2014 Annual Report
Directors (and Committee assignments)
J. Brett Harvey
Chairman of the Board
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
Director and President and Chief Executive Officer
Philip W. Baxter
Lead Independent Director and Member of the Audit Committee,
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
the Compensation Committee and the
James E. Altmeyer, Sr.
Chairman of the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee and Member of the Finance Committee
Alvin R. Carpenter
Chairman of the Compensation Committee and Member of the Finance Committee
William E. Davis
Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Member of the Health, Safety and
Environmental Committee
Raj K. Gupta
Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
David C. Hardesty, Jr.
Member of the Finance Committee and the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
Maureen E. Lally-Green
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Health, Safety and Environmental
Committee
Gregory A. Lanham
Member of the Compensation Committee and the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
John T. Mills
Member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee
William P. Powell
Member of the Finance Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
William N. Thorndike, Jr.
Member of the Compensation Committee and the Finance Committee
Joseph T. Williams
Chairman of the Finance Committee and Member of the Compensation Committee
Executive Officers
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
President and Chief Executive Officer
David M. Khani
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Stephen W. Johnson
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer
James C. Grech
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
James A. Brock
Chief Operating Officer – Coal
Timothy C. Dugan
Chief Operating Officer – Exploration and Production
March 25, 2015
To the Shareholders of CONSOL Energy Inc.:
In 2014, CONSOL Energy focused on a global strategy of increasing net asset value per share (“NAV”) across all facets of
the business. Our emphasis on NAV is driven by a strong belief that the intrinsic value of the company’s top tier asset base
exceeds the current value assigned to those assets by the markets. NAV is a theme you will find woven throughout every
strategic decision and every action taken by our management team and the dedicated employees of CONSOL Energy. Over
the past couple of years we have increased our transparency to help the investment community understand how we navigate
through the energy environment and capitalize on our strong asset base. We hope this increased transparency and our
disciplined investment approach has gained your confidence in how we manage your investment.
We entered the year with tremendous momentum, buoyed by a transformative 2013, which strategically re-positioned the
company in an evolving energy landscape. In 2014, we celebrated 150 years operating in the business of delivering British
Thermal Units (BTUs). This sesquicentennial anniversary represents a landmark accomplishment we are very proud of, and
one that speaks to our commitment to being an innovator in the energy space, as well as a good corporate citizen. With 150
years under our belt, it’s clear that CONSOL Energy continues to be a leader in the energy industry.
We increased production in line with our strategy at the beginning of the year while, at the same time, continuing to drive
down costs; we strengthened our core values and introduced measures aimed at making us a safer, more compliant and
efficient operator; we are gaining momentum by the day and have positioned the company to compete, thrive and continue to
unlock the inherent value of our best-in-class assets.
Each of our successes, goals and objectives are built upon the underpinning of our core values – safety, compliance and
continuous improvement, which continue to serve as the foundation of our business model. Our emphasis on, and investment
in, safety and compliance not only drive NAV through reduced costs over the long term, but they also increase reliability for
our customers, which is a key differentiator from many of our peers.
An important illustration of our commitment to these values occurred during the fourth quarter of 2014, when a midstream
company that handles and processes a portion of our gas and liquids suffered a fatality on a site adjacent to a CONSOL
Energy pad. As a result of this tragedy, we elected to shut-in pads serviced by this midstream provider while safety practices
and protocols were evaluated and improved. As a result of this process, we estimate that the shut-in pads accounted for 2.7
Bcfe worth of lost production in the quarter.
We will never prioritize operational or financial goals at the expense of safety, and I am very proud of the way in which our
team handled this matter: never compromising our top core value.
Core Values
Throughout the year, a behavioral training program called ‘Positively CONSOL’ was introduced to the company, beginning
with coal and E&P operations personnel. In an effort to further engender the concepts embodied in Positively CONSOL
within the larger corporate culture, the training was ultimately presented to all operational and corporate support staff.
Positively CONSOL is strengthening our Absolute ZERO safety culture and focusing attention on behaviors that drive
decision-making, and positioning the team to be safer, more efficient and effective in their daily work towards achieving our
key goals for the year and beyond, ultimately driving increased value for our shareholders.
The effort is showing encouraging results, specifically related to the top core value of safety, as number four and five fatal
potential exceptions – on a five point scale – were reduced by 44 percent during 2014. During 2014, 98 percent of the
company’s employees worked the entire year without a reportable accident, and 70 percent of all work locations worked at
ZERO for the entire year.
CONSOL Energy’s E&P Division surpassed eight million exposure hours without a lost time employee accident, and the
Coal Division’s safety performance was approximately two times better than the underground industry average, based upon
preliminary MSHA data.
Our overall recordable incident rate for 2014 was 1.62, down from 1.72 in 2013.
For the year, continuous improvement also occurred in both E&P and coal operations in terms of environmental compliance.
In fact, we achieved a record year in this regard improving our compliance year-over-year by 6 percent, while also achieving
a 56 percent reduction in violations since we began reporting in 2011.
In late March, we expect to issue our fourth annual Corporate Responsibility Report. The report provides greater detail on
our safety and compliance results from 2014 and our action plan to continue to move the needle in the positive direction on
these issues for 2015.
Financial Results
CONSOL Energy reported net income from continuing operations for 2014 of $169 million, or $0.73 per diluted share,
compared to $79 million, or $0.35 per diluted share for 2013.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $937 million in 2014, up from $659 million in 2013.
CONSOL Energy ended 2014 with liquidity of $2.0 billion, including $177 million in cash, while closing out the remaining
capital expansion projects on the coal side. In 2014, CONSOL received $412 million in cash proceeds from the sales of
assets, which resulted in a gain on sale of $44 million. These sales included several non-core business assets: our industrial
supplies subsidiary, coal reserves in the Illinois Basin, surface properties in Illinois, a 50% interest in an equity affiliate and a
50% interest in Utica Shale acres to our joint venture partner, Noble Energy. Our monetization program of divesting non-
core assets allowed us to bring value forward and focus on developing the assets that are core to operations, which ultimately
drive NAV per share.
On September 30, 2014, CONE Midstream Partners, LP closed its initial public offering of 20,125,000 common units
representing limited partnership interest at a price to the public of $22.00 per unit.
Also, CONSOL recently announced a revised 2015 E&P capital expenditure budget of $920 million, excluding business
development, permitting, and land acquisitions. The revised budget reflects a continued focus to high-grade the development
plan to further reduce capital in a lower commodity price environment, while maintaining strong production growth targets.
The reduced budget is a decrease from the initial $1.0 billion E&P capital plan that was announced in January 2015. In
addition to E&P capital, CONSOL also expects to invest $220 million in the Coal Division: $160 million in maintenance of
production capital, and $60 million in land, safety, water, terminal operations, and other miscellaneous categories.
E&P Division
The division was re-structured from top to bottom, beginning with bringing on a new chief operating officer, Tim Dugan.
Tim has a wide breadth of E&P experience that he is leveraging to lead the company’s steep growth trajectory goals. In
addition to strong production growth targets, the E&P Division continues to focus on realizing cost efficiencies throughout
operations, which were achieved, in part, by centralizing E&P management at corporate headquarters, and through the
designation of multi-disciplinary asset teams to optimize our capital expenditure strategy and lead the continued development
of our acreage position.
In 2014, CONSOL Energy produced 235.7 Bcfe, well above our 30 percent growth target – with record Marcellus Shale
production of 111.7 Bcfe – 93 percent higher than 2013. We posted record production levels of 70.5 Bcfe in the fourth
quarter of 2014, a full 45 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2013.
Of the total record production in 2014, 47 percent was derived from the Marcellus Shale, 34 percent from coalbed methane, 7
percent from the Utica Shale and 12 percent in the “other” category, which includes shallow oil and gas wells and other shale
horizons. This is the first time that Marcellus Shale production surpassed coalbed methane production, which represents an
important milestone and clearly marks the Marcellus as the growth engine of the company.
In addition to the success in the Marcellus Shale, our Utica Shale segment continued to exceed our expectations in 2014. We
achieved record production in the fourth quarter of 7.1 Bcfe, up from 0.5 Bcfe in the 2013 fourth quarter, which exceeded our
annual 2014 production guidance with total Utica Shale production of 16.7 Bcfe during the year. Not only are we seeing
success in the growth of Utica volumes becoming a larger portion of our total production, but the well performance continues
to improve as well. During the third quarter of 2014, CONSOL operated the four highest producing oil wells in the Utica in
the state of Ohio.
We are also seeing significant reductions in unit costs in our Utica Shale operating area. In the fourth quarter, total all-in unit
costs were $2.24 per Mcfe for the Utica Shale. This is a drastic improvement compared to the previous year’s quarter. The
higher Utica Shale volumes, along with lower gathering and transportation costs, have contributed to the lower costs.
Further, we finalized an agreement with Columbia Energy Ventures to sublease approximately 20,000 contiguous acres of
Utica Shale and Upper Devonian gas rights in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, making CONSOL Energy one of the largest
holders of Utica Shale acreage in these states.
As of December 31, 2014, total proved reserves were 6.8 Tcfe, which is a 19 percent increase, compared to year-end 2013.
Total proved reserves consisted of 53 percent that were proved undeveloped (PUDs), which is slightly conservative when
compared to 56% at year-end 2013. Also, the company typically books approximately 50 percent of the 5-year drill plan as
PUD locations.
Another exciting story that is developing in our E&P Division is the stacked pay potential across our acreage and the ability
to develop multiple formations from the same pad. This is a concept that we initially tested in June of 2013 with our first
Upper Devonian well, NV39F. This well was developed on an existing Marcellus pad, where we saw impressive results not
only from the Upper Devonian well, but also from two underlying Marcellus wells. Below the Upper Devonian and
Marcellus lies the dry Utica. During the fourth quarter, we began drilling four dry Utica wells and one Marcellus well from
the same pad in our 100 percent-owned acreage in Monroe County, Ohio. We also began drilling two dry Utica wells within
our Pennsylvania acreage. These dry Utica wells will be drilled from existing Marcellus pads. As different areas and
formations such as the dry Utica continue to be delineated and developed across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, this has the
potential to open up an entirely new frontier for CONSOL Energy.
These stacked pay opportunities are meaningfully improving our options regarding production growth, reducing our capital
intensity for targeted production levels and increasing shareholder value.
We expect to produce 300-310 Bcfe for 2015, which reflects a 30 percent annual gas production growth target. We are
retaining the flexibility to increase activity levels in 2015 if the forward trend in gas prices justifies increasing production.
Whether we increase activity levels in 2015 will largely determine our production growth in 2016, which we expect to
exceed 20% over 2015 production levels.
Drilling activity commenced at Pittsburgh International Airport in the third quarter of 2014, increasing our visibility and
profile as one of the top E&P companies operating in the space.
We have just completed a pivotal and very successful year for the E&P Division, with strong momentum carrying us into
2015.
Coal Division
With an estimated 3.2 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves, the Coal Division completed one of the most
successful years in the company’s history by efficiently producing a remarkable 8 million tons in the fourth quarter of 2014.
In 2014, we completed the final growth capital project associated with our Coal Division by formally commissioning the
Harvey Mine, representing the third mine and fifth longwall system at the Pennsylvania Complex.
We expect the Coal Division to operate on maintenance of production capital moving forward.
In an effort of continuous improvement and to provide a greater level of transparency that is more in line with how we view
our operations, CONSOL recently recast the Coal Division financials into the following segments: Pennsylvania (PA)
Operations, Virginia (VA) Operations, and Other.
Pennsylvania (PA) Operations:
In the Pennsylvania Operations, the Bailey Mine had a record year with annual production of 12.3 million tons, which
exceeded the mine’s previous annual production record of 11.1 million tons in 2005. The Enlow Fork Mine saw a series of
major efficiency projects come to a close in 2014, delivering the lowest cost per ton within the company.
Throughout 2014, the Pennsylvania Operations performed in many ways that epitomized CONSOL Energy’s core values.
Facility upgrades, production records and the start-up of a new longwall system were all realized, while exploring safer ways
to operate, reduce violations and increase efficiencies in all facets of operations.
The Pennsylvania Complex demonstrated this mindset throughout the year, illustrated by successfully producing a monthly
record of over 2.5 million tons in April and a single day record of 126,512 tons on May 15, 2014.
In 2014, we embarked on a new strategy for marketing our thermal coal assets. This strategy is a departure from the one
utilized by the coal industry in prior years and reflects the new realities of 2015 and beyond.
Not too long ago, one could expect U.S. coal demand to grow regularly as a percentage of overall GDP growth each year. In
that old world, scale was the name of the game where coal producers sought to consolidate and grow reserves, production,
and operating basins to bring as much economies of scale to the table as possible. The production book was then allocated to
as wide of a range of power plants, domestic and international, as possible to diversify the portfolio, often under fixed price
contracts.
As effective as that strategy was in the past for CONSOL Energy and others, times have changed. Declining coal demand is
the result of two primary drivers: the cumulative impact of a range of regulation for coal-fired power generation and the
American shale revolution.
Lost generation from the retiring portions of the coal fleet will be replaced largely by two sources: efficient, surviving coal
plants running at higher capacity factors and natural gas-fired generation.
While these factors will continue to impact electricity markets, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that coal-fired
generation will dip to approximately 33 percent and then level off and hold steady at that rate as far out as 2040. Coal is here
to stay and will continue to be a foundational domestic fuel for the long-term.
The coal plants that survive will be the lowest heat rate, most highly capitalized units out there and they will thrive in a
power market where increasingly their competition is natural gas. The “dark spread” margins of these surviving coal plants
should be attractive, especially during periods when natural gas prices increase.
CONSOL Energy’s thermal marketing strategy in this new world is to operate only the coal mines with the highest quality
specs, the lowest cost, the best capitalized infrastructure and the most advantaged logistics in the nation. That precisely
describes our Pennsylvania Operations, and we will focus on supplying those coal-fired power plants that will not only
survive but thrive. We will continue to develop multi-year term business with those plants and structure those arrangements
where a true partnership exists between ourselves and the power producer over the term of the agreement, no matter what
market prices may do.
In 2015 and beyond, bigger is not necessarily better. The marketing strategy we just outlined for our thermal segment is a
formula for long-term success as CONSOL Energy continues to evolve in this changing energy landscape.
Virginia (VA) Operations:
In the Virginia Operations, our premier Buchanan Mine, again, repeated its stellar cost performance. Total costs per ton sold
at Buchanan Mine were $53.96 per ton in fourth quarter of 2014, or a reduction of $12.64 per ton from the year-earlier
quarter.
The mine has undergone important efficiency projects, while operating on a reduced schedule. Even in the challenging met
environment, the Virginia Operations managed to claim the top spot as the most productive mine in Central Appalachia by
tons produced. As a result of the low cost structure, our Virginia Operations are poised to deliver significant value when the
market turns. There is no other metallurgical coal mine in the world quite like the Buchanan mine.
In summary, CONSOL Energy’s coal complexes are some of the most well-capitalized, safest, productive and profitable
mines in the world, and they stand ready to meet the demands of domestic and global markets, while generating significant
value for our shareholders over the long term.
Other Measures Aimed at Increasing NAV
One of the benefits of being a 150-year old company is having a suite of assets that we might consider non-core to our
current operations, but that have value to others. These non-core assets continue to be an important part of our story and a
positive aspect in driving NAV for the shareholders of CONSOL Energy. The company’s non-core asset sales program is
well ahead of schedule based on the previously stated goal of selling $1 billion of assets over five years, ending in 2019.
For 2014, CONSOL Energy received a total of $459 million in cash proceeds from asset sales and return on equity
investments, including $252 million in cash proceeds from the sale of various assets. The balance of cash proceeds in 2014
were primarily comprised of sale leaseback transactions for mine shields and a payment from our joint venture partner for
their portion of the acquired acreage in a Marcellus farm-in transaction. In addition to the total cash proceeds from asset sales
and return on equity investments in 2014, the company also received $204 million of proceeds from the initial public offering
of CONE Midstream Partners LP, of which $47 million is included in return on equity investments.
In an effort of continuous improvement, corporate support costs in 2014 were reduced by $9 million from 2013, while
continuing to provide high quality service to our operations. Additionally, approximately $350 million of balance sheet
liabilities were removed through a series of structural changes aimed at modernizing the way in which the company
administers post-retirement benefits.
Consolidation of services was a key theme across the supply chains in both E&P and coal operations. Efficiencies were
identified within the vendor and supplier community, which improved the NAV of the company by approximately $15
million. Our corporate support function is keenly focused on advancing initiatives and developing ideas with the mindset of
an NAV per share-driven company.
The attention of our entire team remains focused on our three key segments within Appalachia – E&P, thermal coal and met
coal – while important progress was made in pulling value forward from non-core assets as well.
Summary and Look Ahead
Undoubtedly, we are operating within the context of a very challenging environment across the energy industry. The
commodity price environment is providing stiff headwinds, but CONSOL Energy has been preparing for these challenges.
We have lived through the volatility of commodity cycles before, and we will capitalize on the downturn. These types of
downturns create opportunities for us to continue to differentiate ourselves from our peers. That is the benefit of being a low-
cost producer with tier one assets, a focused and prepared management team, and a strong liquidity position.
Notwithstanding this challenging environment, CONSOL Energy will aggressively pursue its goals and objectives for 2015.
I began this letter summarizing the rationale behind CONSOL Energy’s focus on the concept of NAV, and I want to leave
you with some thoughts about our path forward in terms of creating value for our shareholders. As we look to 2015 and
beyond, in addition to the steady execution of our operational plan, several initiatives will define our efforts with regard to
driving NAV for our shareholders:
• ThermCo and MetCo1 – we intend to pursue the initial public offerings of both a thermal coal MLP and a
metallurgical coal subsidiary in order to bring forward the value of those assets, improve transparency as to the value
of all of our assets across both E&P and coal, provide additional vehicles for accessing capital markets and enable
CONSOL Energy to retain control and enjoy the benefits of these fully capitalized, cash flow-generating assets.
• Refinancing – we have assessed refinancing options in order to lower interest rates, improve covenant
flexibility and align those covenants with our corporate strategy; and on March 9, 2015, we announced
a tender offer for any and all of our outstanding 8.25% senior notes due 2020 and any and all of our
6.375% senior notes due 2021.
Stock Repurchase Program – we implemented a $250 million stock repurchase program which we view
as a great rate of return investment and a strong NAV driver.
•
• Managing Overhead – we will continue efforts to streamline support functions and reduce overhead
costs, measures that will make us a stronger and more efficient company.
Look for more details on these initiatives in the weeks and months ahead as the transformation of our 150-year
old company continues.
The energy business is changing once again, and, true to our legacy, CONSOL Energy is embracing that change
and adapting to new these realities exceptionally well. Today, CONSOL Energy finds itself poised to continue to
separate itself from the competition and to continue to grow shareholder value.
Nick DeIuliis
President and Chief Executive Officer
In memory of Michael J. Justice, Maintenance Supervisor, Buchanan Mine, 1973 – 2014. May his loss continue
to intensify our resolve to ensure that safety transcends traditional physical elements to define a culture of
conscience that permeates the entire CONSOL family.
1
Registration statements relating to the securities of the thermal coal MLP or metallurgical coal subsidiary
that would be sold in any initial public offerings have not been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or become effective. Any reference in this presentation to any initial public offerings does not
constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any such securities.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________________________________
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-14901
__________________________________________________
CONSOL Energy Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
51-0337383
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1000 CONSOL Energy Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317-6506
(724) 485-4000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
__________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock ($.01 par value)
Preferred Share Purchase Rights
Name of exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
__________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-
K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant's
most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date was
$6,530,992,270.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of January 20, 2015 is 230,264,992 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of CONSOL Energy's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 6, 2015, are incorporated by reference in
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Business
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 2.
Properties
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 5.
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data
PART II
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B. Other Information
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Executive Compensation
PART III
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
ITEM 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
PART IV
2
GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN OIL AND GAS MEASUREMENT TERMS
The following are abbreviations of certain measurement terms commonly used in the oil and gas industry and included
within this Form 10-K:
Bbl - One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used in reference to oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
Bcf - One billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Bcfe - One billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, with one barrel of oil being equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of gas.
Btu - One British thermal unit.
Mbbls - One thousand barrels of oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
Mcf - One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
Mcfe - One thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, with one barrel of oil being equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of gas.
MMbtu - One million British Thermal units.
MMcfe - One million cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, with one barrel of oil being equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of gas.
NGL - Natural gas liquids.
Tcfe - One trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, with one barrel of oil being equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of gas.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We are including the following cautionary statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to make applicable and take
advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements
made by, or on behalf of us. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
are forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Exchange Act) that involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-
looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates
concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. When
we use the words “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,”
or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements.
When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements. The forward-looking
statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K; we disclaim any
obligation to update these statements unless required by securities law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have
based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management
considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic,
competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which
are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:
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deterioration in economic conditions in any of the industries in which our customers operate may decrease demand for
our products, impair our ability to collect customer receivables and impair our ability to access capital;
prices for natural gas, natural gas liquids and coal are volatile and can fluctuate widely based upon a number of factors
beyond our control including oversupply relative to the demand available for our products, weather and the price and
availability of alternative fuels. An extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas, natural gas liquids and
coal affecting our operating results and cash flows;
foreign currency fluctuations could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad;
our customers extending existing contracts or entering into new long-term contracts for coal;
our reliance on major customers;
our inability to collect payments from customers if their creditworthiness declines;
the disruption of rail, barge, gathering, processing and transportation facilities and other systems that deliver our natural
gas and coal to market;
a loss of our competitive position because of the competitive nature of the natural gas and coal industries, or a loss of our
competitive position because of overcapacity in these industries impairing our profitability;
coal users switching to other fuels in order to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion
emissions;
the impact of potential, as well as any adopted regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions on the demand for natural
gas and coal;
the risks inherent in natural gas and coal operations, including our reliance upon third party contractors, being subject to
unexpected disruptions, including geological conditions, equipment failure, timing of completion of significant
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construction or repair of equipment, fires, explosions, accidents and weather conditions which could impact financial
results;
decreases in the availability of, or increases in, the price of commodities or capital equipment used in our mining
operations;
obtaining and renewing governmental permits and approvals for our natural gas and coal operations;
the effects of government regulation on the discharge into the water or air, and the disposal and clean-up of, hazardous
substances and wastes generated during our natural gas and coal operations;
our ability to find adequate water sources for our use in gas drilling, or our ability to dispose of water used or removed
from strata in connection with our gas operations at a reasonable cost and within applicable environmental rules;
the effects of stringent federal and state employee health and safety regulations, including the ability of regulators to shut
down a mine;
the potential for liabilities arising from environmental contamination or alleged environmental contamination in
connection with our past or current gas and coal operations;
the effects of mine closing, reclamation, gas well closing and certain other liabilities;
uncertainties in estimating our economically recoverable gas, oil and coal reserves;
defects may exist in our chain of title and we may incur additional costs associated with perfecting title for gas rights on
some of our properties or failing to acquire these additional rights may result in a reduction of our estimated reserves;
the outcomes of various legal proceedings, which are more fully described in our reports filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934;
increased exposure to employee-related long-term liabilities;
lump sum payments made to retiring salaried employees pursuant to our defined benefit pension plan exceeding total
service and interest cost in a plan year;
acquisitions that we recently have completed or may make in the future including the accuracy of our assessment of the
acquired businesses and their risks, achieving any anticipated synergies, integrating the acquisitions and unanticipated
changes that could affect assumptions we may have made and divestitures we anticipate may not occur or produce
anticipated proceeds;
the terms of our existing joint ventures restrict our flexibility, actions taken by the other party in our gas joint ventures
may impact our financial position and various circumstances could cause us not to realize the benefits we anticipate
receiving from these joint ventures;
risks associated with our debt;
replacing our gas and oil reserves, which if not replaced, will cause our gas and oil reserves and production to decline;
our hedging activities may prevent us from benefiting from price increases and may expose us to other risks;
changes in federal or state income tax laws, particularly in the area of percentage depletion and intangible drilling costs,
could cause our financial position and profitability to deteriorate;
failure to appropriately allocate capital and other resources among our strategic opportunities may adversely affect our
financial condition;
failure by Murray Energy to satisfy liabilities it acquired from us, or failure to perform its obligations under various
arrangements, which we guaranteed, could materially or adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and
cash flows;
information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss resulting from a terrorist attack or cyber
incident;
operating in a single geographic area;
our inability to complete the proposed initial public offerings of a master limited partnership (MLP) owning certain of
our thermal coal assets or a subsidiary owning certain of our metallurgical coal asset (Metco) on the terms currently
contemplated; and
other factors discussed in this 2014 Form 10-K under “Risk Factors,” as updated by any subsequent Form 10-Qs, which
are on file at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A registration statement relating to the securities of the MLP and Metco that would be sold in the offering has not been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or become effective. This announcement does not constitute an offer
to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.
4
ITEM 1.
Business
General
PART I
CONSOL Energy is an integrated energy company operated through two primary divisions, oil and gas exploration and
production (E&P) and coal mining. The E&P division is focused on Appalachian area natural gas and liquids activities,
including production, gathering, processing and acquisition of natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin. The coal
division is focused on the extraction and preparation of coal, also in the Appalachian Basin.
CONSOL Energy was incorporated in Delaware in 1991, but its predecessors had been mining coal, primarily in the
Appalachian Basin, since 1864. CONSOL Energy entered the natural gas business in the 1980s initially to increase the safety
and efficiency of our coal mines by capturing methane from coal seams prior to mining, which makes the mining process safer
and more efficient. Over the past ten years, CONSOL Energy's natural gas business has grown by approximately 330% to
produce 235.7 net Bcfe in 2014. This business has grown from coalbed methane production in Virginia into other
unconventional production, such as the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale, in the Appalachian Basin. This growth was
accelerated with the 2010 asset acquisition of the Appalachian Exploration & Production business of Dominion Resources, Inc.
Subsequently, on December 5, 2013 we sold Consolidation Coal Company and certain subsidiaries, including five active coal
mines in West Virginia, to a subsidiary of Murray Energy Corporation.
Our E&P Division operates, develops and explores for natural gas primarily in Appalachia (Pennsylvania, West Virginia,
Ohio, Virginia and Tennessee). Currently, our primary focus is the continued development of our Marcellus Shale acreage and
the exploration and development of our Utica Shale acreage. We believe that our concentrated operating area, our legacy
surface acreage position, our regional operating expertise, our geological logs from nearly 100 years of shallow oil and gas
drilling activity in the region, our held by production acreage position, and our ability to coordinate gas drilling with coal
mining activity gives us a significant operating advantage over our competitors. We expect to produce 300-310 Bcfe for 2015
and achieve 30% annual gas production growth in 2016.
We are also party to two strategic joint ventures, one with Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble) in the Marcellus Shale and one with
a subsidiary of Hess Corporation (Hess) in the Utica Shale. These joint ventures require our partners to pay a portion of our
qualifying drilling and completion costs in certain circumstances, which improves drilling economics and enables the
acceleration of development of these assets.
Our land holdings in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale plays cover large areas, provide multi-year drilling
opportunities and, collectively, have sustainable lower risk growth profiles. We currently control approximately 441,000 net
acres in the Marcellus Shale and approximately 226,000 net acres in the Utica Shale in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
In addition, we estimate that approximately 345,000 net acres of our Marcellus Shale acreage in Pennsylvania and West
Virginia are prospective for the slightly shallower Upper Devonian Shale. We also have 2.4 million net acres in our coalbed
methane play.
Highlights of our 2014 production include the following:
• Total production of 645,792 Mcfe per day, an increase of 37% over 2013;
•
•
92% Natural Gas, 8% Liquids; and
47% Marcellus, 34% coalbed methane, 7% Utica, and 12% other.
At December 31, 2014, our proved reserves had the following characteristics:
6.8 Tcfe of proved reserves;
92.5% natural gas;
46.9% proved developed;
71.9% operated; and
•
•
•
•
• A reserve life ratio of 28.97 years (based on 2014 production).
Highlights of coal activities from continuing operations in 2014 include the following:
Production of 32.2 million tons of coal from continuing operations;
• Underground mining complexes are among the safest in the United States of America;
•
• Coal reserve holdings of 3.2 billion tons;
•
5% of coal sales delivered to export markets;
5
72% of coal sales to domestic utilities; and
•
• Harvey Mine in southwest Pennsylvania came on-line in March 2014.
Additionally, we provide energy services, including coal terminal services (the Baltimore Terminal), water services and
land resource management services.
The following map provides the location of CONSOL Energy's gas and coal operations by region:
CONSOL Energy defines itself through its core values which are:
Safety,
•
• Compliance, and
• Continuous Improvement.
These values are the foundation of CONSOL Energy's identity and are the basis for how management defines continued
success. We believe CONSOL Energy's rich resource base, coupled with these core values, allows management to create value
for the long-term. The electric power industry generates approximately two-thirds of its output by burning natural gas or coal, the
two fuels we produce. We believe that the use of natural gas and coal will continue for many years as the principal fuel sources
for electricity in the United States. Additionally, we believe that as worldwide economies grow, the demand for electricity from
fossil fuels will grow as well, resulting in expansion of worldwide demand for our coal and potentially natural gas.
CONSOL Energy's Strategy
CONSOL Energy's strategy is to increase shareholder value through growth of its existing gas assets, selective acquisition
of gas and liquids acreage leases within its footprint, and through participation in the forecasted global growth of thermal and
metallurgical coal markets. We also will continue to focus on monetization of assets to accelerate value creation to minimize the
shortfall between operating cash flows and our growth capital requirements.
6
CONSOL Energy intends to continue to grow its gas production. The 2015 gas production guidance range is 300-310 Bcfe,
net to CONSOL Energy, or 30% growth compared to 2014 total production, when using the midpoint of the range. CONSOL
Energy continues to expect 2016 annual gas production to grow by 30%.
We expect natural gas to become a more significant contributor to the domestic electric generation mix as well as fueling
industrial growth in the U.S. economy. Also, the U.S. is expected to become a net exporter of gas in the next few years. Our
increasing gas production will allow CONSOL Energy to participate in these growing markets.
The 2015 coal production guidance range is 30.5-33.0 million tons. CONSOL Energy’s coal assets align with the company’s
long term strategic objectives. The production from the company’s Pennsylvania Operations, which include the Bailey, Enlow
Fork, and Harvey mines can be sold domestically or abroad, as either thermal coal or high volatile metallurgical coal. These low-
cost mines, with five longwalls, and with estimated production of between 24.9-26.6 million tons in 2015, produce a high-Btu
Pittsburgh-seam coal that is lower in sulfur than many Northern Appalachian coals. Also, the company’s Buchanan Mine which
is in our Virginia Operations produces a premium low volatile metallurgial coal for the steel industry. It is estimated to produce
between 3.7-4.2 million tons in 2015 at a cost that is among the lowest of any domestic metallurgical coal mine. Our other coal
operations, which primarily includes our Miller Creek Complex, are expected to produce between 1.9-2.2 million tons in 2015.
These mines along with the 100%-owned Baltimore Terminal, will continue to allow CONSOL Energy to participate in the
growth of the world’s thermal and metallurgical coal markets. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts continued growth
in world demand for thermal coal. The ability to serve both domestic and international markets with premium thermal and
metallurgical coal provides tremendous optionality.
In December 2014, CONSOL Energy announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to pursue the formation
of a master limited partnership (MLP) for the company’s thermal coal business, which would own interests in CONSOL Energy’s
thermal coal properties and related mining operations located in Pennsylvania, including its Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine, Harvey
Mine and the related preparation plant. CONSOL Energy also announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to
separately pursue the structuring and formation of a subsidiary entity for the purpose of owning CONSOL Energy’s metallurgical
coal properties and related mining operations, with a view to conducting an initial public offering of up to 20% of the subsidiary’s
equity. The subsidiary’s assets would include CONSOL Energy’s Buchanan Mine and related preparation plant and its interest in
its Western Allegheny Energy joint venture. CONSOL Energy believes that these transactions would achieve four objectives: (i)
they bring the value of its thermal and metallurgical coal assets forward, thereby increasing CONSOL Energy’s net asset value
per share, (ii) they improve transparency into the value of these assets, which will permit a more accurate sum-of-the-parts valuation,
(iii) they provide additional vehicles for accessing the capital markets on favorable terms, and (iv) they allow CONSOL Energy
to retain control of these assets so it can continue to realize the operational synergies that exist between its natural gas and coal
businesses. CONSOL Energy would designate separate management teams to run each of these businesses so as to most effectively
maintain operational focus. After giving effect to these transactions, CONSOL Energy would consist primarily of (i) its core oil
and gas exploration and production business, (ii) its interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: CNNX), (iii) a controlling
interest in its cash flow generating thermal coal MLP and (iv) a controlling interest in its metallurgical coal subsidiary. While these
transactions are anticipated in 2015, whether and when CONSOL Energy proceeds with initial public offerings of the thermal coal
MLP and metallurgical coal subsidiary are subject to a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions and the approval
of CONSOL Energy’s Board of Directors. No registration statement relating to the securities that would be sold in either offering
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
7
CONSOL Energy's Capital Expenditure Budget
In 2015, CONSOL expects to invest approximately $1.0 billion in its E&P Division, while maintaining its 30% year-over-
year production growth targets for 2015 and 2016. In addition to E&P capital, in 2015 CONSOL Energy also expects to
invest $220 million in the Coal Division: $160 million in maintenance of production capital, and $60 million in land,
safety, water, coal terminal operations, and other miscellaneous categories.
The $1.0 billion E&P budget consists of drilling and completion capital and midstream investments to continue building
out the Marcellus Shale gathering systems, which are part of CONE Midstream Partners and will provide future
dropdown opportunities. As the year progresses, CONSOL Energy will allocate capital expenditures across its operating areas
in projects where the company can realize the highest rates of return based on results, commodity prices, basis, and
other factors. The E&P capital budget does not include land, permitting, and business development expenditures. The
company expects liquids volumes (NGL, condensates, and oil) to remain between 10%-15% as a percentage of total
production by the end of 2016.
CONSOL Energy and its joint venture partner, Noble Energy, are working together to optimize the capital plan for 2015 in
light of the commodity price environment. The parties have not formally agreed on a 2015 capital budget, and CONSOL
Energy could increase activity levels in the Marcellus Shale beyond the levels contemplated by the E&P budget if the
commodity price environment improves. Currently, drilling and completion capital is expected to be weighted towards the
liquids-rich areas.
DETAIL GAS OPERATIONS
Our Gas operations are located throughout Appalachia and include the following plays.
Marcellus Shale
We have the rights to extract natural gas in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio from approximately 441,000 net
Marcellus Shale acres at December 31, 2014.
CONSOL Energy and Noble Energy, our joint venture partner, drilled a record 169 gross wells in the Marcellus Shale in
2014. CONSOL Energy drilled 77 of those wells in the dry gas area of the formation. The geographic breakdown was as
follows:
•
•
•
•
•
44 wells in Southwestern Pennsylvania,
10 wells in Central Pennsylvania,
23 wells in Northern West Virginia,
1 well drilled in Ohio in the wet gas area of the play, and
91 wells drilled by Noble Energy in the wet gas area of the play.
CONSOL Energy also completed 73 Marcellus Shale wells in 2014. The average lateral length was 7,807 feet in 2014, or
a 36% increase over the previous year's lateral length of 5,744 feet. These longer drilled laterals enabled the company to
perform more hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” to complete the wells. In 2014, the average completed well had 46 "frac"
stages, or a 77% increase over the 26 stages from the previous year. Longer lateral lengths and more "frac" stages per well
(shorter stage laterals and reduced cluster spacing) are expected to enhance well economics. The wells completed in this
manner have shown initial production rates being improved by as much as 40%.
In 2015, the Company expects Marcellus Shale drilling activity to be the primary driver of gas production growth along
with significant growth from the Utica Shale. In the Marcellus Shale joint venture, CONSOL Energy and Noble Energy
continue to work together to optimize their activity levels for 2015 in light of the rapidly changing commodity price
environment.
We also hold a 50% interest in a gathering company which builds and operates the gathering system for most of our
Marcellus shale production. CONSOL Energy operates these midstream assets. As of September 30, 2011, we contributed our
existing Marcellus Shale gathering assets to this company. In September of 2014, the majority of these assets were contributed
to CONE Midstream Partners LP. CONSOL Energy and Noble Energy have dedicated approximately 516,000 net acres of their
jointly owned Marcellus Shale acreage to this partnership for an initial term of 20 years and they have also granted a right of
first offer on an additional approximately 186,000 net acres. This master limited partnership formed by us and Noble Energy
8
will continue to build and operate most of our Marcellus Shale gathering systems. CONSOL Energy continues to serve as
operator for CONE Midstream Partners LP. See "Midstream Gas Services" for a more detailed explanation.
Utica Shale
CONSOL Energy controls approximately 118,000 net acres of Utica Shale potential in eastern Ohio at December 31,
2014. Additionally, CONSOL Energy controls an additional 108,000 net acres in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West
Virginia that contain the rights to the natural gas in Utica Shale. In addition, we estimate that approximately 388,000 net acres
of our Marcellus Shale acreage in Pennsylvania and West Virginia are prospective for the Utica Shale. The thickness of the
Utica Shale in these areas ranges from 200 to 450 feet.
In 2014, CONSOL Energy and Hess, our joint venture partner, drilled 39 gross wells in the Utica Shale. CONSOL Energy
drilled 14 of those wells.
Coalbed Methane (CBM)
We have the rights to extract CBM in Virginia from approximately 268,000 net CBM acres, which cover a portion of our
coal reserves in Central Appalachia. We produce gas primarily from the Pocahontas #3 seam which is the main coal seam
mined by our Buchanan Mine.
We also have the right to extract CBM in West Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania, and Ohio from approximately
934,000 net CBM acres. In central Pennsylvania we have the right to extract CBM from approximately 260,000 net CBM acres.
In addition, we control 768,000 net CBM acres in Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. We also have the right to extract
CBM on 139,000 net acres in the San Juan Basin, and 20,000 net acres in the Powder River Basin. We have no plans to drill
CBM wells in these areas in 2015.
Other Gas
Shallow Oil and Gas
The shallow oil and gas acreage position of CONSOL Energy is approximately 853,000 net acres mainly in Illinois,
Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York at December 31, 2014. The majority of our shallow oil
and gas leasehold position is held by production and all of it is extensively overlain by existing third party gas gathering and
transmission infrastructure. The shallow oil and gas assets provide multiple synergies with our CBM and unconventional shale
operations, and the held by production nature of the shallow oil and gas properties affords CONSOL Energy considerable
flexibility to choose when to exploit those and other gas assets including shale assets.
Upper Devonian
The Upper Devonian Shale formation lies above the Marcellus Shale formation in southwestern Pennsylvania and
northern West Virginia. The company holds a large number of acres that have Upper Devonian potential; generally these acres
have not been disclosed separately, since they are not the primary drilling target as of December 31, 2014.
CONSOL Energy, with our joint venture partner Noble Energy, drilled nine wells in the Burkett Shale and two wells in
the Rhinestreet Shale. Our Marcellus Shale joint venture partner owns a 50% interest in the Burkett Shale formation within the
joint venture area of mutual interest. CONSOL Energy controls a 100% interest in the Rhinestreet Shale formation that was
acquired prior to the joint venture, with exception to the two drilled wells Noble Energy opted into in 2014.
Chattanooga
The Chattanooga Shale in Tennessee is a Devonian-age shale found at a depth of approximately 3,500 feet. The shale
thickness is between 40-80 feet, and CONSOL Energy has found it to be rich in total organic content. CONSOL Energy has
218,000 net acres of Chattanooga Shale. This largely contiguous acreage is composed of only a small number of leases, a rarity
in Appalachia. CONSOL Energy is the operator of all of its horizontal Chattanooga Shale wells.
Huron
We have 386,000 net acres of Huron Shale potential in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia; a portion of this acreage has
tight sands potential.
9
Summary of Properties as of December 31, 2014
Estimated Net Proved Reserves (MMcfe)
Percent Developed
Net Producing Wells (including oil and gob
wells)
Net Acreage Position:
Net Proved Developed Acres
Net Proved Undeveloped Acres
Net Unproved Acres(1)
Total Net Acres(2)
_________
Marcellus
Segment
Utica
CBM
Other Gas
Segment
Segment
Segment
Total
4,235,212
495,290
1,467,194
629,920
6,827,616
32%
196
19,675
44,299
376,837
440,811
33%
22
74%
92%
47%
4,374
8,360
12,952
2,822
7,207
216,302
226,331
257,543
9,023
2,122,397
2,388,963
235,400
3,272
1,218,439
1,457,111
515,439
63,801
3,933,975
4,513,215
(1) Net acres include acreage attributable to our working interests in the properties. Additional adjustments (either increases
or decreases) may be required as we further develop title to and further confirm our rights with respect to our various
properties in anticipation of development. We believe that our assumptions and methodology in this regard are reasonable.
See Risk Factors in Section 1A of this Form 10-K.
(2) Acreage amounts are shown under the target strata CONSOL Energy expects to produce, although the reported acres may
include rights to multiple gas seams (CBM, Utica, Marcellus, etc.). We have reviewed our drilling plans, our acreage
rights and used our best judgment to reflect the acres in the strata we expect to produce. As more information is obtained
or circumstances change, the acreage classification may change.
Producing Wells and Acreage
Most of our development wells and proved acreage are located in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Some leases
are beyond their primary term, but these leases are extended in accordance with their terms as long as certain drilling commitments
or other term commitments are satisfied. The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2014, the number of producing wells,
developed acreage and undeveloped acreage:
Producing Gas Wells (including gob wells)
Producing Oil Wells
Net Acreage Position
Proved Developed Acreage
Proved Undeveloped Acreage
Unproven Acreage
Total Acreage
Gross
Net(1)
17,044
154
12,918
34
537,935
515,439
112,617
4,946,174
63,801
3,933,975
5,596,726
4,513,215
(1) Net acres include acreage attributable to our working interests in the properties. Additional adjustments (either increases
or decreases) may be required as we further develop title to and further confirm our rights with respect to our various
properties in anticipation of development. We believe that our assumptions and methodology in this regard are
reasonable. See Risk Factors in Section 1A of this Form 10-K.
10
The following table represents the terms under which we hold these acres:
Held by production/fee
Expiration within 2 years
Expiration beyond 2 years
Total Acreage
Net Unproved
Acres
Net Proved
Undeveloped Acres
3,792,960
39,385
101,630
3,933,975
49,756
2,665
11,380
63,801
The leases reflected above as Net Unproved Acres with expiration dates are included in our current drill plan or active
land program. Leases with expiration dates within two years represent less than 1% of our total acres in the above categories
and leases with expiration dates beyond two years represent less than 3% of our total acres in the above categories. In each
case, we deemed this acreage to not be material to our overall acreage position. Additionally, based on our current drill plans
and lease management we do not anticipate any material impact to our consolidated financial statements from the expiration of
such leases.
Development Wells (Net)
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 we drilled 180.3, 139.8 and 95.5 net development wells,
respectively. Gob wells and wells drilled by operators other than our primary joint venture partners, Noble Energy and Hess
Corporation, are excluded from net development wells. In 2014, there were 287 gross development wells. There were no dry
development wells in 2014, 2013, or 2012. As of December 31, 2014, there are 52 net developmental wells still in process. The
following table illustrates the net wells drilled by well classification type:
For the Year
Ended December 31,
2013
2014
2012
Marcellus segment
Utica segment
CBM segment
Other Gas segment
84.0
18.8
75.0
2.5
56.0
9.0
63.8
11.0
Total Development Wells (Net)
180.3
139.8
Exploratory Wells (Net)
44.0
—
42.5
9.0
95.5
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we drilled, in the aggregate, 8.5, 5.5, and 22.0 net exploratory
wells, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there are 2.5 net exploratory wells in process. The following table illustrates the
exploratory wells drilled by well classification type:
For the Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Producing Dry
Still Eval.
Producing Dry
Still Eval.
Producing Dry
Still Eval.
0.5
—
—
5.0
5.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
2.0
—
1.0
3.0
2.5
3.0
—
—
5.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.0
5.5
—
6.0
12.5
—
0.5
—
9.0
9.5
—
—
—
—
—
Marcellus segment
Utica segment
CBM segment
Other Gas segment
Total Exploratory Wells (Net)
Reserves
The following table shows our estimated proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves. Reserve information is net of
royalty interest. Proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves are reserves that could be commercially recovered under
current economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations. Proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves
are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
11
Proved developed reserves
Proved undeveloped reserves
Total proved developed and undeveloped reserves(a)
Net Reserves
(Million cubic feet equivalent)
as of December 31,
2014
2013
2012
3,198,706
3,628,910
6,827,616
2,514,294
3,216,920
5,731,214
2,165,483
1,827,975
3,993,458
___________
(a)
For additional information on our reserves, see “Other Supplemental Information–Supplemental Gas Data (unaudited) to
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The following table shows our estimated future net cash flows and total standardized measure of discounted future net cash
flows at 10%:
Future net cash flows
Total PV-10 measure of pre-tax discounted future net cash flows (1)
Total standardized measure of after tax discounted future net cash flows
____________
Discounted Future
Net Cash Flows
(Dollars in millions)
2014
2013
2012
$ 9,321
$ 6,568
$ 2,792
$ 4,884
$ 2,984
$ 2,780
$ 1,681
$ 1,242
736
$
(1) We calculate our present value at 10% (PV-10) in accordance with the following table. Management believes that the
presentation of the non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP) financial measure of PV-10 provides useful
information to investors because it is widely used by professional analysts and sophisticated investors in evaluating oil
and gas companies. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future
income taxes estimated to be paid, the use of a pre-tax measure is valuable when comparing companies based on
reserves. PV-10 is not a measure of the financial or operating performance under GAAP. PV-10 should not be considered
as an alternative to the standardized measure as defined under GAAP. We have included a reconciliation of the most
directly comparable GAAP measure-after-tax discounted future net cash flows.
