilities
In July 2024, declared quarterly cash distribution of $0.70 per unit, or $2.80 per unit annualized
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Operating Data table the figure for INCOME FROM OPERATIONS for the Three Months Ended June 2023 should read: 183,929 (instead of 10183,929).
The updated release reads:
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS; DECLARES QUARTERLY CASH DISTRIBUTION OF $0.70 PER UNIT AND UPDATES 2024 GUIDANCE
2024 Quarter Highlights
Second quarter 2024 total revenue of $593.4 million, net income of $100.2 million, and EBITDA of $177.7 million
Coal sales price realizations of $65.30 per ton sold, up 3.8% year-over-year
Increased oil & gas royalty volumes to 817 MBOE, up 6.8% year-over-year
In June 2024, issued $400 million in 8.625% Senior Notes due 2029 and redeemed outstanding balance of Senior Notes due 2025
Extended revolving credit facility maturity to March 2028
Enhanced liquidity position to $666.0 million, which included $203.7 million in cash and $462.3 million of borrowings available under credit facilities
In July 2024, declared quarterly cash distribution of $0.70 per unit, or $2.80 per unit annualized
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) today reported financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (the “2024 Quarter” and “2024 Period,” respectively). This release includes comparisons of results to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (the “2023 Quarter” and “2023 Period,” respectively) and to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “Sequential Quarter”). All references in the text of this release to “net income” refer to “net income attributable to ARLP.” For a definition of EBITDA and related reconciliation to its comparable GAAP financial measure, please see the end of this release.
Total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased 7.6% to $593.4 million compared to $641.8 million for the 2023 Quarter primarily as a result of reduced coal sales volumes, which declined 11.8% primarily due to transportation delays, partially offset by increased coal sales price realizations, which rose 3.8% to $65.30 per ton sold in the 2024 Quarter compared to $62.93 per ton sold in the 2023 Quarter. Net income for the 2024 Quarter was $100.2 million, or $0.77 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $169.8 million, or $1.30 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Quarter as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Quarter was $177.7 million compared to $249.2 million in the 2023 Quarter.
Compared to the Sequential Quarter, total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased 9.0% primarily as a result of lower tons sold. Lower revenues and a $3.7 million reduction in the fair value of our digital assets, partially offset by reduced operating expenses, reduced net income and EBITDA by 36.6% and 24.4%, respectively, compared to the Sequential Quarter.
Total revenues decreased 4.6% to $1.25 billion for the 2024 Period compared to $1.30 billion for the 2023 Period primarily due to lower coal sales, partially offset by higher oil & gas royalties and other revenues. Net income for the 2024 Period was $258.2 million, or $1.98 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $361.0 million, or $2.75 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Period as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Period was $412.7 million compared to $520.1 million in the 2023 Period.
CEO Commentary
“During the 2024 Quarter we enhanced our liquidity position,” highlighted Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “The successful completion of our Senior Notes offering further strengthened our balance sheet and represents a vote of confidence from the capital markets for our business strategy and plans for execution. As we have said time and again, reliable, affordable, baseload energy is a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, and our strong financial position means we are well-positioned to provide strategic energy supply from our well-capitalized and strategically located coal mines and growing minerals acreage portfolio for many years to come.”
“Coal sales volumes during the 2024 Quarter were impacted by flooding on the Ohio River delaying barge deliveries. Rail and port logistics were disrupted by the Baltimore bridge incident, which as time progressed impacted shipments from our Appalachia rail operations. These delays, combined with lower export sales, lifted our inventories higher by 0.8 million tons compared to the Sequential Quarter,” commented Mr. Craft. “Our well-contracted order book continued to provide stability for our business, delivering improvements in coal sales pricing per ton compared to both the 2023 Quarter and the Sequential Quarter. Additionally, our Oil & Gas Royalties segment reported a 6.8% increase in BOE volumes year-over-year during the 2024 Quarter as our Permian-weighted minerals portfolio continues to realize production growth from recently drilled and completed wells.”
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of June 30, 2024, total debt and finance leases outstanding were $503.9 million, including $400 million in newly issued Senior Notes due 2029. The Partnership’s total and net leverage ratios were 0.61 times and 0.36 times debt to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, as of June 30, 2024. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total liquidity of $666.0 million, which included $203.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $462.3 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities.