12
Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure
Future cash inflows
Future production costs
Future development costs (including abandonments)
Future net cash flows (pre-tax)
10% discount factor
PV-10 (Non-GAAP measure)
Undiscounted income taxes
10% discount factor
Discounted income taxes
Standardized GAAP measure
Gas Production
As of December 31,
2014
2013
2012
(Dollars in millions)
$ 28,503
(10,101)
(3,369)
15,033
(10,149)
4,884
(5,712)
3,812
(1,900)
2,984
$
$ 21,603
(7,106)
(3,903)
10,594
(7,814)
2,780
(4,026)
2,927
(1,099)
1,681
$
$ 11,778
(4,824)
(2,451)
4,503
(3,261)
1,242
(1,711)
1,205
(506)
736
$
The following table sets forth net sales volumes produced for the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended December 31,
2013
2014
2012
GAS
Marcellus Sales Volumes (MMcf)
Utica Sales Volumes (MMcf)
CBM Sales Volumes (MMcf)
Other Sales Volumes (MMcf)
LIQUIDS*
NGLs Sales Volumes (MMcfe)
Oil Sales Volumes (MMcfe)
Condensate Sales Volumes (MMcfe)
TOTAL (MMcfe)
99,370
10,303
79,459
27,128
15,475
681
3,298
235,714
55,048
531
82,867
30,291
2,628
634
35,853
3
88,149
31,047
610
600
381
172,380
63
156,325
*Oil, NGLs, and Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy
content of oil and natural gas.
CONSOL Energy projects its 2015 natural gas production, net to CONSOL, to be 300 – 310 Bcfe, or 30% growth compared
to 2014 total production, when using the midpoint of the range. CONSOL Energy continues to expect 2016 annual gas production
to grow by 30%.
Average Sales Price and Average Lifting Cost
The following table sets forth the total average sales price and the total average lifting cost for all of our gas production for
the periods indicated, including intersegment transactions. Total lifting cost is the cost of raising gas to the gathering system and
does not include depreciation, depletion or amortization. See Part II Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations in this Form 10-K for a breakdown by segment.
13
Total Average Gas Sales Price Before Effects of Financial Settlements (per Mcfe)
Average Effects of Financial Settlements (per Mcfe)
Total Average Gas Sales Price Including Effects of Financial Settlements (per Mcfe)
Average Lifting Costs excluding ad valorem and severance taxes (per Mcfe)
For the Year
Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$ 4.26
$ 3.85
$ 3.00
$ 0.11
$ 0.45
$ 1.22
$ 4.37
$ 4.30
$ 4.22
$ 0.50
$ 0.56
$ 0.58
Sales of NGLs, condensates, and oil enhance our reported gas equivalent sales prices. Across all volumes, sales of liquids
added $0.24 per Mcfe, $0.13 per Mcfe, and $0.05 per Mcfe for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, to average gas sales prices.
CONSOL Energy expects to continue to realize a liquids uplift benefit as additional wells are brought online in the liquid-rich
areas of the Marcellus and Utica shales. We continue to sell the majority of our NGLs through the large midstream companies
that process our gas. This approach allows us to take advantage of the processors’ transportation efficiencies and diversified
markets. CONSOL Energy’s processing contracts provide for the ability to take our NGLs “in kind” and market them directly if
desired. The processed purity products are ultimately sold to industrial, commercial, and petrochemical markets.
We enter into physical gas sales transactions with various counterparties for terms varying in length. Reserves and production
estimates are believed to be sufficient to satisfy these obligations. In the past, we have delivered quantities required under these
contracts. We also enter into various gas swap transactions. These gas swap transactions exist parallel to the underlying physical
transactions and represented approximately 159.9 Bcf of our produced gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2014
at an average price of $4.58 per Mcf. These gas swaps represented approximately 84.3 Bcf of our produced gas sales volumes for
the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average price of $4.68 per Mcf. As of January 15, 2015, we expect these transactions will
represent approximately 121.2 Bcf of our estimated 2015 production at an average price of $4.05 per Mcf and 94.7 Bcf of our
estimated 2016 production at an average price of $4.11 per Mcf.
The hedging strategy and information regarding derivative instruments used are outlined in Part II, Item 7A Qualitative
and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk and in Note 23 - Derivative Instruments in the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Midstream Gas Services
CONSOL Energy has traditionally designed, built and operated natural gas gathering systems to move gas from the
wellhead to interstate pipelines or other local sales points. In addition, CONSOL Energy has acquired extensive gathering
assets. CONSOL Energy now owns or operates approximately 5,000 miles of gas gathering pipelines as well as 250,000
horsepower of compression, of which, just over 75% is wholly owned with the balance being leased. Along with this
compression capacity, CONSOL Energy owns and operates a number of gas processing facilities. This infrastructure is capable
of delivering approximately 500 billion cubic feet per year of pipeline quality gas.
CONSOL Energy owns 50% of CONE Gathering, LLC ("CONE" or "CONE Gathering") along with Noble Energy
owning the other 50% interest. CONE Gathering develops, operates and owns substantially all of both Noble Energy's and
CONSOL Energy's Marcellus Shale gathering system needs. CONSOL Energy operates this equity affiliate. We believe that the
network of right-of-ways, vast surface holdings and experience in building and operating gathering systems in the Appalachian
basin will give CONE Gathering an advantage in building the midstream assets required to develop the joint venture's
Marcellus Shale position. On September 30, 2014, CONE Midstream Partners, LP (the Partnership) closed its initial public
offering of 20,125,000 common units representing limited partnership interests at a price to the public of $22.00 per unit, which
included a 2,625,000 common unit over-allotment option that was exercised in full by the underwriters. The Partnership's
general partner is CONE Midstream GP LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CONE Gathering LLC.
As a result of the IPO transaction, the Partnership received net proceeds of $412,741 from the offering, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions, and structuring fees of $28,779 along with additional estimated offering expenses of
approximately $1,230. Of the proceeds received, $203,986 was distributed to both CNX Gas Company LLC ("CNX Gas
Company"), and Noble Energy on September 30, 2014.
In the Utica Shale, we and our joint venture partner, Hess, are primarily contracting with third parties for gathering
services.
14
CONSOL Energy continues to develop a diversified portfolio of firm transportation capacity options to support our
production growth plan. In September, we entered into a precedent agreement with DTE Energy and Spectra Energy for its
Nexus project as an anchor shipper to transport gas from the Appalachian Basin to Midwest markets. The pipeline is expected
to be placed into service in late 2017. We also benefit from the strategic location of our primary production areas in Southwest
Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. These areas are served by a large concentration of major pipelines that
provide us with the capacity to move our production to the major gas markets. In addition to firm transportation capacity,
CONSOL Energy continues to develop a processing portfolio to support the increasing volumes from our wet production areas.
CONSOL Energy has the advantage of having gas production from CBM, which can be lower Btu than pipeline
specification, as well as higher Btu Marcellus Shale production. These two types of gas can complement each other by reducing
and in some cases eliminating the need for the costly processing of CBM. In addition, both our lower Btu CBM and dry
Marcellus production offers an opportunity to blend ethane back into the gas stream when pricing or capacity for ethane
markets dictate. In developing a diversified approach to managing ethane, CONSOL Energy has entered into ethane supply
agreements and is actively discussing future outlet opportunities with a number of ethane customers and midstream companies.
These measures will allow us more flexibility in bringing Marcellus Shale wells on-line at qualities that meet interstate pipeline
specifications.
Natural Gas Competition
The United States natural gas industry is highly competitive and more diversified than the coal industry. CONSOL Energy
competes with other large producers, as well as thousands of smaller producers, pipeline imports from Canada, and Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) from around the globe. According to data from the Natural Gas Supply Association and the Energy
Information Agency (EIA), the five largest U.S. producers of natural gas produced about 19% of dry natural gas production in
the first six months of 2014. The EIA reported 487,286 producing natural gas wells in the United States in 2013, the latest year
for which government statistics are available.
Natural gas has maintained market share in the U.S. electric generation market compared to 2013 (based on preliminary
2014 results). However, we expect natural gas to become a more significant contributor to the domestic electric generation mix
in the long-term, as well as fuel industrial growth in the U.S. economy. There is potential for natural gas to become a significant
contributor to the transportation market. Additionally, the U.S. is expected to become a net exporter of gas in the next few
years. Our increasing gas production will allow CONSOL Energy to participate in these growing markets.
CONSOL Energy's gas operations are primarily located in the eastern United States. The gas market is highly fragmented
and not dominated by any single producer. We believe that competition within our market is based primarily on natural gas
commodity trading fundamentals and pipeline transportation availability to the various markets.
Continued demand for CONSOL Energy's natural gas and the prices that CONSOL Energy obtains are affected by natural
gas use in the production of electricity, U.S. manufacturing and the overall strength of the economy, environmental and
government regulation, technological developments and the availability and price of competing alternative fuel supplies.
DETAIL COAL OPERATIONS
Coal Reserves
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy had an estimated 3.2 billion tons of proven and probable reserves, excluding equity
affiliates. Reserves are the portion of the proven and probable tonnage that meet CONSOL Energy's economic criteria regarding
mining height, preparation plant recovery, depth of overburden and stripping ratio. Generally, these reserves would be commercially
mineable at year-end price and cost levels.
Spacing of points of observation for confidence levels in reserve calculations is based on guidelines in U.S. Geological
Survey Circular 891 (Coal Resource Classification System of the U.S. Geological Survey). Our estimates for proven reserves have
the highest degree of geologic assurance. Estimates for proven reserves are based on points of observation that are equal to or less
than 0.5 miles apart. Estimates for probable reserves have a moderate degree of geologic assurance and are computed from points
of observation that are between 0.5 to 1.5 miles apart.
An exception is made concerning spacing of observation points with respect to our Pittsburgh coal seam reserves. Because
of the well-known continuity of this seam, spacing requirements are 3,000 feet or less for proven reserves and between 3,000 and
8,000 feet for probable reserves.
15
CONSOL Energy's estimates of proven and probable reserves do not rely on isolated points of observation. Small pods of
reserves based on a single observation point are not considered; continuity between observation points over a large area is necessary
for proven or probable reserves.
Our estimate of proven and probable coal reserves has been determined by CONSOL Energy’s geologists and mining
engineers. CONSOL Energy geologists and mining engineers completed an extensive re-evaluation of the longwall mineable
Pittsburgh and Illinois No. 5 seams during 2014. The re-evaluations included the use of mine specific assumptions and mine plans
versus general mine recovery factors and general parameters. To date, approximately 50% of CONSOL Energy’s reserves have
been re-evaluated using mine specific parameters as opposed to an assumed average mining recovery factors. The 2014 re-
evaluations resulted in 460 million of the total 471 million additional tons of proven and probable reserves added as result of
revisions and other changes in 2014 (See Supplemental Coal Data in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
in Item 8 of this Form 10-K).
CONSOL Energy's proven and probable coal reserves fall within the range of commercially marketed coals in the United
States. The marketability of coal depends on its value-in-use for a particular application, and this is affected by coal quality, such
as, sulfur content, ash and heating value. Modern power plant boiler design aspects can compensate for coal quality differences
that occur. Therefore, any of CONSOL Energy's coals can be marketed for the electric power generation industry. Additionally,
the growth in worldwide demand for metallurgical coals allows some of our proven and probable coal reserves, currently classified
as thermal coals, that possess certain qualities to be sold as metallurgical coal. The addition of this cross-over market adds additional
assurance to CONSOL Energy that all of its proven and probable coal reserves are commercially marketable.
CONSOL Energy assigns coal reserves to each of our mining complexes. The amount of coal we assign to a mining complex
generally is sufficient to support mining through the duration of our current mining permit. Under federal law, we must renew our
mining permits every five years. All assigned reserves have their required permits or governmental approvals, or there is a high
probability that these approvals will be secured.
In addition, our mining complexes may have access to additional reserves that have not yet been assigned. We refer to these
reserves as accessible. Accessible reserves are proven and probable reserves that can be accessed by an existing mining complex,
utilizing the existing infrastructure of the complex to mine and to process the coal in this area. Mining an accessible reserve does
not require additional capital spending beyond that required to extend or to continue the normal progression of the mine, such as
the sinking of airshafts or the construction of portal facilities.
Some reserves may be accessible by more than one mining complex because of the proximity of many of our mining
complexes to one another. In the table below, the accessible reserves indicated for a mining complex are based on our review of
current mining plans and reflect our best judgment as to which mining complex is most likely to utilize the reserve.
Assigned and unassigned coal reserves are proven and probable reserves which are either owned or leased. The leases have
terms extending up to 30 years and generally provide for renewal through the anticipated life of the associated mine. These renewals
are exercisable by the payment of minimum royalties. Under current mining plans, assigned reserves reported will be mined out
within the period of existing leases or within the time period of probable lease renewal periods.
16
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_____________
(1)
The heat value shown for Assigned Operating reserves is based on the quality of coal mined and processed during the
year ended December 31, 2014. The heat values shown for Accessible Reserves are based on as received, dry values
obtained from drill hole analyses, adjusted for moisture, and prorated by the associated Assigned Operating product
values to account for similar mining and processing methods.
(2) Recoverable reserves are calculated based on the area in which mineable coal exists, coal seam thickness, and average
density determined by laboratory testing of drill core samples. This calculation is adjusted to account for coal that will
not be recovered during mining and for losses that occur if the coal is processed after mining. Reserve calculations do
not include adjustments for moisture that may be added during mining or processing, nor do the calculations include
adjustments for dilution from rock lying above or below the coal seam. Reserves are reported only for those coal seams
that are controlled by ownership or leases.
(3) A portion of these reserves contain metallurgical qualities and are currently being sold on the metallurgical market.
(4)
The table excludes both 55.0 million tons of recoverable reserves held by an equity affiliate of which CONSOL Energy
owns a 49% interest and approximately 118.8 million tons of reserves at December 31, 2014 that are assigned to projects
that have not produced coal in 2014. These assigned reserves are in the Northern Appalachia (Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Northern West Virginia), Central Appalachia (Virginia and Southern West Virginia) and Western U.S. (Utah) and are
approximately 71% owned and 29% leased.
The following table sets forth our unassigned proven and probable reserves by region:
CONSOL Energy UNASSIGNED Recoverable Coal Reserves as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Coal Producing Region
Northern Appalachia (Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Northern West Virginia)
Central Appalachia (Virginia, Southern West
Virginia)
Illinois Basin (Illinois, Western Kentucky,
Indiana)
Total
Recoverable Reserves(2)
Tons in
Recoverable
Reserves
(Tons in
As Received Heat Owned
Value(1) (Btu/lb)
(%)
Leased
(%)
Millions
12/31/2014
Millions)
12/31/2013
11,400 – 13,600
87%
11,400 – 14,100
51%
11,600 – 12,000
53%
72%
13%
49%
47%
28%
1,219.1
321.2
555.6
2,095.9
951.7
349.6
731.9
2,033.2
_______________
(1)
The heat value estimates for Northern Appalachian and Central Appalachian Unassigned coal reserves include
adjustments for moisture that may be added during mining or processing as well as for dilution by rock lying above or
below the coal seam. The mining and processing methods currently in use, are used for these estimates. The heat value
estimates for the Illinois Basin, unassigned reserves are based primarily on exploration drill core data that may not
include adjustments for moisture added during mining or processing or for dilution by rock lying above or below the
coal seam.
(2) Recoverable reserves are calculated based on the area in which mineable coal exists, coal seam thickness, and average
density determined by laboratory testing of drill core samples. This calculation is adjusted to account for coal that will
not be recovered during mining and for losses that occur if the coal is processed after mining. Reserve calculations do
not include adjustment for moisture that may be added during mining or processing, nor do the calculations include
adjustments for dilution from rock lying above or below the coal seam. Reserves are only reported for those coal seams
that are controlled by ownership or leases.
18
The following table classifies CONSOL Energy coals by rank, projected sulfur dioxide emissions and heating value (British
thermal units per pound). The table also classifies bituminous coals as high, medium and low volatile which is based on fixed
carbon and volatile matter.
CONSOL Energy Proven and Probable Recoverable Coal Reserves
By Product (In Millions of Tons) As of December 31, 2014
S02/MMBtu
S02/MMBtu
> 2.50 lbs.
S02/MMBtu
By Region
Metallurgical(1):
Low
Btu
Med
Btu
Low
Btu
Med
Btu
High Vol A Bituminous
Med Vol Bituminous
Low Vol Bituminous
Total Metallurgical
—
—
—
—
Thermal(1):
High Vol A Bituminous
31.4
High Vol B Bituminous
High Vol C Bituminous
Low Vol Bituminous
Total Thermal
Total
—
—
—
31.4
31.4
—
5.1
—
5.1
80.4
17.7
—
—
98.1
High
Btu
6.3
56.0
126.8
189.1
4.6
—
—
—
4.6
—
—
—
—
105.2
113.4
159.4
—
—
—
—
—
38.2
—
—
—
38.2
38.2
High
Btu
208.7
2.9
73.7
285.3
Low
Btu
Med
Btu
High
Btu
Percent By
Total
Product
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
215.0
64.0
200.5
479.5
6.6%
2.0%
6.2%
14.8%
62.3
66.7
1,077.0
703.0
2,168.8
67.0%
—
—
—
—
186.7
108.3
—
—
—
—
—
4.5
317.8
267.7
4.5
9.8%
8.3%
0.1%
103.2
193.7
378.0
62.3
175.0
1,263.7
707.5
2,758.8
85.2%
378.0
347.6
175.0
1,263.7
707.5
3,238.3
100.0%
Percent of Total
1.0%
3.2%
6.0%
1.2%
11.7%
10.7%
5.4%
39.0%
21.8%
100.0%
The table above excludes 55.0 million tons of recoverable reserves held by an equity affiliate of which CONSOL Energy
owns a 49% interest.
Title to coal properties that we lease or purchase and the boundaries of these properties are verified by law firms retained
by us at the time we lease or acquire the properties. Consistent with industry practice, abstracts and title reports are reviewed
and updated approximately five years prior to planned development or mining of the property. If defects in title or boundaries
of undeveloped reserves are discovered in the future, control of and the right to mine reserves could be adversely affected.
The following table sets forth, with respect to properties that we lease to other coal operators, the total royalty tonnage,
acreage leased and the amount of income (net of related expenses) we received from royalty payments for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Total
Royalty
Tonnage
Total
Coal
Acreage
Total
Royalty
Income
(in thousands)
Leased
(in thousands)
10,230
8,335
8,326
281,894
271,755
271,760
$18,460
$16,906
$16,853
Year
2014
2013
2012
Royalty tonnage leased to third parties is not included in the amounts of produced tons that we report. Proven and
probable reserves do not include reserves attributable to properties that we lease to third parties.
19
Production
In the year ended December 31, 2014, 93% of CONSOL Energy's production from continuing operations came from
underground mines and 7% from surface mines. CONSOL Energy employs longwall mining systems in our underground mines
where the geology is favorable and reserves are sufficient. For the year ended December 31, 2014, 93% of our production came
from mines equipped with longwall mining systems. Underground longwall systems are highly mechanized, capital intensive
operations. Mines using longwall systems have a low variable cost structure compared with other types of mines and can achieve
high productivity levels compared with those of other underground mining methods. Because CONSOL Energy has substantial
reserves readily suitable to these operations, CONSOL Energy believes that these longwall mines can increase capacity at a low
incremental cost.
The following table shows the production from continuing operations, in millions of tons, for CONSOL Energy's mines for
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the location of each mine, the type of mine, the type of equipment used at
each mine, method of transportation and the year each mine was established or acquired by us.
Preparation
Tons Produced
Year
Facility
Mine
Mining
(in millions)
Established
Mine
Location
Type Equipment Transportation
2014
2013
2012
or Acquired
PA Operations
Bailey (3)
Enlow Fork (3)
Harvey (5)
VA Operations
Buchanan (1)
Amonate (1)(2)
Other
Miller Creek Complex (2)
AMVEST-Fola Complex (1)(2)
Total
Enon, PA
Enon, PA
Enon, PA
Mavisdale, VA
Amonate, VA
Delbarton, WV
Bickmore, WV
U
U
U
U
U/S
U/S
U/S
LW/CM
LW/CM
LW/CM
LW/CM
A/S/CM
CM/S/L
A/S/L/CM
CONSOL Energy Portion of Equity Affiliates
Harrison Resources (2)(4)
Western Allegheny (2)(4)
Cadiz, OH
Young Township, PA
S
U
S/L
CM
Total CONSOL Energy Portion of Equity
Affiliates
R R/B
R R/B
R R/B
R T
R T
R T
R T
R T
R T
12.3
10.6
3.2
4.0
—
2.1
—
10.8
10.1
0.6
4.8
—
2.2
—
10.1
9.5
—
3.5
0.1
2.9
1.1
32.2
28.5
27.2
0.3
0.5
0.8
0.4
0.3
0.7
0.4
0.1
0.5
1984
1990
2014
1983
2012
2004
2007
2007
2010
A
S
U
– Auger
– Surface
– Underground
LW – Longwall
CM – Continuous Miner
S/L
– Stripping Shovel and Front End Loaders
R
– Rail
R/B – Rail to Barge
T
(1)
(2)
– Truck
– Mine was idled for part of the year(s) presented due to market conditions.
– Harrison Resources, Miller Creek Complex, AMVEST–Fola Complex, Amonate Complex and Western Allegheny (includes facilities operated by
independent contractors).
(3)
– Mine was idle for three weeks during 2012 due to a structural failure at the above-ground conveyor system at the Bailey Preparation Plant.
Production later resumed at a reduced capacity.
(4)
(5)
– Production amounts represent CONSOL Energy's 49% ownership interest. Interest in Harrison Resources was sold on October 1, 2014.
– Completed development work and was placed in service in March 2014.
20
Coal Capital
In 2015, CONSOL Energy expects to invest $220 million in the Coal and other Division: $160 million in maintenance of
production capital, and $60 million in land, safety, water, terminal operations, and other miscellaneous categories.
Coal Marketing and Sales
Our sales of bituminous coal from continuing operations were at average sales price per ton sold as follows:
Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold– PA Operations
Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold– VA Operations
Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold– Other Operations
Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold– Total Company
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2014
2012
$
$
$
$
61.88
71.80
60.12
63.03
$
$
$
$
63.93
92.43
70.22
69.34
$
$
$
$
67.67
140.11
71.44
77.75
We sell coal produced by our mining complexes and additional coal that is purchased by us for resale from other
producers. We maintain United States sales offices in Charlotte, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In addition, we sell coal through
agents and to brokers and unaffiliated trading companies.
A breakdown of total coal sales from continuing operations is as follows:
PA Operations
VA Operations
Other Operations
Total tons sold
Tons
Percent of
Sold
26.1
4.1
2.2
32.4
Total
81%
13%
6%
100%
Approximately 72% of our 2014 coal sales from continuing operations were made to U. S. electric generators, 5% of our
2014 coal sales were priced on export markets and 23% of our coal sales were made to other domestic customers. We had over
50 customers from our 2014 coal operations. During 2014, Duke Energy and Xcoal Energy Resources each comprised over
10% of our revenues from continuing operations, and the top four coal customers accounted for more than 30% of our total
revenues from continuing operations.
Coal Contracts
We sell coal to an established customer base through opportunities as a result of strong business relationships, or through a
formalized bidding process. Contract volumes range from a single shipment to multi-year agreements for millions of tons of coal.
The average contract term is between one to three years. As a normal course of business, efforts are made to renew or extend
contracts scheduled to expire. Although there are no guarantees, we generally have been successful in renewing or extending
contracts in the past. For the year ended December 31, 2014, over 66% of all the coal we produced from continuing operations
was sold under contracts with terms of one year or more.
21
The following table sets forth as of January 18, 2015, CONSOL Energy's estimated production and sales for 2015 through
2016.
COAL DIVISION GUIDANCE
(Tons in millions)
Q1 2015
2015
2016
Estimated Total Coal Sales
8.0 - 8.5
30.5 - 33.0
30.5 - 33.0
Tonnage: Firm
Price: Sold (firm)
7.3
24.2
$
62.24
$
63.06
$
13.4
63.12
Estimated PA Operations Sales
6.6 - 6.8
24.9 - 26.6
24.9 - 26.6
Tonnage: Firm
5.9
20.7
11.8
Estimated VA Operations Sales
1.0 - 1.2
3.7 - 4.2
3.7 - 4.2
Tonnage: Firm
Estimated Other Sales
Tonnage: Firm
0.9
1.6
0.8
0.4 - 0.5
1.9 - 2.2
1.9 - 2.2
0.5
1.9
0.8
Note: While most of the data in the table are single point estimates, the inherent uncertainty of markets and mining operations
means that investors should consider a reasonable range around these estimates. CONSOL Energy has chosen not to forecast
prices for open tonnage due to ongoing customer negotiations. Firm tonnage is tonnage that is both sold and priced, and
excludes collared tons. There are no collared tons in 2015. Collared tons in 2016 are 0.9 million tons, with a ceiling of $61.46
per ton and a floor of $57.54 per ton. Not included in the category breakdowns are the tons from Western Allegheny Energy
(WAE). WAE has 0.1 million tons for Q1 2015, and 0.5 million tons and 0.4 million tons for all of 2015, and 2016, respectively.
Coal pricing for contracts with terms of one year or less is generally fixed. Coal pricing for multiple-year agreements generally
provide the opportunity to periodically adjust the contract prices through pricing mechanisms consisting of one or more of the
following:
Fixed price contracts with pre-established prices;
Periodically negotiated prices that reflect market conditions at the time;
Price restricted to an agreed-upon percentage increase or decrease; or
•
•
•
• Base-price-plus-escalation methods which allow for periodic price adjustments based on inflation indices, or other
negotiated indices.
The volume of coal to be delivered is specified in each of our coal contracts. Although the volume to be delivered under the
coal contracts is stipulated, the parties may vary the timing of the deliveries within specified limits.
Coal contracts typically contain force majeure provisions allowing for the suspension of performance by either party for the
duration of specified events. Force majeure events include, but are not limited to, unexpected significant geological conditions or
natural disasters. Depending on the language of the contract, some contracts may terminate upon continuance of an event of force
majeure that extends for a period greater than three to twelve months.
Distribution
Coal is transported from CONSOL Energy's mining complexes to customers by railroad cars, trucks or a combination of
these means of transportation. We employ transportation specialists who negotiate freight and equipment agreements with various
transportation suppliers, including railroads, barge lines, terminal operators, ocean vessel brokers and trucking companies for
certain customers.
Coal Competition
The United States coal industry is highly competitive, with numerous producers selling into all markets that use coal.
CONSOL Energy competes against several other large producers and numerous small producers in the United States and
overseas. Demand for our coal by our principal customers is affected by many factors including:
•
•
the price of competing coal and alternative fuel supplies, including nuclear, natural gas, oil and
renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, wind or solar;
environmental and government regulation;
22
coal quality;
•
transportation costs from the mine to the customer;
•
•
the reliability of fuel supply;
• worldwide demand for steel;
natural/weather disasters; and
•
political changes in international governments.
•
Continued demand for CONSOL Energy's coal and the prices that CONSOL Energy obtains are affected by demand for
electricity, technological developments, environmental and governmental regulation, and the availability and price of
competing coal and alternative fuel supplies. We sell coal to foreign electricity generators and to the more specialized
metallurgical coal markets, both of which are significantly affected by international demand and competition.
Other Operations
CONSOL Energy provides other services both to our own operations and to others. These include land services, coal
terminal services and water services.
Non-Core Mineral Assets and Surface Properties
CONSOL Energy owns significant gas and coal assets that are not in our short or medium term development plans. We
continually explore the monetization of these non-core assets by means of sale, lease, contribution to joint ventures, or a combination
of the foregoing in order to bring the value of these assets forward for the benefit of our shareholders. We also control a significant
amount of surface acreage. This surface acreage is valuable to us in the development of the gathering system for our Marcellus
Shale and Utica Shale production. We also derive value from this surface control by granting rights of way or development rights
to third parties when we are able to derive appropriate value for our shareholders.
Terminal Services
In 2014, approximately 9.6 million tons of coal were shipped through CONSOL Energy's subsidiary, CNX Marine Terminals
Inc.'s, exporting terminal in the Port of Baltimore. Approximately 42% of the tonnage shipped was produced by CONSOL Energy
coal mines. The terminal can either store coal or load coal directly into vessels from rail cars. It is also one of the few terminals
in the United States served by two railroads, Norfolk Southern Corporation and CSX Transportation Inc.
Water Services
CNX Water Assets LLC, a CONSOL Energy subsidiary, is acquiring and developing existing sources of water in order to
support our gas and coal operations, develop business in water sales, promote cutting edge water technologies, treat both acid
mine drainage (AMD) water and fracturing water, and reduce our environmental liabilities. CNX Water Assets' operate an
advanced waste water treatment plant in support of coal operations as well as fresh water reservoirs. CNX Water Assets'
objective is to develop and maximize the value of existing water assets, which will be used to provide water for drilling and
hydraulic fracturing in support of gas operations and meeting the needs of mining operations. CNX Water Assets' also has
contracts to provide water to third parties for industrial use from various water sources owned by CONSOL Energy.
Employee and Labor Relations
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy had 3,834 employees. Less than 1% of the total workforce is represented by the
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).
Industry Segments
Financial information concerning industry segments, as defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is included in Note 25 - Segment Information in the Notes to the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and incorporated herein.
23
Laws and Regulations
Overview
Our gas and coal mining operations are subject to various types of federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Regulations relating to our operations include permitting and other licensing requirements; water withdrawal and procurement
for well stimulation purposes; well drilling and casing; well production; well plugging; venting or flaring of natural gas;
pipeline compression and transmission of natural gas and liquids; reclamation and restoration of properties after gas or mining
operations are completed; storage, transportation and disposal of materials used or generated by gas and mining operations; the
calculation, reporting and disbursement of taxes; gathering of gas production in certain circumstances; surface subsidence from
underground mining; discharge of water from coal mining operations; air quality standards; protection of wetlands; endangered
plant and wildlife protection; and employee health and safety. Numerous governmental permits and approvals under these laws
and regulations are required for gas and mining operations. Lastly, the electric power generation industry is subject to extensive
regulation regarding the environmental impact of its power generation activities, which could affect demand for our gas and
coal products.
Compliance with these laws has substantially increased the cost of gas production and mining of coal for all domestic gas
and coal producers. We also post performance bonds or letters of credit pursuant to state oil and gas laws and regulations to
guarantee reclamation of gas well sites and plugging of gas wells. We post surety performance bonds or letters of credit
pursuant to federal and state mining laws and regulations for the estimated costs of reclamation and mine closing, often
including the cost of treating mine water discharge. We endeavor to conduct our gas and mining operations in compliance with
all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. However, because of extensive and comprehensive regulatory
requirements against a backdrop of variable geologic and seasonal conditions, permit exceedances and violations during gas
and mining operations can and do occur. The possibility exists that new legislation or regulations may be adopted which would
have a significant impact on our gas and coal mining operations or our customers' ability to use our gas and coal and may
require us or our customers to change their operations significantly or incur substantial costs.
CONSOL Energy is committed to complying with all laws and regulations. This commitment is evident in CONSOL
Energy's demonstrated cost and effort to abate and control pollution and/or contamination at its facilities. CONSOL Energy
made capital expenditures for environmental control facilities of approximately $19.0 million, $1.6 million, and $1.3 million in
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. CONSOL Energy expects to have capital expenditures of
$19.9 million in 2015 for environmental control facilities.
Environmental Laws
Clean Air Act and Related Regulations. The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) and corresponding state laws and regulations
regulate air emissions primarily through permitting and/or emissions control requirements. This affects gas production and
processing operations as well as coal mining and coal handling and processing.
We are required to obtain pre-approval for construction or modification of certain facilities, to meet stringent air permit
requirements, or to use specific equipment, technologies or best management practices to control emissions. On August 16,
2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published final revisions to the New Source Performance Standards
(NSPS) to regulate emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from various oil and gas
exploration, production, processing and transportation facilities and revisions to the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) to further regulate emissions from the oil and natural gas production sector and the
transmission and storage of natural gas. Section 111 of the CAA authorized the EPA to develop technology based standards
which apply to specific categories of stationary sources. In September 2009, the EPA finalized the Mandatory Reporting of
Greenhouse Gas Rule. The current version of this rule requires annual reporting of emissions from gas wells, coal mines and
associated facilities.
The U.S. EPA is currently proposing to amend the Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems source category (Subpart W) of
the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). This proposed rule would add reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from
gathering and boosting systems, completions and workovers of oil wells using hydraulic fracturing, and blowdowns of natural
gas transmission pipelines. The rule would also require operators to install new monitoring equipment during the next year in
order to comply with Subpart W. In addition, on January 14, 2014, the Obama Administration announced its goal to
significantly reduce methane emission from oil and gas sources by 2014. As part of this announcement, the EPA announced that
it will issue a proposed rule in the summer of 2015 and a final rule in 2016 setting standards for methane and VOC emissions
from new and modified oil and gas productions sources and natural gas processing and transmission sources.
24
The CAA also indirectly and more significantly affects the U.S. coal industry by extensively regulating the air emissions
of coal-fired electric power generating plants operated by our customers. Coal contains impurities, such as sulfur, mercury and
other constituents, many of which are released into the air when coal is burned. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is also
emitted when coal is burned. Environmental regulations governing emissions from coal-fired electric generating plants increase
the costs to operate and could affect demand for coal as a fuel source and affect the volume of our sales. Moreover, additional
environmental regulations increase the likelihood that existing coal-fired electric generating plants will be decommissioned,
including plants to which CONSOL Energy sells coal to, and reduce the likelihood that new coal-fired plants will be built in the
future.
In early 2012, the EPA promulgated or finalized several rules for new source performance standards (NSPS) for coal- and
oil- fired power plants and these changes affect coal-generating facilities. The Utility Maximum Control Technology (UMACT)
rule requires more stringent NSPS for particulate matter (PM), SO2 and NOX and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
(MATS) rule requires new mercury and air toxic standards. In November 2012, EPA published a notice of reconsideration of
certain aspects of the UMACT and MATS rules. Following reconsideration, in April 2013, EPA promulgated final UMACT and
MATS rules at which point the standards become applicable to new power plants. The final rules have higher emission limits,
but the standards are still stringent and compliance with the rules is expensive.
On July 6, 2011, the EPA finalized a rule known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). CSAPR regulates cross-
border emissions of criteria air pollutants include SO2 and NOX, as well as byproducts, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and
ozone by requiring states to limit emissions from sources that "contribute significantly" to noncompliance with air quality
standards for the criteria air pollutants. If the ambient levels of criteria air pollutants are above the thresholds set by the EPA, a
region is considered to be in "nonattainment" for that pollutant and the EPA applies more stringent control standards for sources
of air emissions located in the region. After sever years of litigation, implementation of CSAPR Phase 1 is now scheduled for
2015, with Phase 2 beginning in 2017.
In April 2012, the EPA published its proposed NSPS for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-powered electric
generating units. The proposed rules would have applied to new power plants and to existing plants that make major
modifications. If the rules had been adopted as proposed, the only new coal-fired power plants that could have met the
proposed emission limits would have been coal-fired plants with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). Commercial scale CCS is not
likely to be available in the near future, and if available, it may make coal-fired electric generation units uneconomical
compared to new gas-fired electric generation units. On January 8, 2014, EPA re-proposed NSPS for CO2 for new fossil fuel
fired power plants and rescinded the rules that were proposed on April 12, 2012.
On September 20, 2013, the EPA issued a new proposal to control carbon emissions from new power plants. Under the
proposal, EPA would establish separate NSPS for CO2 emissions for natural gas-fired turbines and coal-fired units. The
proposed “Carbon Pollution Standard for New Power Plants” replaces an earlier proposal released by EPA in 2012.
In another proposed rulemaking related to CO2 emissions, on June 2, 2014, EPA proposed the Clean Power Plan to cut
carbon emissions from existing power plants. Under this proposed rule, EPA would create emission guidelines for states to
follow in developing plans to address greenhouse gas emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units.
Specifically, the EPA is proposing state-specific rate-based goals for CO2 emissions from the power sector, as well as guidelines
for states to follow in developing plans to achieve the state-specific goals.
The CAA requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain pollutants and the CAA
identifies two types of NAAQS. Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of
"sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards provide public welfare protection,
including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. On December 17,
2014, the EPA proposed a rule to lower the primary and secondary NAAQS for ozone. Under the proposal, the primary
standard would be reduced from the current 0.075 ppm to a standard within the range of 0.065 ppm to 0.070 ppm. Similarly the
secondary standard would be reduced to a standard within the range of 0.065 ppm to 0.070 ppm. This proposed rule could have
a large impact on both the oil and gas and coal mining industries as states would be required to update their permitting
standards to meet these potentially unachievable limits.
Clean Water Act. The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and corresponding state laws affect our gas and coal operations by
regulating discharges into surface waters. Permits requiring regular monitoring and compliance with effluent limitations and
reporting requirements govern the discharge of pollutants into regulated waters. The CWA and corresponding state laws include
requirements for: improvement of designated "impaired waters" (i.e., not meeting state water quality standards) through the use
of effluent limitations; anti-degradation regulations which protect state designated "high quality/exceptional use" streams by
restricting or prohibiting discharges; requirements to treat discharges from coal mining properties for non-traditional pollutants,
25
such as chlorides, selenium and dissolved solids; requirements to minimize impacts and compensate for unavoidable impacts
resulting from discharges of fill materials to regulated streams and wetlands; and requirements to dispose of produced wastes
and other oil and gas wastes at approved disposal facilities. In addition, the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure
(SPCC) requirements of the CWA apply to all CONSOL Energy operations that use or produce fluids and require the
implementation of plans to address any spills and the installation of secondary containment around all tanks. These
requirements may cause CONSOL Energy to incur significant additional costs that could adversely affect our operating results,
financial condition and cash flows.
Pursuant to a Congressional requirement in EPA's 2010 budget appropriation, EPA must conduct a comprehensive study
of the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. Hydraulic fracturing is a
way of producing gas from tight rock formations such as the Marcellus and Utica shales. The EPA initiated the study in early
January 2011 with a final report originally intended to be published in 2014. EPA’s current estimate of the completion time for a
draft of its study of the risks posed by hydraulic fracturing to drinking water is now projected by the agency to be completed in
early 2015.
CONSOL Energy utilizes pipelines extensively for its gas, water and coal businesses, and mitigation permits from the
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) are typically required for certain impacts to streams and wetlands. On April 21, 2014 EPA
published a proposed rule called “Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ Under the Clean Water Act.” The proposal would
expand the scope of the CWA to include previously non-jurisdictional streams, wetlands, and waters, making these areas
jurisdictional inter-coastal waters of the U.S. If finalized, the rulemaking will likely cause states that have jurisdiction over their
own waters to make regulatory changes to their already robust regulatory programs while offering little to no added
environmental protection or benefit from the changes. This would only add unwarranted delays to the permitting process and
extend review times even further for regulatory agencies already under-resourced. These changes would also lead to additional
mitigation cost and severely limit CONSOL Energy’s ability to avoid regulated jurisdictional waters, while extending the
coverage of “waters of the United States” into areas that have no significant hydrologic connection to jurisdictional waters. We
believe the proposal as written does not accomplish EPA’s goal of clarification, and has blurred the lines between what is and is
not jurisdictional under the CWA.
In order to obtain a permit for surface coal mining activities, including valley fills associated with steep slope mining, an
operator must obtain a permit for the discharge of fill material from the ACOE and a discharge permit from the state regulatory
authority under the state counterpart to the Clean Water Act. Beginning in early 2009, the EPA implemented several initiatives
that have delayed and obstructed the issuance of surface mining operation permits in the Appalachian states including
Pennsylvania and Virginia where our principal mining complexes are located. Increased oversight of delegated state
programmatic authority, coupled with individual permit review and additional requirements imposed by the EPA, has resulted
in delays in the review and issuance of permits for surface coal mining operations, including applications for surface facilities
for underground mines, such as applications for coal refuse disposal areas. The coal industry has had some success challenging
EPA’s policies but EPA continues with its initiatives. Thus far, CONSOL Energy subsidiaries have been able to continue
operating their existing mines. There is no assurance that permits can be obtained for future mining operations.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and
corresponding state laws and regulations affect gas operations and coal mining by imposing requirements for the treatment,
storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. Facilities at which hazardous wastes have been treated, stored or disposed are subject
to corrective action orders issued by the EPA that could adversely affect our results, financial condition and cash flows. In
2010, EPA proposed options for the regulation of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) from the electric power sector as either
hazardous waste or non-hazardous waste. On December 19, 2014, EPA announced the first national regulations for the disposal
of CCRs from electric utilities and independent power producers under RCRA. EPA finalized these regulations under the solid
waste provisions (Subtitle D) of RCRA and not the hazardous waste provisions (Subtitle C). EPA plans to publish the final rule
in the Federal Register in early January 2015. EPA affirms in the preamble to the final rule that “this rule does not apply to
CCR placed in active or abandoned underground or surface mines.” Instead, “the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and EPA
will address the management of CCR in mine fills in a separate regulatory action(s).”
Endangered Species Act. The Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similar state laws protect species threatened
with extinction. Protection of endangered and threatened species may cause us to modify gas well pad siting or pipeline right of
ways, mining plans, or develop and implement species-specific protection and enhancement plans to avoid or minimize impacts
to endangered species or their habitats. A number of species indigenous to the areas where we operate are protected under the
ESA. Based on species that have been identified and the current application of endangered species laws and regulations, we do
not believe that there are any species protected under the ESA or state laws that would materially and adversely affect our
ability to produce gas or mine coal from our properties. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a 12-month
finding that listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat as endangered is warranted throughout the bat’s range. CONSOL Energy,
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along with others in industry has submitted comments against the listing. This listing will establish habitat protection for the
species but will not prevent the cause of the decline in the population of the Northern Long-Eared Bat, which is due to a disease
commonly referred to as White Nose Syndrome (WNS). This will lead to significant timing and critical path hurdles, ultimately
limiting the ability to clear timber for construction activities. Both the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
(NEAFWA) and Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) have indicated that an endangered listing is
“not warranted,” but recommends it be listed as threatened due to WNS. The USFWS has stated that “A final decision on
listing the northern long-eared bat will be made no later than April 2, 2015.”
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. The federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA)
establishes minimum national operational and reclamation standards for all surface mines as well as most aspects of
underground mines. SMCRA requires that comprehensive environmental protection and reclamation standards be met during
the course of and following completion of mining activities. Permits for all mining operations must be obtained from the U.S.
Office of Surface Mining (OSM) or, where state regulatory agencies have adopted federally approved state programs under
SMCRA, the appropriate state regulatory authority. States that operate federally approved state programs may impose standards
which are more stringent than the requirements of SMCRA and OSM's regulations and in many instances have done so. Our
active mining complexes are located in states which have achieved primary jurisdiction for enforcement of SMCRA through
approved state programs. In addition, SMCRA imposes a reclamation fee on all current mining operations, the proceeds of
which are deposited in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AML Fund), which is used to restore unreclaimed and
abandoned mine lands mined before 1977. The current per ton fee is $0.28 per ton for surface mined coal and $0.12 per ton for
underground mined coal. These fees are currently scheduled to be in effect until September 30, 2021.
Excess Spoil, Coal Mine Waste, Diversions, and Buffer Zones for Perennial and Intermittent Streams. OSM has issued
final amendments to regulations concerning stream buffer zones, stream channel diversions, excess spoil, and coal mine waste
to comply with an order issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on February 20, 2014, which vacated the
stream buffer zone rule that was published December 12, 2008. OSM has indicated that a new proposed Revised Stream Buffer
Zone rule is likely in spring or summer of 2015, with a final goal for rule promulgation in December 2016.
West Virginia Above Ground Storage Tank Rules. In response to a spill by Freedom Industries of crude 4-
methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) to the Elk River on January 9, 2014, West Virginia signed into law Senate Bill 373 (also
known as the Above Ground Storage Tank Act), which requires that all above ground storage tanks (ASTs) be registered with
the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and meet additional requirements. West Virginia DEP filed a Final
Interpretive Rule addressing initial inspection, certification and spill prevention response plan requirements on October 21,
2014. This Interpretive Rule is a temporary measure until more comprehensive rules are filed. The West Virginia DEP plans to
propose additional rules for public notice and comment in the coming year. With approximately 4,000 impacted ASTs currently
operational in West Virginia and more needed for the oil and gas production, these rules could have a significant financial
impact on CONSOL Energy.
Federal Regulation of the Sale and Transportation of Gas
Regulations and orders set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) impact our gas business to a
certain degree. Although the FERC does not directly regulate our gas production activities, the FERC has stated that it intends
for certain of its orders to foster increased competition within all phases of the natural gas industry. Additionally, the FERC
continues to review its transportation regulations, including whether to allocate all short-term capacity on the basis of
competitive auctions and whether changes to its long-term transportation policies may also be appropriate to avoid a market
bias toward short-term contracts. The FERC has also issued numerous orders confirming the sale and abandonment of natural
gas gathering facilities previously owned by interstate pipelines and acknowledging that if the FERC does not have jurisdiction
over services provided by these facilities, then such facilities and services may be subject to regulation by state authorities in
accordance with state law. We own certain natural gas pipeline facilities that we believe meet the traditional tests which the
FERC has used to establish a pipeline's status as a gatherer not subject to the FERC jurisdiction.
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Health and Safety Laws
Occupational Safety and Health Act. Our gas operations are subject to regulation under the federal Occupational Safety
and Health Act (OSHA) and comparable state laws in some states, all of which regulate health and safety of employees at our
gas operations. Also, OSHA's hazardous communication standard requires that information be maintained about hazardous
materials used or produced by our gas operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local
governments and the public.
Mine Safety. Legislative and regulatory changes have required us to purchase additional safety equipment, construct
stronger seals to isolate mined out areas, and engage in additional training. We have also experienced more aggressive
inspection protocols and with new regulations the amount of civil penalties has increased. The actions taken thus far by federal
and state governments include requiring:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
the caching of additional supplies of self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) devices underground;
the purchase and installation of electronic communication and personal tracking devices underground;
the placement of refuge chambers, which are structures designed to provide refuge for groups of miners during a mine
emergency when evacuation from the mine is not possible, which will provide breathable air for 96 hours;
the replacement of existing seals in worked-out areas of mines with stronger seals;
the purchase of new fire resistant conveyor belting underground;
additional training and testing that creates the need to hire additional employees; and
more stringent rock dusting requirements.
According to a November 2013 regulatory update, the Department of Labor (DOL) intends to publish final rules for
underground coal mining operations concerning proximity detection systems for continuous mining machines and rules
concerning the exposure of coal miners to crystalline silica. On January 15, 2015, MSHA published a final rule requring
underground coal mine operations to equip continuous mining machines, except full-face continuous mining machines, with
proximity detection systems. The proximity detection system strengthens protection for miners by reducing the potential of
pinning, crushing and striking hazards that result in accidents involving life-treating injuries and death. The final rule becomes
effective March 15, 2015 and includes a phased in schedule for newly manufactured and in-service equipment. In 2010 MSHA
rolled out the “End Black Lung, Act Now” initiative. As a result, MSHA has implemented a new final rule on August 1, 2014 to
lower miners’ exposure to respirable coal mine dust including using the new Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) technology. This
final rule will be implemented in three phases. The first phase began on August 1, 2014 and utilizes the current gravimetric
sampling device to take full shift dust samples from the current designated occupations and areas. It also requires additional
record keeping and immediate corrective action in the event of overexposure. The second phase begins on February 1, 2016
and requires additional sampling for designated and other occupations using the new continuous personal dust monitor
(CPDM) technology, which provides real time dust exposure information to the miner. CONSOL Energy has ordered the
necessary CPDM equipment which is required to meet compliance with the new rule at a cost of $2 million. We are also in the
process of hiring Dust Coordinators and Dust Technicians to meet the staffing demand to manage compliance with the new rule
at an estimated cost of $3 million. The final phase of the new rule will take effect on August 1, 2016. The current respirable
dust standard will then be reduced from 2.0 to 1.5mg/m3 for designated occupations and from 1.0 to 0.5mg/m3 for Part 90
Miners.
Black Lung Legislation. Under federal black lung benefits legislation, each coal mine operator is required to make
payments of black lung benefits or contributions to:
•
•
•
current and former coal miners totally disabled from black lung disease;
certain survivors of a miner who dies from black lung disease or pneumoconiosis; and
a trust fund for the payment of benefits and medical expenses to claimants whose last mine employment was before
January 1, 1970, where no responsible coal mine operator has been identified for claims (where a miner's last coal
employment was after December 31, 1969), or where the responsible coal mine operator has defaulted on the payment
of such benefits. The trust fund is funded by an excise tax on U.S. production of up to $1.10 per ton for deep mined
coal and up to $0.55 per ton for surface-mined coal, neither amount to exceed 4.4% of the gross sales price.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) made two changes to the Federal Black Lung Benefits
Act. First, it provided changes to the legal criteria used to assess and award claims by creating a legal presumption that miners
are entitled to benefits if they have worked at least 15 years in underground coal mines, or in similar conditions, and suffer
from a totally disabling lung disease. To rebut this presumption, a coal company would have to prove that a miner did not have
black lung or that the disease was not caused by the miner's work. Second, it changed the law so black lung benefits will
continue to be paid to dependent survivors when the miner passes away, regardless of the cause of the miner's death. The
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changes have increased the cost to CONSOL Energy of complying with the Federal Black Lung Benefits Act. In addition to the
federal legislation, we are also liable under various state statutes for black lung claims.
Other State and Local Laws Related to Our Gas Business
Regulation Affecting Gas Operations. Our gas operations are also subject to regulation at the state and in some cases,
county, municipal and local governmental levels. Such regulation includes requiring permits for the siting and construction of
well pads and roads, drilling of wells, bonding requirements, protection of ground water and surface water resources and
protection of drinking water supplies, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of well sites, gas
flaring, the plugging and abandoning of wells, the disposal of fluids used in connection with operations, and gas operations
producing coalbed methane in relation to active mining. A number of states have either enacted new laws or may be
considering the adequacy of existing laws affecting gathering rates and/or services. Other state regulation of gathering facilities
generally includes various safety, environmental and in some circumstances, nondiscriminatory take requirements, but does not
generally entail rate regulation. Thus, natural gas gathering may receive greater regulatory scrutiny of state agencies in the
future. Our gathering operations could be adversely affected should they be subject in the future to increased state regulation of
rates or services, although we do not believe that they would be affected by such regulation any differently than other natural
gas producers or gatherers. However, these regulatory burdens may affect profitability, and we are unable to predict the future
cost or impact of complying with such regulations.
Ownership of Mineral Rights. CONSOL Energy acquires ownership or leasehold rights to gas and coal properties prior
to conducting operations on those properties. As is customary in the gas and coal industries, we have generally conducted only
a summary review of the title to gas and coal rights that are not in our development plans, but which we believe we control.
This summary review is conducted at the time of acquisition or as part of a review of our land records to determine control of
mineral rights. Given CONSOL Energy's long history as a coal producer, we believe we have a well-developed ownership
position relating to our coal control; however, our ownership of oil and gas rights, particularly those rights that we acquired in
connection with our historic coal operations and some of the rights we acquired in 2010 from Dominion are less developed. As
we continue to review our land records and confirm title in anticipation of development, we expect that adjustments to our
ownership position (either increases or decreases) will be required.
Prior to the commencement of development operations on gas and coal properties, we conduct a thorough title
examination and perform curative work with respect to significant defects. We generally will not commence operations on a
property until we have cured any material title defects on such property. We are typically responsible for the cost of curing any
title defects. In addition, the acquisition of the necessary rights may not be feasible in some cases. Our discovering gas title
defects which we are unable to cure may adversely impact our ability to develop those properties and we may have to reduce
our estimated gas reserves including our proved undeveloped reserves. We have completed title work on substantially all of our
gas and coal producing properties and believe that we have satisfactory title to our producing properties in accordance with
standards generally accepted in the industry.
Available Information
CONSOL Energy maintains a website on the World Wide Web at www.consolenergy.com. CONSOL Energy makes
available, free of charge, on this website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on
Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are available, electronically filed with,
or furnished to the SEC, and are also available at the SEC's website www.sec.gov. Apart from SEC filings, we also use our
website to publish information which may be important to investors, such as presentations to analysts.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Incorporated by reference into this Part I is the information set forth in Part III, Item 10 under the caption “Executive
Officers of CONSOL Energy” (included herein pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K).
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ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
Investment in our securities is subject to various risks, including risks and uncertainties inherent in our business. The
following sets forth factors related to our business, operations, financial position or future financial performance or cash flows
which could cause an investment in our securities to decline and result in a loss.
Deterioration in the global economic conditions in any of the industries in which our customers operate, or a
worldwide financial downturn, such as the 2008 - 2009 financial crisis, or negative credit market conditions may
have lasting effects on our liquidity, business and financial condition that we cannot predict.
Economic conditions in a number of industries in which our customers operate, such as electric power generation and
steel making, substantially deteriorated in recent years and reduced the demand for natural gas and coal. Although global
industrial activity recovered from 2009 levels, the general economic challenges for some of our customers continued in 2014
and the outlook is uncertain. In addition, liquidity is essential to our business and developing our assets. Renewed or continued
weakness in the economic conditions of any of the industries served by our customers could adversely affect our business and
financial condition in a number of ways. For example:
• demand for natural gas and electricity in the United States is impacted by industrial production, which if weakened would
negatively impact the revenues, margins and profitability of our natural gas and thermal coal business;
• demand for metallurgical coal depends on steel demand in the United States and globally, which if weakened would
negatively impact the revenues, margins and profitability of our metallurgical coal business including our ability to sell
our thermal coal as higher-priced high volatile metallurgical coal;
the tightening of credit or lack of credit availability to our customers could adversely affect our ability to collect our trade
receivables and the amount of receivables eligible for sale pursuant to our accounts receivable securitization facility may
decline; and
•
• our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to raise capital for our
business including for exploration and/or development of our gas or coal reserves.
Prices for natural gas, natural gas liquids and coal are volatile and can fluctuate widely based upon a number of
factors beyond our control including oversupply relative to the demand available for our products, weather and the
price and availability of alternative fuels. An extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas, natural
gas liquids, and coal will adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Our financial results are significantly affected by the prices we receive for our natural gas, natural gas liquids, oil and
coal.
Natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil accounted for approximately 32% of our outside sales revenues from
continuing operations in 2014. Natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil prices are very volatile and can fluctuate widely based
upon supply from energy producers relative to demand for these products and other factors beyond our control. The sale to
Murray Energy in 2013 of almost one half of our thermal coal production increased our exposure to fluctuations in the price of
metallurgical coal, natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil.
In particular, while demand for natural gas has recovered to pre-recession levels, the U.S. natural gas industry
continues to face concerns of oversupply due to the success of Marcellus and other new shale plays. The oversupply of natural
gas in 2012 resulted in domestic prices hovering around ten year lows, and drilling continued in these plays, despite lower gas
prices, to meet drilling commitments. Although gas prices recovered somewhat during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, they
again significantly declined in the latter part of 2014 due to oversupply.
Our gas operations are geographically concentrated in the mid-Atlantic states. The success of the Marcellus Shale
play and development of other Shale plays has resulted in growth in gas production in this region with production per day in
Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio more than doubling since 2011. Traditionally, natural gas produced in the mid-Atlantic
states sold at a premium to the benchmark Louisiana Henry Hub prices. However, as Appalachian production increased this
premium narrowed and during 2014, the spot prices at some Appalachian hubs fell below Henry Hub prices. This decline, or
negative basis, to the Henry Hub price is forecasted to continue in future years and may widen due to anticipated further
increased Appalachian gas production. Oversupply from the continued drilling in these plays, despite lower prices, directly
affects prices we receive. Thus, apart from the general impact of domestic production on overall gas prices, the price paid for
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our natural gas also may be adversely affected by increasing production and oversupply in our market. Low gas prices
adversely impact our gas operations revenues and earnings before income taxes.
An extended period of lower natural gas prices could negatively affect us in several other ways. These include reduced
cash flow, which would decrease funds available for capital expenditures employed to replace reserves or increase production.
For example, in light of the low natural gas prices during 2012, the number of wells drilled in our Noble joint venture during
2012 was significantly reduced from the number we initially planned to drill. Also, our access to other sources of capital, such
as equity or long-term debt markets, could be severely limited or unavailable. Additionally, lower natural gas prices may reduce
the amount of natural gas that we can produce economically. This may result in our having to make substantial downward
adjustments to our estimated proved reserves. If this occurs, or if our estimates of development costs increase, production data
factors change or our exploration results deteriorate, accounting rules may require us to write down, as a non-cash charge to
earnings, the carrying value of our natural gas properties. We are required to perform impairment tests on our assets whenever
events or changes in circumstances lead to a reduction of the estimated useful life or estimated future cash flows that would
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or whenever management's plans change with respect to those assets.
We may incur impairment charges in the future, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations in the period
taken.
We and our joint venture partners have increased drilling activity in areas of shale formations which may also contain
natural gas liquids and/or oil. The prices for natural gas liquids and oil are also volatile for reasons similar to those described
above regarding natural gas. As a result of increasing supply, including from shale plays, oil prices fell to five year lows during
2014. In addition, similar to the oversupply of natural gas, increased drilling activity in 2012 by third parties in formations
containing natural gas liquids has led to a significant decline in the price of natural gas liquids. If we discover and produce
significant amounts of natural gas liquids or oil, our results of operation may be adversely affected by downward fluctuations in
natural gas liquids and oil prices.
The coal industry also faces concerns with respect to oversupply. Coal accounted for approximately 61% of our
outside sales revenues from continuing operations in 2014. In 2013, our average sales price per ton of low volatile metallurgical
coal fell by approximately 34% due to oversupply which was particularly acute in the international market. This trend
continued in 2014 with metallurgical coal prices falling to six year lows and our average sales price of low volatile
metallurgical coal further declined by another 22% from 2013’s depressed price.
Apart from issues with respect to the supply of products we produce, demand can fluctuate widely due to a number of
matters beyond our control including:
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changes in the consumption pattern of industrial consumers, electricity generators and residential users;
• weather conditions in our markets which affect the demand for natural gas and thermal coal (for example, the
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unusually warm 2011 - 2012 winter left utilities with large coal stockpiles and depressed the demand for thermal coal);
proximity and capacity of gas pipelines and other transportation facilities;
the price and availability of alternative fuels, especially thermal coal; the price and supply of imported liquefied
natural gas; and
increased utilization by the steel industry of electric arc furnaces or pulverized coal processes to make steel which do
not use furnace coke, an intermediate product produced from metallurgical coal, decreases the demand for
metallurgical coal.
Foreign currency fluctuations could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad.
We compete in international markets against coal produced in other countries. Coal is sold internationally in U.S.
dollars. As a result, mining costs in competing producing countries may be reduced in U.S. dollar terms based on currency
exchange rates, providing an advantage to foreign coal producers. We also expect in the future that an international market will
develop for exporting domestic natural gas and natural gas liquids. Currency fluctuations among countries purchasing and
selling coal could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal in international markets.
If coal customers do not extend existing contracts or do not enter into new long-term coal contracts, profitability of
CONSOL Energy's operations could be affected.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 66% of the coal CONSOL Energy produced from continued
operations was sold under long-term contracts (contracts with terms of one year or more). If a substantial portion of CONSOL
Energy's long-term contracts are modified or terminated or if force majeure is exercised, CONSOL Energy would be adversely
affected if we are unable to replace the contracts or if new contracts are not at the same level of profitability. If existing
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customers do not honor current contract commitments, our revenue would be adversely affected. The profitability of our long-
term coal supply contracts depends on a variety of factors, which vary from contract to contract and fluctuate during the
contract term, including our production costs and other factors. Price changes, if any, provided in long-term supply contracts
may not reflect our cost increases, and therefore, increases in our costs may reduce our profit margins. In addition, in periods of
declining market prices, provisions in our long-term coal contracts for adjustment or renegotiation of prices and other
provisions may increase our exposure to short-term coal price volatility. As a result, CONSOL Energy may not be able to obtain
long-term agreements at favorable prices compared to either market conditions, as they may change from time to time, or our
cost structure, and long-term contracts may not contribute to our profitability.
The loss of, or significant reduction in, purchases by our largest coal customers could adversely affect our
revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we derived over 10% of our total revenues from sales to two coal customers
individually and more than 30% of our total revenue from sales to our four largest coal and gas customers. At December 31,
2014, we had approximately 30 coal supply agreements with these customers that expire at various times from 2015 to 2018.
We are currently discussing the extension of existing agreements or entering into new long-term agreements with some of these
customers, but these negotiations may not be successful and these customers may not continue to purchase coal from us under
long-term coal supply agreements. If any one of these customers were to significantly reduce their purchases of coal from us, or
if we were unable to sell coal to them on terms as favorable to us as the terms under our current agreements, our financial
condition and results of operations could suffer.
Our ability to collect payments from our customers could be impaired if their creditworthiness declines or if they
fail to honor their contracts with us.
Our ability to receive payment for natural gas and coal sold and delivered depends on the continued creditworthiness
of our customers. Some power plant owners may have credit ratings that are below investment grade. If the creditworthiness of
our customers declines significantly, our $125 million accounts receivable securitization program and our business could be
adversely affected. In addition, if customers refuse to accept shipments of our coal for which they have an existing contractual
obligation, our revenues will decrease and we may have to reduce production at our mines until our customer's contractual
obligations are honored.
Our gas business depends on gathering, processing and transportation facilities owned by others and the disruption
of, capacity constraints in, or proximity to pipeline systems could limit sales of our natural gas. Similarly, the
availability and reliability of transportation facilities and fluctuations in transportation costs could affect the
demand for our coal or impair our ability to supply coal to our customers.
We gather, process and transport our gas to market by utilizing pipelines and facilities owned by others. If pipeline or
facility capacity is limited, or if pipeline or facility capacity is unexpectedly disrupted for any reason, our gas sales and/or sales
of natural gas liquids could be limited, reducing our profitability. If we cannot access processing pipeline transportation
facilities, we may have to reduce our production of gas. If our sales of gas or natural gas liquids are reduced because of
transportation or processing constraints, our revenues will be reduced, and our unit costs will also increase. If pipeline quality
standards change, we might be required to install additional processing equipment which could increase our costs. The pipeline
could also curtail our flows until the gas delivered to their pipeline is in compliance.
Coal producers depend upon rail, barge, trucking, overland conveyor and other systems to provide access to markets.
Disruption of transportation services because of weather-related problems, strikes, lock-outs, terrorist attacks or other events
could temporarily impair our ability to supply coal to customers and adversely affect our profitability. Transportation costs
represent a significant portion of the delivered cost of coal and, as a result, the cost of delivery is a critical factor in a customer's
purchasing decision. Increases in transportation costs could make our coal less competitive.
Competition within the natural gas and coal industries may adversely affect our ability to sell our products.
Increased competition or a loss of our competitive position could adversely affect our sales of, or our prices for, our
natural gas and coal products, which could impair our profitability.
The gas industry is intensely competitive with companies from various regions of the United States. We compete with
these companies and we may compete with foreign companies for domestic sales. Many of the companies we compete with are
larger and have greater financial, technological, human and other resources. If we are unable to compete, our company, our
operating results and financial position may be adversely affected. In addition, larger companies may be able to pay more to
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acquire new gas properties for future exploration, limiting our ability to replace natural gas we produce or to grow our
production. Our ability to acquire additional properties and to discover new natural gas resources also depends on our ability to
evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate these transactions in a highly competitive environment.
CONSOL Energy competes with coal producers in various regions of the United States and with some foreign coal
producers for domestic sales primarily to electric power generators. CONSOL Energy also competes with both domestic and
foreign coal producers for sales in international markets. Demand for our coal by our principal customers is affected by the
delivered price of competing coals, other fuel supplies and alternative generating sources, including nuclear, natural gas, oil and
renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric and wind power. CONSOL Energy sells coal to foreign electricity generators
and to the more specialized metallurgical coal market, both of which are significantly affected by international demand and
competition. Increases in coal prices could encourage existing producers to expand capacity or could encourage new producers
to enter the market. If overcapacity results, prices could fall or we may not be able to sell our coal, which would reduce
revenue.
The characteristics of coal may make it costly for electric power generators and other coal users to comply with
various environmental standards regarding the emissions of impurities released when coal is burned which could
cause utilities to replace coal-fired power plants with alternative fuels. In addition, various incentives have been
proposed to encourage the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. A reduction in the use of coal
for electric power generation could decrease the volume of our domestic coal sales and adversely affect our results
of operations.
Coal contains impurities, including sulfur, mercury, and other constituents, many of which are released into the air
along with fine particulate matter and carbon dioxide when coal is burned. Environmental regulations governing emissions
from coal fired electric generating plants could affect demand for coal as a fuel source and affect volume of our sales.
Complying with regulations on these emissions can be costly for electric power generators. For example, in order to meet the
federal Clean Air Act limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from electric power plants, coal users would either need to install and
operate advanced air pollution control equipment, purchase emission allowances, or switch to other fuels. Each option has
limitations. Lower sulfur coal may be more costly to purchase on an energy basis than higher sulfur coal depending on mining
and transportation costs. Switching to other fuels may require expensive modification of existing plants. Because higher sulfur
coal currently accounts for a significant portion of our sales, the extent to which electric power generators switch to alternative
fuel could materially affect us. In the last two years the U.S. EPA promulgated or finalized several rulemakings impacting coal
generating facilities. These include the Utility Maximum Control Technology (UMACT) rule which includes more stringent
emission limits for particulate matter (PM), SO2 and NOX; and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule which set
new mercury and air toxic standards. Additionally, litigation staying implementation of EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
(CSAPR) was finalized and the rule went into effect in October 2014 with Phase 1 implementation scheduled for 2015 and
Phase 2 beginning in 2017. In late 2014, the EPA also proposed to lower the primary and secondary standard National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone which could have a large impact on the fossil fuel industry.
In December 2014, the EPA resolved the uncertainty that surrounded the future management of coal combustion
residuals (CCR), also known as coal ash, produced from the combustion of coal in coal-fired electric generating units and
finalized rules requiring the management of CCRs pursuant to the solid waste provisions (Subtitle D) of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and not under the hazardous waste provisions (Subtitle C).
Finally, in May 2014, the EPA finalized standards under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) to reduce the
injury and death of fish and other aquatic life caused by cooling-water intake structures at existing power plants, including coal-
and natural gas-fired power plants. These national requirements will be implemented through facility permits pursuant to the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES),
Apart from actual and potential regulation of emissions, waste water, and solid wastes from coal-fired plants, state and
federal mandates for increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources could have an impact on the market for our
coal. Several states have enacted legislative mandates requiring electricity suppliers to use renewable energy sources to
generate a certain percentage of power. There have been numerous proposals to establish a similar uniform, national standard
although none of these proposals have been enacted to date. Possible advances in technologies and incentives, such as tax
credits, to enhance the economics of renewable energy sources could make these sources more competitive with coal. Any
reductions in the amount of coal consumed by domestic electric power generators as a result of current or new standards for the
emission of impurities or incentives to switch to alternative fuels or renewable energy sources could reduce the demand for our
coal, thereby reducing our revenues and adversely affecting our business and results of operations.
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Regulation of greenhouse gas emissions as well as uncertainty concerning such regulation could adversely impact
the market for natural gas and coal and the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions may increase our operating
costs and reduce the value of our natural gas and coal assets.
While climate change legislation in the U.S. is unlikely in the next several years, the issue of global climate change
continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention with widespread concern about the impacts of human activity,
especially the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide and methane. Combustion of fossil fuels, such as
the natural gas and coal we produce, results in the creation of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by natural gas and
coal end-users, such as coal-fired electric power generation plants. Numerous proposals have been made and are likely to
continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government that are intended to limit emissions of
GHGs. Several states have already adopted measures requiring reduction of GHGs within state boundaries. Other states have
elected to participate in voluntary regional cap-and-trade programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in the
northeastern U.S. Internationally, the Kyoto Protocol, which set binding emission targets for developed countries (but has not
been ratified by the United States, and Canada officially withdrew from its Kyoto commitment in 2012) was nominally
extended past its expiration date of December 2012 with a requirement for a new legal construct to be put into place by 2015.
The EPA has elected to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act.
New rules governing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel powered electric generating plants were proposed in
2013 and 2014, including a New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for new fossil fuel fired power plants and the Clean
Power Plan, respectively, to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants. The EPA estimates that by 2030, the rule will
achieve a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from the U.S. electric power sector from 2005 levels and will reduce coal
consumption for electricity generation by about 27% relative to the base case (i.e., relative to what it would be in the absence of
the regulation), and will reduce mine-mouth coal prices by about 15% relative to the base case.
Apart from governmental regulation, on February 4, 2008, three of Wall Street’s largest investment banks announced
that they had adopted climate change guidelines. The guidelines require the evaluation of carbon risks in the financing of
electric power generation plants which may make it more difficult for utilities to obtain financing for coal-fired plants.
Adoption of comprehensive legislation or regulation focusing on GHGs emission reductions for the United States
(including the proposed rules discussed above) or other countries where we sell coal, or the inability of utilities to obtain
financing in connection with coal-fired plants, may make it more costly to operate fossil fuel fired (especially coal-fired)
electric power generation plants and make fossil fuels less attractive for electric utility power plants in the future. Depending on
the nature of the regulation or legislation, natural gas-fueled power generation could become more economically attractive than
coal-fueled power generation, substantially increasing the demand for natural gas. Apart from actual regulation, uncertainty
over the extent of regulation of GHG emissions may inhibit utilities from investing in the building of new coal-fired plants to
replace older plants or investing in the upgrading of existing coal-fired plants. Any reduction in the amount of coal or possibly
natural gas consumed by domestic electric power generators as a result of actual or potential regulation of greenhouse gas
emissions could decrease demand for our fossil fuels, thereby reducing our revenues and materially and adversely affecting our
business and results of operations. We or our customers may also have to invest in carbon dioxide capture and storage
technologies in order to burn coal or natural gas and comply with future GHG emission standards.
In addition, coalbed methane must be expelled from our underground coal mines for mining safety reasons. Coalbed
methane has a greater GHG effect than carbon dioxide. Our natural gas operations capture coalbed methane from our
underground coal mines, although some coalbed methane is vented into the atmosphere when the coal is mined. If regulation of
GHG emissions does not exempt the release of coalbed methane, we may have to further reduce our methane emissions, pay
higher taxes, incur costs to purchase credits that permit us to continue operations as they now exist at our underground coal
mines or perhaps curtail coal production.
Our natural gas and coal mining operations are subject to operating risks, including our reliance upon third party
contractors, which could increase our operating expenses and decrease our production levels which could adversely
affect our results of operations. Our natural gas and coal operations are also subject to hazards and any losses or
liabilities we suffer from hazards which occur in our operations may not be fully covered by our insurance policies.
Our exploration for and production of natural gas involves numerous operating risks. The cost of drilling, completing
and operating our shale gas wells, shallow oil and gas wells and coalbed methane (CBM) wells is often uncertain, and a number
of factors can delay or prevent drilling operations, decrease production and/or increase the cost of our gas operations at
particular sites for varying lengths of time thereby adversely affecting our operating results. The operating risks that may have a
significant impact on our gas operations include:
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title problems;
fires, explosions or other accidents;
• unexpected drilling conditions;
•
• pressure or irregularities in geologic formations;
• equipment failures or repairs;
•
• adverse weather conditions;
reductions in natural gas prices;
•
• security breaches or terroristic acts;
• pipeline ruptures;
•
lack of adequate capacity for treatment or disposal of waste water generated in drilling, completion and production
operations;
• environmental contamination from surface spillage of fluids used in well drilling, completion or operation including
fracturing fluids used in hydraulic fracturing of wells, or other contamination of groundwater or the environment
resulting from our use of such fluids; and
• unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, other field services and equipment.
Our coal mining operations are predominantly underground mines. These mines are subject to a number of operating
risks that could disrupt operations, decrease production and increase the cost of mining at particular mines for varying lengths
of time thereby adversely affecting our operating results. In addition, if coal production declines, we may not be able to produce
sufficient amounts of coal to deliver under our long-term coal contracts. CONSOL Energy's inability to satisfy contractual
obligations could result in our customers initiating claims against us. The operating risks that may have a significant impact on
our coal operations include:
• variations in thickness of the layer, or seam, of coal;
• amounts of rock and other natural materials intruding into the coal seam and other geological conditions that could
affect the stability of the roof and the side walls of the mine;
fires, explosions or other accidents;
• equipment failures or repairs;
•
• weather conditions; and
•
security breaches or terroristic acts.
Although we maintain insurance for a number of hazards, we may not be insured or fully insured against the losses or
liabilities that could arise from a significant accident in our gas or coal operations.
We also rely upon third party contractors to provide key services to our gas operations. We contract with third parties
for well services, related equipment, and qualified experienced field personnel to drill wells and conduct field operations. The
demand for these field services in the natural gas and oil industry can fluctuate significantly. Higher oil and natural gas prices
generally stimulate increased demand causing periodic shortages. These shortages may lead to escalating prices for drilling
equipment, crews and associated supplies, equipment and services. Shortages may lead to poor service and inefficient drilling
operations and increase the possibility of accidents due to the hiring of inexperienced personnel and overuse of equipment by
contractors. In addition, the costs and delivery times of equipment and supplies are substantially greater in periods of peak
demand. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will be able to obtain necessary drilling equipment and supplies in a timely
manner or on satisfactory terms, and we may experience shortages of, or increases in the costs of, drilling equipment, crews and
associated supplies, equipment and field services in the future. We utilize third-party contractors to provide land acquisition and
related services to support our land operational needs for both gas and coal segments. We also use third party contractors to
provide construction and specialized services to our mining operations. A decrease in the availability of field services or
equipment and supplies, an increase in the prices charged for field services, equipment and supplies, or the failure of third party
contractors to provide quality field services to us, could decrease our gas and coal production, increase our costs of gas and coal
production, and decrease our anticipated profitability.
We attempt to mitigate the risks involved with increased industrial activity by entering into “take or pay” contracts with
well service providers which commit them to provide field services to us at specified levels and commit us to pay for field
services at specified levels even if we do not use those services. However, these contracts expose us to economic risk. For
example, if the price of natural gas declines and it is not economical to drill and produce additional natural gas, we may have to
pay for field services that we did not use. This would decrease our cash flow and raise our costs of production.
A decrease in the availability or increase in the costs of commodities or capital equipment used in mining
operations could decrease our coal production, impact our cost of coal production and decrease our anticipated
profitability.
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Coal mining consumes large quantities of commodities including steel, copper, rubber products and liquid fuels and
requires the use of capital equipment. Some commodities, such as steel, are needed to comply with roof control plans required
by regulation. The prices we pay for commodities and capital equipment are strongly impacted by the global market. A rapid or
significant increase in the costs of commodities or capital equipment we use in our operations could impact our mining
operations costs because we may have a limited ability to negotiate lower prices, and, in some cases, may not have a ready
substitute.
For drilling and mining operations, CONSOL Energy must obtain, maintain, and renew governmental permits and
approvals which if we cannot obtain in a timely manner would reduce our production, cash flow and results of
operations.
State and local authorities regulate various aspects of gas drilling and production activities, including the drilling of
wells (through permit and bonding requirements), the spacing of wells, the unitization or pooling of gas properties,
environmental matters, safety standards, market sharing and well site restoration. Delays or denials of gas permits could reduce
our production, cash flows and results of operations.
Most coal producers in the eastern U.S. are being impacted by government regulations and enforcement to a much
greater extent than a few years ago, particularly in light of the renewed focus by environmental agencies and the government
generally on the mining industry, including more stringent enforcement and interpretation of the laws that regulate mining. The
pace with which the government issues permits needed for new operations and for on-going operations to continue mining has
negatively impacted expected production, especially in Central Appalachia. Environmental groups in Southern West Virginia
and Kentucky have challenged state and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits for mountaintop and other types of
surface mining operations on various grounds. The most recent challenges have focused on the adequacy of the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers analysis of impacts to streams and the adequacy of mitigation plans to compensate for stream impacts
resulting from valley fill permits required for mountaintop mining. These challenges have also enhanced the EPA's oversight
and involvement in the review of permits by state regulatory authorities. In 2011, the EPA revoked an ACOE-issued Section
404 permit to a mining operator. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal in March 2012 to hear an appeal from the D.C.
Circuit Court’s ruling upholding the EPA’s power to revoke a permit, in September 2014 the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the
EPA’s action to revoke the permit. In addition, in July 2014 the D.C Circuit reversed a lower court’s decision and affirmed the
EPA’s authority to adopt the Enhanced Coordination Process governing coordination with the ACOE in the processing of CWA
permits. The Court also rejected challenges to EPA’s 2012 “Final Guidance” document regarding appropriate permit
conditions, namely those affecting acceptable conductivity limits (e.g., acceptable ionic strength to support aquatic life).
However, the Court left it up to the states on whether to adopt the guideline recommendations when issuing final NPDES
permits. This decision has left mining permits in some degree of uncertainty whether the EPA will concur with a state’s draft
permit conditions should they not contain specified limits regarding conductivity, further increasing operational uncertainty and
costs.
Existing and future government laws, regulations and other legal requirements relating to protection of the
environment, and others that govern our business may increase our costs of doing business for coal and may
restrict our coal operations.
We are subject to laws, regulations and other legal requirements enacted or adopted by federal, state and local
authorities, as well as foreign authorities relating to protection of the environment. These include those legal requirements that
govern discharges of substances into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the
cleanup of contaminated sites, groundwater quality and availability, threatened and endangered plant and wildlife protection,
reclamation and restoration of mining or drilling properties after mining or drilling is completed, the installation of various
safety equipment in our mines, remediation of impacts of surface subsidence from underground mining, and work practices
related to employee health and safety. Complying with these requirements, including the terms of our permits, has had, and will
continue to have, a significant effect on our costs of operations and competitive position.
In addition, there is the possibility that we could incur substantial costs as a result of violations under environmental
laws. Any additional laws, regulations and other legal requirements enacted or adopted by federal, state and local authorities, as
well as foreign authorities or new interpretations of existing legal requirements by regulatory bodies relating to the protection
of the environment could further affect our costs of operations and competitive position. The Clean Water Act is being used by
opponents of mountain top removal mining as a means to challenge permits and bring citizen suits to make coal mining more
expensive. At CONSOL Energy’s Fola Mining Operations, six citizen suits have been filed challenging water discharge
permits. Two of those suits were settled in 2014, and at least two are potentially affected by recent settlements by another
mining operator in a similar case,
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Existing and future government laws, regulations and other legal requirements relating to protection of the
environment, and others that govern our business may increase our costs of doing business for natural gas, and
may restrict our gas operations.
Regulations applicable to the gas industry are under constant review for amendment or expansion at the federal and
state level. Any future changes may affect, among other things, the pricing or marketing of gas production. For example,
hydraulic fracturing is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of hydrocarbons, particularly
natural gas, from tight formations such as Marcellus Shale. The process involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals
under pressure into formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. The process is typically regulated by
state oil and gas commissions. Hydraulic fracturing is currently exempt from regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water
Act, except for hydraulic fracturing using diesel fuel. The disposal of produced water, drilling fluids and other wastes in
underground injection disposal wells is regulated by the EPA under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act or by the states under
counterpart state laws and regulations. The imposition of new environmental initiatives and regulations could include
restrictions on our ability to conduct hydraulic fracturing operations or to dispose of waste resulting from such operations. The
EPA has commenced a study of the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing activities with a final report to be
issued in 2015 along with stated accompanying regulation. EPA has also announced it will expand its CAA Subpart W
regulations in 2015 to further address GHG and carbon dioxide emissions at wellheads and gathering facilities associated with
natural gas production. Other federal agencies are also examining hydraulic fracturing, including the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE), the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Department of the Interior. Also, some states have adopted,
and other states are considering adopting, regulations that could restrict or impose additional requirements relating to hydraulic
fracturing in certain circumstances. If hydraulic fracturing is regulated at the federal, state or local level, our fracturing
activities could become subject to additional permit requirements or operational restrictions and also to associated permitting
delays and potential increases in costs.
Further, air emissions that stem from hydraulic fracturing and completions processes, as well as from midstream
activities such as the gathering and transmission of natural gas, are regulated by federal and state rules. However,
interpretations of those rules, as well as additional changes to the regulations, could negatively impact our ability to meet our
stated production objectives for the company. For example, source aggregation of air emissions to determine whether, under the
Clean Air Act a source comprises a single stationary source and is therefore a major source of air pollution, and thereby subject
to the applicability of Nonattainment Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V permitting requirements, has and
continues to be debated by the EPA, state regulatory agencies and the courts. Federal and state activities as well as court
decisions could impact the development and transmission of plans of CONSOL, our joint venture partners, and gathering
systems being installed and operated by CONE Midstream Partners, LP.
Additionally, some states have begun to adopt more stringent regulation and oversight of natural gas gathering lines
than is currently required by federal standards. Pennsylvania, under Act 127, authorized the Public Utility Commission (PUC)
oversight of Class I gathering lines, as well as requiring standards and fees associated with Class II and Class III pipelines. The
state of Ohio also moved to regulate natural gas gathering lines in a similar manner pursuant to Ohio Senate Bill 315 (SB315).
SB315 expanded the Ohio PUC's authority over rural natural gas gathering lines. These changes in interpretation and regulation
affect CONSOL Energy's midstream activities, requiring changes in reporting as well as increased costs.
Further, some state and local governments in the Marcellus Shale region in Pennsylvania and New York have
considered or imposed a temporary moratorium on drilling operations using hydraulic fracturing until further study of the
potential for environmental and human health impacts by the EPA or the relevant agencies are completed. Further, states could
elect to prohibit hydraulic fracturing altogether, as Governor Andrew Cuomo of the State of New York announced in December
2014 with regard to fracturing activities in New York. Also, a few municipalities in Colorado have adopted ordinances to ban
hydraulic fracturing. No assurance can be given as to whether or not similar measures might be considered or implemented in
jurisdictions in which our gas properties are located. If new laws or regulations that significantly restrict or otherwise impact
hydraulic fracturing are passed by Congress or adopted in states in which we operate, such legal requirements could make it
more difficult or costly for us to perform hydraulic fracturing activities and thereby could affect the determination of whether a
well is commercially viable. New laws or regulations could also cause delays or interruptions or terminations of operations, the
extent of which cannot be predicted, and could reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we ultimately are able to produce
in commercially paying quantities from our gas properties, all of which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
Our shale gas drilling and production operations require both adequate sources of water to use in the fracturing
process as well as the ability to dispose of water and other wastes after hydraulic fracturing. Our CBM gas drilling
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and production operations also require the removal and disposal of water from the coal seams from which we
produce gas. If we cannot find adequate sources of water for our use or are unable to dispose of the water we use
or remove it from the strata at a reasonable cost and within applicable environmental rules, our ability to produce
gas economically and in commercial quantities could be impaired.
As part of our drilling and production in shale formations, we use hydraulic fracturing processes. Thus, we need access
to adequate sources of water to use in our shale operations. Further, we must remove and dispose of the portion of the water
that we use to fracture our shale gas wells that flows back to the well-bore as well as drilling fluids and other wastes associated
with the exploration, development or production of natural gas. In addition, in our CBM drilling and production, coal seams
frequently contain water that must be removed and disposed of in order for the gas to detach from the coal and flow to the well
bore. Our inability to locate sufficient amounts of water with respect to our shale operations, or the inability to dispose of or
recycle water and other wastes used in our shale and our CBM operations, could adversely impact our operations. For example,
in Ohio, underground injection of gas well production fluids was temporarily suspended for underground injection disposal
wells near Youngstown while regulatory authorities investigated whether injection of wastewater into the wells was causing low
category earthquakes in the area.
Our mines are subject to stringent federal and state safety regulations that increase our cost of doing business at
active operations and may place restrictions on our methods of operation. In addition, government inspectors under
certain circumstances, have the ability to order our operations to be shutdown based on safety considerations. A
mine could be shutdown for an extended period of time if a disaster were to occur at it.
Stringent health and safety standards were imposed by federal legislation when the Federal Coal Mine Health and
Safety Act of 1969 was adopted. The Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 expanded the enforcement of safety and
health standards of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and imposed safety and health standards on all (non-coal as
well as coal) mining operations. Regulations are comprehensive and affect numerous aspects of mining operations, including
training of mine personnel, mining procedures, the equipment used in mine emergency procedures, mine plans and other
matters. The additional requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (the Miner Act) and
implementing federal regulations include, among other things, expanded emergency response plans, providing additional
quantities of breathable air for emergencies, installation of refuge chambers in underground coal mines, installation of two-way
communications and tracking systems for underground coal mines, new standards for sealing mined out areas of underground
coal mines, more available mine rescue teams and enhanced training for emergencies. Most states in which CONSOL Energy
operates have programs for mine safety and health regulation and enforcement. We believe that the combination of federal and
state safety and health regulations in the coal mining industry is, perhaps, the most comprehensive system for protection of
employee safety and health affecting any industry. Most aspects of mine operations, particularly underground mine operations,
are subject to extensive regulation. The various requirements mandated by law or regulation can place restrictions on our
methods of operations, creating a significant effect on operating costs and productivity. In addition, government inspectors
under certain circumstances, have the ability to order our operation to be shutdown based on safety considerations. If a disaster
were to occur at one of our mines, it could be shutdown for an extended period of time and our reputation with our customers
could be materially damaged.
Our operations may impact the environment or cause exposure to hazardous substances, and our properties may
have environmental contamination, which could result in liabilities to us.
Our operations currently use hazardous materials and generate limited quantities of hazardous wastes from time to
time. Drainage flowing from or caused by mining activities can be acidic with elevated levels of dissolved metals, a condition
referred to as “acid mine drainage.” We could become subject to claims for toxic torts, natural resource damages and other
damages as well as for the investigation and clean-up of soil, surface water, groundwater, and other media. Such claims may
arise, for example, out of conditions at sites that we currently own or operate, as well as at sites that we previously owned or
operated, or may acquire. Our liability for such claims may be joint and several, so that we may be held responsible for more
than our share of the contamination or other damages, or for the entire share.
We maintain extensive coal refuse areas and slurry impoundments at a number of our mining complexes. Such areas
and impoundments are subject to extensive regulation. Structural failure of a slurry impoundment or coal refuse area could
result in extensive damage to the environment and natural resources, such as bodies of water that the coal slurry reaches, as
well as liability for related personal injuries and property damages, and injuries to wildlife. Some of our impoundments overlie
mined out areas, which can pose a heightened risk of failure and of damages arising out of failure. If one of our impoundments
were to fail, we could be subject to claims for the resulting environmental contamination and associated liability, as well as for
fines and penalties. Our coal refuse areas and slurry impoundments are designed, constructed, and inspected by our company
and by regulatory authorities according to stringent environmental and safety standards.
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In West Virginia there are areas where drainage from coal mining operations contains concentrations of selenium that
without treatment would result in violations of state water quality standards that are set to protect fish and other aquatic life.
CONSOL Energy has several operations with selenium discharges. CONSOL Energy and other coal companies have worked to
expeditiously develop cost effective means to remove selenium from mine water.
These and other similar unforeseen impacts that our operations may have on the environment, as well as exposures to
hazardous substances or wastes associated with our operations, could result in costs and liabilities that could adversely affect
us. An example of this is Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) or Technologically-Enhanced, Naturally
Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM). NORM or TENORM is produced when activities such as deep drilling
concentrate or expose radioactive materials that occur naturally in ores, soils, water, or other natural materials. State and federal
agencies are examining the possibility for worker exposure or associated environmental hazards due to processing and disposal
of wastes containing NORM or TENORM. CONSOL Energy's operations could be affected if there is a hazard associated with
NORM/TENORM or if it were to be regulated in such a way as to require expensive treatment and disposal options.
CONSOL Energy has reclamation, mine closing and gas well plugging obligations. If the assumptions underlying
our accruals are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated.
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act establishes operational, reclamation and closure standards for all
aspects of surface mining as well as most aspects of deep mining. Also, state laws require us to plug gas wells and reclaim well
sites after the useful life of our gas wells has ended. CONSOL Energy accrues for the costs of current mine disturbance, gas
well plugging and of final mine closure, including the cost of treating mine water discharge where necessary. Estimates of our
total reclamation, mine-closing liabilities and gas well plugging, which are based upon permit requirements and our experience,
were approximately $576 million at December 31, 2014. The amounts recorded are dependent upon a number of variables,
including the estimated future closure costs, estimated proven reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates,
and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates. Furthermore, these obligations are unfunded. If these accruals are
insufficient or our liability in a particular year is greater than currently anticipated, our future operating results could be
adversely affected.
Most states where we operate require us to post bonds for the full cost of coal mine reclamation (full cost bonding).
West Virginia is not a full cost bonding state. West Virginia has an alternative bond system (ABS) for coal mine reclamation
which consists of (i) individual site bonds posted by the permittee that are less than the full estimated reclamation cost plus (ii)
a bond pool (Special Reclamation Fund) funded by a per ton fee on coal mined in the State which is used to supplement the site
specific bonds if needed in the event of bond forfeiture. The Special Reclamation Fund was underfunded, resulting in a citizen
suit before the U.S. District Court in West Virginia. In an effort to settle the issue in 2012, the WV legislature authorized an
increase in the per ton fee levied on coal production to make up the shortfall. There remains the possibility that WV may move
to full cost bonding in the future which could cause individual mining companies and/or surety companies to exceed bonding
capacity and would result in the need to post cash bonds or letters of credit which would reduce operating capital. Pennsylvania
is expanding its full cost bonding program to cover all coal mine bonding, further increasing the amount of surety bonds
CONSOL Energy must seek in order to permit its mining activities.
We face uncertainties in estimating our economically recoverable natural gas, oil and coal reserves, and
inaccuracies in our estimates could result in lower than expected revenues, higher than expected costs and
decreased profitability.
Natural gas and oil reserves require subjective estimates of underground accumulations of natural gas and oil and
assumptions concerning natural gas and oil prices, production levels, reserve estimates and operating and development costs.
As a result, estimated quantities of proved natural gas and oil reserves and projections of future production rates and the timing
of development expenditures may be incorrect. For example, a significant amount of our proved undeveloped reserves
extensions and discoveries during the last three years were due to the addition of wells on our Marcellus Shale acreage more
than one offset location away from existing production with reliable technology, which may be more susceptible to positive and
negative changes in reserve estimates than our proved developed reserves. Over time, material changes to reserve estimates
may be made, taking into account the results of actual drilling, testing and production. Also, we make certain assumptions
regarding natural gas and oil prices, production levels, and operating and development costs that may prove incorrect. Any
significant variance from these assumptions to actual figures could greatly affect our estimates of our natural gas reserves, the
economically recoverable quantities of natural gas attributable to any particular group of properties, the classifications of
natural gas and oil reserves based on risk of recovery, and estimates of the future net cash flows. Numerous changes over time
to the assumptions on which our reserve estimates are based, as described above, often result in the actual quantities of natural
gas we ultimately recover being different from reserve estimates. The present value of future net cash flows from our proved
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reserves is not necessarily the same as the current market value of our estimated natural gas reserves. We base the estimated
discounted future net cash flows from our proved natural gas reserves on historical average prices and costs. However, actual
future net cash flows from our natural gas and oil properties also will be affected by factors such as:
the amount and timing of actual production;
• geological conditions;
• changes in governmental regulations and taxation;
•
• assumptions governing future prices;
•
• capital costs of drilling, completion and gathering assets.
future operating costs; and
The timing of both our production and our incurrence of expenses in connection with the development and production
of natural gas and oil properties will affect the timing of actual future net cash flows from proved reserves, and thus their actual
present value. In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating discounted future net cash flows may not be the
most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with us or the natural
gas and oil industry in general. If natural gas prices decline by $0.10 per Mcf, then the pre-tax present value using a 10%
discount rate of our proved natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2014 would decrease from $4.9 billion to $4.7 billion.