During the 2024 Quarter, the Partnership issued $400 million in 8.625% Senior Notes due 2029 and redeemed the outstanding balance of $284.6 million in ARLP’s 7.5% Senior Notes due 2025. The Partnership also amended its revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date to March 9, 2028.
Distributions
On July 26, 2024, we announced that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (the “Board”) approved a cash distribution to unitholders for the 2024 Quarter of $0.70 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.80 per unit), payable on August 14, 2024, to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on August 7, 2024. The announced distribution is consistent with the cash distributions for the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter.
Outlook
“For the first half of 2024, utility coal burn has been essentially flat with 2023,” commented Mr. Craft. “Since the start of this summer, cooling demand has been strong across many parts of the country driven by recent record-breaking temperatures and accelerating coal-based power generation. This is encouraging considering the very mild 2024 winter and persistently low natural gas prices. At the same time, while demand is holding up, U.S. thermal coal production has slowed significantly (Eastern U.S. production down 11% year-over-year) as utilities are relying on consuming coal from their elevated inventories to meet this demand. Weather forecasts suggest this heat wave will continue through August and an industry publication is projecting demand will exceed supply by close to 20 million tons in the second half of 2024.”
“Turning to the export markets, net back pricing for high sulfur Illinois Basin coal has declined to a level that we have decided it is prudent to slow down production for the back half of the year. Therefore, we are adjusting 2024 full-year guidance for our coal operations. At the midpoint, we now expect to sell approximately 34.0 million tons in 2024, or 2.6% below the mid-point of our original guidance for the year. Due to the increased summer burn, we now expect more than half of our uncontracted tonnage position will be sold in the domestic market.”
Mr. Craft continued, “Looking at our Oil & Gas Royalties platform, year-to-date performance and continued strong activity across our Permian Basin acreage has set the tone for another robust year. As a result, we are pleased to increase volumetric guidance across all three commodity streams within our Oil & Gas Royalties segment.”
Mr. Craft concluded, “The increase in coal-fired generation and inventory drawdown is constructive for the U.S. thermal coal market and for ARLP as we look forward to next year and beyond. We remain confident in the core fundamentals expected to drive rapid growth in electricity demand for many years to come, including the increasing power requirements stemming from AI, data centers, and the onshoring of U.S. manufacturing.”
Conference Call
A conference call regarding ARLP’s 2024 Quarter financial results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com .
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13747640.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com . For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com .
The statements and projections used throughout this release are based on current expectations. These statements and projections are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. These projections do not include the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that may occur after the date of this release. We have included more information below regarding business risks that could affect our results.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: With the exception of historical matters, any matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Those forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to our future financial performance, coal and oil & gas consumption and expected future prices, our ability to increase unitholder distributions in future quarters, business plans and potential growth with respect to our energy and infrastructure transition investments, optimizing cash flows, reducing operating and capital expenditures, infrastructure projects at our existing properties, growth in domestic electricity demand, preserving liquidity and maintaining financial flexibility, and our future repurchases of units and senior notes, among others. These risks to our ability to achieve these outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: decline in the coal industry’s share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion, the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity and fuels, such as oil & gas, nuclear energy, and renewable fuels and the planned retirement of coal-fired power plants in the U.S.; our ability to provide fuel for growth in domestic energy demand, should it materialize; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position; changes in global economic and geo-political conditions or changes in industries in which our customers operate; changes in commodity prices, demand and availability which could affect our operating results and cash flows; the outcome or escalation of current hostilities in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict; the severity, magnitude and duration of any future pandemics and impacts of such pandemics and of businesses’ and governments’ responses to such pandemics on our operations and personnel, and on demand for coal, oil, and natural gas, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers and operators, available liquidity and capital sources and broader economic disruptions; actions of the major oil-producing countries with respect to oil production volumes and prices could have direct and indirect impacts over the near and long term on oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes; potential shut-ins of production by the operators of the properties in which we hold oil & gas mineral interests due to low commodity prices or the lack of downstream demand or storage capacity; risks associated with the expansion of and investments into the infrastructure of our operations and properties; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions and to successfully integrate such acquisitions into our business and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; our ability to identify and invest in new energy and infrastructure transition ventures; the success of our development plans for our wholly owned subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC, and our investments in emerging infrastructure and technology companies; dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration; adjustments made in price, volume, or terms to existing coal supply agreements; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, central bank policy actions including interest rates, bank failures and associated liquidity risks; the effects of and changes in taxes or tariffs and other trade measures adopted by the United States and foreign governments; legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently promulgated emissions regulations for coal-fired power plants, mining, miner health and safety, hydraulic fracturing, and health care; deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; investors’ and other stakeholders’ increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance matters; liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing; customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform; customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments; our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales; disruptions to oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in equipment, raw material, service or labor costs or availability, including due to inflationary pressures; changes in our ability to recruit, hire and maintain labor; our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees; increases in labor costs including costs of health insurance and taxes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with workers’ compensation claims; increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather, supply chain shortage of equipment or mine supplies, or other factors; risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions; results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad; difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits; difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits, and other post-retirement benefit liabilities; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal mineral reserves and resources; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves; uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties; uncertainties in the future of the electric vehicle industry and the market for EV charging stations; the impact of current and potential changes to federal or state tax rules and regulations, including a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits; difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program; evolving cybersecurity risks, such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or others with authorized access, cyber or phishing attacks, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, or other actions; and difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control.