Similarly, there are uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable coal
reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable coal reserves are by
their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data
assembled and analyzed by our staff. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable coal reserve
estimates include:
• geologic conditions;
• historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
• the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
• assumptions governing future prices; and
• future operating costs, including the cost of materials.
In addition, we hold substantial coal reserves in areas containing Marcellus Shale and other shales. These areas are
currently the subject of substantial exploration for oil and natural gas, particularly by horizontal drilling. If a well is in the path
of our mining for coal, we may not be able to mine through the well unless we purchase it. Although in the past we have
purchased vertical wells, the cost of purchasing a producing horizontal well could be substantially greater. Horizontal wells
with multiple laterals extending from the well pad may access larger oil and natural gas reserves than a vertical well which
could result in higher costs. In future years, the cost associated with purchasing oil and natural gas wells which are in the path
of our coal mining may make mining through those wells uneconomical thereby effectively causing a loss of significant
portions of our coal reserves.
Each of the factors which impacts reserve estimation may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in
estimating the reserves. For these reasons, estimates of natural gas and coal reserves may vary substantially. Actual production,
revenues and expenditures with respect to our coal and natural gas reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances
may be material. As a result, our estimates may not accurately reflect our actual coal and natural gas reserves.
Defects may exist in our chain of title for our gas estate and we have not done a thorough chain of title
examination of our gas estate. We may incur additional costs and delays to produce gas because we have to acquire
additional property rights to perfect our title to gas rights. If we fail to acquire additional property rights to perfect
our title to gas rights, we may have to reduce our estimated reserves.
Substantial amounts of acreage in which we believe we control gas rights are in areas where we have not yet done a
thorough chain of title examination of the gas estate. A number of our gas properties were acquired primarily for the coal rights
with the focus on the coal estate title, and, in many cases were acquired years ago. In addition, we have acquired gas rights in
substantial acreage from third parties who had not performed thorough chain of title work on their gas properties. Our practice,
and we believe industry practice, is not to perform a thorough title examination on gas properties until shortly before the
commencement of drilling activities at which time we seek to acquire any additional rights needed to perfect our ownership of
the gas estate for development and production purposes. When we perform a thorough chain of title examination, we may
discover material defects in our title which would require us to acquire additional property rights. We may incur substantial
costs to acquire these additional property rights. In addition, the acquisition of the necessary rights may not be feasible in some
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cases. Our discovering of title defects which we are unable to cure may adversely impact our ability to develop those properties
and we may have to reduce our estimated gas reserves including our proved undeveloped reserves.
Some states (West Virginia and Virginia) permit us to produce coalbed methane gas without perfected ownership under
an administrative process known as “pooling,” which requires us to give notice to all potential claimants and pay royalties into
escrow until the undetermined rights are resolved. As a result, we may have to pay royalties to produce coalbed methane gas on
acreage that we control and these costs may be material. Further, the pooling process is time-consuming and may delay our
drilling program in the affected areas.
CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings, which may have an adverse effect on
our business.
We are party to a number of legal proceedings in the normal course of business activities. Defending these actions,
especially purported class actions, can be costly, and can distract management. For example, we are a defendant in three
pending purported class action lawsuits dealing with claimants’ entitlement to, and accounting for, gas royalties. There is the
potential that the costs of defending litigation in an individual matter or the aggregation of many matters could have an adverse
effect on our cash flows, results of operations or financial position. See Note 24 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in
the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of pending legal
proceedings.
CONSOL Energy has obligations for long-term employee benefits for which we accrue based upon assumptions
which, if inaccurate, could result in CONSOL Energy being required to expense greater amounts than anticipated.
CONSOL Energy provides various long-term employee benefits to inactive and retired employees. We accrue amounts
for these obligations. At December 31, 2014, the current and non-current portions of these obligations included:
• postretirement medical and life insurance ($761 million);
• coal workers' black lung benefits ($126 million);
• salaried retirement benefits ($119 million); and
• workers' compensation ($90 million).
However, if our assumptions are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated. Salary
retirement benefits are funded in accordance with Employer Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulations. The
other obligations are unfunded. In addition, the federal government and several states in which we operate consider changes in
workers' compensation and black lung laws from time to time. Such changes, if enacted, could increase our benefit expense.
If lump sum payments made to retiring salaried employees pursuant to CONSOL Energy's defined benefit pension
plan exceed the total of the service cost and the interest cost in a plan year, CONSOL Energy would need to make
an adjustment to operating results equaling the unrecognized actuarial gain or loss resulting from each individual
who received a lump sum payment in that year, which may result in an adjustment that could reduce operating
results.
CONSOL Energy's defined benefit pension plan for salaried employees allows such employees to receive a lump-sum
distribution for benefits earned up through December 31, 2005 in lieu of annual payments when they retire from CONSOL
Energy. Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans for Terminations Benefits
requires that if the lump-sum distributions made for a plan year exceed the total of the service cost and interest cost for the plan
year, CONSOL Energy would need to recognize for that year's results of operations an adjustment equaling the unrecognized
actuarial gain or loss resulting from each individual who received a lump sum in that year. If the settlement is triggered in
future periods, it may be material to operating results.
Acquisitions that we have completed, acquisitions that we may undertake in the future, as well as expanding
existing company mines, involve a number of risks, any of which could cause us not to realize the anticipated
benefits and to the extent we plan to engage in joint ventures and divestitures, we do not control the timing of these
and they may not provide anticipated benefits.
We have completed several acquisitions and investments in the past. We also continually seek to grow our business by
adding and developing gas and coal reserves through acquisitions and by expanding the production at existing mines and
41
existing gas operations. If we are unable to successfully integrate the companies, businesses or properties we acquire, we may
fail to realize the expected benefits of the acquisition and our profitability may decline and we could experience a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Acquisitions, mine expansion and gas operation
expansion involve various inherent risks, including:
• uncertainties in assessing the value, strengths, and potential profitability of, and identifying the extent of all
weaknesses, risks, contingent and other liabilities (including environmental liabilities) of expansion and acquisition
opportunities
the potential loss of key customers, management and employees of an acquired business;
the ability to achieve identified operating and financial synergies anticipated to result from an expansion or an
acquisition opportunity:
the potential revision of assumptions regarding gas reserves as we acquire more knowledge by operating an acquired
gas business:
•
•
•
• problems that could arise from the integration of the acquired business;
• unanticipated changes in business, industry or general economic conditions that affect the assumptions underlying our
rationale for pursuing the expansion or the acquisition opportunity; and
• we may have to assume cleanup or reclamation obligations or other unanticipated liabilities in connection with these
acquisitions.
From time to time part of our business and financing plans include entering into joint venture arrangements and the
divestiture of certain assets. However, we do not control the timing of divestitures or joint venture arrangements and delays in
entering into divestitures or joint venture arrangements may reduce the benefits from them. In addition, the terms of divestitures
and joint venture arrangements may cause a substantial portion of the benefits we anticipate receiving from them to be subject
to future matters that we do not control.
We have entered into two significant natural gas joint ventures. These joint ventures restrict our operational and
corporate flexibility; actions taken by our joint venture partners may materially impact our financial position and
results of operations; and we may not realize the benefits we expect to realize from these joint ventures.
In the second half of 2011, we, through our principal gas operations subsidiary, CNX Gas, entered into joint venture
arrangements with Noble Energy, Inc. and with a subsidiary of Hess Corporation, regarding our shale gas assets. We sold a
50% undivided interest in certain of our Marcellus shale oil and natural gas assets to Noble Energy and a 50% undivided
interest in certain of our Utica shale acres in Ohio to Hess. The following aspects of these joint ventures could materially
impact us:
The development of these properties is subject to the terms of our joint development agreements with these parties and
we no longer have the flexibility to control completely the development of these properties. For example, the joint development
agreements for each of these joint ventures sets forth required capital expenditure programs that each party must participate in
unless the parties mutually agree to change such programs or, in certain limited circumstances in the case of the Noble Energy
joint development agreement, a party elects to exercise a non-consent right with respect to an entire year. If we do not timely
meet our financial commitments under the respective joint development agreements, our rights to participate in such joint
ventures will be adversely affected and the other parties to the joint ventures may have a right to acquire a share of our interest
in such joint ventures proportionate to, and in satisfaction of, our unmet financial obligations. In addition, each joint venture
party has the right to elect to participate in all acreage and other acquisitions in certain defined areas of mutual interest.
Each joint development agreement assigns to each party designated areas over which that party will manage and
control operations. We could incur liability as a result of action taken by one of our joint venture partners.
One of the potential benefits of these two joint ventures is the obligation of the other party to pay a portion of our
share of drilling and development costs for new wells, which we called "carried costs." At December 31, 2014, the remaining
carried costs obligation of Noble Energy was approximately $1.63 billion while Hess' remaining carried costs obligation was
approximately $99 million. Thus, the benefits we anticipate receiving in the joint ventures depend in part upon the rate at which
new wells are drilled and developed in each joint venture, which could fluctuate significantly from period to period. Moreover,
the performance of these third party obligations is outside our control. The inability or failure of our joint venture partners to
pay their portion of development costs, including our carried costs during the carry period, could increase our costs of
operations or result in reduced drilling and production of oil and natural gas or loss of rights to develop the oil and natural gas
properties held by that joint venture.
42
Noble Energy's obligation to pay carried costs is suspended if average Henry Hub natural gas prices fall and remain
below $4.00 per million British thermal units or “MMbtu” in any three consecutive month period and will remain suspended
until average natural gas prices are above $4.00/MMbtu for three consecutive months. As a result of this provision, Noble
Energy's obligation to pay carried costs was suspended from December 1, 2011 to March 1, 2014 and was again suspended on
November 1, 2014. We cannot predict when this latest suspension will be lifted and Noble Energy's obligation to pay the
carried costs will resume. This suspension has the effect of requiring us to incur our entire 50 percent share of the drilling and
completion costs for new wells during the suspension period and delaying receipt of a portion of the value we expect to receive
in the transaction.
The Hess joint development agreement provides that any transfer of interest in the joint venture by us or Hess will be
subject to a right of first offer in favor of the other party. These restrictions may preclude transactions which could be beneficial
to our shareholders.
Disputes between us and our joint venture partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our
expenses, delay or terminate projects and distract our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business.
We may also enter into other joint venture arrangements in the future which could pose risks similar to risks described
above.
The provisions of our debt agreements and the risks associated with our debt could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2014, our total indebtedness was approximately $3.29 billion of which approximately $1.85
billion was under our 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2022 plus $7 million of unamortized bond premium, $1.02 billion
was under our 8.250% senior unsecured notes due 2020, $250 million was under our 6.375% senior notes due 2021, $103
million was under our Maryland Economic Development Corporation Port Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds (MEDCO)
5.75% revenue bonds due September 2025, $47 million of capitalized leases due through 2021, and $17 million of
miscellaneous debt. The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences, including, but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal
due under our outstanding debt, which will limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development of our gas and coal reserves or other general corporate
requirements;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in the coal and gas industries;
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with lower leverage and better access to capital
resources; and
limiting our ability to implement our business strategy, including the structuring and formation of a master limited
partnership for our thermal coal business and a subsidiary entity for the purpose of owning the metallurgical coal
properties and related mining operations.
Our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our 5.875%, 8.250% and 6.375% senior unsecured
notes limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness unless specified tests or exceptions are met. In addition, our senior secured
credit agreement and the indentures governing our 5.875%, 8.250% and 6.375% senior unsecured notes subject us to financial
and/or other restrictive covenants. Under our senior secured credit agreement, we must comply with certain financial covenants
on a quarterly basis including a minimum interest coverage ratio, and a minimum current ratio, as defined therein. Our senior
secured credit agreement and the indentures governing our 5.875%, 8.250% and 6.375% senior unsecured notes impose a
number of restrictions upon us, such as restrictions on granting liens on our assets, making investments, paying dividends, stock
repurchases, selling assets and engaging in acquisitions. Failure by us to comply with these covenants could result in an event
of default that, if not cured or waived, could have an adverse effect on us.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to sell
assets, seek additional capital or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be
successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and
resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to sell material assets or operations to attempt to
meet our debt service and other obligations. Our senior secured credit agreement and the indentures governing our 5.875%,
8.250% and 6.375% senior unsecured notes restrict our ability to sell assets and use the proceeds from the sales. We may not be
able to consummate those sales or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be
adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
43
Unless we replace our gas and oil reserves, our gas and oil reserves and production will decline, which would
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Producing natural gas and oil reservoirs generally are characterized by declining production rates that vary depending
upon reservoir characteristics and other factors. Because total estimated proved reserves include our proved undeveloped
reserves at December 31, 2014, production is expected to decline even if those proved undeveloped reserves are developed and
the wells produce as expected. The rate of decline will change if production from our existing wells declines in a different
manner than we have estimated and can change under other circumstances. Thus, our future natural gas and oil reserves and
production and, therefore, our cash flow and income are highly dependent on our success in efficiently developing and
exploiting our current reserves and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves. We may not be able to
develop, find or acquire additional reserves to replace our current and future production at acceptable costs
Our hedging activities may prevent us from benefiting from price increases and may expose us to other risks.
To manage our exposure to fluctuations in the price of natural gas, we enter into hedging arrangements with respect to
a portion of our expected production. As of January 15, 2015, we had hedges on approximately 121.2 Bcf of our 2015 natural
gas production and 94.7 Bcf of our 2016 natural gas production. To the extent that we engage in hedging activities, we may be
prevented from realizing the benefits of price increases above the levels of the hedges. If we choose not to engage in, or reduce
our use of hedging arrangements in the future, we may be more adversely affected by changes in natural gas prices than our
competitors who engage in hedging arrangements to a greater extent than we do.
In addition, such transactions may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances
in which:
•
•
•
our production is less than expected;
the counterparties to our contracts fail to perform the contracts; or
the creditworthiness of our counterparties or their guarantors is substantially impaired.
Changes in federal or state income tax laws, particularly in the area of percentage depletion and intangible drilling
costs, could cause our financial position and profitability to deteriorate.
The passage of legislation or any other similar changes in U.S. federal income tax law could eliminate or postpone
certain tax deductions that are currently available with respect to natural gas, oil or coal exploration and development. Any such
change could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
For example, in February 2012, the state legislature of Pennsylvania passed a new natural gas impact fee in
Pennsylvania, where a substantial portion of our acreage in the Marcellus Shale is located. The legislation imposes an annual
fee on natural gas and oil operators for each well drilled for a period of fifteen years. The fee is on a sliding scale set by the
Public Utility Commission and is based on two factors: changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average New York
Mercantile Exchange’s natural gas prices from the last day of each month. The estimated total fees per well based on today’s
current natural gas price is between $240 thousand and $310 thousand over the 15 year period. The passage of this legislation
increases the financial burden on our operations in the Marcellus Shale.
Strategic determinations, including the allocation of capital and other resources to strategic opportunities, are
challenging, and our failure to appropriately allocate capital and resources among our strategic opportunities may
adversely affect our financial condition. Additionally, our development and exploration projects require substantial
capital expenditures and if we fail to obtain required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, our natural gas
reserves may decline.
Our future growth prospects are dependent upon our ability to identify optimal strategies for our business. In
developing our business plan, we considered allocating capital and other resources to various aspects of our businesses
including well development (primarily drilling), reserve acquisitions, exploratory activity, coal development, corporate items
and other alternatives. We also considered our likely sources of capital, including cash generated from operations and
borrowings under our credit facilities. Notwithstanding the determinations made in the development of our business plan,
business opportunities not previously identified periodically come to our attention, including possible acquisitions and
dispositions. If we fail to identify optimal business strategies, or fail to optimize our capital investment and capital raising
opportunities and the use of our other resources in furtherance of our business strategies, our financial condition and future
44
growth may be adversely affected. Moreover, economic or other circumstances may change from those contemplated by our
business plan, and our failure to recognize or respond to those changes may limit our ability to achieve our objectives.
As part of our strategic determinations, we expect to continue to make substantial capital expenditures in the
development and acquisition of natural gas reserves. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient cash from operations,
borrowing capacity under our credit facilities or the ability to raise additional funds in the capital markets. If cash flow
generated by our operations or available borrowings under our credit facilities are not sufficient to meet our capital
requirements, or we are unable to obtain additional financing, we could be required to curtail the pace of the development of
our natural gas properties, which in turn could lead to a decline in our reserves and production, and could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any failure by Murray Energy to satisfy the liabilities it assumed from us, as well as to perform its obligations
under various agreements whose performance by Murray Energy we guaranteed, or under various agreements with
us, could materially increase our liabilities and materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial
position and cash flows.
In 2013, Murray Energy and its subsidiaries (Murray Energy) acquired approximately $2.4 billion of liabilities which
had been reflected on our books. In addition to these assumed liabilities, (i) Murray Energy acquired our obligations under the
multi-employer defined benefit pension plan for United Mine Workers of America (1974 Pension Plan), (ii) we guaranteed
performance by Murray Energy under various West Virginia and Pennsylvania operational surety bonds and workers
compensation obligations, under various equipment leases and to reclaim an impoundment site, and (iii) we leased or subleased
various mining equipment to Murray Energy and we guaranteed performance by Murray Energy of certain coal supply
agreements that Murray Energy acquired in the transaction. Our maximum estimated exposure under our Murray Energy
guarantees as of December 31, 2014 was approximately $261 million. The leases and subleases we entered into with Murray
Energy relate to approximately $201 million of equipment. Murray Energy also acquired retiree medical liabilities under the
Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefits Act of 1992, for which Murray Energy is primarily liable, but CONSOL Energy remains
secondarily liable. On November 12, 2013 in connection with the transaction, Moody’s assigned Murray Energy a family credit
rating of B3 (speculative and subject to high credit risk) and its secured second lien notes due 2021 a rating of Caa1(poor
standing and subject to very high credit risk). Any failure by Murray Energy to satisfy these assumed liabilities or perform
under these agreements could result in substantial claims against us by third parties and materially adversely affect our results
of operations, financial position and cash flows. In addition, we will regularly evaluate the likelihood of default by Murray
Energy under the guarantees we have provided. The results of the evaluation may materially impact our results of operations. If
Murray Energy defaults under the obligations we guarantee our cash flows may also be materially impacted.
Terrorist attacks or a cyber incident could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/
or financial loss.
We have become increasingly dependent upon digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and
cloud applications and services, to operate our businesses, to process and record financial and operating data, communicate
with our employees and business partners, analyze seismic and drilling information, estimate quantities of oil and gas reserves
and coal reserves, as well as other activities related to our businesses. Strategic targets, such as energy-related assets, may be at
greater risk of future terrorist or cyber attacks than other targets in the United States. Deliberate attacks on, or security breaches
in our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties, or the cloud could lead to corruption or loss of
our proprietary data and potentially sensitive data, delays in production or delivery, difficulty in completing and settling
transactions, challenges in maintaining our books and records, environmental damage, communication interruptions, other
operational disruptions and third party liability. Our insurance may not protect us against such occurrences. Consequently, it is
possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Further, as cyber incidents continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional
resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber
incidents.
A substantial majority of sales of thermal coal and high volatile metallurgical coal are from three mines at one
location in Pennsylvania while a substantial majority of our low volatile metallurgical coal is from one mine
located in Virginia, making us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in a single geographic area.
The substantial majority of our sales of thermal coal and high volatile metallurgical coal, as well as our thermal coal
reserves, are from our Bailey, Enlow Fork and Harvey underground mining complexes located in Greene County, Pennsylvania.
In addition, we also rely upon one coal processing plant and rail load facility, located in Enon, Pennsylvania for shipping coal
from all of these mines. Any disruption in the functioning of this coal processing plant and rail load facility such as the
45
structural failure at the above ground conveyor system which occurred in 2012 or in transportation in this area could
significantly reduce our sales of thermal and high volatile metallurgical coal and adversely affect our results of operation and
financial condition.
Similarly, the substantial majority of our low volatile metallurgical coal sales, as well as our low volatile metallurgical
coal reserves, are from our Buchanan mine located in Mavisdale, Virginia. Any disruption in the functioning of this mine (such
as the 2007 mine incident which idled the Buchanan mine for approximately nine months) or transportation in this area could
significantly reduce our sales of low volatile metallurgical coal and adversely affect our results of operation and financial
condition.
Our inability to complete the proposed initial public offerings of our thermal coal and metallurgical coal businesses
on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, may result in a reduction in our 2015 capital budget.
We are pursuing an initial public offering of limited partnership interests in a master limited partnership entity that
would indirectly own substantially all of our thermal coal assets. We are also pursuing an initial public offering for a subsidiary
which would indirectly own substantially all of our low volatile metallurgical coal assets. Adverse developments in our thermal
or metallurgical coal businesses may result in our failure to complete either or both of these initial public offerings or decrease
the proceeds which we anticipate receiving. Adverse developments include the various matters set forth in these risk factors
which could adversely impact our coal businesses. In addition, general market conditions, including the market for yield
securities, may impact our ability to complete the initial public offerings on the terms currently contemplated, or at all. Our
inability to complete the initial public offerings on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, may result in a reduction in our
2015 capital budget.
ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2.
Properties
See “Coal Operations” and “Gas Operations” in Item 1 of this 10-K for a description of CONSOL Energy's properties.
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
The first through the eighth paragraphs of Note 24–Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4.
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual
report.
46
PART II
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CNX. The following table sets
forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange and the cash dividends declared on the common stock for the periods indicated:
Year Period Ended December 31, 2014
Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
Quarter Ended December 31, 2014
Year Period Ended December 31, 2013
Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
Quarter Ended June 30, 2013
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
Quarter Ended December 31, 2013
High
Low
Dividends
$ 41.51
$ 35.72
$ 48.30
$ 39.08
$ 46.61
$ 42.26
$ 35.96
$ 31.64
$ 34.79
$ 35.79
$ 35.56
$ 38.42
$ 29.91
$ 27.10
$ 26.51
$ 33.99
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.0625
0.0625
0.0625
0.0625
—
0.125
0.125
0.125
As of December 31, 2014, there were 148 holders of record of our common stock.
The following performance graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the
common stock of CONSOL Energy to the cumulative shareholder return for the same period of a peer group and the Standard &
Poor's 500 Stock Index. The peer group is comprised of CONSOL Energy, Alpha Natural Resources Inc., Arch Coal Inc., Chesapeake
Energy Corp., Devon Energy Corp., EOG Resources Inc., Noble Energy Inc., Peabody Energy Corp., Southwestern Energy Co.,
QEP Resources Inc., and WPX Energy, Inc., Teck Resources Limited, EQT, Walter Energy Inc., Range Resources Corp., Cabot
Oil & Gas Corp., Antero Resources Corp. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in CONSOL Energy common stock
and each index was $100 at December 31, 2009. The graph also assumes that all dividends were reinvested and that the investments
were held through December 31, 2014.
CONSOL Energy Inc.
Peer Group
S&P 500 Stock Index
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.9
104.5
112.6
73.9
91.3
65.1
83.1
110.6
125.4
76.4
105.4
162.5
67.8
88.2
181.0
47
Cumulative Total Shareholder Return Among CONSOL Energy Inc., Peer Group and S&P 500 Stock Index
The above information is being furnished pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 201 (e) (Performance Graph).
The declaration and payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy is subject to the discretion of CONSOL Energy’s Board
of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CONSOL Energy will pay dividends in the future. CONSOL Energy’s Board
of Directors determines whether dividends will be paid quarterly. The determination to pay dividends will depend upon, among
other things, general business conditions, CONSOL Energy’s financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the
payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy, planned investments by CONSOL Energy and such other factors as the Board of
Directors deems relevant. Our credit facility limits our ability to pay dividends in excess of an annual rate of $0.50 per share
when our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00 and subject to an aggregate amount up to the then cumulative credit calculation.
The total leverage ratio was 3.03 to 1.00 and the cumulative credit was approximately $397 million at December 31, 2014. The
credit facility does not permit dividend payments in the event of default. The indentures to the 2020 and 2021 notes limit
dividends to $0.40 per share annually unless several conditions are met. The indentures to the 2022 notes limit dividends to
$0.50 per share annually unless several conditions are met. Conditions include no defaults, ability to incur additional debt and
other payment limitations under the indentures. There were no defaults in the year ended December 31, 2014.
CONSOL Energy has publicly announced that if CONSOL Energy effects an initial public offering of a thermal coal MLP,
CONSOL Energy anticipates that it would reduce or eliminate its current regular dividend effective in the first quarter after the
initial public offering.
See Part III, Item 12. “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters”
for information relating to CONSOL Energy's equity compensation plans.
48
ITEM 6.
Selected Financial Data
The following table presents our selected consolidated financial and operating data for, and as of the end of, each of
the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the end of, each of the years ended December 31,
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain reclassifications of
prior year data have been made to conform to the year ended December 31, 2014 presentation. The selected consolidated
financial and operating data are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. The
selected consolidated financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with Item 7 “Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and related notes included in this
Annual Report.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Operating revenues from Continuing Operations
$ 3,476,100
$ 3,120,722
$ 3,282,350
$ 4,237,913
$ 3,559,511
Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc.
Shareholders
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic:
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
Dilutive:
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
$
$
$
$
$
$
168,777
163,090
0.73
(0.02)
0.71
0.73
(0.03)
0.70
$
$
$
$
$
$
79,264
660,442
0.35
2.54
2.89
0.35
2.52
2.87
$
$
$
$
$
$
317,959
388,470
1.40
0.31
1.71
1.39
0.31
1.70
$
$
$
$
$
$
681,675
632,497
3.01
(0.22)
2.79
2.98
(0.22)
2.76
$
$
$
$
$
$
315,240
346,779
1.41
0.20
1.61
1.40
0.20
1.60
Assets from Continuing Operations
$11,759,530
$11,393,667
$10,383,343
$ 9,952,077
$ 9,543,457
Assets from Discontinued Operations
Total Assets
—
$11,759,530
—
$11,393,667
2,614,251
$12,997,594
2,573,623
$12,525,700
2,527,153
$12,070,610
Long-Term Debt from Continuing Operations
(including current portion)
Long-Term Debt from Discontinued Operations
(including current portion)
$ 3,288,894
$ 3,175,014
$ 3,185,497
$ 3,196,455
$ 3,209,101
—
—
2,574
1,659
1,820
Total Long-Term Debt (including current portion) $ 3,288,894
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common
Stock
0.250
$
$ 3,175,014
$ 3,188,071
$ 3,198,114
$ 3,210,921
$
0.375
$
0.625
$
0.425
$
0.400
See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” for a discussion of an adjustment to operating revenues for all periods and other matters that affect the
comparability of the selected financial data as well as uncertainties that might affect the Company’s future financial condition.
49
OTHER OPERATING DATA
(unaudited)
Gas:
Net sales volumes produced (in billion cubic feet)
Average sales price ($ per Mcfe)(A)
Average cost ($ per Mcfe)
Proved reserves (in Bcfe) (B)
Coal:
Tons sold from continuing operations (in thousands)(C)
Tons produced from continuing operations (in thousands)
Average sales price of tons produced ($ per ton produced)
Average Cost of Goods Sold ($ per ton produced)
Recoverable coal reserves (tons in millions)(D)
Number of active mining complexes (at end of period)
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
$
$
$
$
235.7
4.37
3.31
6,828
32,419
32,218
63.03
46.91
3,238
3
$
$
$
$
172.4
4.30
3.51
5,731
28,776
28,476
69.34
50.78
3,032
4
$
$
$
$
156.3
4.22
3.37
3,993
27,612
27,178
77.75
53.98
4,229
5
$
$
$
$
153.5
4.90
3.53
3,480
32,090
31,721
90.10
51.88
4,314
7
$
$
$
$
127.9
5.83
3.54
3,732
32,280
31,895
73.31
44.37
4,229
7
____________
(A) Represents average net sales price including the effect of derivative transactions.
(B) Represents proved developed and undeveloped gas reserves at period end.
(C)
Includes sales of coal produced by CONSOL Energy and purchased from third parties. Of the tons sold, CONSOL
Energy purchased the following amount from third parties: 0.2 million tons, 0.6 million tons, 0.5 million tons,
0.6 million tons, and 0.2 million tons for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(D) Represents proven and probable coal reserves at period end, excluding equity affiliates.
50
ITEM 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
2014 Highlights
• Record total gas production of 235.7 Bcfe in 2014, 37% higher than 2013.
• Record Marcellus Shale production of 111.7 Bcfe in 2014, 93% higher than 2013.
• On December 29, 2014 CNX Gas Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, finalized an
agreement with Columbia Energy Ventures to sublease approximately 20,600 acres of Utica Shale gas rights in
Greene and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania, and Marshall and Ohio Counties in West Virginia.
Consideration of up to $96,106 will be paid by CONSOL Energy over the next five years as drilling occurs.
• CONSOL received $411,596 in cash proceeds from the sales of assets which resulted in a gain on sale of
$43,601. These sales included several non-core business assets: our industrial supplies subsidiary, coal reserves
in the Illinois Basin, surface properties in Illinois, a 50% interest in an equity affiliate and a 50% interest in Utica
Shale acres to our joint venture partner, Noble Energy. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
• On September 30, 2014, CONE Midstream Partners, LP (the Partnership) closed its initial public offering of
20,125,000 common units representing limited partnership interests at a price to the public of $22.00 per unit. Of
the proceeds received, $204 million was distributed to CNX Gas Company LLC.
• Harvey Mine began longwall mining in March 2014.
2015 Expectations:
• Our 2015 annual gas production is expected to be between 300 - 310 Bcfe with annual production growth of
30% through 2016.
• Our 2015 gas capital investment is expected to be $1.0 billion.
• Our 2015 coal production is expected to be between 30.5 - 33.0 million tons.
• Our 2015 coal and other capital investment is expected to be $220 million.
•
In December 2014, CONSOL Energy announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to pursue
the formation of a master limited partnership (MLP) for the Company’s thermal coal business, which would
own interests in CONSOL Energy’s thermal coal properties and related mining operations located in
Pennsylvania, including its Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine, Harvey Mine and the related preparation plant.
CONSOL Energy also announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to separately pursue the
structuring and formation of a subsidiary entity for the purpose of owning CONSOL Energy’s metallurgical
coal properties and related mining operations, with a view to conducting an initial public offering of up to 20%
of the subsidiary’s equity. The subsidiary’s assets would include CONSOL Energy’s Buchanan Mine and related
preparation plant and its interest in its Western Allegheny Energy joint venture.
In December 2014, CONSOL Energy’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which
CONSOL Energy may purchase from time to time up to $250,000 of its common stock over the next two years.
•
51
Results of Operations: Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders
CONSOL Energy reported net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders of $163 million, or income of $0.70
per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders
of $660 million, or income of $2.87 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. The breakdown of net income
attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders is as follows:
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Total Dilutive Earnings Per Share
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
169
$
79
$
(6)
163
—
163
0.73
(0.03)
0.70
$
$
$
580
659
(1)
660
0.35
2.52
2.87
$
$
$
90
(586)
(496)
1
(497)
0.38
(2.55)
(2.17)
$
$
$
$
The total Exploration and Production (E&P) division includes Marcellus, Utica, coalbed methane (CBM) and other gas.
The total E&P division contributed income of $190 million before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared
to a loss of $2 million before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2013. Total E&P production was 235.7 Bcfe for the
year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 172.4 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table presents a breakout of net liquid and natural gas sales information to assist in the understanding of the
Company’s production and sales portfolio.
in thousands (unless noted)
2014
2013
Variance
Percent
Change
For the Years Ended December 31,
LIQUIDS
NGLs:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
Oil:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
Condensate:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
GAS
Sales Volume (MMcf)
Sales Price ($/Mcf)
Hedging Impact ($/Mcf)
Gross Revenue
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
15,475
2,579
35.70
92,136
$
$
2,628
438
53.76
23,541
$
$
12,847
2,141
(18.06)
68,595
681
114
634
106
89.10
10,108
$
$
89.58
9,471
$
$
382
64
81.06
5,156
168,737
3.72
0.45
702,700
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,298
550
66.96
36,808
216,260
4.02
0.11
891,522
52
47
8
(0.48)
637
2,916
486
(14.10)
31,652
47,523
0.30
(0.34)
188,822
488.9 %
488.8 %
(33.6)%
291.4 %
7.4 %
7.5 %
(0.5)%
6.7 %
763.4 %
759.4 %
(17.4)%
613.9 %
28.2 %
8.1 %
(75.6)%
26.9 %
The average sales price and average costs for all active gas operations were as follows:
Average Sales Price (per Mcfe)
Average Costs (per Mcfe)
Margin
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
4.37
3.31
1.06
$
$
4.30
3.51
0.79
$
$
0.07
(0.20)
0.27
Percent
Change
1.6 %
(5.7)%
34.2 %
Total E&P division Natural Gas, NGLs, and Oil outside sales revenues were $1,031 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $741 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to the
36.7% increase in total volumes sold, along with a 1.6% increase in overall average sales price per Mcfe. The increase in
average sales price is the result of a $0.30 per Mcfe increase in general market prices and the $0.11 per Mcfe increase in sales
of NGLs, oil and condensate. The increase was offset, in part, by the $0.34 per Mcf decrease resulting from various transactions
relating to our hedging program. These financial hedges represented approximately 159.9 Bcf of our produced gas sales
volumes for the year ended December 31, 2014 at an average gain of $0.15 per Mcf. These financial hedges represented
approximately 84.3 Bcf of our produced gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average gain of $0.89
per Mcf.
Changes in the average cost per Mcfe of gas sold were primarily related to the following items:
• The improvement in the unit costs is primarily due to the 36.7% increase in volumes in the period-to-period
comparison and the shift to lower cost Marcellus and Utica Shale production. Marcellus production made up 47.4% of
natural gas and liquid sales volume for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 33.6% in the year ended
December 31, 2013.
• Lifting costs per unit decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to the increase in sales volumes. The decrease
was offset, in part, by an increase in total dollars relating to higher salt water disposal, well site maintenance costs, and
costs related to wells operated by our joint-venture partners.
• Gathering expense per unit also decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to the increase in sales volumes.
The decrease in unit costs was partially offset by an increase in total dollars related to an increase in firm
transportation costs and increased processing fees associated with natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The coal division includes Pennsylvania (PA) operations, Virginia (VA) operations and other coal. The total coal division
contributed $411 million of earnings before income tax from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The total coal division sold 32.4 million tons of coal
produced from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 28.8 million tons for the year ended
December 31, 2013.
The average sales price and average costs per ton for continuing coal operations were as follows:
Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per Ton Sold
Margin
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
63.03
46.91
16.12
$
$
69.34
50.78
18.56
$
$
(6.31)
(3.87)
(2.44)
Percent
Change
(9.1)%
(7.6)%
(13.1)%
The lower average sales price per ton sold reflects a decrease in the global metallurgical coal markets, the oversupply of
coal used in steelmaking, and overall lower coal pricing due to the roll-off of some higher-priced legacy contracts. The coal
division priced 6.4 million tons on the export market for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 8.0 million tons for
the year ended December 31, 2013. All other tons were sold on the domestic market.
Changes in the average cost of goods sold per ton were primarily attributable to the increase in tons sold. Total cost per
ton sold was also impacted by the decrease in operating shifts and other cost control measures implemented at our Buchanan
Mine. The mine went from three operating shifts to two operating shifts beginning in May 2014. The decrease in total costs per
ton sold was offset, in part, by geological conditions at Enlow Fork Mine and Harvey Mine.
The Other division includes industrial supplies activity (sold in December 2014), income taxes and other business
activities not assigned to the E&P or Coal division.
53
General and Administrative costs are allocated between divisions (E&P, Coal and Other) based primarily on percentage of
total revenue and percentage of total projected capital expenditures. General and Administrative costs are excluded from the
E&P and Coal unit costs above. Total General and Administrative costs were made up of the following items:
(in millions)
Continuing Operations General and Administrative Expenses
Discontinued Operations General and Administrative Expenses
Total Company General and Administrative Expense
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
110
—
110
$
$
80
39
119
$
$
30
(39)
(9)
Percent
Change
37.5 %
(100.0)%
(7.6)%
Overall, total Company General and Administrative Expenses decreased $9 million in the period-to-period comparison.
This was primarily due to reduced staffing and cost control measures following the December 2013 sale of five of our West
Virginia coal mines. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
Total Company long-term liabilities, such as OPEB, the salary retirement plan, workers' compensation and long-term
disability are actuarially calculated for the Company as a whole. The expenses are then allocated to operational units based on
active employee counts or active salary dollars. Total CONSOL Energy expense for continuing operations related to our
actuarially calculated liabilities was $132 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $152 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in the discount rate assumptions used to calculate
expense for benefit plans at the measurement date, which is December 31, along with a decrease in pension settlement expense.
Pension settlement expense is required when lump sum distributions for a plan year exceed the total of the service and interest
cost for the plan year. Pension settlement expense was $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $39
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, a part of the decrease was due to modifications made to the OPEB
and Pension plans, which required remeasurement at September 30, 2014. Not included in the long-term liability expense totals
discussed above are curtailment gains of $36 million, and $46 million of expense for cash payments made to active employees,
both of which arose from the modifications to the OPEB and Pension plans during the year ended December 31, 2014. The
pension settlement expense, curtailment gains, and cash payment expenses were not allocated to individual operating segments
and are therefore not included in unit costs presented for the E&P or Coal divisions. See Note 16—Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans and Note 17—Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and Workers' Compensation in the Notes to
the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details related to the total Company
expense decrease.
54
TOTAL E&P DIVISION ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013:
The E&P division contributed $190 million to earnings before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to a loss before income tax of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Variances by individual E&P
segment are discussed below.
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Difference to Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Marcellus
Utica
CBM
Other
Gas
Total
Gas
Marcellus
Utica
CBM
Other
Gas
Total
Gas
$
473
$
—
473
—
—
—
473
26
17
110
36
132
—
—
—
—
—
321
—
321
88
—
88
—
—
—
88
16
1
7
4
19
—
—
—
—
—
47
—
47
$
344
$ 123
$ 1,028
$
221
$
3
347
—
—
—
347
37
12
108
10
88
—
—
—
—
—
255
—
255
—
123
82
9
113
327
39
10
33
5
75
64
70
7
23
87
3
1,031
82
9
113
1,235
118
40
258
55
314
64
70
7
23
87
413
1,036
9
9
422
1,045
—
221
—
—
—
221
6
8
60
10
65
—
—
—
—
—
149
—
149
$
84
—
84
—
—
—
84
13
1
7
2
16
—
—
—
—
—
39
—
39
8
—
8
—
—
—
8
—
3
(6)
2
(2)
—
—
—
—
—
(3)
—
(3)
$
(23) $ 290
—
(23)
19
2
55
53
2
(1)
(4)
(8)
3
25
17
2
—
290
19
2
55
366
21
11
57
6
82
25
17
2
(38)
(38)
(9)
(9)
(11)
—
(11)
174
—
174
$
152
$
41
$
92
$
(95) $ 190
$
72
$
45
$
11
$
64
$ 192
Sales:
Produced
Related Party
Total Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interest
Purchased Gas
Other Income
Total Revenue and Other
Income
Lifting
Ad Valorem,
Severance, and Other
Taxes
Gathering
Gas Direct
Administrative,
Selling & Other
Depreciation,
Depletion and
Amortization
General &
Administration
Gas Royalty Interest
Purchased Gas
Exploration and
Other Costs
Other Corporate
Expenses
Total Exploration and
Production Costs
Interest Expense
Total E&P Segment Costs
Earnings Before
Noncontrolling Interest
and Income Tax
55
MARCELLUS GAS SEGMENT
The Marcellus segment contributed $152 million to the total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $80 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Marcellus Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Marcellus Gas Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - NGLs (Mcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Condensate (Mcfe)*
$
$
$
$
Total Average Marcellus sales (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per
Mcfe)
Average Marcellus gathering costs (per Mcfe)
$
Average Marcellus direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe) $
$
$
$
Average Marcellus depreciation, depletion and amortization
costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Marcellus costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Marcellus (per Mcfe)
$
$
$
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
99.4
10.9
1.4
111.7
3.83
0.15
5.77
10.47
4.24
0.24
0.16
0.98
0.32
1.18
2.88
1.36
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
55.0
2.5
0.3
57.8
3.77
0.32
9.09
13.73
4.35
0.35
0.16
0.86
0.45
1.16
2.98
1.37
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
44.4
8.4
1.1
53.9
0.06
(0.17)
(3.32)
(3.26)
(0.11)
(0.11)
—
0.12
(0.13)
0.02
(0.10)
(0.01)
Percent
Change
80.7 %
336.0 %
366.7 %
93.3 %
1.6 %
(53.1)%
(36.5)%
(23.7)%
(2.5)%
(31.4)%
— %
14.0 %
(28.9)%
1.7 %
(3.4)%
(0.7)%
* NGLs and Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content
of oil and natural gas,which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Marcellus segment outside sales revenues were $473 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
$252 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The $221 million increase is primarily due to a 93.3% increase in total
volumes sold offset, in part, by a 2.5% decrease in total average sales prices in the period-to-period comparison. The 53.9 Bcfe
increase in sales volumes was primarily due to additional wells coming on-line from our ongoing drilling program. The $0.11
per Mcfe decrease in Marcellus total average sales price was primarily the result of the $0.17 per Mcf decrease resulting from
various transactions relating to our hedging program offset, in part, by a $0.06 per Mcf increase in gas market prices. These
financial hedges represented approximately 70.4 Bcf of our produced Marcellus gas sales volumes for the year ended
December 31, 2014 at an average gain of $0.21 per Mcf. For the year ended December 31, 2013, these financial hedges
represented approximately 21.6 Bcf at an average gain of $0.81 per Mcf.
Total costs for the Marcellus segment were $321 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $172
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in total dollars and decrease in unit costs for the Marcellus
segment were due to the following items:
• Marcellus lifting costs were $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $20 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The increase in total dollars primarily relates to an increase in sales volumes, along with an increase
in well tending costs, repair and maintenance costs, and costs related to wells operated by our joint-venture partners. The
increase in total dollars was more than offset by the increase in gas sales volumes and resulted in an improvement in unit costs.
• Marcellus ad valorem, severance and other taxes were $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
$9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in total dollars was primarily due to an increase in severance
tax expense caused by the 93.3% increase in gas and liquid sales volumes, changes in the mix of volumes produced by state as
well as a 1.6% increase in average gas sales price, without the impact of hedging.
56
• Marcellus gathering costs were $110 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $50 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013. Total dollars increased primarily due to the 93.3% increase in sales volumes which resulted in
an increase in related party gathering fees, increased processing fees associated with NGLs, and an increase in utilized firm
transportation expense. The impact on unit costs due to the increase in total dollars was offset, in part, by the increase in sales
volumes.
• Marcellus direct administrative, selling and other costs were $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Direct administrative, selling and other costs attributable to the
total E&P division are allocated to the individual E&P segments based on a combination of capital, production and employee
counts. The increase in direct administrative, selling & other costs was primarily due to Marcellus volumes representing a
larger proportion of CONSOL Energy's total gas sales volumes. The decrease in unit costs was primarily due to the increase in
volumes sold.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were $132 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
$67 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. There was approximately $129 million, or $1.16 per unit-of-production, of
depreciation, depletion and amortization related to Marcellus gas and related well equipment that was reflected on a units-of-
production method of depreciation in the year ended December 31, 2014. There was approximately $66 million, or $1.14 per
unit-of-production, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to Marcellus gas and related well equipment that was
reflected on a units-of-production method of depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2013. There was approximately $3
million, or $0.02 per Mcf, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering and other equipment that was
reflected on a straight line basis for the year ended December 31, 2014. There was $1 million, or $0.02 per Mcf, of
depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering and other equipment that was reflected on a straight line basis for
for the year ended December 31, 2013.
57
UTICA GAS SEGMENT
The Utica segment contributed $41 million to the total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to a loss before income tax of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Utica Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
NGL Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Utica Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - NGL (Mcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Condensate (Mcfe)*
Total Average Utica sales price (per Mcfe)
Average Utica lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Utica ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcfe)
Average Utica gathering costs (per Mcfe)
Average Utica direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe)
Average Utica depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Utica costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Utica (per Mcfe)
10.2
4.6
1.9
16.7
3.46
0.12
6.39
11.69
5.27
0.94
0.08
0.45
0.24
1.11
2.82
2.45
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Variance
9.7
4.5
Percent
Change
1,940.0 %
4,500.0 %
1.8
1,800.0 %
16.0
2,285.7 %
0.5
0.1
0.1
0.7
3.83
$ (0.37)
— $ 0.12
6.09
12.78
$ 0.30
$ (1.09)
5.80
$ (0.53)
$ (2.53)
3.47
(0.67) $ 0.75
2.79
0.53
$ (0.08)
$ (2.55)
$ (3.85)
4.96
$ (8.26)
11.08
(5.28) $ 7.73
(9.7)%
100.0 %
4.9 %
(8.5)%
(9.1)%
(72.9)%
111.9 %
(15.1)%
(91.4)%
(77.6)%
(74.5)%
146.4 %
*NGLs and Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content
of oil and natural gas,which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
Utica sales revenues were $88 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The $84 million increase was primarily due to the 2,285.7% increase in total volumes sold, partially offset
by a 9.1% decrease in total average sales price in the period-to-period comparison. The 16.0 Bcfe increase in sales volumes was
primarily due to additional wells coming on-line from our ongoing drilling program. The decrease in Utica total average sales
price was primarily the result of the $0.37 per Mcf decrease in gas market prices, along with a $0.28 per Mcfe decrease in the
uplift related to NGLs and condensate.
During the fourth quarter of the 2014 period, a midstream company that handles and processes some of CONSOL
Energy’s gas and liquids had a fatality on one of their sites, during their operations. Over the course of the quarter CONSOL
Energy elected to shut-in pads serviced by this midstream provider while safety processes and procedures were evaluated and
validated. As a result of this process, it is estimated that the shut-in pads accounted for 2.7 Bcfe worth of lost production in the
year ended December 31, 2014.
Total costs for the Utica segment were $47 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in total dollars and improvement in unit costs were all directly related to the
2,285.7% increase in total volumes sold, thus a per unit analysis of the Utica segment is not meaningful.
58
COALBED METHANE (CBM) GAS SEGMENT
The CBM segment contributed $92 million to the total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Total Average CBM sales price (per Mcf)
Average CBM lifting costs (per Mcf)
Average CBM ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per
Mcf)
Average CBM gathering costs (per Mcf)
Average CBM direct administrative and selling (per Mcf)
Average CBM depreciation, depletion and amortization costs
(per Mcf)
Total Average CBM costs (per Mcf)
Average Margin for CBM (per Mcf)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Percent
Change
79.5
4.32
0.05
4.37
0.47
0.15
1.35
0.13
1.12
3.22
1.15
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
82.9
3.69
0.40
4.09
0.44
0.10
1.37
0.10
1.10
3.11
0.98
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(3.4)
(4.1)%
0.63
(0.35)
0.28
0.03
0.05
(0.02)
0.03
0.02
0.11
0.17
17.1 %
(87.5)%
6.8 %
6.8 %
50.0 %
(1.5)%
30.0 %
1.8 %
3.5 %
17.3 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
CBM sales revenues were $347 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $339 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The $8 million increase was primarily due to a 6.8% increase in total average sales price offset, in
part, by a 4.1% decrease in total volumes sold. CBM sales volumes decreased 3.4 Bcf for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to the 2013 period. The decrease was primarily due to normal well declines without a corresponding offset of
additional wells drilled since the Company's current focus is on Marcellus and Utica production. The decline in wells drilled
was also due to the decline in coal production at our Buchanan Mine which resulted in fewer GOB collection wells being
drilled. The CBM total average sales price increased $0.28 per Mcf due to a $0.63 per Mcf increase in market prices. The
increase was offset, in part, by a $0.35 per Mcf decrease resulting from various transactions relating to our hedging program.
Financial hedges represented approximately 70.0 Bcf of our produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended
December 31, 2014 at an average gain of $0.06 per Mcf. For the year ended December 31, 2013, these financial hedges
represented approximately 48.3 Bcf at an average gain of $0.69 per Mcf.
Total costs for the CBM segment were $255 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $258 million for
the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in total dollars and increase in unit costs for the CBM segment were due to
the following items:
• CBM lifting costs were $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The increase in
unit costs was primarily due to the decrease in gas sales volumes.
• CBM ad valorem, severance and other taxes were $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $9
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase of $3 million was due to an increase in severance tax expense
resulting from the increase in average sales price, without the impact of hedging, as described above. Unit costs were also
negatively impacted by the decrease in gas sales volumes.
• CBM gathering costs were $108 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $114 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in total dollars and average per unit costs was due to lower utilized firm transportation
expenses resulting from the decrease in gas sales volumes. Improvements in unit costs were offset, in part, by the decrease in
gas sales volumes.
• CBM direct administrative, selling and other costs were $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared
to $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Direct administrative, selling and other costs attributable to the total E&P
59
division are allocated to the individual E&P segments based on a combination of capital and production. The $2 million
increase in the period-to-period comparison was due a larger portion of total direct administrative costs being allocated to the
E&P segment over the Coal and Other segments. The $0.03 per Mcf increase in unit costs can be attributed to both an increase
in total dollars allocated to the segment and a decline in gas sales volumes.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $88 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 and $90 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. There was approximately $59 million, or $0.75 per
unit-of-production, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to CBM gas and related well equipment that was
reflected on a units-of-production method of depreciation in the year ended December 31, 2014. The production portion of
depreciation, depletion and amortization was $62 million, or $0.77 per unit-of-production in the year ended December 31,
2013. There was approximately $29 million, or $0.37 per Mcf of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering
and other equipment reflected on a straight line basis for the year ended December 31, 2014. The non-production related
depreciation, depletion and amortization was $28 million, or $0.33 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2013.
OTHER GAS SEGMENT
The other gas segment had a loss before income taxes of $95 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
a loss before income tax of $159 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
Oil Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Other Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - Oil (Mcfe)*
Total Average Other sales price (per Mcfe)
Average Other lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Other ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcfe)
Average Other gathering costs (per Mcfe)
Average Other direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe)
Average Other depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Other costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Other (per Mcfe)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
27.1
0.7
27.8
30.3
0.6
30.9
Variance
(3.2)
0.1
(3.1)
Percent
Change
(10.6)%
16.7 %
(10.0)%
$
$
4.03
0.11
$
$
3.70
0.81
$ 14.81
$ 14.78
$ 0.33
$ (0.70)
$ 0.03
$
$
$
$
$
$
4.39
1.39
0.28
1.21
0.19
2.60
$
$
$
$
$
$
4.72
1.21
0.36
1.19
0.41
2.22
$ (0.33)
$ 0.18
$ (0.08)
$ 0.02
$ (0.22)
$ 0.38
5.67
$
$ 0.28
$ (1.28) $ (0.67) $ (0.61)
5.39
$
8.9 %
(86.4)%
0.2 %
(7.0)%
14.9 %
(22.2)%
1.7 %
(53.7)%
17.1 %
5.2 %
(91.0)%
*Oil is converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural
gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil and natural gas prices.
The other gas segment includes activity not assigned to the Marcellus, Utica, or CBM segments. This segment includes
purchased gas activity, gas royalty interest activity, exploration and other costs, other corporate expenses, and miscellaneous
operational activity not assigned to a specific E&P division.
Other gas sales volumes are primarily related to shallow oil and gas production as well as Upper Devonian Shale in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Outside sales revenue from the other gas segment was approximately $123 million for the year
ended December 31, 2014 compared to $146 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Total costs related to these other
sales were $162 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $170 million for the year ended December 31,
2013. The decrease in total volumes sold was primarily due to normal well declines which also had a negative impact on unit
costs.
Royalty interest gas sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest owners
sold by the CONSOL Energy E&P segment. Royalty interest gas sales revenue was $82 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $63 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in sales volumes, changes in
60
market prices, contractual differences among leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties
contributed to the period-to-period change.
Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet
$
19.9
4.14
$
15.3
4.13
$
4.6
0.01
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Percent
Change
30.1%
0.2%
Purchased gas sales volumes represent volumes of gas sold at market prices that were purchased from third-party
producers. Purchased gas sales revenues were $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013.
Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
1.9
4.65
$
1.6
4.12
$
0.3
0.53
$
Percent
Change
18.8%
12.9%
Other income was $113 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $58 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The $55 million increase was primarily due to the following items:
Gain On Sale of Assets
Gathering Revenue
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Interest Income
Other
Total Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
46
30
32
—
5
113
$
$
21
7
15
13
2
58
$
$
25
23
17
(13)
3
55
Percent
Change
119.0 %
328.6 %
113.3 %
(100.0)%
150.0 %
94.8 %
• Gain on sale of assets increased $25 million primarily due to the sale of Utica rights in Marshall County, WV to Noble
Energy, which closed in December 2014 and resulted in proceeds and a pre-tax gain of $25 million.
• Gathering revenue increased $23 million primarily due to an increase in revenue related to certain gathering
arrangements.
• Earnings from our equity affiliates increased $17 million primarily due to an increase in earnings from CONE
Midstream Partners, LP. See Note 27 - Related Party Transactions of the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Interest income decreased $13 million primarily due to the 2013 collection of the final installment on the notes
receivable from the 2011 Noble Energy joint venture transaction.
•
• The remaining $3 million increase relates to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
General and Administrative costs are allocated to the total E&P division based on percentage of total revenue and
percentage of total projected capital expenditures. Costs were $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
$39 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Refer to discussion of total Company general and administrative costs
contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this annual report for a detailed cost
explanation.
Royalty interest gas costs represent the costs related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest owners sold
by the CONSOL Energy E&P division. Royalty interest gas costs were $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in sales volumes, changes in market prices,
contractual differences among leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties contributed to the
61
period-to-period change.
Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Cost per thousand cubic feet sold
$
19.9
3.51
$
15.3
3.47
$
4.6
0.04
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Percent
Change
30.1%
1.2%
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of gas purchased from third-party producers that we sell. Purchased gas
volumes also reflect the impact of pipeline imbalances. The higher average cost per thousand cubic feet was due to overall
price changes and contractual differences among customers in the period-to-period comparison. Purchased gas costs were $7
million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Purchased Gas Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Cost per thousand cubic feet sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
1.9
3.75
$
1.6
3.05
$
0.3
0.70
$
Percent
Change
18.8%
23.0%
Exploration and other costs were $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $61 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The $38 million decrease in costs is primarily related to the following items:
Marcellus Title Defects
Dry Hole Expense
Lease Expiration Costs
Land Rentals
Seismic Activity
Other
Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
— $
2
9
5
4
3
23
$
23
9
10
6
2
11
61
$
$
(23)
(7)
(1)
(1)
2
(8)
(38)
Percent
Change
(100.0)%
(77.8)%
(10.0)%
(16.7)%
100.0 %
(72.7)%
(62.3)%
• CONSOL Energy, working in collaboration with Noble Energy, conceded title defects on acreage which had a book
value of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
• Dry hole costs decreased $7 million due to various transaction that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
• Lease expiration costs relate to locations where CONSOL Energy allowed the primary lease term to expire because of
unfavorable drilling economics. The $1 million decrease is due to various transactions that occurred throughout both
periods, none of which were individually material.
• Land Rentals decreased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison due to various transactions that occurred
•
throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
Seismic Activity increased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
• Other expenses decreased $8 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Other corporate expenses related to the E&P division were $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared
to $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The $9 million decrease in the period-to-period comparison was made up
of the following items:
62
Litigation Settlements
Stock-based Compensation
Bank Fees
Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees
Short-term Incentive Compensation
Other
Total Other Corporate Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
(5) $
17
4
38
23
10
87
$
3
24
7
36
20
6
96
$
$
(8)
(7)
(3)
2
3
4
(9)
Percent
Change
(266.7)%
(29.2)%
(42.9)%
5.6 %
15.0 %
66.7 %
(9.4)%
• Litigation settlements decreased $8 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
•
which were individually material.
Stock-based compensation decreased $7 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a reduction in
non-cash amortization expense and less accelerated expense for retiree eligible employees under our current plans.
• Bank fees decreased $3 million due to various items that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were
individually material.
• Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity the E&P segment has
obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing
capacity for NGLs. The $2 million increase was primarily due to increased firm transportation capacity which has not
been utilized by active operations.
• The short-term incentive compensation program is designed to increase compensation to eligible employees when
CNX Gas reaches predetermined targets for, among other things, safety, production, compliance and unit costs. Short-
term incentive compensation expense increased $3 million in the period-to-period comparison due to higher projected
payouts.
• Other corporate related expenses increased $4 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both
periods, none of which were individually material.
Interest expense remained consistent at $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Interest was incurred by the other gas segment on the CNX Gas revolving credit facility along with interest allocated to the
E&P segment under CONSOL Energy's credit facility, a capital lease and debt held by a variable interest entity.
63
TOTAL COAL DIVISION ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31,
2013:
The coal division contributed $411 million of earnings before income tax in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared
to $348 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. Variances by individual coal segment are discussed below.
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Difference to Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Pennsylvania
Operations
Virginia
Operations
Other
Coal
Total
Coal
Pennsylvania
Operations
Virginia
Operations
Other
Coal
Total
Coal
Coal Sales:
Produced Coal
Purchased Coal
Total Coal Sales
Other Outside Sales
Freight Revenue
Miscellaneous Other
Income
Gain on Sale of Assets
Total Revenue and Other
Income
Operating Costs and
Expenses:
Operating Costs
Direct Administrative
and Selling
Total Royalty/
Production Taxes
Depreciation, Depletion
and Amortization
Total Operating Costs and
Expenses
Other Costs and
Expenses:
Other Costs
Direct Administrative
Total Royalty/
Production Taxes
Depreciation, Depletion
and Amortization
Total Other Costs and
Expenses
General and
Administrative Expense
Other Corporate Expenses
Freight Expense
Total Costs
Earnings (Loss) Before
Income Taxes
$
1,617
$
297
$
129
$ 2,043
$
260
$
—
1,617
—
17
38
1
1,673
—
297
—
1
—
—
298
9
138
41
10
101
28
318
9
2,052
41
28
139
29
—
260
—
(1)
32
1
2,289
292
(166)
(153) $
—
(153)
—
(3)
(5)
(5)
(59) $
(14)
(73)
(2)
(3)
51
(13)
(40)
881
188
106
1,175
116
(64)
(28)
31
71
160
6
18
39
3
10
7
40
99
206
4
16
40
—
(8)
(3)
1
(8)
(6)
1,143
251
126
1,520
176
(75)
(41)
18
1
—
2
21
26
39
17
1,246
6
—
—
8
14
9
9
1
284
151
3
2
39
195
10
7
10
348
175
4
2
49
230
45
55
28
1,878
(5)
—
—
1
(4)
3
1
(1)
175
(2)
—
—
(5)
(7)
—
(2)
(3)
(87)
(13)
(10)
(1)
1
(23)
2
—
(3)
(65)
48
(14)
34
(2)
(7)
78
(17)
86
24
5
—
31
60
(20)
(10)
(1)
(3)
(34)
5
(1)
(7)
23
$
427
$
14
$
(30) $
411
$
117
$
(79) $
25
$
63
64
PENNSYLVANIA (PA) OPERATIONS COAL SEGMENT
The PA Operations coal segment principal activities are mining, preparation and marketing of thermal coal to power
generators. The segment also includes general and administrative activities as well as various other activities assigned to the PA
Operations coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine and are therefore not included in unit cost presentation. For
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the segment included the following mines: Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine,
Harvey Mine and the corresponding preparation plant facilities.
The PA Operations coal segment contributed $427 million to total Company earnings before income tax for the year
ended December 31, 2014 compared to $310 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. PA Operations coal revenue and
cost components on a per unit basis for these periods were as follows:
Company Produced PA Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per PA Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administration and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per PA Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per PA Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
26.1
$ 61.88
$ 33.70
1.20
2.72
6.13
$ 43.75
$ 18.13
$
$
$
$
21.2
63.93
36.13
1.26
2.58
5.58
45.55
18.38
Variance
4.9
$ (2.05)
$ (2.43)
(0.06)
0.14
0.55
$ (1.80)
$ (0.25)
Percent
Change
23.1%
(3.2%)
(6.7%)
(4.8%)
5.4%
9.9%
(4.0%)
(1.4%)
PA Operations outside sales revenue was $1,617 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1,357
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The $260 million increase was attributable to 4.9 million additional tons sold in
the 2014 period partially offset by a $2.05 per ton lower average sales price. The lower average PA Operations coal sales price
in the 2014 period was the result of the roll-off of some higher-priced legacy sales contracts. The PA Operations coal segment
revenue was also impacted by 3.3 million tons of PA Operations coal being priced on the export market for the year ended
December 31, 2014, which was 0.8 million tons lower than the tons sold in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. This revenue is based on weight of
coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e. rail) used by the customers to which CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is completely offset in freight expense. Freight revenue was $17
million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The $1 million
decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments where CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation
services.
Miscellaneous other income was $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $6 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The $32 million increase was due to the following items:
Coal Contract Buyout
Rental/Royalty Income
Business Interruption Proceeds- Bailey Mine Belt
Other
Total Miscellaneous Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
30
3
—
5
38
$
$
— $
1
5
—
6
$
30
2
(5)
5
32
•
For the year ended December 31, 2014, $30 million of income was related to a coal customer contract buyout. The
discontinued contract was a long term contract that created pricing risks for both parties. The parties agreed to an
amicable settlement. No such transactions were entered into in the year ended December 31, 2013.
• Rental/Royalty income increased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
• Business interruption proceeds of $5 million were received in the prior year-to-date period related to the 2012 Bailey
Mine Belt Conveyor accident.
65
• Other income increased $5 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Gain on sale of assets increased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
Total operating costs and expenses is comprised of changes in PA Operations coal inventory, both volumes and carrying
values, and costs of tons sold in the period. The costs per ton sold include items such as direct operating costs, royalty and
production taxes, direct administration and selling, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization costs. Total operating costs
and expenses for PA Operations were $1,143 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or $176 million higher than the
$967 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Total costs per PA Operations ton sold was $43.75 per ton in the year
ended December 31, 2014 compared to $45.55 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in total dollars and
decrease in unit costs was primarily due to the 23.1% increase in PA Operations tons sold. Fixed costs are allocated over more
tons, resulting in lower unit costs. These improvements were offset, in part, by various maintenance projects at Bailey Mine
and Enlow Fork Mine related to additional longwall overhauls and twenty-two thousand additional continuous miner feet
mined at Bailey and Enlow Fork Mines. The additional continuous miner footage resulted in additional roof support, haulage,
and mine maintenance costs. Unit costs were also negatively impacted in the current period due to adverse geological
conditions at Enlow Fork Mine along with adverse geological conditions and equipment issues at the Harvey Mine.
Other Costs And Expenses
Other costs is comprised of various costs and expenses that are assigned to the PA Operations coal segment but not
allocated to each individual mine and therefore not included in unit costs. Other costs were $18 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The change is due to the following items:
Supplies Expense
Property and Other Taxes
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
3
2
13
18
$
9
2
12
23
$
(6)
—
1
(5)
$
•
Supplies expense decreased $6 million primarily due to the prior year-to-date period including additional supplies
needed for repairs related to the 2012 Bailey Mine Belt Conveyor accident which was not included in active mining
costs.
Property and other taxes remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
•
• Other expense increased $1 million due to various items that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were
individually material.
Direct Administrative expense is primarily made up of labor and benefits and consulting expenses that were allocated to
the Harvey Mine while it was in development phase prior to March 2014. The amount of direct administrative expense
allocated to the PA Operations coal segment remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $1 million primarily due to additional assets placed in service in the
period-to-period comparison.
General and Administrative costs are allocated to each coal segment based upon the activity at the segment determined by
their level of operating activity. The amount of General and Administrative costs allocated to PA Operations was $26 million
for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Refer to the discussion
of total company general and administrative costs contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Shareholders" of this annual report for a detailed cost explanation.
Other corporate expense is made up of expenses for stock based compensation and the short-term incentive compensation
program. These expenses are made up of costs that are directly related to each coal segment along with a portion of costs that
are allocated to each segment based on a percent of total labor dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2014 other corporate
expenses were $39 million compared to $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase of $1 million was
primarily due to PA Operations representing a larger portion of total coal labor dollars.
66
Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e. rail) used
by the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount
billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. Freight expense is offset by freight revenue. The $1 million decrease in
freight expense was due to decreased shipments under contracts which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation
services.
VIRGINIA (VA) OPERATIONS COAL SEGMENT
The VA Operations coal segment principal activities are mining, preparation and marketing of low metallurgical coal to
metal and coke producers. The segment also includes general and administrative activities as well as various other activities
assigned to the VA Operations coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine and are therefore not included in unit cost
presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the segment included the following mines: Buchanan Mine,
Amonate Complex and the corresponding preparation plant facilities. Operations at Amonate Complex were idled in September
2012, but the complex continued to sell coal inventory in 2013.
The VA Operations coal segment contributed $14 million to total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to $93 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The VA Operations coal revenue and cost
components on a per unit basis for these periods were as follows:
Company Produced VA Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per VA Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administrative and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per VA Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per VA Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
4.1
71.80
45.29
1.42
4.33
9.63
60.67
11.13
$
$
$
$
4.9
92.43
51.54
1.24
5.50
8.71
66.99
25.44
$
$
$
$
(0.8)
(20.63)
(6.25)
0.18
(1.17)
0.92
(6.32)
(14.31)
$
$
$
$
Percent
Change
(16.3%)
(22.3%)
(12.1%)
14.5%
(21.3%)
10.6%
(9.4%)
(56.3%)
VA Operations coal outside sales revenue was $297 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $450
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The $153 million decrease was attributable to a $20.63 per ton lower average
sales price and a 0.8 million decrease in tons sold. Average sales prices for VA Operations coal decreased in the period-to-
period comparison due to the weakening in the global metallurgical coal market. The VA Operations coal segment revenue was
also impacted by 3.1 million tons of VA Operations coal being priced on the export market for the year ended December 31,
2014, which was 0.7 million tons lower than the tons sold in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Freight revenue was $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The $3 million decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments where CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services.
Miscellaneous other income decreased $5 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none
of which were individually material.
Gain on sale of assets decreased $5 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to various asset sales in the
year ended December 31, 2013. No such transactions occurred in the year ended December 31, 2014.
Total operating costs and expenses for VA Operations were $251 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or $75
million lower than the $326 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Total costs per VA Operations ton sold were $60.67
per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $66.99 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease
in total dollars and unit costs per VA Operations ton sold was primarily due to lower royalty and production taxes, lower wage
and wage related expenses, and a reduction in the number of degas wells drilled. The decreases were related to lower average
sales prices and cost control measures that were implemented due to the weak metallurgical coal market. Part of the cost
control measures included a decrease in operating shifts at our Buchanan Mine. The mine went from three operating shifts to
two operating shifts beginning in May 2014. These improvements were offset, in part, by lower tons sold.
67
Other Costs And Expenses
Total other costs for VA Operations were $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013. The $2 million decrease was due to the following items:
Idle Mine Costs
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
6
—
6
$
$
6
2
8
$
—
(2)
(2)
•
Idle mine costs are costs related to the temporary idling of the Amonate Complex which remained consistent year over
year.
• Other expense decreased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization decreased $5 million primarily due to a decrease in assets placed in service in
the period-to-period comparison.
General and Administrative costs allocated to the VA Operations coal segment were $9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Refer to the discussion of total company general and administrative costs
contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this annual report for a detailed cost
explanation.
For the year ended December 31, 2014 other corporate expenses were $9 million compared to $11 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The decrease of $2 was primarily related to VA Operations representing a smaller portion of total
coal labor dollars which is the basis of the allocation.
Freight expense decreased $3 million in the period-to-period comparison due to decreased shipments under contracts
which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services.
68
OTHER COAL SEGMENT
The Other coal segment primarily includes coal terminal operations, idle mine activities and purchased coal activities as
well as various other activities not assigned to either PA Operations or VA Operations. The Other coal segment also includes
activities related to mining, preparation and marketing of thermal coal to power generators geographically separated from PA
Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the segment included the Miller Creek Complex.
The Other coal segment had a loss of $30 million before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a
loss of $55 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Other coal revenue and cost components on a per unit basis for these
periods were as follows:
Company Produced Other Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per Other Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administration and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per Other Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per Other Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2.2
$ 60.12
2.7
$ 70.22
Variance
(0.5)
$(10.10)
$ 49.54
1.14
4.82
3.33
$ 58.83
1.29
$
$ 47.95
1.03
7.80
5.98
$ 62.76
7.46
$
$ 1.59
0.11
(2.98)
(2.65)
$ (3.93)
$ (6.17)
Percent
Change
(18.5%)
(14.4%)
3.3%
10.7%
(38.2%)
(44.3%)
(6.3%)
(82.7%)
Other coal outside sales revenue was $129 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $188 million for
the year ended December 31, 2013. The $59 million decrease was attributable to a 0.5 million decrease in tons sold in 2014 and
a $10.10 per ton lower average sales price. The lower average coal sales price in the 2014 period was the result of the roll-off
of some higher-priced legacy sales contracts.
Purchased coal sales consist of revenues from processing third-party coal in our preparation plants for blending purposes
to meet customer coal specifications and coal purchased from third parties and sold directly to our customers. The revenues
were $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The
$14 million decrease in the period-to-period comparison was due to lower volumes of coal that needed to be purchased to fulfill
various contracts.
Other outside sales revenue for the Other coal segment consist of revenues from our coal terminal operations. Coal
terminal operations sales revenues decreased $2 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a decrease in thru-
put volumes in the current year.
Freight revenue was $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $13 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The $3 million decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments where CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services.
Miscellaneous other income was $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $50 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013. The $51 million increase was due to the following items:
Rental Income
Land Rental Income
Royalty Income
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Other
Total Miscellaneous Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
42
9
20
19
11
101
$
$
1
5
17
18
9
50
$
$
41
4
3
1
2
51
69
• Rental income increased $41 million primarily due to equipment subleased to a third-party. These arrangements began
in December 2013.
• Land rental income primarily consists of income related to the sale of right of ways on property that CONSOL Energy
owns. The $4 million increase was due to an increase in land activity in the period-to-period comparison.
• Royalty income increased $3 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
• Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $1 million due to various transactions completed by our equity partners, none
of which were individually material.
• Other increased $2 million due to various activities that occurred in the current period, none of which were
individually material.
Gain on sale of assets was $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $41 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The decrease of $13 million was primarily due to various asset sales that occurred in both periods.
See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this
Form 10-K for additional information.
Other Costs And Expenses
Other coal segment other costs were $151 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $164 million for
the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease of $13 million was due to the following items:
Purchased Coal
Closed and Idle Mines
Coal Terminal Operations
Coal Reserve Holding Costs
Lease Rental Expense
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
14
55
25
11
30
16
151
$
$
43
67
31
11
—
12
164
$
$
(29)
(12)
(6)
—
30
4
(13)
•
Purchased coal costs decreased $29 million due to lower volumes of coal that needed to be purchased to fulfill various
contracts.
• Closed and idle mine costs decreased approximately $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2013. This was due to a $14 million decrease in the asset retirement obligation, primarily
at the Fola Mining Complex. The decrease was offset, in part, by a $2 million increase in various changes in the
operational status of other mines, between idled and operating throughout both periods, none of which were
individually material.
• Coal terminal operations costs decreased $6 million due to decreased thru-put volumes in the current year.
• Coal reserve holding costs which primarily consists of property and other taxes, remained consistent in the period-to-
period comparison.
• Lease rental expense increased $30 million primarily due to equipment leases that were subleased to a third-party. The
third-party subleases began in December 2013.
• Other expenses related to the Other Coal segment increased $4 million due to various transactions that occurred
throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
Direct Administrative expense is primarily made up of labor and benefits and consulting expenses that relate to coal
terminal operations and idle mine locations. Direct Administrative expense decreased $10 million in the period-to-period
comparison due to less resources being allocated to idle mine locations in the current period.
Royalty and production taxes decreased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison due to various transactions that
occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $1 million primarily due to additional assets placed in service in the
period-to-period comparison.
70
General and Administrative costs allocated to the Other coal segment were $10 million for the year ended December 31,
2014 compared to $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Refer to the discussion of total company general and
administrative costs contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this annual report
for a detailed cost explanation.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other corporate expenses remained consistent at $7
million.
Freight expense decreased $3 million in the period-to-period comparison due to decreased shipments under contracts
which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services.
OTHER DIVISION ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013:
The other division includes activity from the sales of industrial supplies and various other corporate activities that are not
allocated to the E&P or coal divisions. The other segment had a loss before income tax of $414 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to a loss before income tax of $297 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The other
division also includes total company income tax expense of $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to an
income tax benefit of $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Sales—Outside
Other Income
(Loss) on Sale of Assets
Total Revenue
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Interest Expense
Total Costs
Loss Before Income Tax
Income Tax
Net Loss
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
235
2
(31)
206
308
2
95
215
620
(414)
14
(428) $
$
217
15
—
232
315
3
—
211
529
(297)
(33)
(264) $
18
(13)
(31)
(26)
(7)
(1)
95
4
91
(117)
47
(164)
$
$
Percent
Change
8.3 %
(86.7)%
(100.0)%
(11.2)%
(2.2)%
(33.3)%
100.0 %
1.9 %
17.2 %
(39.4)%
142.4 %
(62.1)%
Outside sales revenue from the other division was $235 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $217
million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was related to higher sales volumes from our industrial supplies
subsidiary which was sold in December 2014. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
Other income of $2 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $15 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013. The $13 million decrease was primarily due to the following items:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Settlement
Interest Income
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Other
Total Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
— $
2
(1)
1
2
$
9
4
1
1
15
$
$
(9)
(2)
(2)
—
(13)
•
•
Pennsylvania Turnpike Settlement relates to mediation with the PA Turnpike Commission that was settled for $9
million in 2013.
Interest Income decreased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
71
• Equity in Earnings of Affiliates decreased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both
periods, none of which were individually material.
• Other remained consistent in the period to period comparison.
Total costs in the other segment include interest expense, transaction and financing fees and various other miscellaneous
corporate charges. Total other costs were $620 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $529 million for the
year ended December 31, 2013. Other corporate costs increased due to the following items:
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Industrial Supplies
Long-Term Liability Plan Changes
Interest Expense
Revolver Modification Fees
Bank Fees
Corporate Initiative Fees and Other Legal Charges
Pension Settlement
CNX Gas Shareholder Settlement
Other
Total Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
95
231
10
215
3
19
10
29
—
8
620
$
$
— $
215
—
211
—
18
15
39
20
11
529
$
95
16
10
4
3
1
(5)
(10)
(20)
(3)
91
• Loss on Debt Extinguishment of $95 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the early
•
extinguishment of debt due to the purchase of all of the 8.00% senior notes that were due in 2017 at an average
premium of 1.04%, and the partial purchase of the 8.25% senior notes that were due in 2020 at an average premium of
1.075%. No such transactions occurred in the prior period.
Industrial supplies costs represent costs from our industrial supplies subsidiary which was sold in December 2014.
See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of
this Form 10-K for additional details. The $16 million increase in costs was due to higher sales volumes in the current
period along with various changes in inventory costs, none of which were individually material.
•
• Long-Term Liability Plan Changes include $36 million of income as a result of amendments to the pension and OPEB
plans, which were adopted during the third quarter of 2014, offset by $46 million of expense for cash payments made
to active employees related to changes in the OPEB plan. See Note 16—Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details
related to the total Company expense.
Interest Expense increased $4 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the decrease in capitalized
interest related to the Harvey Mine going into production in 2014. The increase was offset, in part, by the IRS audit
resolution causing a reduction to anticipated interest (See Note 7 - Income Taxes of the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K), the early payoff of the 2017 bonds and partial purchase of the
2020 bonds. The decrease in interest expense also related to the additional bonds, due 2022, issued in April 2014 and
August 2014 which have a lower interest rate than the 2017 and the 2020 bonds.
• Revolver modification fees resulted in a $3 million acceleration of previously deferred financing fees.
• Bank fees increased $1 million primarily due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
• Corporate initiative fees and other legal charges reflect various fees for services related to corporate initiatives to
evaluate structure changes and various asset sales. These fees also include legal charges related to land title issues
raised by our joint venture partners and the CNX Gas shareholder settlement case. The $5 million decrease was due to
various transactions that occurred in both periods, none of which were individually material. See Note 11 - Property,
Plant, and Equipment and Note 24 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Pension settlement expense is required when the lump sum distributions made for a given plan year exceed the total of
the service and interest costs for that same plan year. Settlement accounting was triggered in both periods. See Note 16
- Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of
this Form 10-K for additional detail.
•
72
• The CNX Gas shareholder settlement was the result of an agreement for resolution of the class actions brought by
shareholders of CNX Gas challenging the tender offer by CONSOL Energy to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas
common stock that CONSOL Energy did not already own for $38.25 per share in May 2010. The total settlement
provided for payment to the plaintiffs of $43 million, of which the Company's portion was $20 million.
• Various other corporate expenses decreased $3 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both
periods, none of which were individually material.
Income Taxes:
The effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 7.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
(72.0)% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The effective rates for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were
calculated using the annual effective rate projections on recurring earnings and include tax liabilities related to certain discrete
transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy recognized certain tax benefits as a result of changes in
estimates related to a prior-year tax provision. That resulted in a benefit of $10 million related to increased percentage depletion
deductions, offset, in part, by $1 million of tax expense due to changes in the Domestic Production Activities Deduction. Also,
the Internal Revenue Service issued its audit report relating to the examination of CONSOL Energy’s 2008 and 2009 U.S.
income tax returns during the year ended December 31, 2014. The result of these findings was a change in timing of certain tax
deductions which increased the tax benefit of percentage depletion by $7 million. See Note 7-Income Taxes in the Notes to the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Total Company Earnings Before Income Tax
Income Tax Expense
Effective Income Tax Rate
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
$
$
$
$
183
14
7.8%
$
$
46
(33)
(72.0)%
137
47
79.8%
Percent
Change
297.3 %
(141.6)%
73
Results of Operations: Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders
CONSOL Energy reported net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders of $660 million, or $2.87 per diluted
share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders was $388 million, or
$1.70 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012. The breakdown of net income attributable to CONSOL Energy
shareholders is as follows:
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Total Dilutive Earnings Per Share
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
79
$
318
$
580
659
(1)
660
0.35
2.52
2.87
$
$
$
70
388
—
388
1.39
0.31
1.70
$
$
$
(239)
510
271
(1)
272
(1.04)
2.21
1.17
$
$
$
$
The total Exploration and Production (E&P) division includes Marcellus, Utica, coalbed methane (CBM), and other gas.
The total E&P division contributed a loss of $2 million before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
$39 million of earnings before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2012. Total gas production was 172.4 Bcfe for the
year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 156.3 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The following table presents a breakout of net liquid and natural gas sales information to assist in the understanding of the
Company’s production and sales portfolio:
in thousands (unless noted)
LIQUIDS
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
Change
NGLs:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
Oil:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
Condensate:
Sales Volume (MMcfe)
Sales Volume (Mbbls)
Gross Price ($/Bbl)
Gross Revenue
GAS
Sales Volume (MMcf)
Sales Price ($/Mcf)
Hedging Impact ($/Mcf)
Gross Revenue
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,628
438
53.76
23,541
634
106
610
102
$
$
52.32
5,314
$
$
600
100
89.58
9,471
$
$
92.58
9,252
$
$
63
11
78.84
823
155,052
2.94
1.22
645,053
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
382
64
81.06
5,156
168,737
3.72
0.45
702,700
74
2,018
336
1.44
18,227
34
6
(3.00)
219
319
53
2.22
4,333
13,685
0.78
(0.77)
57,647
330.8 %
329.4 %
2.8 %
343.0 %
5.7 %
6.0 %
(3.2)%
2.4 %
506.3 %
481.8 %
2.8 %
526.5 %
8.8 %
26.5 %
(63.1)%
8.9 %
The average sales price and average costs for all active gas operations were as follows:
Average Sales Price (per Mcfe)
Average Costs (per Mcfe)
Margin
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
4.30
3.51
0.79
$
$
4.22
3.37
0.85
$
$
0.08
0.14
(0.06)
Percent
Change
1.9 %
4.2 %
(7.1)%
Total E&P division outside sales revenues were $741 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $659
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to the 10.3% increase in total volumes sold,
along with a 1.9% increase in average price per Mcfe. The increase in average sales price was the result of an increase in
general market prices and the increase in sales of natural gas liquids and condensate. The increase was offset, in part, by
various gas swap transactions that occurred throughout both periods. The gas swap transactions qualify as financial cash flow
hedges that exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. These financial hedges represented approximately 84.3 Bcf of
our produced gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average gain of $0.89 per Mcf. These financial
hedges represented approximately 76.9 Bcf of our produced gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2012 at an
average gain of $2.47 per Mcf.
Changes in the average cost per Mcfe of gas sold were primarily related to the following items:
• Gathering costs increased in the period-to-period comparison due to a $0.04 per Mcfe increase in processing fees
associated with natural gas liquids and a $0.10 per Mcfe increase in firm transportation costs.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization rates increased due to higher units-of-production for producing properties in
the period to period comparison offset, in part, by additional volumes.
• These increases were offset, in part, by higher volumes in the period-to-period comparison due to the on-going
Marcellus drilling program. Fixed costs are allocated over increased volumes, resulting in lower unit costs.
The coal division includes Pennsylvania (PA) operations, Virginia (VA) operations and other coal. The total coal division
contributed $348 million of earnings before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $610 million for
the year ended December 31, 2012. The total coal division sold 28.8 million tons of coal produced from CONSOL Energy
mines, for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 27.6 million tons for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The average sales price and average cost of goods sold per ton for continuing coal operations were as follows:
Average Sales Price per ton sold
Average Costs of Goods Sold per ton
Margin
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
69.34
50.78
18.56
$
$
77.75
53.98
23.77
$
$
(8.41)
(3.20)
(5.21)
Percent
Change
(10.8)%
(5.9)%
(21.9)%
The lower average sales price per ton sold reflects a decrease in the global metallurgical coal markets. The coal division
priced 8.0 million tons on the export market for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 7.5 million tons at an average
for the year ended December 31, 2012. All other tons were sold on the domestic market.
Changes in the average cost of goods sold per ton were primarily related to the following items:
• Average cost of goods sold decreased due to an increase in tons sold. Fixed costs are allocated over more sales tons,
resulting in lower unit costs.
• On July 27, 2012, a structural failure occurred at the Bailey Preparation Plant in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The belt
system conveys coal from both the Bailey and Enlow Fork Mines to the Bailey Preparation Plant. The incident caused
a total of four longwalls to be idled for approximately three weeks, and production to be at approximately 60% for the
third quarter of 2012. The mines operated at full capacity for the entire 2013 period, which resulted in lower direct
operating costs per ton produced.
• The Fola Mining Complex was idled in August 2012 which resulted in lower direct operating costs per ton produced
in the period-to-period comparison. The mine, which was idled for market reasons, was a higher cost mining operation
which when removed reduced the overall average direct operating costs per ton produced.
75
• Direct services to operations are improved primarily due to a reduction in subsidence expenses related to the timing
and nature of properties and streams undermined as well as a reduction in direct administration employees as a result
of the 2012 Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan discussed below under general and administrative costs.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization was improved primarily due to the idling of operations at the Fola Mining
Complex in August 2012. The improvements were offset, in part, by higher costs in the 2013 period related to Bailey,
Enlow Fork, and Buchanan Mines running for the full year in 2013 compared to being idled at various times
throughout 2012.
• Average direct operating costs were impaired due to CONSOL Energy entering into a new longwall lease in 2013 at
our Bailey Mine.
• Costs were impaired in the current period due to the idling of the Buchanan Mine for various months throughout 2012.
Although idled at times during 2012, the Buchanan Mine ran the continuous miners and worked on various projects
which increased overall 2012 unit costs.
The other division includes industrial supplies activity, income taxes and other business activities not assigned to the E&P
or coal division.
General and Administrative costs are allocated between divisions (E&P, Coal and Other) based primarily on percentage of
total revenue and percentage of total projected capital expenditures. General and Administrative costs are excluded from the
E&P and Coal unit costs above. Total General and Administrative costs were made up of the following items:
Continuing Operations General and Administrative Expenses
Discontinued Operations General and Administrative Expenses
Total Company General and Administrative Expense
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
80
39
119
$
$
77
56
133
$
$
3
(17)
(14)
Percent
Change
3.9 %
(30.4)%
(10.5)%
Overall, total Company General and Administrative Expenses decreased $14 million in the period-to-period comparison.
This was primarily due to a $17 million decrease in employee wages and related expenses, attributable to fewer employees as a
result of the 2012 Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan. Total other post-employment benefit (OPEB) expenses were also lower
in the period-to-period comparison, related to changes in the discount rates and other assumptions. The remaining $3 million
change related to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually significant.
Total Company long-term liabilities for continuing operations, such as OPEB, the salary retirement plan, workers'
compensation and long-term disability are actuarially calculated for the Company as a whole. The expenses are then allocated
to operational units based on active employee counts or active salary dollars. Total CONSOL Energy continuing operations
expense related to our actuarial liabilities was $152 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $135 million
for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase of $17 million for total CONSOL Energy continuing operations expense
was primarily due to required pension settlement accounting which resulted in $39 million of expense. Pension settlement
expenses were required when lump sum distributions made for the 2013 plan year exceeded the total of the service cost and
interest cost for the 2013 plan year. The pension settlement was not allocated to individual operating segments and is therefore
not included in unit costs presented for E&P or coal. This was offset, in part, due to a modification of the salaried post-
employment benefit plan, which required a remeasurement at March 31, 2012. See Note 16 - Pension and Other Post-
Employment Benefit Plans and Note 17 - Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and Workers' Compensation Net Periodic
Benefit Costs in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional detail of
the total Company expense increase.
76
TOTAL E&P DIVISION ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012:
The E&P division had a loss before income tax of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
earnings before income tax of $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Variances by individual E&P segment are
discussed below.
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Difference to Year Ended
December 31, 2012
Marcellus
Utica
CBM
Other
Gas
Total
Gas
Marcellus
Utica
CBM
Other
Gas
Total
Gas
Sales:
Produced
$
252
$
Related Party
Total Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interest
Purchased Gas
Other Income
Total Revenue and
Other Income
Lifting
Ad Valorem,
Severance, and
Other Taxes
Gathering
Gas Direct
Administrative,
Selling & Other
Depreciation,
Depletion and
Amortization
General &
Administration
Gas Royalty
Interest
Purchased Gas
Exploration and
Other Costs
Other Corporate
Expenses
Total Exploration and
Production Costs
Interest Expense
Total E&P Segment
Costs
Earnings (Loss)
Before Income Tax
4
—
4
—
—
—
4
3
—
—
2
3
—
—
—
—
—
8
—
8
$ 336
$ 146
$ 738
$
118
$
3
339
—
—
—
339
37
9
114
8
90
—
—
—
—
—
—
146
63
7
58
274
37
11
37
13
72
39
53
5
61
96
3
741
63
7
58
869
97
29
201
49
232
39
53
5
61
96
258
—
424
9
862
9
258
433
871
—
118
—
—
—
118
8
5
26
9
20
—
—
—
—
—
68
—
68
4
—
4
—
—
—
4
3
(1)
—
1
3
—
—
—
—
—
6
—
6
$ (42) $
1
(41)
—
—
—
(41)
—
(1)
8
$
1
—
1
13
4
1
19
(5)
—
6
(6)
(2)
3
—
—
—
—
—
4
—
4
1
5
15
2
22
15
59
4
63
81
1
82
13
4
1
100
6
3
40
2
27
5
15
2
22
15
137
4
141
—
252
—
—
—
252
20
9
50
26
67
—
—
—
—
—
172
—
172
$
80
$
(4) $
81
$ (159) $
(2) $
50
$
(2) $ (45) $ (44) $ (41)
77
MARCELLUS GAS SEGMENT
The Marcellus segment contributed $80 million to the total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Marcellus Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Marcellus Gas Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - NGLs (Mcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Condensate (Mcfe)*
Total Average Marcellus sales (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus gathering costs (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe)
Average Marcellus depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Marcellus costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Marcellus (per Mcfe)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
55.0
2.5
0.3
57.8
3.77
0.32
9.09
13.73
4.35
0.35
0.16
0.86
0.45
1.16
2.98
1.37
35.9
0.6
—
36.5
2.89
0.69
8.68
13.54
3.68
0.34
0.12
0.67
0.46
1.30
2.89
0.79
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Variance
19.1
1.9
0.3
21.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.88
(0.37)
0.41
0.19
0.67
0.01
0.04
0.19
(0.01)
(0.14)
0.09
0.58
Percent
Change
53.2 %
316.7 %
100.0 %
58.4 %
30.4 %
(53.6)%
4.7 %
1.4 %
18.2 %
2.9 %
33.3 %
28.4 %
(2.2)%
(10.8)%
3.1 %
73.4 %
* NGLs and Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content
of oil and natural gas,which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Marcellus segment sales revenues were $252 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $134
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $118 million increase was primarily due to a 58.4% increase in total
volumes sold, and an 18.2% increase in total average sales prices in the period-to-period comparison. The increase in sales
volumes was primarily due to additional wells coming on-line from our on-going drilling program. The increase in Marcellus
total average sales price was the result of the $0.88 per Mcf increase in gas market prices, along with an uplift from an
additional 2.2 Bcfe, or $0.16 per Mcf, of natural gas liquids and condensate sales volumes. The increase was offset, in part, by a
$0.37 per Mcf decrease resulting from various transactions relating to our hedging program. These financial hedges represented
approximately 21.6 Bcf of our produced Marcellus gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average gain
of $0.81 per Mcf. For the year ended December 31, 2012, these financial hedges represented 12.4 Bcf at an average gain of
$1.99 per Mcf.
Total costs for the Marcellus segment were $172 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $104
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in total dollars and unit costs for the Marcellus segment was due to
the following items:
• Marcellus lifting costs were $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $12 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The increase primarily relates to an increase in sales volumes, along with an increase in salt water
disposal costs, road maintenance costs, and well tending costs. The impact on average unit costs from these increases was offset
by higher sales volumes.
• Marcellus ad valorem, severance and other taxes were $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
$4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in total dollars and unit costs was primarily due to an increase
in severance tax expense caused by higher average gas sales prices and the 58.4% increase in sales volumes during the current
period.
78
• Marcellus gathering costs were $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $24 million for the
year ended December 31, 2012. Total dollars increased due to an increase in processing fees associated with natural gas liquids,
which resulted in an increase in average unit costs. Higher firm transportation costs also resulted in an increase on unit costs.
The impact on average unit costs from these increases was offset, in part, by higher sales volumes.
• Marcellus direct administrative, selling and other costs were $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Direct administrative, selling and other costs attributable to the
total E&P segment are allocated to the individual E&P segments based on a combination of production and employee counts.