Additional information concerning these, and other factors can be found in ARLP’s public periodic filings with the SEC, including ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 23, 2024,and ARLP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed on May 9, 2024. Except as required by applicable securities laws, ARLP does not intend to update its forward-looking statements.
Second quarter 2024 total revenue of $593.4 million, net income of $100.2 million, and EBITDA of $177.7 million
Coal sales price realizations of $65.30 per ton sold, up 3.8% year-over-year
Increased oil & gas royalty volumes to 817 MBOE, up 6.8% year-over-year
In June 2024, issued $400 million in 8.625% Senior Notes due 2029 and redeemed outstanding balance of Senior Notes due 2025
Extended revolving credit facility maturity to March 2028
Enhanced liquidity position to $666.0 million, which included $203.7 million in cash and $462.3 million of borrowings available under credit facilities
In July 2024, declared quarterly cash distribution of $0.70 per unit, or $2.80 per unit annualized
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) today reported financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (the “2024 Quarter” and “2024 Period,” respectively). This release includes comparisons of results to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (the “2023 Quarter” and “2023 Period,” respectively) and to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “Sequential Quarter”). All references in the text of this release to “net income” refer to “net income attributable to ARLP.” For a definition of EBITDA and related reconciliation to its comparable GAAP financial measure, please see the end of this release.
Total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased 7.6% to $593.4 million compared to $641.8 million for the 2023 Quarter primarily as a result of reduced coal sales volumes, which declined 11.8% primarily due to transportation delays, partially offset by increased coal sales price realizations, which rose 3.8% to $65.30 per ton sold in the 2024 Quarter compared to $62.93 per ton sold in the 2023 Quarter. Net income for the 2024 Quarter was $100.2 million, or $0.77 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $169.8 million, or $1.30 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Quarter as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Quarter was $177.7 million compared to $249.2 million in the 2023 Quarter.
Compared to the Sequential Quarter, total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased 9.0% primarily as a result of lower tons sold. Lower revenues and a $3.7 million reduction in the fair value of our digital assets, partially offset by reduced operating expenses, reduced net income and EBITDA by 36.6% and 24.4%, respectively, compared to the Sequential Quarter.
Total revenues decreased 4.6% to $1.25 billion for the 2024 Period compared to $1.30 billion for the 2023 Period primarily due to lower coal sales, partially offset by higher oil & gas royalties and other revenues. Net income for the 2024 Period was $258.2 million, or $1.98 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $361.0 million, or $2.75 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Period as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Period was $412.7 million compared to $520.1 million in the 2023 Period.
CEO Commentary
“During the 2024 Quarter we enhanced our liquidity position,” highlighted Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “The successful completion of our Senior Notes offering further strengthened our balance sheet and represents a vote of confidence from the capital markets for our business strategy and plans for execution. As we have said time and again, reliable, affordable, baseload energy is a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, and our strong financial position means we are well-positioned to provide strategic energy supply from our well-capitalized and strategically located coal mines and growing minerals acreage portfolio for many years to come.”