The increase in direct administrative, selling & other costs was primarily due to Marcellus volumes representing a larger
proportion of CONSOL Energy's total gas sales volumes. The impact on average unit costs from the increase in direct
administrative costs was offset by higher sales volumes.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
$47 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. There was approximately $66 million, or $1.14 per unit-of-production, of
depreciation, depletion and amortization related to Marcellus gas and related well equipment that was reflected on a units-of-
production method of depreciation in the year ended December 31, 2013. There was approximately $44 million, or $1.24 per
unit-of-production, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to Marcellus gas and related well equipment that was
reflected on a units-of-production method of depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2012. There was approximately $1
million, or $0.02 per Mcf, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering and other equipment that was
reflected on a straight line basis for the year ended December 31, 2013. There was $3 million, or $0.06 per Mcf, of
depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering and other equipment reflected on a straight line basis for the year
ended December 31, 2012.
79
UTICA GAS SEGMENT
The Utica segment had a loss before income tax of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a loss
before income tax of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Utica Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
NGL Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Utica Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - NGL (Mcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Condensate (Mcfe)*
Total Average Utica sales price (per Mcfe)
Average Utica lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Utica ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcfe)
Average Utica gathering costs (per Mcfe)
Average Utica direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe)
Average Utica depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Utica costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Utica (per Mcfe)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2013
2012
0.5
0.1
0.1
0.7
Variance
0.5
0.1
0.1
0.7
—
—
—
—
3.83
6.09
12.78
$
$
$
— $ 3.83
— $ 6.09
— $ 12.78
5.80
$
11.02
3.47
$
(0.67) $
6.62
24.72
$ (5.22)
$ (3.15)
$(25.39)
$
$
$
0.53
2.79
4.96
— $ 0.53
$(35.55)
38.34
(0.03) $ 4.99
$(58.57)
69.65
11.08
(5.28) $ (58.63) $ 53.35
$
Percent
Change
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
(47.4)%
(47.6)%
(102.7)%
100.0 %
(92.7)%
16,633.3 %
(84.1)%
91.0 %
*NGLs and Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content
of oil and natural gas,which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
A per unit analysis of the Utica segment is not meaningful due to less than 0.1 Bcfe of production in the prior period.
80
COALBED METHANE (CBM) GAS SEGMENT
The CBM segment contributed $81 million to the total Company earnings before income tax for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $126 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Total Average CBM sales price (per Mcf)
Average CBM lifting costs (per Mcf)
Average CBM ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcf)
Average CBM gathering costs (per Mcf)
Average CBM direct administrative and selling (per Mcf)
Average CBM depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcf)
Total Average CBM costs (per Mcf)
Average Margin for CBM (per Mcf)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
Percent
Change
82.9
88.2
(5.3)
(6.0)%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.69
0.40
4.09
0.44
0.10
1.37
0.10
1.10
3.11
0.98
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2.88
1.44
4.32
0.42
0.12
1.21
0.16
0.98
2.89
1.43
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.81
(1.04)
28.1 %
(72.2)%
(0.23)
0.02
(0.02)
0.16
(0.06)
0.12
0.22
(0.45)
(5.3)%
4.8 %
(16.7)%
13.2 %
(37.5)%
12.2 %
7.6 %
(31.5)%
CBM sales revenues were $339 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $380 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The $41 million decrease was primarily due to a 6.0% decrease in total volumes sold and a 5.3%
decrease in total average sales price per Mcf. CBM sales volumes decreased 5.3 Bcf for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to the 2012 period primarily due to normal well declines without a corresponding amount of additional wells drilled.
The decrease in wells drilled was due to the Company's current focus on Marcellus and Utica production. The CBM total
average sales price decreased $0.23 per Mcf primarily due to a $1.04 per Mcf decrease resulting from various transactions
relating to our hedging program. Financial hedges represented approximately 48.3 Bcf of our produced CBM gas sales volumes
for the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average gain of $0.69 per Mcf. For the year ended December 31, 2012, these
financial hedges represented 45.8 Bcf at an average gain of $2.76 per Mcf. The decrease was offset, in part, by a $0.81 per Mcf
increase in average gas market prices.
Total costs for the CBM segment were $258 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $254 million for
the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following
items:
• CBM lifting costs were $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The increase in
unit costs was due to the decrease in gas sales volumes.
• CBM ad valorem, severance and other taxes were $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $10
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease of $1 million was primarily due to a reassessment of our ad
valorem taxes paid to Tazewell County, Virginia resulting in a refund. The decrease was offset, in part, by an increase in
severance tax expense resulting from the increase in average sales price, without the impact of hedging, as described above.
• CBM gathering costs were $114 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $106 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The increase in total dollars and average per unit costs was due to increased compression costs,
increased power fees, and increased pipeline and road maintenance. Unit costs were also negatively impacted by the decrease
in gas sales volumes.
• CBM direct administrative, selling and other costs were $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
$14 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Direct administrative, selling & other costs attributable to the total E&P
segment were allocated to the individual E&P segments based on a combination of production and employee counts. The
decrease in direct administrative, selling & other costs was primarily due to reduced direct administrative labor and CBM
volumes representing a smaller proportion of CONSOL Energy's total gas sales volumes. Improvements in unit costs were
offset, in part, by the decrease in gas sales volumes.
81
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $90 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. There was approximately $62 million, or
$0.77 per unit-of-production, of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to CBM gas and related well equipment that
was reflected on a units-of-production method of depreciation in the year ended December 31, 2013. The production portion of
depreciation, depletion and amortization was $60 million, or $0.67 per unit-of-production in the year ended December 31,
2012. There was approximately $28 million, or $0.33 per Mcf of depreciation, depletion and amortization related to gathering
and other equipment reflected on a straight line basis for the year ended December 31, 2013. The non-production related
depreciation, depletion and amortization was $27 million, or $0.31 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2012.
82
OTHER GAS SEGMENT
The other gas segment had a loss before income taxes of $159 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared
to a loss before income tax of $115 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf)
Oil Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Total Other Sales Volumes (Bcfe)*
Average Sales Price - Gas (Mcf)
Hedging Impact - Gas (Mcf)
Average Sales Price - Oil (Mcfe)*
Total Average Other sales price (per Mcfe)
Average Other lifting costs (per Mcfe)
Average Other ad valorem, severance, and other taxes (per Mcfe)
Average Other gathering costs (per Mcfe)
Average Other direct administrative and selling (per Mcfe)
Average Other depreciation, depletion and amortization costs (per Mcfe)
Total Average Other costs (per Mcfe)
Average Margin for Other (per Mcfe)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
30.3
0.6
30.9
31.0
0.6
31.6
Variance
(0.7)
—
(0.7)
Percent
Change
(2.3)%
— %
(2.2)%
$
$
3.70
0.81
$
$
3.12
1.24
$ 14.78
$ 15.62
$ 0.58
$ (0.43)
$ (0.84)
$
$
$
4.72
1.21
0.36
$
$
$
4.57
1.30
0.34
$ 0.15
$ (0.09)
$ 0.02
$
$
$
$
1.19
0.95
0.49
0.41
$ 0.24
$ (0.08)
$ 0.07
$
$
$ 0.16
$ (0.67) $ (0.66) $ (0.01)
2.15
5.23
2.22
5.39
$
$
18.6 %
(34.7)%
(5.4)%
3.3 %
(6.9)%
5.9 %
25.3 %
(16.3)%
3.3 %
3.1 %
(1.5)%
*Oil is converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural
gas,which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The other gas segment includes activity not assigned to the Marcellus, Utica, or CBM segments. This segment includes
purchased gas activity, gas royalty interest activity, exploration and other costs, other corporate expenses, and miscellaneous
operational activity not assigned to a specific E&P division.
Other gas sales volumes are primarily related to shallow oil and gas production as well as Upper Devonian Shale in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Revenue from these operations was approximately $146 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 and $145 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Total costs related to these other sales were $170
million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $170 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Royalty interest gas sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest
owners sold by the CONSOL Energy E&P segment. Royalty interest gas sales revenue was $63 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The changes in market prices, contractual
differences among leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties contributed to the period-to-
period increase.
Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet
$
15.3
4.13
$
18.0
2.74
$
(2.7)
1.39
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
Percent
Change
(15.0)%
50.7 %
Purchased gas sales volumes represent volumes of gas sold at market prices that were purchased from third-party
producers. Purchased gas sales revenues were $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2012.
83
Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
1.6
4.12
$
1.1
3.03
$
0.5
1.09
$
Percent
Change
45.5%
36.0%
Other income was $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $57 million for the year ended
December 31, 2012. The $1 million increase was due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
General and Administrative costs are allocated to the total E&P segment based on percentage of total revenue and
percentage of total projected capital expenditures. Costs were $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $34
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer to the discussion of total company general and administrative costs
contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this annual report for a detailed cost
explanation.
Royalty interest gas costs represent the costs related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest owners sold
by the CONSOL Energy E&P segment. Royalty interest gas costs were $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The changes in market prices, contractual differences among
leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties contributed to the period-to-period change.
Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Cost per thousand cubic feet sold
$
15.3
3.47
$
18.0
2.16
$
(2.7)
1.31
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
Percent
Change
(15.0)%
60.6 %
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of gas purchased from third-party producers that are subsequently sold to
customers. Changes in the average cost per Mcf were due to overall price changes and contractual differences among customers
in the period-to-period comparison. Purchased gas costs were $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $3
million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Purchased Gas Volumes (in billion cubic feet)
Average Cost per thousand cubic feet sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
1.6
3.05
$
1.1
2.44
$
0.5
0.61
$
Percent
Change
45.5%
25.0%
Exploration and other costs were $61 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $39 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The $22 million increase in costs is primarily related to the following items:
Marcellus Title Defects
Dry Hole Expense
Land Rentals
Seismic Activity
Lease Expiration Costs
Other
Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
23
9
6
2
10
11
61
$
$
4
3
6
2
15
9
39
$
$
19
6
—
—
(5)
2
22
Percent
Change
475.0 %
200.0 %
— %
— %
(33.3)%
22.2 %
56.4 %
• CONSOL Energy, working in collaboration with Noble Energy, conceded title defects on acreage which had a book
value of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $4 million for the year ended December 31,
2012.
• Dry hole costs increased $6 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
84
• Land Rentals remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
•
• Lease expiration costs relate to locations where CONSOL Energy allowed the primary term lease to expire because of
Seismic Activity remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
unfavorable drilling economics. The $5 million decrease was due to fewer lease expirations in the 2013 period when
compared with the 2012 period.
• Other expenses increased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Other corporate expenses were $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $81 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The $15 million increase in the period-to-period comparison was made up of the following items:
Unutilized firm transportation
Stock-based compensation
Bank fees
Litigation Settlements
Short-term incentive compensation
Other
Total Other Corporate Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
36
24
7
3
20
6
96
$
$
16
18
7
5
26
9
81
$
$
20
6
—
(2)
(6)
(3)
15
$
$
Percent
Change
125.0 %
33.3 %
— %
(40.0)%
(23.1)%
(33.3)%
18.5 %
• Unutilized firm transportation costs represent pipeline transportation capacity the gas segment has obtained to enable
•
gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for natural
gas liquids. The $20 million increase was due to increased firm transportation capacity which has not been utilized by
active operations.
Stock-based compensation was $6 million higher in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to additional non-
cash expense and accelerated non-cash expense for retiree-eligible employees who received awards under the new
CONSOL Share Unit (CSU) program, when compared to the prior year. The new program replaces several previously
provided long-term executive compensation award programs. The compensation expense of the CSU program will not
be materially different from the total expense of the previous programs over the three-year performance period.
• Bank Fees remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
• Litigation settlements decreased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
• The short-term incentive compensation program is designed to increase compensation to eligible employees when
CNX Gas reaches predetermined targets for safety, production and unit costs. Short-term incentive compensation
expense decreased $6 million due to lower projected payouts in the 2013 period.
• Other corporate related expenses decreased $3 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both
periods, none of which were individually material.
Interest expense related to the gas segment was $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2012. Interest was incurred by the gas segment on the CNX Gas revolving credit facility and a
capital lease. The $4 million increase was primarily due to higher levels of borrowings on the revolving credit facility
throughout the period-to-period comparison.
85
TOTAL COAL SEGMENT ANALYSIS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2012:
The coal segment contributed $348 million of earnings before income tax from continuing operations in the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $610 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. Variances by individual coal segment are
discussed below.
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Difference to Year Ended
December 31, 2012
Pennsylvania
Operations
Virginia
Operations
Other
Coal
Total
Coal
Pennsylvania
Operations
Virginia
Operations
Other
Coal
Total
Coal
$
Sales:
Produced Coal
Purchased Coal
Total Outside Sales
Other Outside Sales
Freight Revenue
Miscellaneous Other
Income
Gain on Sale of Assets
Total Revenue and Other
Income
Operating Costs and
Expenses:
$
1,357
—
1,357
—
18
6
—
$
450
—
450
—
4
5
5
188
23
211
43
13
50
41
$
$ 1,995
23
2,018
43
35
61
46
1,381
464
358
2,203
Operating Costs
765
252
134
1,151
Direct Administrative
and Selling
Total Royalty/
Production Taxes
Depreciation, Depletion
and Amortization
Total Operating Costs and
Expenses
Other Costs and
Expenses:
Other Costs
Direct Administrative
Total Royalty/
Production Taxes
Depreciation, Depletion
and Amortization
Total Other Costs and
Expenses
General and
Administrative Expense
Other Corporate Expenses
Freight Expense
Total Costs
Earnings (Loss) Before
Income Taxes
27
55
120
967
23
1
—
1
25
23
38
18
1,071
6
26
42
2
18
13
35
99
175
326
167
1,460
8
—
—
13
21
9
11
4
371
164
13
3
38
218
8
7
13
413
195
14
3
52
264
40
56
35
1,855
$
33
—
33
—
(33)
(6)
—
(6)
80
(3)
7
5
89
(35)
(1)
—
(3)
(39)
(1)
6
(33)
22
(56) $
—
(56)
—
(32)
(134) $
6
(128)
(4)
(7)
1
(8)
(3)
(216)
(157)
6
(151)
(4)
(72)
(8)
(224)
(95)
(358)
(459)
28
—
(122)
(14)
(4)
(7)
(4)
(17)
(14)
6
30
(11)
—
—
1
(10)
1
1
(32)
(10)
(7)
4
(150)
(31)
(52)
2
(1)
6
(98)
1
(1)
4
(45)
(94)
(3)
(4)
(7)
(209)
(3)
3
(72)
(197)
$
310
$
93
$
(55) $
348
$
(28) $
(85) $
(149) $
(262)
86
PENNSYLVANIA (PA) OPERATIONS COAL SEGMENT
The PA Operations coal segment principal activities are mining, preparation and marketing of thermal coal to power
generators. The segment also includes general and administrative activities as well as various other activities assigned to the PA
Operations coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine and are therefore not included in unit cost presentation. For
the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 the segment included the following mines: Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine,
Harvey Mine and the corresponding preparation plant facilities.
The PA Operations coal segment contributed $310 million to total Company earnings before income tax for the year
ended December 31, 2013 compared to $338 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The PA Operations coal revenue
and cost components on a per unit basis for these periods were as follows:
Company Produced PA Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per PA Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administration and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per PA Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per PA Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
21.2
$ 63.93
19.6
$ 67.67
Variance
1.6
$ (3.74)
$ 36.13
1.26
2.58
5.58
$ 45.55
$ 18.38
$ 35.07
1.49
2.43
5.90
$ 44.89
$ 22.78
$ 1.06
(0.23)
0.15
(0.32)
$ 0.66
$ (4.40)
Percent
Change
8.2%
(5.5%)
3.0%
(15.4%)
6.2%
(5.4%)
1.5%
(19.3%)
PA Operations outside sales revenue was $1,357 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $1,324
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $33 million increase was attributable to 1.6 million increase in tons sold
offset, in part, by $3.74 per ton lower average sales price. The lower average PA Operations coal sales price in the 2013 period
was the result of the renewal of several domestic PA Operations contracts whose pricing was reduced effective January 1, 2013.
The PA Operations coal segment revenue was also impacted by 2.0 million tons of PA Operations coal being priced on the
export market for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2.1 million tons for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. This revenue is based on weight of
coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e. rail) used by the customers to which CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is almost completely offset in freight expense. Freight revenue
was $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $51 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The
$33 million decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments where CONSOL Energy contractually provides
transportation services.
Miscellaneous other income was $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $12 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The $6 million decrease was due to the following items:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
Coal Contract Buyout
Rental/Royalty Income
Business Interruption Proceeds- Bailey Mine Belt
Other
Total Miscellaneous Other Income
$
$
— $
1
5
—
6
$
5
4
2
1
$
12
$
(5)
(3)
3
(1)
(6)
•
For the year ended December 31, 2012, $5 million of income was related to a coal customer contract buyout. The
discontinued contract was a long term contract that created pricing risks for both parties. The parties agreed to an
amicable settlement. No such transactions were entered into in the year ended December 31, 2013.
• Rental/Royalty income decreased $3 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none
of which were individually material.
• Business interruption proceeds of $5 million were received in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $2
million in the year ended December 31, 2012 related to the 2012 Bailey Belt Conveyor accident.
87
• Other income decreased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Total operating costs and expenses is comprised of changes in PA Operations coal inventory, both volumes and carrying
values, and costs of tons sold in the period. The costs per ton sold include items such as direct operating costs, royalty and
production taxes, direct administration and selling, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization costs. Total operating costs
and expenses for PA Operations were $967 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, or $89 million higher than the $878
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Total costs per PA Operations ton sold were $45.55 per ton in the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $44.89 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in total dollars and unit
costs were primarily related to a structural failure that occurred on July 27, 2012, at the Bailey Preparation Plant in
Southwestern Pennsylvania. The belt system conveys coal from both the Bailey and Enlow Fork Mines to the Bailey
Preparation Plant. The incident caused a total of four longwalls to be idled for approximately three weeks, and production to be
at approximately 60% for the third quarter of 2012. The mines operated at full capacity for the entire 2013 period.
Other Costs And Expenses
Other costs is comprised of various costs and expenses that are assigned to the PA Operations coal segment but not
allocated to each individual mine and therefore not included in unit costs. Other costs was $23 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The change was due to the following
items:
Bailey Belt Incident
Property and Other Taxes
Litigation Contingencies
Supplies Expense
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
— $
2
4
9
8
23
$
42
7
—
—
9
58
$
(42)
(5)
4
9
(1)
(35)
• Bailey Belt incident costs represent expenses related to continued advancement of the mines and on-going projects at
the mines that took place during the idles phase when belt reconstruction was occurring and which was not included in
active mining costs.
Property and other taxes decreased $5 million due to a tax reassessment that occurred in the 2013 period.
•
• Litigation Contingencies increased $4 million in the period-to-period comparison due to various items. See Note 24-
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this
Form 10-K for additional details related to total Company expense.
Supplies expense increased $9 million primarily due to the 2013 period including additional supplies needed for
repairs related to the 2012 Bailey Belt Conveyor accident which was not included in active mining costs.
•
• Other expense decreased $1 million due to various items that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were
individually material.
Direct Administrative expense is primarily made up of labor and benefits, marketing, and consulting expenses that were
allocated to the Harvey Mine while it was in development phase. Direct Administration expense allocated to PA Operations
decreased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison due to more labor and benefit costs being allocated in the prior period.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization decreased $3 million due to a decrease in assets placed in service in the current
period.
General and Administrative costs are allocated to each coal segment based upon the activity at the segment determined by
their level of operating activity. General and Administrative costs allocated to the PA Operations coal segment were $23 million
for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer to the discussion
of total company general and administrative costs contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Shareholders" of this annual report for a detailed cost explanation.
88
Other corporate expense is made up of expenses for stock based compensation and the short-term incentive compensation
program. These expenses are made up of costs that are directly related to each coal segment along with a portion of costs that
are allocated to each segment based on a percent of total labor dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2013 other corporate
expenses were $38 million compared to $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $6 million increase was
primarily due to PA Operations representing a larger portion of total coal labor costs.
Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e. rail) used
by the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount
billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. Freight expense is offset by freight revenue. The $33 million decrease in
freight expense was due to decreased shipments under contracts which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation
services.
VIRGINIA (VA) OPERATIONS COAL SEGMENT
The VA Operations coal segment principal activities are mining, preparation and marketing of low metallurgical coal to
metal and coke producers. The segment also includes general and administrative activities as well as various other activities
assigned to the VA Operations coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine and are therefore not included in unit cost
presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 the segment included the following mines: Buchanan Mine,
Amonate Complex and the corresponding preparation plant facilities. Operations at Amonate Complex were idled in September
2012, but the complex continued to sell coal inventory in 2013.
The VA Operations coal segment contributed $93 million to total Company earnings before income tax in the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $178 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. The VA Operations coal revenue and cost
components on a per ton basis for these periods were as follows:
Company Produced VA Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per VA Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administrative and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton
Sold
Total Costs Per VA Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per VA Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
4.9
92.43
51.54
1.24
5.50
8.71
66.99
25.44
$
$
$
$
3.6
140.11
61.84
1.72
8.32
10.00
81.88
58.23
$
$
$
$
1.3
(47.68)
(10.30)
(0.48)
(2.82)
(1.29)
(14.89)
(32.79)
$
$
$
$
Percent
Change
36.1%
(34.0%)
(16.7%)
(27.9%)
(33.9%)
(12.9%)
(18.2%)
(56.3%)
VA Operations coal outside sales revenue was $450 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $506
million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $56 million decrease was attributable to a $47.68 per ton lower average
sales price. Average sales prices for VA Operations coal decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to the weakening in
the global metallurgical coal market. The VA Operations coal segment revenue was also impacted by 3.8 million tons of VA
Operations coal being priced on the export market for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was 0.8 million tons higher
than the tons sold in the year ended December 31, 2012.
Freight revenue was $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $36 million for the year ended
December 31, 2012. The $32 million decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments where CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services.
Miscellaneous other income increased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to various items that
occurred in both periods none of which were individually material.
Gain on sale of assets decreased $8 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to various asset sales that
occurred in both periods none of which were individually material. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to
the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
89
Total operating costs and expenses for VA Operations was $326 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, or $30
million higher than the $296 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Total cost per VA Operations ton sold was $66.99
per ton in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $81.88 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in
total dollars and decrease in unit costs per VA Operations ton was primarily due to the Buchanan Mine longwall being
temporarily idled in March, April, and October of 2012. The increase in costs was partially offset by several cost saving
initiatives at the Buchanan Mine in the 2013 period, such as, slowing the pace of major maintenance projects, right sizing the
workforce to fit the five-day work schedule implemented earlier in 2013, and opening the Horn Mountain portal, which
allowed employees to enter the mine much closer to the longwall face. VA Operations coal production was 1.3 million tons
higher in the 2013 period primarily due to Buchanan Mine being temporarily idled in the 2012 period, as mentioned above.
This resulted in 2012 fixed costs being allocated over less tons, resulting in higher unit costs in the prior period.
Other Costs And Expenses
Total other costs for VA Operations was $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $19 million for the
year ended December 31, 2012. The $11 million change was due to the following items:
Idle Mine Costs
Water Treatment Costs
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
7
1
—
8
$
$
18
1
—
19
$
$
(11)
—
—
(11)
•
Idle mine costs decreased $11 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the Buchanan Mine
operating throughout 2013 but was temporarily idled in the 2012 period.
• Water treatment costs remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
• Other expense remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $1 million primarily due to additional assets placed in service in the
current period.
General and Administrative costs allocated to the VA Operations coal segment were $9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer to the discussion of total Company
general and administrative costs contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this
annual report for a detailed cost explanation.
For the year ended December 31, 2013 other corporate expenses were $11 million compared to $10 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The increase of $1 million was primarily due to VA Operations representing a larger portion of total
coal labor costs which is the basis for the allocation.
Freight expense decreased $32 million in the period-to-period comparison due to decreased shipments under contracts
which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services.
OTHER COAL SEGMENT
The Other coal segment primarily includes coal terminal operations, idle mine activities and purchased coal activities as
well as various other activities not assigned to either PA Operations or VA Operations. The Other coal segment also includes
activities related to mining, preparation and marketing of thermal coal to power generators geographically separated from PA
Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 the segment included the Miller Creek Complex and the Fola
Complex.
The Other coal segment had a loss before income tax of $55 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
income of $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Other coal revenue and cost components on a per unit basis for
these periods were as follows:
90
Company Produced Other Operations Tons Sold (in millions)
Average Sales Price Per Other Operations Ton Sold
Total Operating Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Direct Administration and Selling Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Royalty/Production Taxes Per Ton Sold
Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
Total Costs Per Other Operations Ton Sold
Average Margin Per Other Operations Ton Sold
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2.7
$ 70.22
4.4
$ 71.44
Variance
(1.7)
$ (1.22)
Percent
Change
(38.6%)
(1.7%)
$ 47.95
1.03
7.80
5.98
$ 62.76
7.46
$
$ 55.97
1.39
8.87
5.09
$ 71.32
0.12
$
$ (8.02)
(0.36)
(1.07)
0.89
$ (8.56)
$ 7.34
(14.3%)
(25.9%)
(12.1%)
17.5%
(12.0%)
6,116.7%
Other coal outside sales revenue was $188 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $322 million for
the year ended December 31, 2012. The $134 million decrease was attributable to a 1.7 million decrease in tons sold in 2013
and a $1.22 per ton lower average sales price.
Purchased coal sales consist of revenues from processing third-party coal in our preparation plants for blending purposes
to meet customer coal specifications and coal purchased from third parties and sold directly to our customers. The revenues
were $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The
increase was primarily due to an increase in volumes of coal that needed to be purchased to fulfill various contracts.
Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. This revenue is based on weight of
coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e. rail) used by the customers to which CONSOL Energy
contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue was offset by freight expense. Freight revenue was $13 million
for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $7 million
decrease in freight revenue was due to decreased shipments under contracts which CONSOL Energy contractually provides
transportation services.
Miscellaneous other income was $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $53 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The $3 million decrease was due to the following items:
Coal Contract Buyout
Royalty Income
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Land Rental Income
Other
Total Miscellaneous Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
— $
17
18
6
9
50
$
4
17
16
3
13
53
$
(4)
—
2
3
(4)
(3)
•
For the year ended December 31, 2012, $4 million of income was related to a coal customer contract buyout. The
discontinued contract was a long term contract that created pricing risks for both parties. The parties agreed to an
amicable settlement. No such transactions were entered into during the year ended December 31, 2013.
• Royalty income remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.
• Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $2 million due to various transactions completed by our equity partners, none
of which were individually material.
• Land rental income primarily consists of income related to the sale of right of ways on property that CONSOL Energy
owns. The $3 million increase was due to an increase in land activity in the period-to-period comparison.
• Other decreased $4 million due to various transactions that occurred in the prior period, none of which were
individually material.
91
Gain on sale of assets attributable to the Other Coal segment was $41 million in the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to $257 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease of $216 million was due to various asset sales
that occurred in both periods. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
Other Costs And Expenses
Other costs were $164 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $216 million for the year ended
December 31, 2012. The decrease of $52 million was due to the following items:
Closed and Idle Mines
Litigation Contingencies
Voluntary Incentive Separation Program
Coal Terminal Operations
Coal Reserve Holding Costs
Purchased Coal
Other
Total Other Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
$
67
—
—
31
11
43
$
88
17
13
32
11
41
12
164
$
14
216
$
(21)
(17)
(13)
(1)
—
2
(2)
(52)
• Closed and idle mine costs decreased approximately $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2012. Closed and idle mine costs decreased $16 million due to the decision to shutdown
the Fola Mining Complex in August 2012. Other changes in the operational status of various other mines, between
idled and operating throughout both periods, none of which were individually material resulted in an additional $5
million decrease.
• Litigation Contingencies decreased $17 million in the year-to-year comparison due to various items. See Note 24-
•
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this
Form 10-K for additional details related to total Company expense.
In November 2012, CONSOL Energy offered a voluntary severance incentive program (VSIP) to active salaried
corporate and operation support employees with 30 years of service, or more. Under this program, eligible employees
who accepted the offer received a severance payment equal to one year's salary. Approximately 100 employees
volunteered for the program. Severance pay was approximately $13 million.
• Coal Terminal Operations costs decreased $1 million due to decreased thru-put volumes in the 2013 period.
• Coal reserve holding costs which primarily consist of property and other taxes, remained consistent in the period-to-
period comparison.
Purchased coal costs increased $2 million due to higher amounts of coal that was purchased to fulfill various contracts.
•
• Other expenses related to the coal segment decreased $2 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout
both periods, none of which were individually material.
Direct Administrative expense increased $2 million in the period-to-period comparison due to an increase in labor and
employee benefits allocated to the other segment.
Royalty and productions taxes decreased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison due to various transactions that
occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased $6 million primarily due to additional assets placed in service in the
period-to-period comparison.
General and Administrative costs allocated to the Other coal segment were $8 million for the year ended December 31,
2013 compared to $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer to the discussion of total company general and
administrative costs contained in the section "Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders" of this annual report
for a detailed cost explanation.
92
For the year ended December 31, 2013 other corporate expenses were $7 million compared to $11 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The decrease of $4 million was primarily related to the other coal segment representing a smaller
portion of total coal labor costs which is the basis of the allocation.
Freight expense decreased $7 million in the period-to-period comparison due to decreased shipments under contracts
which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services.
OTHER DIVISION ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012:
The other division includes activity from the sales of industrial supplies and various other corporate activities that are not
allocated to the E&P or coal divisions. The other segment had a loss before income tax of $297 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to a loss before income tax of $241 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The other
division also includes the total company income tax benefit of $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
the total company income tax expense of $89 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Sales—Outside
Other Income
Total Revenue
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization
Interest Expense
Total Costs
Loss Before Income Tax
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Net Loss
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
$
217
15
232
315
3
211
529
(297)
(33)
(264) $
$
243
3
246
270
2
215
487
(241)
89
(330) $
(26)
12
(14)
45
1
(4)
42
(56)
(122)
66
Percent
Change
(10.7)%
400.0 %
(5.7)%
16.7 %
50.0 %
(1.9)%
8.6 %
(23.2)%
(137.1)%
20.0 %
Outside sales revenue was $217 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $243 million for the year
ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was related to lower sales volumes from our industrial supplies subsidiary.
Additional other income of $15 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $12 million increase was primarily due to the following items:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Settlement
Interest Income
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Other
Total Other Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
$
9
4
1
1
15
$
— $
1
—
2
3
$
9
3
1
(1)
12
•
•
Pennsylvania Turnpike Settlement relates to mediation with the PA Turnpike Commission that was settled for $9
million.
Interest Income increased $3 million mainly due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
• Equity in Earnings of Affiliates increased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods,
none of which were individually material.
• Other income decreased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
Total costs of the other segment include interest expense, transaction and financing fees and various other miscellaneous
corporate charges. Total other costs were $529 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $487 million for the
year ended December 31, 2012. Other corporate costs increased due to the following items:
93
Pension Settlement
CNX Gas Shareholder Settlement
Corporate Initiative Fees and Other Legal Charges
Bank Fees
Interest Expense
Industrial Supplies
Other
Total Costs
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
39
20
15
18
211
215
11
529
$
$
— $
—
4
13
215
239
16
487
$
39
20
11
5
(4)
(24)
(5)
42
•
Pension settlement expense is required when lump sum distributions made for a given plan year exceed the total of the
service and interest costs for that same plan year.
• The CNX Gas shareholder settlement was the result of an agreement for resolution of the class actions brought by
shareholders of CNX Gas challenging the tender offer by CONSOL Energy to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas
common stock that CONSOL Energy did not already own for $38.25 per share in May 2010. The total settlement
provided for payment to the plaintiffs of $43 million, of which the Company paid $20 million.
• Corporate initiative fees and other legal charges reflect various charges for services related to corporate initiatives to
evaluate structure changes and various asset sales. These fees also include legal charges related to land title issues
raised by our joint venture partners and the CNX Gas Shareholder case. See Note 11 - Property, Plant and Equipment
and Note 24 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities of the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
• Bank fees increased $5 million mainly due to higher borrowings on the CNX Gas revolving credit facilities in the
period-to-period comparison, as well as bank fees from the accelerated amortization of the previously deferred fees in
relation to the capacity reduction in CONSOL Energy's revolving credit facility from $1.5 billion to $1.0 billion.
Interest Expense decreased $4 million primarily due to an increase in capitalized interest as a result of additional
capital expenditures for major construction projects in 2013.
•
• The decrease of $24 million related to industrial supplies was primarily related to lower sales volumes and various
changes in inventory costs, none of which were individually material.
• Other corporate items decreased $5 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of
which were individually material.
Income Taxes:
The 2013 effective tax rate is the result of lower pre-tax income without a corresponding reduction in the percentage
depletion deduction, resulting in a tax loss from continuing operations in the 2013 period. CONSOL Energy's effective tax rate
is significantly impacted by the relationship between the pre-tax earnings and percentage depletion. See Note 7-Income Taxes
in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Total Company Earnings Before Income Tax
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Effective Income Tax Rate
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Variance
$
$
$
$
46
(33)
(72.0)%
$
$
407
89
21.8%
(361)
(122)
(93.8)%
Percent
Change
(88.8)%
(137.5)%
94
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial
statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1-Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form
the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other
sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent
resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical
accounting policies are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB), Salaried Pensions, Workers’ Compensation and Coal Workers’
Pneumoconiosis (CWP)
Liabilities and expenses for OPEB, pension, workers’ compensation and CWP are determined using actuarial
methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the interest rate used to discount the future estimated
liability, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions relating to the employee workforce
(salary increases, health care cost trend rates, retirement age, and mortality).
The interest rate used to discount future estimated liabilities is determined using a Company-specific yield curve model
(above-median) developed with the assistance of an external actuary. The Company-specific yield curve uses a subset of the
expanded bond universe to determine the Company-specific discount rate. Bonds used in the yield curve are rated AA by
Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s as of the measurement date. The yield curve model parallels the plans’ projected cash flows.
The assumed rate of return on plan assets can also impact CONSOL Energy’s pension liability. The market related asset
value is derived by taking the cost value of assets as of December 31, 2014 and multiplying it by the average 36-month ratio of
the market value of assets to the cost value of assets. CONSOL Energy’s pension plan weighted average asset allocations at
December 31, 2014 consisted of 60% equity securities and 40% debt securities.
The estimated liabilities recognized at December 31, 2014 and the benefit payments made for the year end December 31,
2014 were as follows:
Plan
OPEB
Pension
Workers’ Compensation
CWP
Estimated Liability as of
December 31, 2014
$760,959
$119,296
$89,741
$126,098
Benefit Payments for the year ended
December 31, 2014
$65,180
$27,318
$15,523
$11,874
Reclamation, Mine Closure and Gas Well Closing Obligations
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act established operational, reclamation and closure standards for all
aspects of surface mining as well as most aspects of deep mining. CONSOL Energy accrues for the costs of current mine
disturbance and final mine and gas well closure, including the cost of treating mine water discharge where necessary.
Estimates of our total reclamation, mine-closing, and gas well closing liabilities which are based upon permit requirements and
CONSOL Energy engineering expertise related to these requirements, including the current portion, were approximately $575.5
million at December 31, 2014. This liability is reviewed annually, or when events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is
necessary, by CONSOL Energy management and engineers. The estimated liability can significantly change if actual costs vary
from assumptions or if governmental regulations change significantly.
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized
in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset
retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations primarily
relate to the closure of mines and gas wells and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of coal and gas reserves. Changes in
the variables used to calculate the liabilities can have a significant effect on the mine closing, reclamation and gas well closing
95
liabilities. The amounts of assets and liabilities recorded are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated
future retirement costs, estimated proven reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates, and the assumed
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations also requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and
accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time. The depreciation will generally be determined on a units-of-production
basis, whereas the accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets, typically as production
declines.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between
the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more
likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and
negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy has
deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $259.0 million. The deferred tax assets are evaluated
periodically to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary.
CONSOL Energy evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more
likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an
evaluation to determine the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not
to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently
determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the
sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience
and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, that
are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ
from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. CONSOL Energy has no uncertain tax liabilities at
December 31, 2014.
Stock-Based Compensation
As of December 31, 2014, we have issued four types of share based payment awards: options, restricted stock units,
performance stock options and performance share units. The Black-Scholes option pricing model is used to determine fair value
of stock options at the grant date. Various inputs are utilized in the Black-Scholes pricing model, such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
stock price on measurement date,
exercise price defined in the award,
expected dividend yield based on historical trend of dividend payouts,
risk-free interest rate based on a zero-coupon treasury bond rate,
expected term based on historical grant and exercise behavior, and
expected volatility based on historic and implied stock price volatility of CONSOL Energy stock and public peer group
stock.
These factors can significantly impact the value of stock options expense recognized over the requisite service period of
option holders.
The fair value of each restricted stock unit awarded is equivalent to the closing market price of a share of our company's
stock on the date of the grant. The fair value of each performance share unit is determined by the underlying share price of our
company stock on the date of the grant and management's estimate of the probability that the performance conditions required
for vesting will be achieved.
As of December 31, 2014, $21.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards is expected
to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.89 years. See Note 19 - Stock-based Compensation in the Notes to the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for more information.
96
Contingencies
CONSOL Energy is currently involved in certain legal proceedings. We have accrued our estimate of the probable costs
for the resolution of these claims. This estimate has been developed in consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense
of these matters and is based upon the nature of the lawsuit, progress of the case in court, view of legal counsel, prior
experience in similar matters, and management's intended response. Future results of operations for any particular quarter or
annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the outcome of these proceedings. Legal fees
associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred. See Note 24-Commitments and
Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for further
discussion.
Derivative Instruments
CONSOL Energy enters into financial derivative instruments to manage exposure to natural gas and oil price volatility.
We measure every derivative instrument at fair value and record them on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability.
Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded currently in earnings unless special hedge accounting criteria are met. For
derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the changes in fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are
recorded in earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in fair value of the
derivative are reported in other comprehensive income or loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods
which the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portions of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current
year. CONSOL Energy currently utilizes only cash flow hedges that are considered highly effective.
CONSOL Energy formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is
highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedge item. If it is determined that a derivative is not
highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, CONSOL Energy will discontinue hedge
accounting prospectively.
On December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy de-designated all of its derivative positions as hedging instruments.
Subsequent changes in fair value will be recorded in current earnings. Deferred gains and losses in other comprehensive
income as of that date will be recorded in earnings when the related physical transaction occurs or when it is determined that
the physical transaction is no longer probable of occurring.
Gas and Coal Reserve Values
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable gas and coal
reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable gas and coal reserves
are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and
geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Our coal
reserves are periodically reviewed by an independent third party consultant. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact
economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•
•
•
•
•
geological conditions;
historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
assumptions governing future prices; and
future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons,
estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas and coal attributable to a particular group of properties, and
classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual
production, revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be
material. See "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
CONSOL Energy performed a quantitative annual impairment test over proven producing wells using the published
NYMEX forward prices, timing, methods and other assumptions consistent with historical periods. Utilizing these assumptions
there were undiscounted cash flows in excess of book value, as a result no further impairment procedures were required. Our
conventional gas assets are quantitatively and qualitatively close to triggering impairment. If gas prices continue to decrease, an
impairment of these assets is possible in the near future.
97
Liquidity and Capital Resources
CONSOL Energy generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt
service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CONSOL Energy entered into a new
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 18, 2014 for a $2.0 billion senior secured revolving credit facility which
expires on June 18, 2019. The new senior revolving credit facility replaced CONSOL Energy's existing $1.0 billion senior
secured revolving credit facility which had been entered into as of April 12, 2011 and amended and restated on December 5,
2013 and the existing $1.0 billion senior secured revolving credit facility of CNX Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries that had
been entered into as of April 12, 2011. The facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of CONSOL Energy and certain
of its subsidiaries. CONSOL Energy's credit facility allows for up to $2.0 billion of borrowings, which includes an aggregate
sub-limit for letters of credit of $750 million. CONSOL Energy can request an additional $500 million increase in the aggregate
borrowing limit amount. Fees and interest rate spreads are based on the percentage of facility utilization, measured quarterly.
Availability under the facility is generally limited to a borrowing base, which is determined by the required number of lenders
in good faith by calculating a loan value of CONSOL Energy's proved gas reserves. The facility includes a minimum interest
coverage ratio covenant of no less than 2.50 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The interest coverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of
Adjusted EBITDA to cash interest expense of CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries. The interest coverage ratio was
4.90 to 1.00 at December 31, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA, as used in the covenant calculation, excludes non-cash compensation
expenses, non-recurring transaction expenses, uncommon gains and losses, gains and losses on discontinued operations, losses
on debt extinguishment and includes cash distributions received from affiliates, plus pro-rata earnings from material
acquisitions. The facility also includes a minimum current ratio covenant of no less than 1.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The
minimum current ratio is calculated as the ratio of current assets, plus revolver availability, to current liabilities excluding
borrowings under the revolver and accounts receivable securitization facility. The minimum current ratio was 2.42 to 1.00 at
December 31, 2014. Affirmative and negative covenants in the facility limit the Company's ability to dispose of assets, make
investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock, pay dividends, merge with another corporation and amend,
modify or restate the senior unsecured notes. The credit facility allows unlimited investments in joint ventures for the
development and operation of gas gathering systems. The facility permits CONSOL Energy to separate its gas and coal
businesses if the leverage ratio (which, is essentially, the ratio of debt to EBITDA) of the gas business immediately after the
separation would not be greater than 2.75 to 1.00. At December 31, 2014, the facility had no outstanding borrowings and $244
million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $1,756 million of unused capacity. From time to time, CONSOL Energy is
required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business.
Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies statutes and regulations.
CONSOL Energy sometimes use letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce the Company's
borrowing facility capacity.
CONSOL Energy also has an accounts receivable securitization facility. This facility allows the Company to receive, on a
revolving basis, up to $125 million of short-term funding and letters of credit. The accounts receivable facility supports sales,
on a continuous basis to financial institutions, of eligible trade accounts receivable. CONSOL Energy has agreed to continue
servicing the sold receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services. The cost of
funds is based on commercial paper or LIBOR rates plus a charge for administrative services paid to financial institutions. At
December 31, 2014, eligible accounts receivable totaled approximately $78 million. At December 31, 2014, the facility had no
outstanding borrowings and $60 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $18 million of unused capacity.
Uncertainty in the financial markets brings additional potential risks to CONSOL Energy. The risks include declines in
the Company's stock price, less availability and higher costs of additional credit, potential counterparty defaults, and
commercial bank failures. Financial market disruptions may impact the Company's collection of trade receivables. As a result,
CONSOL Energy regularly monitors the creditworthiness of its customers. CONSOL Energy believes that its current group of
customers are financially sound and represent no abnormal business risk.
CONSOL Energy believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be
sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions),
scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments and to provide required letters of credit. Nevertheless, the ability of
CONSOL Energy to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital
expenditures or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing
economic conditions in the coal and gas industries and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond
CONSOL Energy's control.
In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CONSOL Energy enters into
various physical gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CONSOL Energy
98
has also entered into various gas swap and option transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedges, which exist parallel to
the underlying physical transactions. The fair value of these contracts was a net asset of $192 million at December 31, 2014.
The ineffective portion of these contracts was $4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. No issues related to the
Company's hedge agreements have been encountered to date.
CONSOL Energy frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CONSOL Energy has funded acquisitions with cash
generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity
financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to
CONSOL Energy on terms which CONSOL Energy finds acceptable, or at all.
Cash Flows (in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash used in financing activities
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Change
$
$
$
$
937
(1,041) $
(46) $
$
659
(202) $
(151) $
278
(839)
105
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $278 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the
following items:
• Net income decreased $496 million in the period-to-period comparison;
• Discontinued operations changes increased $446 million primarily as a result of the gain on sale of CCC and certain
subsidiaries to Murray Energy Corporation in December 2013;
• Operating cash flows increased $24 million in the period-to-period comparison due to changes in the gain on the sale
of assets. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to Audited Financial Statements in Item 8 of this
Form 10-K for more information;
• Return on equity earnings was related to $47 million IPO proceeds received from CONE Midstream Partners, LP and
$55 million related to various other equity investment sales;
• Other Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flow provided by operating activities increased due to $95 million
on the loss on extinguishment of debt, and $110 million of additional depreciation, depletion, and amortization; and
• Other changes in operating assets, operating liabilities, other assets and other liabilities which occurred throughout
both periods also contributed to the increase in operating cash flows.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $839 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the
following items:
• Capital expenditures decreased $3 million due to:
• Gas segment capital expenditures increased $135 million. The increase was comprised of a $267 million
increase in drilling and completion costs in the Marcellus and Utica plays. This increase was partially offset
by a decrease of $132 million in land acquisitions in Monroe and Noble Counties and various other
individually insignificant projects.
• Coal segment capital expenditures decreased $75 million. The decrease was comprised of a $57 million
decrease in various projects at Enlow Fork Mine. Capitalized Interest also decreased $17 million due to the
completion of the Harvey Mine as well as an additional $21 million decrease in various miscellaneous
transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $16 million in capital projects at Harvey Mine; and
• Other capital expenditures decreased $63 million. The decrease was comprised of a $53 million decrease in
equipment lease buyouts as well as an additional $6 million decrease in various miscellaneous transactions
that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.
•
Proceeds from sale of assets, continuing operations, increased $127 million in the period-to-period comparison
primarily due to $238 million received in 2013 related to the 2011 Noble Joint Venture Agreement, offset in part by
various asset sales executed in each period. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions, in the Notes to the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
99
• Net investments in equity affiliates decreased $131 million primarily due to a $157 million increase on the return of
investment from the IPO of CONE Midstream Partners, LP, offset by $87 million of additional capital contributions
to CONE in 2014. The remaining increase was due to various changes in our equity partners, none of which were
individually material. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
• Restricted cash increased $69 million due to the release of $48 million associated with the Ram River & Scurry
Canadian sale and $21 million associated with the Ryerson Dam Settlement, both of which occurred in the year
ended December 31, 2012.
• Discontinued operations changes increased $777 million primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of CCC and
certain subsidiaries to Murray Energy Corporation in December 2013.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $105 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the
following items:
• Net payments on short term borrowing were $22 million in 2014 versus $69 million in 2013.
•
In 2014, CONSOL Energy had net proceeds from long-term borrowings of $16 million related to the issuance of the
2022 Bonds offset by the extinguishment of the 2017 Bonds. See Note 14 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.
In 2014, CONSOL Energy paid four quarterly dividends totaling $58 million at an amount per share of $.0625. In
2013, CONSOL Energy paid only three quarterly dividends totaling $86 million at an amount per share of $.125.
This was due to the accelerated declaration and payment of the regular quarterly dividend in the fourth quarter of
2012 which resulted in no dividends paid in the first quarter of 2013.
•
• The remaining change is due to various other transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which
were individually material.
100
The following is a summary of our significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
Purchase Order Firm Commitments
Gas Firm Transportation
Long-Term Debt
Interest on Long-Term Debt
Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations
Interest on Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations
Operating Lease Obligations
Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a)
Other Long-Term Liabilities (b)
Total Contractual Obligations (c)
Payments due by Year
Less Than
1 Year
141,680
108,791
5,052
214,576
7,964
3,110
104,232
84,187
342,098
$ 1,011,690
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
149,556
188,756
8,406
429,288
13,941
4,594
181,631
162,819
239,472
$ 1,378,463
$
25,025
156,583
3,511
428,954
12,932
2,848
85,773
157,472
83,426
956,524
More Than
5 Years
1,543
453,871
3,224,505
386,231
12,583
899
78,954
594,747
336,184
$ 5,089,517
Total
317,804
908,001
3,241,474
1,459,049
47,420
11,451
450,590
999,225
1,001,180
$ 8,436,194
_________________________
(a)
Long-term liabilities—employee related include other post-employment benefits, work-related injuries and illnesses.
Estimated salaried retirement contributions required to meet minimum funding standards under ERISA are excluded
from the pay-out table due to the uncertainty regarding amounts to be contributed. CONSOL Energy does not expect
to contribute to the pension in 2015.
Other long-term liabilities include mine reclamation and closure and other long-term liability costs.
The significant obligation table does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding
the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
(b)
(c)
Debt
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy had total long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $3,289 million
outstanding, including the current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $13 million. This long-term debt
consisted of:
• An aggregate principal amount of $1,015 million of 8.25% senior unsecured notes due in April 2020. Interest on the
notes is payable April 1 and October 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes are guaranteed
by most of CONSOL Energy’s subsidiaries.
• An aggregate principal amount of $250 million of 6.375% notes due in March 2021. Interest on the notes is payable
March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes are guaranteed by most of
CONSOL Energy's subsidiaries.
• An aggregate principal amount of $1,850 million of 5.875% notes due in April 2022 plus $7 million of unamortized
bond premium. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and
interest on the notes are guaranteed by most of CONSOL Energy's subsidiaries.
• An aggregate principal amount of $103 million of industrial revenue bonds which were issued to finance the
Baltimore port facility and bear interest at 5.75% per annum and mature in September 2025. Interest on the industrial
revenue bonds is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is
guaranteed by CONSOL Energy.
• Advance royalty commitments of $13 million with an average interest rate of 7.91% per annum.
• An aggregate principal amount of $4 million on a note maturing through March 2018.
• An aggregate principal amount of $47 million of capital leases with a weighted average interest rate of 6.56% per
annum.
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy had no outstanding borrowings and approximately $244 million of letters of
credit outstanding under the $2 billion senior secured revolving credit facility.
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy had no outstanding borrowings and had $60 million of letters of credit
outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization facility.
101
Total Equity and Dividends
CONSOL Energy had total equity of $5.3 billion at December 31, 2014 compared to $5.0 billion at December 31, 2013.
Total equity increased primarily due to net income, adjustments to actuarial liabilities, changes in the fair value of cash flow
hedges, and the amortization of stock-based compensation awards. These increases were offset, in part, by the declaration of
dividends and the issuance of treasury stock. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form
10-K for additional details.
Dividend information for the current year-to-date were as follows:
Declaration Date
February 2, 2015
October 29, 2014
July 30, 2014
April 30, 2014
Amount Per Share
$0.0625
$0.0625
$0.0625
Record Date
February 17, 2015
November 10, 2014
August 15, 2014
Payment Date
March 5, 2015
December 2, 2014
September 2, 2014
$0.0625
May 12, 2014
May 30, 2014
The declaration and payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy is subject to the discretion of CONSOL Energy’s Board
of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CONSOL Energy will pay dividends in the future. CONSOL Energy’s Board
of Directors determines whether dividends will be paid quarterly. The determination to pay dividends will depend upon, among
other things, general business conditions, CONSOL Energy’s financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the
payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy, planned investments by CONSOL Energy and such other factors as the Board of
Directors deems relevant. Our credit facility limits our ability to pay dividends in excess of an annual rate of $0.50 per share
when our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00 and subject to an aggregate amount up to the then cumulative credit calculation.
The total leverage ratio was 3.03 to 1.00 and the cumulative credit was approximately $397 million at December 31, 2014. The
credit facility does not permit dividend payments in the event of default. The indentures to the 2020 and 2021 notes limit
dividends to $0.40 per share annually unless several conditions are met. The indentures to the 2022 notes limit dividends to
$0.50 per share annually unless several conditions are met. Conditions include no defaults, ability to incur additional debt and
other payment limitations under the indentures. There were no defaults in the year ended December 31, 2014.
CONSOL Energy has publicly announced that if CONSOL Energy effects an initial public offering of a thermal coal MLP,
CONSOL Energy anticipates that it would reduce or eliminate its current regular dividend effective in the first quarter after the
initial public offering.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CONSOL Energy does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with
unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on CONSOL Energy’s
financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or
capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CONSOL Energy
participates in the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund and the UMWA 1992 Benefit Plan which generally accepted accounting
principles recognize on a pay as you go basis. These benefit arrangements may result in additional liabilities that are not
recognized on the balance sheet at December 31, 2014. The various multi-employer benefit plans are discussed in Note 18—
Other Employee Benefit Plans in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CONSOL Energy also uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure our financial
obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected on the balance
sheet at December 31, 2014. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 24—Commitments
and Contingencies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for
additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CONSOL Energy.
102
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Update 2014-12 - Compensation-Stock
Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance
Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The objective of the amendments in this update is to resolve the
diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards. The amendments in this update apply to all reporting entities that
grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects
vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects
vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the
performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be
recognized in either (i) the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should
represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered or (ii) if
the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining
unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total
amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period will reflect the number of awards that are
expected to vest and will be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the
employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The
amendments in this update are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after
December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in this update either (a) prospectively
to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are
outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified
awards thereafter. Management is currently still evaluating the impact this guidance may have on CONSOL Energy's
operations.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with
Customers (Topic 606). The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common
revenue recognition guidance for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic
605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core
principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. An entity should disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial
statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with
customers. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016,
including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. Management believes adoption of
this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL Energy's financial statements.
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-08 - Presentation of Financial
Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures
of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The objective of the amendments in this update is to change the criteria for reporting
discontinued operations and enhance convergence of the FASB's and the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB)
reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this update change the requirements for reporting
discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of
components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components
of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will
have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update require an entity to present,
for each comparative period, the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in
the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the statement of financial position. The amendments in this update also require
additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Public business entities must apply the amendments in this update
prospectively to both of the following: (1) All disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that
occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years; (2) All
businesses or nonprofit activities that, on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning
on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or
classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.
Management believes adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL Energy's financial
statements.
103
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In addition to the risks inherent in operations, CONSOL Energy is exposed to financial, market, political and economic
risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding CONSOL Energy's exposure to the risks related to changes
in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
CONSOL Energy is exposed to market price fluctuations and locational pricing differentials in the normal course of selling
natural gas production and to a lesser extent in the sale of coal. CONSOL Energy sells coal under both short-term and long-term
contracts with fixed price and/or indexed price contracts that reflect market value. CONSOL Energy uses fixed-price contracts
and basis swaps to minimize exposure to market price volatility in the sale of natural gas. The Company's risk management policy
prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. Until they were all de-designated on December 31, 2014, the Company's
fixed price contracts qualified as cash-flow hedges under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards
Codification. The Company's basis swaps are designated as fair value hedges at December 31, 2014. For a summary of accounting
policies related to derivative instruments, see Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CONSOL Energy has established risk management policies and procedures to strengthen the internal control environment
of the marketing of commodities produced from its asset base. All of the derivative instruments without other risk assessment
procedures are held for purposes other than trading. They are used primarily to mitigate uncertainty, volatility and cover underlying
exposures. CONSOL Energy's market risk strategy incorporates fundamental risk management tools to assess market price risk
and establish a framework in which management can maintain a portfolio of transactions within pre-defined risk parameters.
CONSOL Energy believes that the use of derivative instruments, along with its risk assessment procedures and internal
controls, mitigates its exposure to material risks. However, the use of derivative instruments without other risk assessment
procedures could materially affect CONSOL Energy's results of operations depending on market prices. Nevertheless, management
believes that use of these instruments will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity.
A sensitivity analysis has been performed to determine the incremental effect on future earnings related to open derivative
instruments at December 31, 2014. A hypothetical 10 percent decrease in future natural gas prices would increase future earnings
related to derivatives by $45 million. Similarly, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in future natural gas prices would decrease
future earnings related to derivatives by $29 million.
Excluding capital lease obligations, CONSOL Energy had $3.242 billion aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding
under fixed-rate instruments at December 31, 2014. CONSOL Energy’s primary exposure to market risk for changes in interest
rates relates to its revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility, under which there were no borrowings
outstanding at December 31, 2014.
Almost all of CONSOL Energy’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and, as a result, it does not have material
exposure to currency exchange-rate risks.
Hedging Volumes
As of January 15, 2015, our hedged volumes for the periods indicated are as follows:
2015 Fixed Price Volumes
Hedged Bcf
Weighted Average Hedge Price/Mcf
2016 Fixed Price Volumes
Hedged Bcf
Weighted Average Hedge Price/Mcf
March 31,
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
September 30,
December 31,
Total Year
29.9
4.05
23.5
4.11
$
$
30.2
4.05
23.5
4.11
$
$
30.6
4.05
23.8
4.11
$
$
30.5
4.05
23.9
4.11
$
$
121.2
4.05
94.7
4.11
$
$
104
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012
Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
106
107
108
108
111
112
113
105
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity,
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on
criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission 2013 framework and our report dated February 6, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 6, 2015
106
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues and Other Income:
Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales
Coal Sales
Other Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales
Freight-Outside Coal
Miscellaneous Other Income
Gain on Sale of Assets
Total Revenue and Other Income
Costs and Expenses:
Exploration and Production Costs
Lease Operating Expense
Transportation, Gathering and Compression
Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
General and Administrative
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
1,028,117
$
737,701
$
658,820
2,052,166
276,242
91,427
28,148
207,103
43,601
2,018,067
259,783
69,733
35,438
111,483
67,480
2,169,625
294,105
52,721
107,079
113,170
282,006
3,726,804
3,299,685
3,677,526
118,391
258,110
39,418
55,092
314,381
23,356
77,185
86,499
64,047
96,601
201,024
28,676
49,092
231,809
61,104
57,865
95,535
39,047
90,837
160,579
26,145
47,565
205,149
39,005
41,578
81,033
33,686
Total Exploration and Production Costs
1,036,479
860,753
725,577
Coal Costs
Operating and Other Costs
Royalties and Production Taxes
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Freight Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
Total Coal Costs
Other Costs
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Interest Expense
Total Other Costs
Total Costs and Expenses
Earnings Before Income Tax
Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
1,349,832
1,345,797
1,457,913
100,890
44,185
254,914
28,148
45,160
55,321
102,128
49,018
226,639
35,438
40,047
55,802
117,194
54,910
219,636
107,079
42,662
52,900
1,878,450
1,854,869
2,052,294
307,236
788
1,896
95,267
223,564
628,751
315,180
269,653
936
2,674
—
219,198
537,988
943
2,330
—
220,042
492,968
3,543,680
3,253,610
3,270,839
183,124
14,347
168,777
(5,687)
163,090
—
46,075
(33,189)
79,264
579,792
659,056
(1,386)
406,687
88,728
317,959
70,114
388,073
(397)
Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders
$
163,090
$
660,442
$
388,470
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
107
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(CONTINUED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Total Basic Earnings Per Share
Dilutive
Income from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Total Dilutive Earnings Per Share
Dividends Paid Per Share
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
$
0.73
(0.02)
0.71
0.73
(0.03)
0.70
0.25
$
$
$
$
$
0.35
2.54
2.89
0.35
2.52
2.87
0.375
$
$
$
$
$
1.40
0.31
1.71
1.39
0.31
1.70
0.625
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
Net Income
Other Comprehensive Income:
Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability
Adjustments (Net of tax: ($56,304), ($276,928),
($77,871))
Net Increase in the Value of Cash Flow Hedge (Net
of tax: ($55,767), ($29,407), ($73,593))
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges from Other
Comprehensive Income to Earnings (Net of tax:
$10,465, $53,990, $121,484)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
163,090
$
659,056
$
388,073
94,989
97,316
456,493
45,631
129,231
114,240
(18,288)
(79,899)
(189,259)
Other Comprehensive Income
174,017
422,225
54,212
Comprehensive Income
337,107
1,081,281
442,285
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling
Interests
—
(1,386)
(397)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to CONSOL
Energy Inc. Shareholders
$
337,107
$
1,082,667
$
442,682
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
108
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts and Notes Receivable:
Trade
Notes Receivable
Other Receivables
Inventories (Note 9)
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 7)
Recoverable Income Taxes
Prepaid Expenses
Total Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 11):
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Total Property, Plant and Equipment—Net
Other Assets:
Investment in Affiliates
Notes Receivable
Other
Total Other Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
176,989
$
327,420
259,817
—
347,146
101,873
66,569
20,401
193,555
1,166,350
332,574
25,861
243,973
157,914
211,303
10,705
135,842
1,445,592
14,674,777
4,512,305
10,162,472
13,578,509
4,136,247
9,442,262
152,958
—
277,750
430,708
291,675
125
214,013
505,813
$ 11,759,530
$ 11,393,667
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
109
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt (Note 14 and Note 15)
Other Accrued Liabilities (Note 13)
Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations (Note 2)
Total Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt:
Long-Term Debt (Note 14)
Capital Lease Obligations (Note 15)
Total Long-Term Debt
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 7)
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Note 16)
Pneumoconiosis Benefits (Note 17)
Mine Closing (Note 8)
Gas Well Closing (Note 8)
Workers’ Compensation (Note 17)
Salary Retirement (Note 16)
Reclamation (Note 8)
Other
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Stockholders’ Equity:
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
531,973
13,016
602,972
—
1,147,961
3,236,422
39,456
3,275,878
325,592
703,680
116,941
306,789
175,369
75,947
109,956
33,788
158,171
2,006,233
6,430,072
$
514,580
11,455
565,697
28,239
1,119,971
3,115,963
47,596
3,163,559
242,643
961,127
111,971
320,723
175,603
71,468
48,252
40,706
131,355
2,103,848
6,387,378
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value; 500,000,000 Shares Authorized, 230,265,463 Issued and
Outstanding at December 31, 2014; 229,145,736 Issued and Outstanding at December 31,
2013
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Preferred Stock, 15,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued and Outstanding
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Continuing Operations
Common Stock in Treasury, at Cost—No Shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013
Total CONSOL Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
2,306
2,424,102
—
3,054,150
(151,100)
2,294
2,364,592
—
2,964,520
(325,117)
—
5,329,458
$ 11,759,530
—
5,006,289
$ 11,393,667
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
110
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
December 31, 2011
Net Income
Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of $47,891 Tax)
Actuarially Determined Long-Term
Liability Adjustments (Net of ($77,871)
Tax)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Issuance of Treasury Stock
Issuance of Common Stock
Tax Benefit from Stock-Based
Compensation
Amortization of Stock-Based Compensation
Awards
Net Change in Noncontrolling Interest
Dividends ($0.625 per share)
December 31, 2012
Net Income
Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of $24,583 Tax)
Actuarially Determined Long-Term
Liability Adjustments (Net of ($276,928)
Tax)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Issuance of Treasury Stock
Issuance of Common Stock
Tax Cost from Stock-Based Compensation
Amortization of Stock-Based Compensation
Awards
Net Change in Noncontrolling Interest
Dividends ($0.375 per share)
December 31, 2013
Net Income
Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of ($45,302)
Tax)
Actuarially Determined Long-Term
Liability Adjustments (Net of ($56,304)
Tax)
Comprehensive Income
Issuance of Treasury Stock
Issuance of Common Stock
Tax Benefit from Stock-Based
Compensation
Amortization of Stock-Based Compensation
Awards
Dividends ($0.25 per share)
Common
Stock
Capital in
Excess
of Par
Value
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Total
CONSOL
Energy Inc.
Stockholders’
Equity
Common
Stock in
Treasury
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Total
Equity
$
2,273
$ 2,234,775
$ 2,184,737
$
(801,554)
$
(9,346)
$
3,610,885
$
— $
3,610,885
—
—
—
—
—
11
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,267
6,028
47,838
—
—
388,470
—
—
—
388,470
(28,378)
—
—
—
—
(142,278)
(75,019)
129,231
54,212
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,737
—
—
—
—
—
388,470
(397)
388,073
(75,019)
—
(75,019)
129,231
442,682
(19,641)
8,278
6,028
47,838
—
(142,278)
—
(397)
—
—
—
—
350
—
129,231
442,285
(19,641)
8,278
6,028
47,838
350
(142,278)
2,284
2,296,908
2,402,551
(747,342)
(609)
3,953,792
(47)
3,953,745
—
—
—
—
—
10
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,717
(2,075)
66,042
—
—
660,442
—
—
—
660,442
(12,641)
—
—
—
—
(85,832)
(34,268)
456,493
422,225
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,294
2,364,592
2,964,520
(325,117)
—
—
—
—
—
12
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,004
2,629
41,877
163,090
—
—
163,090
(15,954)
—
—
—
—
(57,506)
—
79,028
94,989
174,017
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
609
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
660,442
(1,386)
659,056
(34,268)
456,493
1,082,667
(12,032)
3,727
(2,075)
66,042
—
—
(34,268)
456,493
(1,386)
1,081,281
—
—
—
—
(12,032)
3,727
(2,075)
66,042
—
1,433
1,433
(85,832)
5,006,289
163,090
79,028
94,989
337,107
(15,954)
15,016
2,629
41,877
(57,506)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(85,832)
5,006,289
163,090
79,028
94,989
337,107
(15,954)
15,016
2,629
41,877
(57,506)
December 31, 2014
$
2,306
$ 2,424,102
$ 3,054,150
$
(151,100)
$
— $
5,329,458
$
— $
5,329,458
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
111
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net Income
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Continuing Operating Activities:
Net Loss (Income) from Discontinued Operations
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Stock-Based Compensation
Gain on Sale of Assets
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Deferred Income Taxes
Return on Equity Investment
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
Changes in Operating Assets:
Accounts and Notes Receivable
Inventories
Prepaid Expenses
Changes in Other Assets
Changes in Operating Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
Accrued Interest
Other Operating Liabilities
Other
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operations
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Discontinued Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures
Changes in Restricted Cash
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
Investments in Equity Affiliates
Net Cash Used in Continuing Operations
Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Discontinued Investing Activities
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
(Payments on) Proceeds from Miscellaneous Borrowings
(Payments on) Proceeds from Securitization Facility
Payments on Long-Term Notes, including Redemption Premium
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Notes
Tax Benefit from Stock-Based Compensation
Dividends Paid
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Issuance of Treasury Stock
Debt Issuance and Financing Fees
Net Cash Used in Continuing Operations
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Financing Activities
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
163,090
$
659,056
$
388,073
5,687
571,191
41,877
(43,601)
95,267
(10,430)
102,174
(49,791)
(97,248)
19,933
368
638
27,465
(9,868)
195,431
(41,477)
970,706
(33,926)
936,780
(579,792)
(70,114)
461,122
56,987
427,115
41,127
(67,480)
(282,006)
—
(29,014)
—
(33,133)
—
10,899
—
(27,048)
135,970
(20,218)
12,894
(3,219)
31,146
21,166
12,435
(7,041)
(99,944)
(23,918)
(87)
110
(39,377)
(50,900)
48,441
553,570
105,206
658,776
37,662
457,342
270,771
728,113
(1,493,425)
(1,496,056)
(1,245,497)
—
356,836
95,207
68,673
483,969
(35,712)
(48,294)
645,621
(23,451)
(1,041,382)
(979,126)
(671,621)
—
777,145
(328,789)
(1,041,382)
(201,981)
(1,000,410)
(22,022)
—
(1,843,866)
1,859,920
2,629
(57,506)
15,016
—
—
(31,544)
(37,846)
—
—
16,195
37,846
—
—
2,929
8,678
(85,832)
(142,278)
3,727
(2,151)
—
8,278
(9,485)
(210)
(45,829)
(150,717)
(80,976)
—
(520)
(601)
(45,829)
(150,431)
327,420
(151,237)
(81,577)
305,558
21,862
(353,874)
375,736
$
176,989
$
327,420
$
21,862
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
112
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
NOTE 1—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
A summary of the significant accounting policies of CONSOL Energy Inc. and subsidiaries (CONSOL Energy or the
Company) is presented below. These, together with the other notes that follow, are an integral part of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Basis of Consolidation:
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in
business entities in which CONSOL Energy does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the
operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in oil and gas producing entities are
accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method. The accounts of variable interest entities, where CONSOL Energy
is the primary beneficiary, are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. All significant intercompany transactions and
accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Discontinued Operations:
Businesses to be divested are classified in the Consolidated Financial Statements as either discontinued operations or held
for sale when the provision of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 205 or ASC Topic 360 are met. For businesses
classified as discontinued operations, the balance sheet amounts and results of operations are reclassified from their historical
presentation to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to discontinued operations
on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows, respectively, for all periods presented. The gains or losses associated
with these divested businesses are recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally,
the accompanying notes, including segment information, do not include the assets, liabilities, or operating results of businesses
classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Management expects these businesses will be disposed of within
one year, without any significant continuing involvement following their divestiture.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses, and various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included
in the preparation of the financial statements are related to other postretirement benefits, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, workers'
compensation, salary retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, asset retirement obligations, deferred income tax assets and
liabilities, contingencies, and the values of coal and gas reserves.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term
securities with original maturities of three months or less.
Trade Accounts Receivable:
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. CONSOL Energy reserves for specific
accounts receivable when it is probable that all or a part of an outstanding balance will not be collected, such as customer
bankruptcies. Collectability is determined based on terms of sale, credit status of customers and various other circumstances.
CONSOL Energy regularly reviews collectability and establishes or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific
identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted
and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Reserves for uncollectible amounts were not material in the periods presented.
In addition, there were no material financing receivables with a contractual maturity greater than one year at December 31, 2014
or 2013.
113
Inventories:
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of coal inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
method. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment costs, operating overhead, depreciation, depletion, amortization,
and other related costs. The cost of merchandise for resale is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method and includes
industrial maintenance, repair and operating supplies for sale to third parties. The cost of supplies inventory is determined by the
average cost method and includes operating and maintenance supplies to be used in our coal and gas operations.
Property, Plant and Equipment:
CONSOL Energy uses the successful efforts method of accounting for gas producing activities. Costs of property acquisitions,
successful exploratory, development wells and related support equipment and facilities are capitalized. Periodic valuation
provisions for impairment of capitalized costs of unproved mineral interests are expensed. Costs of unsuccessful exploratory wells
are expensed when such wells are determined to be non-productive, or if the determination cannot be made after finding sufficient
quantities of reserves to continue evaluating the viability of the project. The costs of producing properties and mineral interests
are amortized using the units-of-production method. Wells and related equipment and intangible drilling costs are also amortized
on a units-of-production method. Units-of-production amortization rates are revised at least once per year, or more frequently if
events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is necessary; such revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in
accounting estimates.
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing
plant and equipment are capitalized. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period.
Costs of additional mine facilities required to maintain production after a mine reaches the production stage, generally referred
to as “receding face costs,” are expensed as incurred; however, the costs of additional airshafts and new portals are capitalized.
Planned major maintenance costs which do not extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.
Coal exploration costs are expensed as incurred. Coal exploration costs include those incurred to ascertain existence, location,
extent or quality of ore or minerals before beginning the development stage of the mine.
Costs of developing new underground mines and certain underground expansion projects are capitalized. Underground
development costs, which are costs incurred to make the mineral physically accessible, include costs to prepare property for shafts,
driving main entries for ventilation, haulage, personnel, construction of airshafts, roof protection and other facilities. Costs of
developing the first pit within a permitted area of a surface mine are capitalized. A surface mine is defined as the permitted mining
area which includes various adjacent pits that share common infrastructure, processing equipment and a common ore body. Surface
mine development costs include construction costs for entry roads, drilling, blasting and removal of overburden in developing the
first cut for mountain stripping or box cuts for surface stripping. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine
are expensed as incurred.
Airshafts and capitalized mine development associated with a coal reserve are amortized on a units-of-production basis as
the coal is produced so that each ton of coal is assigned a portion of the unamortized costs. The Company employs this method
to match costs with the related revenues realized in a particular period. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates
are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when information becomes available that indicates a reserve change is needed, or
at a minimum once per year. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the change occurs. Amortization
of development cost begins when the development phase is complete and the production phase begins. At an underground mine,
the end of the development phase and the beginning of the production phase takes place when construction of the mine for economic
extraction is substantially complete. Coal extracted during the development phase is incidental to the mine's production capacity
and is not considered to shift the mine into the production phase.
Coal reserves are controlled either through fee ownership or by lease. The duration of the leases vary; however, the lease
terms generally are extended automatically through the exhaustion of economically recoverable reserves, as long as active mining
continues. Coal interests held by lease provide the same rights as fee ownership for mineral extraction and are legally considered
real property interests. The Company also makes advance payments (advanced mining royalties) to lessors under certain lease
agreements that are recoupable against future production, and it makes payments that are generally based upon a specified rate
per ton or a percentage of gross realization from the sale of the coal. The Company evaluates its properties periodically for
impairment issues or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Advance mining royalties are advance payments made to lessors under terms of mineral lease agreements that are recoupable
against future production using the units-of-production method. Depletion of leased coal interests is computed using the units-of-
114
production method over proven and probable coal reserves. Advance mining royalties and leased coal interests are evaluated
periodically, or at a minimum once per year, for impairment issues or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates.
When properties are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the
respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized as gain or loss in other income.
Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or lease terms
generally as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Years
10 to 45
3 to 25
Life of Lease
Costs to obtain coal lands are capitalized based on the cost at acquisition and are amortized using the units-of-production
method over all estimated proven and probable reserve tons assigned and accessible to the mine. Proven and probable coal reserves
exclude non-recoverable coal reserves and anticipated processing losses. Rates are updated when revisions to coal reserve estimates
are made. Coal reserve estimates are reviewed when events and circumstances indicate a reserve change is needed, or at a minimum
once a year. Amortization of coal interests begins when the coal reserve is produced. At an underground mine, a ton is considered
produced once it reaches the surface area of the mine. Any material effect from changes in estimates is disclosed in the period the
change occurs.
Costs for purchased and internally developed software are expensed until it has been determined that the software will result
in probable future economic benefits and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all direct costs of materials
and services incurred in developing or obtaining software, including certain payroll and benefit costs of employees associated
with the project, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life which does not exceed
seven years.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets:
Impairment of long-lived assets is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows
estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying value. The carrying value of the assets is then reduced
to its estimated fair value which is usually measured based on an estimate of future discounted cash flows. Impairment of equity
investments is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the
assets' carrying value. There was no impairment expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
CONSOL Energy performs a quantitative annual impairment test over proven producing wells using the published
NYMEX forward prices, timing, methods and other assumptions consistent with historical periods. Utilizing these assumptions,
there were undiscounted cash flows in excess of book value. As a result, no further impairment procedures were required. The
Company's conventional gas assets are quantitatively and qualitatively close to triggering impairment. If gas prices continue to
decrease, an impairment of these assets is possible in the near future.
Capitalized costs of unproved gas properties are evaluated for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential
impairment include potential shifts in business strategy, overall economic factors and historical experience. If it is determined that
the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. Exploration
expense was $23,356, $61,104 and $39,005 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was
primarily related to lease expirations.
Income Taxes:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized
in CONSOL Energy's financial statements or tax returns. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable
for the current year and the change in deferred taxes, excluding the effects of acquisitions during the year. Deferred taxes result
from differences between the financial and tax bases of CONSOL Energy's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in
tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more
likely than not that a deferred tax benefit will not be realized.
115
CONSOL Energy evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more
likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that do not meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria,
the Company determines, on a cumulative probability basis, the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized
upon ultimate settlement. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax
position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position
and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions
that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, that are not readily apparent
from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax position liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates
upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.
Restricted Cash:
For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash included a $48,294 deposit into escrow associated with the Ram River
Asset sale. The deposit was released upon CONSOL Energy's filing of all Canadian tax returns associated with the transaction.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, restricted cash also included a $20,379 deposit into escrow as security to perfect CONSOL
Energy's appeal to the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board under the applicable statute related to the Ryerson Dam litigation.
Both escrow accounts were released in the year ended December 31, 2013 and are reflected in the Change in Restricted Cash line
included in Net Cash Used in Investing Activities of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions:
Postretirement benefit obligations established by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the Health Benefit
Act) are treated as a multi-employer plan which requires expense to be recorded for the associated obligations as payments are
made. Postretirement benefits other than pensions, except for those established pursuant to the Health Benefit Act, are accounted
for in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Compensation and Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits Compensation Topics
of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification which requires employers to accrue the
cost of such retirement benefits for the employees' active service periods. Such liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and
CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the
value of obligations are recognized through Other Comprehensive Income.
Pneumoconiosis Benefits and Workers' Compensation:
CONSOL Energy is required by federal and state statutes to provide benefits to certain current and former totally disabled
employees or their dependents for awards related to coal workers' pneumoconiosis. CONSOL Energy is also required by various
state statutes to provide workers' compensation benefits for employees who sustain employment related physical injuries or some
types of occupational disease. Workers' compensation benefits include compensation for their disability, medical costs, and on
some occasions, the cost of rehabilitation. CONSOL Energy is primarily self-insured for these benefits. Provisions for estimated
benefits are determined on an actuarial basis.
Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs:
CONSOL Energy accrues for mine closing costs, reclamation costs, perpetual water care costs and dismantling and removing
costs of gas related facilities using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations
Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This topic requires the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be
recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated
asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Depreciation of the capitalized asset
retirement cost is generally determined on a units-of-production basis. Accretion of the asset retirement obligation is recognized
over time and generally will escalate over the life of the producing asset, typically as production declines. Accretion is included
in Operating and Other Costs on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure
of mines and gas wells, which includes treatment of water and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of gas and coal reserves.
Accrued mine closing costs, perpetual care costs, reclamation and costs of dismantling and removing gas-related facilities
are regularly reviewed by management and are revised for changes in future estimated costs and regulatory requirements.
Retirement Plans:
CONSOL Energy has non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering substantially all salaried and non-
represented hourly employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees' pay near
116
retirement. These plans are accounted for using the guidance outlined in the Compensation - Retirement Benefits Topic of the
FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The cost of these retiree benefits are recognized over the employees' service periods.
CONSOL Energy uses actuarial methods and assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit obligations and the determination
of expense. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of obligations and plan assets are recognized
through Other Comprehensive Income.
Revenue Recognition:
Revenues are recognized when title passes to the customers. For gas sales, this occurs at the contractual point of delivery.
For domestic coal sales, this generally occurs when coal is loaded at mine or offsite storage locations. For export coal sales, this
generally occurs when coal is loaded onto marine vessels at terminal locations. For industrial supplies and equipment sales, this
generally occurs when the products are delivered. For terminal, land and research and development, revenue is recognized generally
as the service is provided to the customer.
CONSOL Energy has operational gas-balancing agreements with various interstate pipelines. These imbalance agreements
are managed internally using the sales method of accounting. The sales method recognizes revenue when the gas is taken by the
purchaser.
CONSOL Energy sells gas to accommodate the delivery points of its customers. In general this gas is purchased at market
price and re-sold on the same day at market price less a small transaction fee. These matching buy/sell transactions include a legal
right of offset of obligations and have been simultaneously entered into with the counterparty which qualify for netting under the
Nonmonetary Transactions Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and are therefore recorded net in the Consolidated
Statements of Income in Production Royalty Interest and Purchased Gas line.
CONSOL Energy purchases gas produced by third parties at market prices less a fee. The gas purchased from third party
producers is then resold to end users or gas marketers at current market prices. These revenues and expenses are recorded gross
as Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Purchased gas revenue is recognized
when title passes to the customer. Purchased gas costs are recognized when title passes to CONSOL Energy from the third party
producer.
Royalty Interest Gas Sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production sold by CONSOL Energy that belongs
to royalty interest owners.
Freight Revenue and Expense:
Shipping and handling costs invoiced to coal customers and paid to third-party carriers are recorded as Freight-Outside Coal
and Freight Expense, respectively.
Royalty Recognition:
Royalty expenses for gas rights are included in Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs when the related
revenue for the gas sale is recognized. Royalty expenses for coal rights are included in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating
Charges when the related revenue for the coal sale is recognized. These royalty expenses are paid in cash in accordance with the
terms of each agreement. Revenues for gas and coal sold related to production under royalty contracts, versus owned by CONSOL
Energy, are recorded on a gross basis.
Contingencies:
From time to time, CONSOL Energy, or our subsidiaries, is subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such
matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations
including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes, and other claims and actions, arising out of the normal
course of business. Liabilities are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably
estimated. Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense of these matters and are based
upon the nature of the lawsuit, progress of the case in court, view of legal counsel, prior experience in similar matters and
management's intended response. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced by possible recoveries from third parties.
Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred.
117
Stock-Based Compensation:
Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated
in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CONSOL
Energy recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally
the award's vesting term. See Note 19–Stock Based Compensation for further discussion.
Earnings per Share:
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to shareholders by the weighted average
shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share
except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from stock options, performance
stock options, CONSOL stock units, and restricted and performance share units, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is
calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and performance share options were exercised, that outstanding restricted
stock units, performance share units, and CONSOL stock units were released, and that the proceeds from such activities were used
to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. CONSOL Energy includes the impact
of pro forma deferred tax assets in determining potential windfalls and shortfalls for purposes of calculating assumed proceeds
under the treasury stock method. The table below sets forth the share-based awards that have been excluded from the computation
of the diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive:
Anti-Dilutive Options
Anti-Dilutive Restricted Stock Units
Anti-Dilutive Performance Share Units
Anti-Dilutive Performance Share Options
The computations for basic and dilutive earnings per share are as follows:
Income from Continuing Operations
Income (Loss) from Discontinuing Operations
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2013
1,976,549
282,230
2014
358,731
—
—
—
—
802,804
2012
2,411,963
8,822
445,847
501,744
358,731
3,061,583
3,368,376
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2013
2014
168,777
(5,687)
—
79,264
579,792
(1,386)
660,442
$
2012
317,959
70,114
(397)
388,470
Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. shareholders
$
163,090
$
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic
Effect of stock-based compensation awards
Dilutive
Earnings per share:
Basic (Continuing Operations)
Basic (Discontinuing Operations)
Total Basic
Dilutive (Continuing Operations)
Dilutive (Discontinuing Operations)
Total Dilutive
229,994,407
228,728,628
227,593,524
1,585,871
1,349,314
1,548,243
231,580,278
230,077,942
229,141,767
$
$
$
$
0.73
(0.02)
0.71
0.73
(0.03)
0.70
$
$
$
$
0.35
2.54
2.89
0.35
2.52
2.87
$
$
$
$
1.40
0.31
1.71
1.39
0.31
1.70
118
Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Issuance related to Stock-Based Compensation(1)
Balance, end of year
(1) See Note 19–Stock-Based Compensation for additional information.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
2014
2013
2012
229,145,736
228,094,712
227,056,212
1,119,727
1,051,024
1,038,500
230,265,463
229,145,736
228,094,712
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows:
Gains and Losses on
Cash Flow Hedges
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
$
42,493
$
97,316
(18,288)
79,028
121,521
$
(367,610) $
84,441
10,548
94,989
(272,621) $
(325,117)
181,757
(7,740)
174,017
(151,100)
The following table shows the reclassification of adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Derivative Instruments (Note 23)
Natural gas price swaps
Tax benefit
Net of tax
Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability Adjustments*(Note 16
and Note 17)
Amortization of prior service costs
Recognized net actuarial loss
Curtailment gains
Settlement loss
Total
Tax expense
Net of tax
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
(28,753) $
10,465
(18,288) $
(133,889) $
53,990
(79,899) $
(310,743)
121,484
(189,259)
(22,381) $
46,155
(36,182)
29,095
16,687
(6,139)
10,548
$
(32,164) $
86,481
(53,853)
106,299
—
39,482
93,799
(35,806)
57,993
$
—
—
52,446
(19,720)
32,726
$
$
$
$
*Excludes amounts related to the remeasurement of the Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liabilities for the years ended
December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Excludes $258,250, net of tax, of reclassifications of adjustments
out of accumulated other comprehensive income related to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments:
CONSOL Energy enters into financial derivative instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price volatility. The
derivatives are accounted for as an asset or a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value using
“Level Two” inputs, which is further defined in Note 22 - “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. Changes in the fair values of
derivatives are recorded in earnings unless special hedge accounting criteria are met. For derivatives designated as cash flow
hedges, the effective portions of changes in the fair values of the derivatives are reported in Other Comprehensive Income or Loss
(OCI) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of tax, and reclassified into Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales on the Consolidated
119
Statements of Income in the same period or periods in which the forecasted transactions affect earnings. Any ineffective portion
of a hedge is recognized in earnings in the current period.
CONSOL Energy formally assesses both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis whether each derivative is highly
effective for the purpose of offsetting changes in the fair values or the cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a
derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, CONSOL Energy will discontinue
hedge accounting prospectively.
On December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy de-designated all of its derivative positions as hedging instruments. Subsequent
changes in fair value will be recorded in current earnings. Deferred gains and losses in OCI as of that date will be recorded in
earnings when the related physical transaction occurs or when it is determined that the physical transaction is no longer probable
of occurring.
All of CONSOL Energy’s derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements with its counterparties, none of
which currently require CONSOL Energy to post collateral for any of its hedges. However, as stated in the counterparty master
agreements, if CONSOL Energy's obligations with one of its counterparties cease to be secured on the same basis as similar
obligations with the other lenders under the credit facility, CONSOL Energy would be required to post collateral for hedges that
are in a liability position in excess of defined thresholds. Each of CONSOL Energy's counterparty master agreements allows, in
the event of default, the ability to elect early termination of outstanding contracts. If early termination is elected, CONSOL Energy
and the applicable counterparty would net settle all open hedge positions.
CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties, whose creditworthiness is
subject to continuing review. Historically, CONSOL Energy has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative
counterparties.
Accounting for Business Combinations:
CONSOL Energy accounts for its business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting consistent with the
requirements of the Business Combination Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The total cost of acquisitions
is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and
assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Update 2014-12 - Compensation-Stock Compensation
(Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be
Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The objective of the amendments in this update is to resolve the diverse accounting
treatment of share-based payment awards. The amendments in this update apply to all reporting entities that grant their employees
share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved
after the requisite service period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved
after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected
in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in either (i) the period in which it
becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the
period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered or (ii) if the performance target becomes probable of being
achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized
prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the
requisite service period will reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and will be adjusted to reflect those awards that
ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in
the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods and interim periods
within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments
in this update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards
with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements
and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Management is currently still evaluating the impact this guidance may have on
CONSOL Energy's operations.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Topic 606). The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue
recognition guidance for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial
120
Reporting Standards (IFRS). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue
Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of the
guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount
that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should
disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature,
amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amendments in this update
are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting
period. Early application is not permitted. Management believes adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact
on CONSOL Energy's financial statements.
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Update 2014-08 - Presentation of Financial Statements
(Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals
of Components of an Entity. The objective of the amendments in this update is to change the criteria for reporting discontinued
operations and enhance convergence of the FASB's and the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) reporting
requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this update change the requirements for reporting discontinued
operations in Subtopic 205-20. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an
entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required
to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an
entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update require an entity to present, for each comparative period,
the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in the asset and liability sections,
respectively, of the statement of financial position. The amendments in this update also require additional disclosures about
discontinued operations. Public business entities must apply the amendments in this update prospectively to both of the following:
(1) All disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or
after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years; (2) All businesses or nonprofit activities that, on acquisition, are
classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within
those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in
financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. Management believes adoption of this new guidance will not
have a material impact on CONSOL Energy's financial statements.
Reclassifications:
Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the report classifications of the year ended
December 31, 2014, respectively, with no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders' equity.
Subsequent Events:
The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. No material
recognized or non-recognizable subsequent events were identified.
NOTE 2—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
In December 2013, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of its Consolidation Coal Company (CCC) subsidiary, which
included all five of its longwall coal mines in West Virginia, to a subsidiary of Murray Energy Corporation (Murray Energy).
CONSOL Energy retained overriding royalty interests in certain reserves sold in the transaction. Murray Energy also assumed
$2,050,656 of CONSOL Energy's employee benefit obligations valued as of December 5, 2013 and its UMWA 1974 Pension Trust
obligations. Murray Energy is primarily liable for all 1993 Coal Act liabilities. Cash proceeds of $825,285 were received related
to this transaction, which were net of $24,715 in transaction fees. A pre-tax gain of $1,035,346 was included in Income from
Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income. In the first quarter of 2014, there was a pre-tax reduction in
gain on sale of $7,044 related to the estimated working capital adjustment and various other miscellaneous items.
For all periods presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income, the sale of CCC is classified as
discontinued operations. There were no other active businesses classified as discontinued operations in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2014.
In late 2013, CONSOL Energy reclassified CCC to discontinued operations based on the decision to divest the business.
The Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented were reclassified to reflect the business in discontinued operations.
The divestiture of the CCC was completed on December 5, 2013.
121
The following table details selected financial information for the divested business included within discontinued operations:
Sales
(Loss) Income from discontinued
operations before income taxes
Income taxes benefit (expense)
(Loss) Income from discontinued
operations
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2,598,875
— $
(7,044) $
1,357
969,685
(389,893)
$
$
2012
1,717,926
90,587
(20,473)
(5,687) $
579,792
$
70,114
$
$
$
There were no remaining major classes of assets or liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2014. At
December 31, 2013 current liabilities of discontinued operations were $ 28,239.
NOTE 3—ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:
On December 29, 2014, CNX Gas Company LLC (CNX Gas Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy,
finalized an agreement with Columbia Energy Ventures to sublease approximately 20,000 acres of Utica Shale and Upper Devonian
gas rights in Greene and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania and Marshall and Ohio Counties in West Virginia. Up-front bonus
consideration of up to $96,106 will be paid by CONSOL Energy over the next five years as drilling occurs in addition to royalties,
of which $49,533 is recorded in Other Current Liabilities and $40,286 is recorded on a discounted basis in Other Long-Term
Liabilities.
On December 18, 2014, CNX Gas Company sold approximately 1,700 net Utica Shale acres in Marshall County, West
Virginia, for cash consideration of $25,337, all of which was recorded in Gain on Sale of Assets in CONSOL Energy’s
Consolidated Statement of Income.
On December 18, 2014, CONSOL Energy sold surface land at its Burning Star 5 properties in Franklin, Jackson, and
Williamson Counties, Illinois to an unrelated third party for cash proceeds of $24,566. CONSOL Energy recorded a net gain on
the sales of $22,085, which was included in Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
On December 12, 2014, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of its industrial supplies subsidiary, to an unrelated third party
for expected net proceeds of approximately $51,000, of which $44,035 was received and included in cash flows from investing
activities during the year ended December 31, 2014. In connection with the sale, CONSOL Energy signed a supply agreement
under which, among other things, it will continue to purchase certain goods exclusively from the new entity for a period of at least
three years. CONSOL Energy could also receive up to an additional $6,000 of cash consideration in the future, which has not been
recognized in the consolidated financial statements as it is subject to future events. CONSOL Energy recorded a net loss on the
sale of $30,845, which was included in Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
In March 2014, CONSOL Energy completed a sale-leaseback of longwall shields for the Harvey Mine (formerly the BMX
Mine Cash proceeds for the sale offset the basis of $75,357; therefore, no gain or loss was recognized on the sale. The five- year
lease has been accounted for as an operating lease.
In December 2013, CONSOL Energy acquired the gas drilling rights to approximately 90,000 contiguous acres from Dominion
Transmission, a unit of Dominion Resources. The acreage, which is associated with Dominion’s Fink-Kennedy, Lost Creek, and
Racket Newberne gas storage fields in West Virginia, lies in the northern portion of Lewis County and the southern portion of
Harrison County. CONSOL anticipates that over one-half of the acres will have wet gas. CONSOL Energy has acquired the gas
rights to both the Marcellus Shale and the Upper Devonian formations in the storage fields. Consideration of up to $190,000 will
be paid by CONSOL Energy in two installments: 50% was paid at closing and the balance is due over time as the acres are drilled.