“Coal sales volumes during the 2024 Quarter were impacted by flooding on the Ohio River delaying barge deliveries. Rail and port logistics were disrupted by the Baltimore bridge incident, which as time progressed impacted shipments from our Appalachia rail operations. These delays, combined with lower export sales, lifted our inventories higher by 0.8 million tons compared to the Sequential Quarter,” commented Mr. Craft. “Our well-contracted order book continued to provide stability for our business, delivering improvements in coal sales pricing per ton compared to both the 2023 Quarter and the Sequential Quarter. Additionally, our Oil & Gas Royalties segment reported a 6.8% increase in BOE volumes year-over-year during the 2024 Quarter as our Permian-weighted minerals portfolio continues to realize production growth from recently drilled and completed wells.”
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of June 30, 2024, total debt and finance leases outstanding were $503.9 million, including $400 million in newly issued Senior Notes due 2029. The Partnership’s total and net leverage ratios were 0.61 times and 0.36 times debt to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, as of June 30, 2024. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total liquidity of $666.0 million, which included $203.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $462.3 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities.
During the 2024 Quarter, the Partnership issued $400 million in 8.625% Senior Notes due 2029 and redeemed the outstanding balance of $284.6 million in ARLP’s 7.5% Senior Notes due 2025. The Partnership also amended its revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date to March 9, 2028.
Distributions
On July 26, 2024, we announced that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (the “Board”) approved a cash distribution to unitholders for the 2024 Quarter of $0.70 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.80 per unit), payable on August 14, 2024, to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on August 7, 2024. The announced distribution is consistent with the cash distributions for the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter.
Outlook
“For the first half of 2024, utility coal burn has been essentially flat with 2023,” commented Mr. Craft. “Since the start of this summer, cooling demand has been strong across many parts of the country driven by recent record-breaking temperatures and accelerating coal-based power generation. This is encouraging considering the very mild 2024 winter and persistently low natural gas prices. At the same time, while demand is holding up, U.S. thermal coal production has slowed significantly (Eastern U.S. production down 11% year-over-year) as utilities are relying on consuming coal from their elevated inventories to meet this demand. Weather forecasts suggest this heat wave will continue through August and an industry publication is projecting demand will exceed supply by close to 20 million tons in the second half of 2024.”
“Turning to the export markets, net back pricing for high sulfur Illinois Basin coal has declined to a level that we have decided it is prudent to slow down production for the back half of the year. Therefore, we are adjusting 2024 full-year guidance for our coal operations. At the midpoint, we now expect to sell approximately 34.0 million tons in 2024, or 2.6% below the mid-point of our original guidance for the year. Due to the increased summer burn, we now expect more than half of our uncontracted tonnage position will be sold in the domestic market.”
Mr. Craft continued, “Looking at our Oil & Gas Royalties platform, year-to-date performance and continued strong activity across our Permian Basin acreage has set the tone for another robust year. As a result, we are pleased to increase volumetric guidance across all three commodity streams within our Oil & Gas Royalties segment.”
Mr. Craft concluded, “The increase in coal-fired generation and inventory drawdown is constructive for the U.S. thermal coal market and for ARLP as we look forward to next year and beyond. We remain confident in the core fundamentals expected to drive rapid growth in electricity demand for many years to come, including the increasing power requirements stemming from AI, data centers, and the onshoring of U.S. manufacturing.”
Conference Call
A conference call regarding ARLP’s 2024 Quarter financial results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com .
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13747640.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com . For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com .
The statements and projections used throughout this release are based on current expectations. These statements and projections are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. These projections do not include the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that may occur after the date of this release. We have included more information below regarding business risks that could affect our results.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: With the exception of historical matters, any matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Those forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to our future financial performance, coal and oil & gas consumption and expected future prices, our ability to increase unitholder distributions in future quarters, business plans and potential growth with respect to our energy and infrastructure transition investments, optimizing cash flows, reducing operating and capital expenditures, infrastructure projects at our existing properties, growth in domestic electricity demand, preserving liquidity and maintaining financial flexibility, and our future repurchases of units and senior notes, among others. These risks to our ability to achieve these outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: decline in the coal industry’s share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion, the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity and fuels, such as oil & gas, nuclear energy, and renewable fuels and the planned retirement of coal-fired power plants in the U.S.; our ability to provide fuel for growth in domestic energy demand, should it materialize; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position; changes in global economic and geo-political conditions or changes in industries in which our customers operate; changes in commodity prices, demand and availability which could affect our operating results and cash flows; the outcome or escalation of current hostilities in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict; the severity, magnitude and duration of any future pandemics and impacts of such pandemics and of businesses’ and governments’ responses to such pandemics on our operations and personnel, and on demand for coal, oil, and natural gas, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers and operators, available liquidity and capital sources and broader economic disruptions; actions of the major oil-producing countries with respect to oil production volumes and prices could have direct and indirect impacts over the near and long term on oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes; potential shut-ins of production by the operators of the properties in which we hold oil & gas mineral interests due to low commodity prices or the lack of downstream demand or storage capacity; risks associated with the expansion of and investments into the infrastructure of our operations and properties; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions and to successfully integrate such acquisitions into our business and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; our ability to identify and invest in new energy and infrastructure transition ventures; the success of our development plans for our wholly owned subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC, and our investments in emerging infrastructure and technology companies; dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration; adjustments made in price, volume, or terms to existing coal supply agreements; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, central bank policy actions including interest rates, bank failures and associated liquidity risks; the effects of and changes in taxes or tariffs and other trade measures adopted by the United States and foreign governments; legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently promulgated emissions regulations for coal-fired power plants, mining, miner health and safety, hydraulic fracturing, and health care; deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; investors’ and other stakeholders’ increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance matters; liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing; customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform; customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments; our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales; disruptions to oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in equipment, raw material, service or labor costs or availability, including due to inflationary pressures; changes in our ability to recruit, hire and maintain labor; our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees; increases in labor costs including costs of health insurance and taxes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with workers’ compensation claims; increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather, supply chain shortage of equipment or mine supplies, or other factors; risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions; results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad; difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits; difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits, and other post-retirement benefit liabilities; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal mineral reserves and resources; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves; uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties; uncertainties in the future of the electric vehicle industry and the market for EV charging stations; the impact of current and potential changes to federal or state tax rules and regulations, including a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits; difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program; evolving cybersecurity risks, such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or others with authorized access, cyber or phishing attacks, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, or other actions; and difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control.
Additional information concerning these, and other factors can be found in ARLP’s public periodic filings with the SEC, including ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 23, 2024,and ARLP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed on May 9, 2024. Except as required by applicable securities laws, ARLP does not intend to update its forward-looking statements.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) today announced that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (“Board of Directors”) approved a cash distribution to its unitholders for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 (the “2024 Quarter”).
ARLP unitholders of record as of the close of trading on August 7, 2024 will receive a cash distribution for the 2024 Quarter of $0.70 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.80 per unit), payable on August 14, 2024. The announced distribution is consistent with the cash distributions of $0.70 per unit for the quarters ended June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
As previously announced, ARLP will report financial results for the 2024 Quarter before the market opens on Monday, July 29, 2024 and Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.
To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13747640.
In addition to the cash distribution for the 2024 Quarter, ARLP is announcing that John H. Robinson will retire from the Board of Directors at the end of the year.
“John has been an invaluable asset of Alliance since 1999,” said Mr. Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President and CEO of ARLP’s general partner. “John’s service on the Board of Directors has been instrumental to ARLP’s success since its inception and we are grateful for his thoughtful guidance over the years and wish him the best in retirement.”
Mr. Robinson has stepped down as Chairman of the Compensation Committee, but he will remain a member of the Audit, Compensation and Conflicts Committee until his retirement at the end of the year. Board of Director member Nick Carter, who is a member of the Compensation Committee, has been appointed as Chairman of such committee. In addition, Wilson M. Torrence, who is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, has been appointed as a member of the Conflicts Committee.
ARLP is also announcing that on July 24, 2024, Paul H. Vining has been elected to the Board of Directors and will serve as the board’s lead director. In such capacity, Mr. Vining will assist the Board of Directors and ARLP’s management team on planning and other initiatives as directed from time to time by the Board of Directors or Mr. Craft.
“I am pleased to welcome Paul to the ARLP team,” Mr. Craft said. “Paul’s extensive background and leadership in the natural resources mining industry brings a unique level of knowledge and experience of global energy markets to the Board of Directors. We look forward to working with Paul as lead director to continue positioning ARLP as a reliable energy provider now and into the future.”
Mr. Vining has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Westmoreland Mining, LLC, a privately held coal producer, since October 2019, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Frazier Quarry Inc. since July 2023. From May through July 2022, Mr. Vining served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Allegiance Coal Limited (ASX: AHQ) and from 2016 to 2019 served as a member of the Board of Directors of the general partner of then NYSE-listed Foresight Energy LP. Mr. Vining began his career in 1979 as a mineral engineer and has held a variety of senior executive positions over the years with several companies, including as Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Refining Company throughout 2022, Executive Vice President Global Investment and Development for Xcoal Energy and Resources LLC from 2019 to 2021, and Chief Executive Officer of The Cline Group, LLC from 2015 to 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Vining held senior executive positions in several major companies including as Chief Operating Officer and then President of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., President and Chief Operating Officer of Patriot Coal Company, Chief Executive Officer of Magnum Coal Company, Chief Commercial Officer of Arch Coal Inc. and Chief Commercial Officer of Peabody Energy, Corporation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Vining held various commercial and marketing positions at Massey Energy Company, Occidental Petroleum Corp., and ENI S.p.A. Mr. Vining holds a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree in Mining and Minerals Engineering from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary.
In addition to news regarding the Board of Directors, ARLP is announcing that Mark A. Watson has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President – Operations and Technology of the Partnership’s general partner.
“Please join me in congratulating Mark on his promotion to Senior Vice President,” commented Mr. Craft. “Mark has been with Alliance since starting as an intern in 1994, holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, and has contributed significantly to the operations side as well as the technology development side of ARLP’s business over many years. Mark’s strong leadership and expertise at our Matrix Design Group (“Matrix”) has seen Matrix expand its products and services beyond the domestic underground mining industry into the international mining and industrial markets positioning Matrix to accelerate innovation and growth at ARLP. In Mark’s expanded role he will continue to lead Matrix as well as advance other technology growth opportunities in different markets for ARLP.”
Concurrent with this announcement we are providing qualified notice to brokers and nominees that hold ARLP units on behalf of non-U.S. investors under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b) and (d) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446(f)-4(c)(2)(iii). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of ARLP’s distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. In addition, brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of the distribution as being in excess of cumulative net income for purposes of determining the amount to withhold. Accordingly, ARLP’s distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at a rate equal to the highest applicable effective tax rate plus ten percent (10%). Nominees, and not ARLP, are treated as the withholding agents responsible for withholding on the distributions received by them on behalf of non-U.S. investors.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Investor Relations Contact
Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 918-295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its second quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, July 29, 2024. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.
To participate in the conference call, dial U.S. Toll Free (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13747640.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Investor Relations Contact Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (918) 295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Senior notes offering. Alliance recently completed a $400 million private offering of 8.625% senior unsecured notes due in 2029. A portion of the net proceeds will fund the redemption of its outstanding 7.5% senior notes due in 2025. Alliance delivered a notice of redemption for all outstanding 2025 notes. The redemption price for the 2025 notes is 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, which is expected to be June 28. As of March 31, senior notes outstanding were $284.6 million.
Second quarter coal shipments. The partnership’s April 2024 coal sales volumes declined 15% to ~2.4 million tons versus ~2.9 million tons during the prior year month. In Appalachia, coal sales volumes decreased 48.2% compared to April 2023 due to the loss of 10 shipping days as a result of high-water events that impacted loading at the Tunnel Ridge complex, along with deferred shipments due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. In the Illinois Basin, coal sales volume remained relatively consistent with April 2023. Lower volumes at River View due to slowing barge traffic were almost entirely offset by higher volumes at Gibson South due to spot export sales. Volumes deferred at River View and Tunnel Ridge amounted to 420,000 tons and 77,000 tons, respectively, and are expected to be shipped throughout the balance of 2024.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP”) announced today that Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P. (“AROP”), the intermediate partnership of ARLP, and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation, AROP’s wholly owned subsidiary, priced the previously announced private placement of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior unsecured notes due 2029 (the “New Notes”). The New Notes will be issued at par. The offering is expected to close on or about June 12, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
AROP expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the New Notes to fund the redemption of its outstanding 7.5% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and the remaining for general corporate purposes. On May 29, 2024, AROP delivered a conditional notice of redemption, subject to consummation of the offering of the New Notes, for all of the outstanding 2025 Notes. The redemption price for the 2025 Notes is 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, which is expected to be June 28, 2024. This communication shall not constitute a notice of redemption under the indenture governing the 2025 Notes.
The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or under the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. Thus, the New Notes may be offered only in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The New Notes are offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. The New Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the New Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
Certain statements and information in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding the intended use of proceeds. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements represent ARLP’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of ARLP’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, ARLP does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for ARLP to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in ARLP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The risk factors and other factors noted in ARLP’s SEC filings could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