In addition, CONSOL Energy will pay an overriding royalty to Dominion Resources based on a sliding scale. Finally, CONSOL
Energy has committed to be an anchor shipper on Dominion’s transmission system, with the specific terms to be negotiated at a
future date. CONSOL Energy paid $91,243 in 2013 related to this transaction. In the year ended December 31, 2014, CONSOL
Energy made an additional bonus payment of $16,000 to Dominion Transmission. Following the acquisition by CONSOL Energy,
Noble Energy Inc., our joint venture partner, acquired 50% of the acres and reimbursed CONSOL Energy for 50% of the associated
costs.
122
In August 2013, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of its 50% interest in the CONSOL Energy/Devon Energy joint venture
in Alberta, Canada. The properties and coal leases included were those related to Grassy Mountain, Bellevue, Adanac, and Lynx
Creek (Crowsnest Pass). Cash proceeds for the sale were $24,764. A gain of $15,260 was included in Gain on Sale of Assets in
the Consolidated Statement of Income.
In June 2013, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of Potomac coal reserves in Grant and Tucker Counties in West Virginia.
Cash proceeds for the sale were $25,000. A gain of $24,663 was included in Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated Statement
of Income.
In April 2013, the Company and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth) entered into a Settlement Agreement
and Release settling all of the Commonwealth's claims regarding the Ryerson Park Dam (Dam) and the Ryerson Park Lake
(Lake). The Settlement provided, in part, for the payment to the Commonwealth of $36,000 for use to rebuild the Dam and restore
the Lake with $13,728 of the settlement amount credited to lease bonus and royalty payments on the Commonwealth's Marcellus
gas interests within the Park, subject to the Company's agreement to extract the gas from surface facilities located outside of the
boundaries of the Park. The Settlement also provided, in part, for the conveyance by the Company to the Commonwealth of eight
surface parcels containing approximately 506 acres of land adjoining the Park after the parcels are no longer needed for the
Company's operations and the conveyance by the Commonwealth to the Company of certain coal and mining rights in an area of
the Bailey Mine where a mining permit application has been approved but with special conditions that will need further approval.
In March 2013, CNX Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, completed negotiations with the
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport, for
the lease of the oil and gas rights on approximately 9.3 thousand acres. A majority of these contiguous acres are in the liquids area
of the Marcellus Shale play. CNX Gas Company paid $46,315 as an up-front bonus payment at closing. At December 31, 2014,
approximately 7.6% of the bonus payment continues to be held in escrow while negotiations continue for a portion of the acres
associated with the Allegheny County Airport and other acres that have potentially defective title. CNX Gas Company must spud
a well by February 21, 2015 and proceed with due diligence to complete the well or the lease terminates and CNX Gas Company
forgoes the bonus. Our joint venture partner, Noble Energy Inc., has acquired a 50% interest in the acreage and accordingly,
reimbursed CNX Gas Company for 50% of the associated costs during the year ended December 31, 2013.
On December 21, 2012, CONSOL Energy completed the disposition of its non-producing Ram River & Scurry Ram assets
in Western Canada which consisted of 36 thousand acres of coal lands. In December 2012, cash proceeds of $51,869 were received
related to this transaction. These proceeds were net of $637 in transaction fees. Additionally, a note receivable was recognized in
2012 related to the two additional cash payments to be received in June 2013 and June 2014. Payment of $25,500 was received
in June 2013 and payment of $24,500 was received in June 2014. The gain on the transaction was $89,943 and was included in
Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2012.
On June 29, 2012, CONSOL Energy completed the disposition of its non-producing Northern Powder River Basin assets in
southern Montana and northern Wyoming for cash proceeds of $169,500. The assets consisted of CONSOL Energy's 50% interest
in Youngs Creek Mining Company LLC, CONSOL Energy's 50% interest in CX Ranch and related properties in and around
Sheridan, Wyoming. The gain on the transaction was $150,677 and is included in Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated
Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2012. Additionally, CONSOL Energy retained an 8% production royalty
interest on approximately 200 million tons of permitted fee coal.
On April 4, 2012, CONSOL Energy completed the disposition of its non-producing Elk Creek property in southern West
Virginia, which consisted of 20 thousand acres of coal lands and surface rights, for proceeds of $26,000. The gain on the transaction
was $11,235 and is included in Gain on Sale of Assets in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31,
2012.
123
NOTE 4—MISCELLANEOUS OTHER INCOME:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Equity in earnings of affiliates
$
49,791
$
33,133
$
Rental income
Coal contract settlement
Gathering revenue
Royalty income
Right of way issuance
Interest income
Excess distribution from Equity Affiliate
Service income
PA Turnpike settlement
Business interruption insurance
Other
Total Other Income
NOTE 5—INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on debt
Interest on other payables, net
Interest capitalized
Total Interest Expense
45,061
30,000
29,558
19,653
7,333
2,303
1,319
1,188
—
—
3,518
—
7,019
16,906
4,536
15,889
—
3,085
9,000
5,445
27,048
3,706
—
5,866
16,853
3,966
28,937
—
3,203
—
2,300
20,897
12,952
21,291
$
207,103
$
111,483
$
113,170
For the Years Ended December 31,
2012
2013
2014
$
$
239,984
(2,847)
(13,573)
223,564
$
260,233
$
256,800
2,682
(43,717)
219,198
$
1,296
(38,054)
220,042
$
Interest on other payables for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2012 includes a reversal of interest
expense of $6,200 and $543, respectively, related to uncertain tax positions. Interest on other payables for the year ended
December 31, 2013 includes interest expense of $1,369 related to uncertain tax positions. See Note 7–Income Taxes, for further
discussion.
NOTE 6— STOCK REPURCHASE:
In December 2014, CONSOL Energy’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which CONSOL
Energy may purchase from time to time up to $250,000 of its common stock over the next two years. Under the terms of the
program, CONSOL Energy may make repurchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, accelerated
repurchase programs or in structured share repurchase programs. Any repurchases of common stock will be funded from
available cash on hand or short-term borrowings. The program does not obligate CONSOL Energy to acquire any particular
amount of common stock, and it may be modified or suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion. The program will be
conducted in compliance with applicable legal requirements and with the limits imposed by any credit agreement, receivables
purchase agreement or indenture and shall be subject to market conditions and other factors. No purchases were made under
this program through December 31, 2014.
124
NOTE 7—INCOME TAXES:
Income tax expense (benefit) provided on earnings from continuing operations consisted of:
Current:
U.S. Federal
U.S. State
Non-U.S.
Deferred:
U.S. Federal
U.S. State
Non-U.S.
For The Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
15,625
7,741
1,411
24,777
$
6,729
(10,904)
—
(4,175)
(10,697)
267
—
(10,430)
(32,125)
(4,651)
7,762
(29,014)
44,727
1,508
31,594
77,829
23,300
(14,166)
1,765
10,899
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
$
14,347
$
(33,189) $
88,728
The components of the net deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
125
December 31,
2014
2013
Deferred Tax Assets:
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
$
283,188
$
Mine closing
Alternative minimum tax
Pneumoconiosis benefits
Workers' compensation
Salary retirement
Net operating loss
Mine subsidence
Reclamation
Capital lease
Equity Partnerships
Other
Total Deferred Tax Assets
Valuation Allowance**
Net Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Gas hedge
Advance mining royalties
Equity Partnerships
Other
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities
63,640
152,149
45,926
32,949
43,505
49,638
38,456
14,380
19,267
28,316
159,300
930,714
(6,096)
924,618
(1,065,791)
(74,898)
(37,621)
—
(5,331)
(1,183,641)
337,836
37,306
159,933
44,580
31,008
14,330
168,658
35,655
20,978
22,489
—
160,567
1,033,340
(7,532)
1,025,808
(954,007)
(27,741)
(38,105)
(27,431)
(9,864)
(1,057,148)
Net Deferred Tax Liability
$
(259,023) $
(31,340)
**Valuation allowance of $(6,096) has been allocated to long-term deferred tax asset for 2014. Valuation allowance of
$(7,532) has been allocated to long-term deferred tax asset for 2013.
A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be
realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, positive evidence considered included financial and tax earnings generated over the past three
years for certain subsidiaries, future income projections based on existing fixed price contracts and forecasted expenses, reversals
of financial to tax temporary differences and the implementation of and/or ability to employ various tax planning strategies.
Negative evidence included financial and tax losses generated in prior periods and the inability to achieve forecasted results for
those periods. CONSOL Energy continues to report, on an after federal tax basis, a deferred tax asset related to state operating
losses of $49,638 with a related valuation allowance of $6,080 at December 31, 2014. The deferred tax asset related to state
operating losses, on an after tax adjusted basis, was $51,765 with a related valuation allowance of $7,528 at December 31, 2013.
A review of positive and negative evidence regarding these tax benefits concluded that the valuation allowances for various
CONSOL Energy subsidiaries was warranted. The net operating losses expire at various times between 2015 and 2033.
The deferred tax assets attributable to future deductible temporary differences for certain CONSOL Energy subsidiaries with
histories of financial and tax losses were also reviewed for positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of the deferred
tax assets. A valuation allowance of $16 and $4 on an after federal tax adjusted basis, has also been recorded for 2014 and 2013
respectively. Management will continue to assess the potential for realizing deferred tax assets based upon income forecast data
and the feasibility of future tax planning strategies and may record adjustments to valuation allowances against deferred tax assets
in future periods, as appropriate, that could materially impact net income.
126
During 2014, the deferred tax asset relating to federal alternative minimum tax decreased $7,784. This change was due to
2014 business activity, the 2013 accrual to 2013 return adjustments, the settlement of the 2008 and 2009 IRS audit, and the foreign
tax credit claimed on amended returns.
The following is a reconciliation stated as a percentage of pretax income, of the United States statutory federal income tax
rate to CONSOL Energy's effective tax rate:
2014
For the Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate
Excess tax depletion
Effect of medicare prescription drug,
improvement and modernization act of 2003
Effect of domestic production activities
Federal and state tax accrual to tax return
reconciliation
IRS and state tax examination settlements
Net effect of state income taxes
Effect of releasing valuation allowance
Effect of foreign tax
Other
Amount
64,093
$
(43,140)
631
(1,522)
(8,331)
(5,124)
5,249
(1,436)
1,411
2,516
Income Tax Expense / Effective Rate
$
14,347
Percent
35.0% $
(23.6)
Amount
16,126
(51,104)
0.3
(0.8)
2,112
5,680
(1,406)
(4.5)
(2.8)
3
(2,399)
2.9
(4,659)
(0.8)
—
0.8
1.3
2,458
7.8% $ (33,189)
Percent
Amount
35.0 % $ 142,340
(49,572)
(110.9)
4.6
12.3
(3.1)
—
(5.2)
(10.1)
—
5.3
2,112
(7,215)
6,004
(925)
(8,737)
—
1,765
2,956
Percent
35.0%
(12.2)
0.5
(1.8)
1.5
(0.2)
(2.1)
—
0.4
0.7
(72.1)% $
88,728
21.8%
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance at beginning of period
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken during current period
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken during prior
periods
Reduction in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
Reduction of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a settlement with taxing authorities
Balance at end of period
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
$
34,786
—
$ 34,786
—
4,265
(2,540)
(32,246)
4,265
$
—
—
—
$ 34,786
If these unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, $4,265 and $2,071 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
respectively, would have affected CONSOL Energy's effective income tax rate.
CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various states and Canadian jurisdictions.
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by
tax authorities for the years before 2010.
In 2014, CONSOL Energy recognized a reduction in unrecognized tax benefits. The IRS completed its audit of tax years
2008 and 2009 in 2014. Also, during 2014, the statute of limitations for assessing additional income tax deficiencies expired for
certain tax years in several state tax jurisdictions. The expiration of the statute of limitations for these years resulted in an $2,071
benefit to net income for CONSOL Energy's total uncertain income tax positions for the twelve-month period.
CONSOL Energy recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in its interest expense. At December 31,
2014 there was no accrued interest related to unrecognized tax positions. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had an accrued
liability of $6,200 for interest related to uncertain tax positions, which was reversed and resulted in a benefit to income for the
year ended December 31, 2014. Interest expense of $1,369 was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income
127
for the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy paid $835 and $141 of
interest related to income tax deficiencies for tax years 2008 and 2009, respectively.
CONSOL Energy recognizes penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax expense. As of
December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no accrued penalties recognized.
NOTE 8—MINE CLOSING, RECLAMATION & GAS WELL CLOSING:
CONSOL Energy accrues for reclamation, mine closing costs, perpetual water care costs and dismantling and removing
costs of gas related facilities using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations
Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CONSOL Energy recognizes capitalized asset retirement costs by increasing
the carrying amount of related long-lived assets. The obligation for asset retirements is included in Mine Closing, Reclamation,
Gas Well Closing and Other Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The reconciliation of changes in the asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
Balance at beginning of period
Accretion expense
Payments
Revisions in estimated cash flows
Other
Balance at end of period
As of December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
600,875
42,608
(52,339)
(2,069)
(13,546)
575,529
$
539,177
41,909
(38,198)
42,558
15,429
$
600,875
For the year ended December 31, 2014, Other includes $(9,221) related to the disposition of the non-producing Hamilton
Nos. 1 and 2 Mines (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions), and $(4,325) related to the completion of this transfer of permits
at the former Jones Fork Mines. For the year ended December 31, 2013, Other includes $15,429 related to a contractual agreement
between CONSOL Energy and Murray Energy whereby CONSOL Energy will retain the obligation of water treatment at sixteen
locations sold to Murray Energy.
NOTE 9—INVENTORIES:
Inventory components consist of the following:
Coal
Merchandise for resale
Supplies
Total Inventories
December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
19,242
—
82,631
31,944
38,263
87,707
$
101,873
$
157,914
During the year ended December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy sold its wholly owned subsidiary that accounted for its
entire merchandise for resale balance, which was valued using the LIFO cost method. The excess of replacement cost of
merchandise for resale inventories over carrying LIFO value was $18,836 at December 31, 2013 (See Note 3 - Acquisitions and
Dispositions for details of the sale).
128
NOTE 10—ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION:
CONSOL Energy and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries are party to a trade accounts receivable facility with financial institutions
for the sale on a continuous basis of eligible trade accounts receivable. The receivables facility expires in March 2015. It allows
CONSOL Energy to receive, on a revolving basis, up to $125,000, subject to receivables eligibility criteria. CONSOL Energy may
also issue letters of credit against the facility, which decreases the amount available to draw upon.
CNX Funding Corporation, a wholly owned, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, buys and sells eligible trade
receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. Under the receivables facility, CONSOL Energy and certain
subsidiaries, irrevocably and without recourse, sell all of their eligible trade accounts receivable to CNX Funding Corporation,
who in turn sells these receivables to financial institutions and their affiliates, while maintaining a subordinated interest in a portion
of the pool of trade receivables. This retained interest, which is included in Accounts and Notes Receivable Trade in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets, is recorded at fair value. Due to a short average collection cycle for such receivables, CONSOL Energy's collection
experience history and the composition of the designated pool of trade accounts receivable that are part of this program, the fair
value of its retained interest approximates the total amount of the designated pool of accounts receivable. CONSOL Energy will
continue to service the sold trade receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services.
In accordance with the Transfers and Servicing Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting
Standards Codification, CONSOL Energy records transactions under the securitization facility as secured borrowings on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The pledge of collateral is reported as Accounts Receivable - Securitized and the borrowings are
classified as debt in Borrowings under Securitization Facility.
At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, eligible accounts receivable totaled $77,800 and $115,000, respectively.
After taking into account outstanding letters of credit of $60,230 and $66,054, there remained $17,570 and $48,945 in subordinated
retained interest at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. CONSOL Energy management believes that the
letters of credit will expire without being funded, and therefore the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition. No amounts related to these financial guarantees and letters of credit are recorded as liabilities on
the financial statements.
There were no borrowings under the securitization facility recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31,
2014 or December 31, 2013. The Company drew $37,846 on the accounts receivable securitization facility in the year ended
December 31, 2012, which was subsequently repaid in full the following year. These changes are reflected in the Net Cash Used
In Financing Activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The cost of funds under this facility is based upon LIBOR and commercial paper rates, plus a charge for administrative
services paid to the financial institutions. Costs associated with the receivables facility totaled $892, $1,737 and $1,723 for the
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These costs have been recorded as financing fees which are included
in Other Costs - Miscellaneous Operating Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. No servicing asset or liability has
been recorded at December 31, 2014.
129
NOTE 11—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Coal & other plant and equipment
Intangible drilling cost
Proven properties
Unproven properties
Coal properties and surface lands
Gathering equipment
Wells and related equipment
Airshafts
Leased coal lands
Coal advance mining royalties
Mine development
Other gas assets
Gas advance royalties
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Total Net Property, Plant and Equipment
December 31,
2014
3,726,514
2,798,394
1,768,007
1,540,835
1,358,306
1,088,238
716,748
468,924
263,946
386,245
414,501
123,539
20,580
14,674,777
4,512,305
$ 10,162,472
2013
3,681,051
1,937,336
1,670,404
1,463,406
1,404,056
1,058,008
688,548
397,466
393,372
381,348
354,607
126,239
22,668
13,578,509
4,136,247
$ 9,442,262
The following assets are amortized using the units-of-production method. Amounts reflect properties where mining or drilling
operations have not yet commenced and therefore, are not being amortized for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
Unproven gas properties
Coal properties
Mine development
Leased coal lands
Coal advance mining royalties
Airshafts
Gas advance royalties
Total
December 31,
2014
2013
$ 1,540,835
477,444
$ 1,463,406
273,242
11,984
50,044
52,009
52,194
20,580
238,356
99,506
48,043
38,794
22,668
$ 2,205,090
$ 2,184,015
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, plant and equipment includes gross assets under capital lease of $87,055 and $96,015,
respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the E&P division maintains a capital lease for the Jewell Ridge
Pipeline of $66,919, which is included in Gas gathering equipment. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the E&P
division also maintains a capital lease for vehicles of $10,207 and $10,652, respectively, which are included in Other gas assets.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the All Other segment maintains capital leases for vehicles and computer
equipment of $9,929 and $18,444, respectively, which are included in Coal and other plant and equipment. Accumulated
amortization for capital leases was $49,735 and $50,371 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for
capital leases is included in Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 15–
Leases for further discussion of capital leases.
Industry Participation Agreements
CONSOL Energy has two significant industry participation agreements (referred to as "joint ventures" or "JVs") that
provided drilling and completion carries for our retained interests.
CNX Gas Company is party to a joint development agreement with Hess Ohio Developments, LLC (Hess) with respect to
approximately 153 thousand net Utica Shale acres in Ohio in which each party has a 50% undivided interest. Under the
agreement, as amended, Hess is obligated to pay a total of approximately $335,000 in the form of a 50% drilling carry of
130
certain CONSOL Energy working interest obligations as the acreage is developed. As of December 31, 2014, Hess’ remaining
carry obligation is $99,474.
CNX Gas Company is party to a joint development agreement with Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble) with respect to
approximately 702 thousand net Marcellus Shale oil and gas acres in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, in which each party owns
a 50% undivided interest. Under the agreement, as amended, Noble Energy is obligated to pay a total of approximately
$1,846,000 in the form of a one-third drilling carry of certain of CONSOL Energy’s working interest obligations as the property
is developed, subject to certain limitations. These limitations include the suspension of the carry if average Henry Hub natural
gas prices are below $4.00 per million British thermal units (MMbtu) for three consecutive months. The carry was in effect
from March 1, 2014, and remained effective until November 1, 2014 when average natural gas prices had been below $4.00/
MMbtu for the three prior months and continues to be suspended. Restrictions also include a $400,000 annual maximum on
Noble Energy's carried cost obligation. As of December 31, 2014, Noble Energy’s remaining carry obligation is approximately
$1,627,065.
NOTE 12—SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE:
CONSOL Energy entered into a new Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 18, 2014 for a $2,000,000 senior
secured revolving credit facility which expires on June 18, 2019. The credit facility allows for up to $2,000,000 of borrowings,
which includes a $750,000 letters of credit sub-limit. CONSOL Energy can request an additional $500,000 in the aggregate
borrowing limit amount. The new senior revolving credit facility replaced CONSOL Energy's $1,000,000 senior secured revolving
credit facility which had been entered into as of April 12, 2011 and amended and restated on December 5, 2013 and the $1,000,000
senior secured revolving credit facility of CNX Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries that had been entered into as of April 12,
2011. The new senior secured revolving credit facility resulted in the acceleration of previously deferred financing charges of
$2,989 during the year ended December 31, 2014.
The facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries. Fees and interest
rate spreads are based on the percentage of facility utilization, measured quarterly. Availability under the facility is generally
limited to a borrowing base, which is determined by the required number of lenders in good faith by calculating a loan value of
CONSOL Energy's proved gas reserves.
The facility contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants that limit the Company's ability to dispose of assets,
make investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock, pay dividends, merge with another corporation and
amend, modify or restate the senior unsecured notes. The facility also requires that CONSOL Energy maintain a minimum interest
coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.00 and a minimum current ratio of 1.00 to 1.00, each of which are measured quarterly. At December 31,
2014, the interest coverage ratio was 4.90 to 1.00 and the current ratio was 2.42 to 1.00. Further, the credit facility allows unlimited
investments in joint ventures for the development and operation of gas gathering systems and permits CONSOL Energy to separate
its gas and coal businesses if the leverage ratio (which, is essentially, the ratio of debt to EBITDA) of the E&P business immediately
after the separation would not be greater than the 2.75 to 1.00.
At December 31, 2014, the $2,000,000 facility had no borrowings outstanding and $244,418 of letters of credit outstanding,
leaving $1,755,582 of unused capacity. At December 31, 2013, the prior CONSOL Energy $1,000,000 facility had no borrowings
outstanding and $206,988 of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $793,012 of unused capacity. At December 31, 2013, the prior
CNX Gas Corporation $1,000,000 facility had no borrowings outstanding and $87,643 of letters of credit outstanding, leaving
$912,357 of unused capacity.
131
NOTE 13—OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
Subsidence liability
Royalties
Accrued Interest
Columbia Energy Ventures Majorsville Sublease
Accrued payroll and benefits
Short-term incentive compensation
Accrued other taxes
Uncertain income tax positions
Other
Current portion of long-term liabilities:
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
Mine closing
Gas well closing
Workers' compensation
Salary retirement
Pneumoconiosis benefits
Reclamation
Long-term disability
Total Other Accrued Liabilities
NOTE 14—LONG-TERM DEBT:
Debt:
Senior notes due April 2017 at 8.00%, issued at par value
Senior notes due April 2020 at 8.25%, issued at par value
Senior notes due March 2021 at 6.375%, issued at par value
Senior notes due April 2022 at 5.875% including Amortization of Bond Premium
MEDCO revenue bonds in series due September 2025 at 5.75%
Advance royalty commitments (7.91% and 7.93% weighted average interest rate for
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
Other long-term notes maturing at various dates through 2031 (total value of $4,473
and $5,923 less unamortized discount of $643 and $1,050 at December 31, 2014 and
December 31,2013, respectively).
Less amounts due in one year *
Long-Term Debt
December 31,
2014
2013
$
103,343
$
52,456
51,404
49,533
37,293
36,272
17,951
—
100,284
57,279
32,222
21,286
15,122
9,339
9,156
6,075
98,573
34,110
63,600
—
38,953
30,371
26,305
28,530
87,407
60,847
30,320
23,971
15,014
4,593
9,211
9,552
3,957
602,972
$
4,340
565,697
$
December 31,
2014
2013
$
— $
1,500,000
1,014,800
250,000
1,856,506
102,865
1,250,000
250,000
—
102,865
13,473
11,182
3,830
4,873
3,241,474
3,118,920
5,052
2,957
$
3,236,422
$
3,115,963
* Excludes current portion of Capital Lease Obligations of $7,964 and $8,498 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013,
respectively.
Annual undiscounted maturities on long-term debt during the next five years are as follows:
132
Year ended December 31,
Amount
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total Long-Term Debt Maturities
$
4,480
4,454
2,944
1,266
904
3,235,692
$
3,249,740
On April 16, 2014, CONSOL Energy closed on the private placement of $1,600,000 of 5.875% senior notes due 2022 (the
"Notes"). The Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of CONSOL Energy's wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries.
CONSOL Energy used substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes to purchase the 8.00% senior notes due in 2017.
On August 12, 2014, CONSOL Energy closed on an additional $250,000 of its 5.875% senior notes due 2022 at a price equal
to 102.75% of the principal amount of the Additional Notes. CONSOL Energy used $235,200 of the net proceeds of the sale of
the Additional Notes to purchase a portion of the outstanding 8.25% senior notes due in 2020.
NOTE 15—LEASES:
CONSOL Energy uses various leased facilities and equipment in our operations. Future minimum lease payments under
capital and operating leases, together with the present value of the net minimum capital lease payments, at December 31, 2014,
are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less amount representing interest (1.50% – 7.36%)
Present value of minimum lease payments
Less amount due in one year
Total Long-Term Capital Lease Obligation
Capital
Leases
Operating
Leases
$
11,074
$
104,232
9,761
8,774
8,269
7,511
13,483
94,421
87,210
60,705
25,068
78,954
$
58,872
$
450,590
11,452
47,420
7,964
39,456
$
Rental expense under operating leases was $126,078, $90,128, and $83,064 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013
and 2012, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, certain of the above operating leases for mining equipment were subleased to third parties. The
following represents the minimum rental payments for those operating subleases:
2015
2016
$
26,685
$
26,685
$
2017
26,685
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total
$
26,685
$
13,343
$
— $
120,083
CONSOL Energy leases certain owned mining equipment to a third party under operating leases. The owned equipment
included in gross property, plant and equipment was $31,059, with $6,212 accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2014, scheduled minimum rental payments for operating leases related to this equipment were as
follows:
133
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
$
8,561
$
7,637
$
4,496
$
2,992
$
1,701
Thereafter
627
$
Total
$
26,014
NOTE 16—PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:
Pension:
CONSOL Energy has non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering substantially all salaried and non-
represented hourly employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees' pay near
retirement. CONSOL Energy's qualified pension plan allows for lump-sum distributions of benefits earned up until December 31,
2005, at the employees' election. On September 30, 2014, the qualified pension plan was amended to reduce future accruals of
pension benefits as of December 31, 2014. The plan amendment called for a hard freeze of the defined benefit pension plan on
December 31, 2014 for employees who were under age 40 or had less than 10 years of service as of September 30, 2014. In
addition, employees hired or rehired on or after October 1, 2014 are not eligible to participate in the plan; however, beginning
January 1, 2015, the Company will contribute an additional 3% of eligible compensation into the 401(k) plan accounts for these
affected employees. Employees who were age 40 or over and had at least 10 years of service as of September 30, 2014 will
continue in the defined benefit pension plan unchanged. The modifications to the pension plan resulted in a $21,624 curtailment
in the pension liability with a corresponding adjustment of $13,659 in Other Comprehensive Income, net of $7,965 in deferred
taxes. Additionally, a curtailment gain of $549 was recognized with a corresponding adjustment of $347 in Other Comprehensive
Income, net of $202 in deferred taxes.
According to the Defined Benefit Plans Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, if the lump sum distributions
made for the plan year, which for CONSOL Energy is January 1 to December 31, exceed the total of the projected service cost
and interest cost for the plan year, settlement accounting is required. Lump sum payments from the pension plan exceeded this
threshold during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Accordingly, CONSOL Energy recognized expense of $29,095
and $39,482 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in Miscellaneous Operating Expense in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The settlement charges represented a pro rata portion of the net unrecognized loss based on the percentage
reduction in the projected benefit obligation due to the lump sum payments. The settlement charges noted above also resulted in
remeasurements of the pension plan throughout 2014 and 2013.
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:
Certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy provide medical, prescription drug, and life insurance benefits to retired employees
not covered by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the OPEB Plans). The medical plans contain certain cost
sharing and containment features, such as deductibles, coinsurance, health care networks and coordination with Medicare. Also,
salaried retirees contribute a target of 20% of the medical plan operating costs. Contributions may be higher, dependent on either
years of service or a combination of age and years of service at retirement. Prospective annual cost increases of up to 6% will be
shared by CONSOL Energy and the participants based on their age and years of service at retirement. Annual cost increases in
excess of 6% will be the responsibility of the participants. The eligibility requirements to participate in these plans are as follows:
• Represented hourly retirees are eligible to participate based upon the terms of the National Bituminous Coal Wage
•
•
Agreement of 2011 or "The Coal Act."
For salaried or non-represented hourly retirees hired before January 1, 2007 that did not work in a corporate or operational
support position, the eligibility requirement is either age 55 with 20 years of service or age 62 with 15 years of service
for traditional retiree health coverage.
Salaried or non-represented hourly retirees hired or re-hired on or after January 1, 2007 that did not work in a corporate
or operational support position receive a retiree medical spending allowance of $2,250 per year for each year of service
at retirement.
• Retirees who worked in corporate or operational support positions at retirement receive a fixed annual retiree medical
contribution into a Health Reimbursement Account. The amount of the contribution is dependent on several factors, and
the money in the account can be used to help pay for a commercial medical plan, Medicare Part B or Part D premiums,
and other qualified medical expenses
On September 30, 2014, the plans were amended to reduce future benefits as of October 1, 2014. Salaried and non-represented
hourly retirees as of September 30, 2014 will continue in the aforementioned OPEB plans, which are currently anticipated to
remain unchanged, until December 31, 2019, and coverage thereafter will be eliminated. Further, effective September 30, 2014,
retiree medical, prescription drug, and life insurance benefits are no longer provided to active employees. The Company elected
to make cash transition payments totaling approximately $46,282 to the active employees whose retiree medical, prescription
134
drug, and life insurance benefits were eliminated by the changes to the OPEB plans. These cash payments are not considered to
be post-retirement benefits, and as such, they are not reflected in the actuarial calculations related to the OPEB plans. The
amendment to the OPEB plans resulted in a $315,439 reduction in the OPEB liability with a corresponding adjustment of $199,252
in Other Comprehensive Income, net of $116,187 in deferred taxes. A curtailment gain of $35,633 was recognized in September
2014 with a corresponding adjustment of $22,508 in Other Comprehensive Income, net of $13,125 in deferred taxes. The
amendment also resulted in a remeasurement of the OPEB plan at September 30, 2014.
On December 5, 2013, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Consolidation Coal Company
and certain other subsidiaries to Murray Energy Corporation (the CCC Sale). As a result of the CCC Sale, the obligations for
certain participants of the OPEB Plan are the primary responsibility of Murray Energy. This reduced CONSOL Energy's OPEB
liability by $1,891,057 at December 31, 2013. These plan settlements resulted in adjustments of $339,318 in Other Comprehensive
Income, net of $203,610 in deferred taxes at December 31, 2013. As the result of corporate staffing reductions associated with
the sale, the Pension and OPEB plans also recognized curtailment gains of $374 and $39,650, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The curtailment gains resulted in adjustments of $231 and $24,515 in Other Comprehensive Income, net of
$143 and $15,135 in deferred taxes for the Pension Plan and the OPEB plan, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
The reconciliation of changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of these plans at December 31, 2014
and 2013, is as follows:
135
Pension Benefits
at December 31,
Other Postretirement Benefits
at December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
$
812,644
$
953,102
$
1,021,974
$
3,018,172
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain)
Plan amendments
Plan curtailments
Plan settlements
Participant contributions
Benefits and other payments
Benefit obligation at end of period
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Participant contributions
Benefits and other payments
Plan settlements
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
Funded status:
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net obligation recognized
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial loss
Prior service credit
Net amount recognized (before tax effect)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
17,187
35,363
136,995
—
(21,624)
(82,776)
—
(27,318)
870,471
$
20,865
36,829
(82,718)
—
(6,551)
(86,925)
—
(21,958)
812,644
7,089
44,177
66,695
(315,439)
—
—
1,643
(65,180)
760,959
$
$
768,831
$
728,161
$
— $
66,025
26,414
—
(27,318)
(82,776)
751,176
$
94,084
55,469
—
(21,958)
(86,925)
768,831
—
63,537
1,643
(65,180)
—
$
— $
18,680
111,687
(73,632)
—
—
(1,891,057)
6,150
(168,026)
1,021,974
—
—
161,876
6,150
(168,026)
—
—
— $
(9,339)
(109,956)
(119,295) $
$
9,032
(4,593)
(48,252)
(43,813) $
— $
(57,279)
(703,680)
(760,959) $
—
(60,847)
(961,127)
(1,021,974)
334,362
(2,862)
331,500
$
$
286,637
(4,629)
282,008
$
$
471,085
(292,728)
178,357
$
$
433,073
(34,086)
398,987
136
The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other Postretirement Benefits
For the Years Ended December 31,
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
Components of net periodic benefit
cost:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service
(credits)
Recognized net actuarial loss
Curtailment gain
Settlement loss (gain)
$
17,187
$
20,865
$
20,466
$
7,089
$
18,680
$
18,817
35,363
(51,400)
36,829
(51,814)
(1,217)
23,927
(549)
29,095
(1,611)
37,853
(374)
39,482
37,586
(46,157)
(1,630)
47,834
—
—
44,177
111,687
135,695
—
—
—
(21,163)
28,682
(35,633)
(30,552)
66,417
(39,650)
— (1,348,129)
(51,828)
80,875
—
—
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
52,406
$
81,230
$
58,099
$
23,152
$ (1,221,547) $
183,559
Expenses (income) attributable to discontinued operations included in the net periodic cost (credit) above (including
settlements and curtailments associated with the CCC Sale) were $8,231, and $11,587 for the years ended December 31, 2013
and 2012, respectively, for the Pension Plans and were $(1,293,975), and $101,418 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and
2012, respectively, for the OPEB Plans. There were no expenses attributable to discontinued operations in 2014.
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss which are expected to be recognized in 2015 net periodic
benefit costs:
Prior service credit recognition
Actuarial loss recognition
Pension
Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
$
$
(704) $
$
27,760
(58,546)
35,705
CONSOL Energy utilizes a corridor approach to amortize actuarial gains and losses that have been accumulated under the
Pension Plan. Cumulative gains and losses that are in excess of 10% of the greater of either the projected benefit obligation (PBO)
or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the expected average remaining future service of the current active
membership for the Pension plan.
CONSOL Energy also utilizes a corridor approach to amortize actuarial gains and losses that have been accumulated under
the OPEB Plan. Cumulative gains and losses that are in excess of 10% of the greater of either the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation (APBO) or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the average future remaining lifetime of
the current inactive population for the UMWA OPEB plan, and over the period of time remaining until the plan sunsets for the
Salaried and P&M OPEB plans.
The following table provides information related to pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of
plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
As of December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
$
870,471
834,811
751,176
$
$
$
52,845
50,820
—
137
Assumptions:
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other Postretirement Benefits
For the Year Ended
December 31,
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
4.07%
3.80%
4.87%
4.23%
3.80%
—
4.88%
—
The discount rates are determined using a Company-specific yield curve model (above-mean) developed with the assistance
of an external actuary. The Company-specific yield curve models (above-mean) use a subset of the expanded bond universe to
determine the Company-specific discount rate. Bonds used in the yield curve are rated AA by Moody's or Standard & Poor's as
of the measurement date. The yield curve models parallel the plans' projected cash flows, and the underlying cash flows of the
bonds included in the models exceed the cash flows needed to satisfy the Company plans'.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
Pension Benefits at
Other Postretirement Benefits at
December 31,
2013
2014
2012
2014
December 31,
2013
2012
Discount rate
Expected long-term return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
4.87%
7.75%
4.21%
4.00%
7.75%
3.77%
4.50%
8.00%
3.82%
4.88%
4.05%
4.51%
—
—
—
—
—
—
The long-term rate of return is the sum of the portion of total assets in each asset class held multiplied by the expected return
for that class, adjusted for expected expenses to be paid from the assets. The expected return for each class is determined using
the plan asset allocation at the measurement date and a distribution of compound average returns over a 20-year time horizon. The
model uses asset class returns, variances and correlation assumptions to produce the expected return for each portfolio. The return
assumptions used forward-looking gross returns influenced by the current Treasury yield curve. These returns recognize current
bond yields, corporate bond spreads and equity risk premiums based on current market conditions.
The assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:
Health care cost trend rate for next year
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)
Year that the rate reaches ultimate trend rate
At December 31,
2014
2013
2012
6.03%
4.50%
2026
6.17%
4.50%
2026
6.30%
4.50%
2026
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the medical plans. A one-percentage
point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
1-Percentage
Point Increase
1-Percentage
Point Decrease
$
$
6,975
88,174
$
$
(5,779)
(74,274)
Assumed discount rates also have a significant effect on the amounts reported for both pension and other benefit costs. A
one-quarter percentage point change in assumed discount rate would have the following effect on benefit costs:
138
Pension benefit costs (decrease) increase
Other postemployment benefits costs (decrease) increase
Plan Assets:
0.25 Percentage
0.25 Percentage
Point Increase
Point Decrease
$
$
(1,955) $
(3,476) $
1,914
3,663
The company’s overall investment strategy is to meet current and future benefit payment needs through diversification across
asset classes, fund strategies and fund managers to achieve an optimal balance between risk and return and between income and
growth of assets through capital appreciation. The target allocations for plan assets are 31 percent U.S. equity securities, 20 percent
non-U.S. equity securities, 9 percent global equity securities, and 40 percent fixed income. Both the equity and fixed income
portfolios are comprised of both active and passive investment strategies. The Trust is primarily invested in Mercer Common
Collective Trusts. Equity securities consist of investments in large and mid/small cap companies with non-U.S. equities being
derived from both developed and emerging markets. Fixed income securities consist of U.S. as well as international instruments,
including emerging markets. The core domestic fixed income portfolios invest in government, corporate, asset-backed securities
and mortgage-backed obligations. The average quality of the fixed income portfolio must be rated at least “investment grade” by
nationally recognized rating agencies. Within the fixed income asset class, investments are invested primarily across various
strategies such that its overall profile strongly correlates with the interest rate sensitivity of the Trust’s liabilities in order to reduce
the volatility resulting from the risk of changes in interest rates and the impact of such changes on the Trust’s overall financial
status. Derivatives, interest rate swaps, options and futures are permitted investments for the purpose of reducing risk and to
extend the duration of the overall fixed income portfolio; however they may not be used for speculative purposes. All or a portion
of the assets may be invested in mutual funds or other comingled vehicles so long as the pooled investment funds have an adequate
asset base relative to their asset class; are invested in a diversified manner; and have management and/or oversight by an Investment
Advisor registered with the SEC. The Retirement Board, as appointed by the CONSOL Energy Board of Directors, reviews the
investment program on an ongoing basis including asset performance, current trends and developments in capital markets, changes
in Trust liabilities and ongoing appropriateness of the overall investment policy.
The fair values of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are as follows:
139
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Significant
Significant
Markets for
Significant
Significant
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Asset Category
Cash/Accrued Income
$
650
$
650
$
— $
— $
634
$
634
$
— $
US Equities (a)
Mercer Collective Trusts
US Large Cap Growth Equity (b)
US Large Cap Value Equity (c)
US Small/Mid Cap Growth
Equity (d)
US Small/Mid Cap Value Equity
(e)
US Core Fixed Income (f)
Non-US Core Equity (g)
Emerging Markets Equity (h)
Global Low Volatility Equity (i)
US Long Duration Investment
Grade Fixed Income (j)
US Long Duration Fixed Income
(k)
US Large Cap Passive Equity (l)
US Passive Fixed Income (m)
US Long Duration Passive Fixed
Income (n)
US Ultra Long Duration Fixed
Income (o)
US Active Long Corporate
Investment (p)
Long Strips Fixed Income (q)
Opportunistic Fixed Income (r)
Total
__________
12
53,617
53,090
27,642
26,473
36,681
115,783
27,150
68,481
57,713
34,728
75,219
21,511
33,149
12,555
101,420
3,276
2,026
12
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
53,617
53,090
27,642
26,473
36,681
115,783
27,150
68,481
57,713
34,728
75,219
21,511
33,149
12,555
101,420
3,276
2,026
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14
56,006
56,802
28,530
28,552
35,533
126,712
29,778
70,138
55,593
33,489
75,468
20,287
34,108
7,656
105,412
2,022
2,097
14
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
56,006
56,802
28,530
28,552
35,533
126,712
29,778
70,138
55,593
33,489
75,468
20,287
34,108
7,656
105,412
2,022
2,097
$ 751,176
$
662
$ 750,514
$
— $ 768,831
$
648
$ 768,183
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(a) This category includes investments in US common stocks and corporate debt.
(b) This category invests primarily in common stock of large cap companies in the U.S. with above average earnings growth
and revenue expectations. It targets broad diversification across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall
portfolio volatility by investing in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and
allocations within the portfolio are implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The strategy is benchmarked
to the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
(c) This category invests primarily in U.S. large cap companies that appear to be undervalued relative to their intrinsic value.
It targets broad diversification across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility by investing
in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio
are implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The strategy is benchmarked to the Russell 1000 Value
Index.
(d) This category invests in small to mid-sized U.S. companies with above average earnings growth and revenue expectations.
It targets broad diversification across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility by investing
in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio
are implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The smaller cap orientation of the strategy requires the
140
investment team to be cognizant of liquidity and capital constraints, which are monitored on an ongoing basis. The
strategy is benchmarked to the Russell 2500 Growth Index.
(e) This category invests in small to mid-sized U.S. companies that appear to be undervalued relative to their intrinsic value.
It targets broad diversification across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility by investing
in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio
are implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The smaller cap orientation of the strategy requires the
investment team to be cognizant of liquidity and capital constraints, which are monitored on an ongoing basis. The
strategy is benchmarked to the Russell 2500 Value Index.
(f) This category invests primarily in U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade and government securities. It may also
invest opportunistically in out-of-benchmark positions including U.S. high yield, non-U.S. bonds, and Treasury Inflation-
Protected Securities (TIPs). The strategy seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility by investing in complementary
active managers with varying risk characteristics, and total portfolio duration is targeted to be within 20% of the
benchmark’s duration. Total exposure to high yield issues is typically less than 10%, inclusive of direct investment in
high yield and exposure through other core fixed income funds. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio are
implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The strategy is benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Aggregate
Index.
(g) This category invests in all cap companies primarily operating in developed non-US markets, with some exposure to
emerging markets. The strategy targets broad diversification across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall
portfolio volatility by investing in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Total exposure to
emerging markets is typically 10-15%, inclusive of direct investment in emerging markets and exposure through other
non-U.S. equity funds. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio are implemented by Mercer’s investment
management team. The strategy is benchmarked to the MSCI EAFE Index.
(h) This category invests in companies operating in non-US emerging markets. The strategy targets broad diversification
across economic sectors and seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility by investing in complementary active
managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and allocations within the portfolio are implemented by
Mercer’s investment management team. The strategy is benchmarked to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
(i) This category invests in companies operating in developed markets, globally. The strategy targets a diversified portfolio
of equity securities issued by companies which the investment managers believe will exhibit less volatility in their price
performance relative to the broad equity market as described by the MSCI World Index. The strategy is benchmarked to
the MSCI World Index.
(j) This category invests in a passively managed U.S. long duration corporate investment grade portfolio at a 90% weight
and a passively managed U.S. Long Treasury portfolio at a 10% weight. It seeks to provide broad exposure to U.S. long
duration investment grade credit while allowing for short term liquidity through a strategic allocation to US Treasuries.
The strategy is benchmarked 90% to the Barclays Capital U.S. Long Credit Index and 10% to the Barclays Capital Long
Treasury.
(k) This category invests primarily in U.S. dollar denominated investment grade bonds and government securities with
durations between 9 and 15 years. It may also invest opportunistically in out-of-benchmark positions including U.S.
high yield, non-U.S. bonds, municipal bonds, and TIPs. The strategy seeks to achieve lower overall portfolio volatility
by investing in complementary active managers with varying risk characteristics. Fund selection and allocations within
the portfolio are implemented by Mercer’s investment management team. The strategy is benchmarked to the Barclays
Capital U.S. Long Government/Credit Index.
(l) This category invests in common stock of U.S. large cap companies. The strategy is benchmarked to the S&P 500 Index.
(m) This category invests primarily in U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade bonds and government securities. The
strategy and its underlying passive investments are benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Index.
(n) This category invests primarily in U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade bonds and government securities with
durations between 9 and 15 years. The strategy and its underlying passive investments are benchmarked to the Barclays
Capital Long Government/Credit Index.
(o) This category seeks to reduce the volatility of the plan’s funded status and extend the duration of the assets by investing
in a series of ultra long duration portfolios with target durations of up to 35 years. Each underlying portfolio is managed
by a sub-advisor and consists of five interest rate swaps with sequential target or maturity dates, with the longest dated
portfolio maturing in 2045. The interest rate swaps are fully collateralized, resulting in no leverage. The cash collateral
is invested by the sub-advisor in an actively managed cash strategy that seeks to provide a return in excess of 3 month
LIBOR. The ultra long duration strategy is used in conjunction with liability driven investing solutions, which seek to
align the duration of the assets to the plan’s liabilities. The Strategy is benchmarked to a Custom Liability Benchmark
Portfolio.
(p) This category invests in a U.S. long duration corporate investment grade portfolio at a 90% weight and a U.S. long treasury
portfolio at a 10% weight. It seeks to provide broad exposure to U.S. long duration investment grade corporate bonds
with an emphasis on reducing default risk through active management while allowing for short term liquidity through a
141
strategic allocation to U.S. Treasuries. The strategy is benchmarked 90% to the Barclays Capital U.S. Long Corporate
Index and 10% to the Barclay’s Capital Long Treasury.
(q) This category invests primarily in long dated U.S. Treasury STRIPS often with maturities greater than 20 years. The
strategy and its underlying passive investments are benchmarked to the Barclays Capital U.S. 20+ Year STRIPS Index.
(r) This category invests primarily in fixed income securities from issuers either located in developing/emerging markets or
those rated below investment grade (high yield), globally. The strategy is benchmarked to a blended index of 50% JP
Morgan Government Bond Index Emerging Markets Global Diversified and 50% Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Global
High Yield Index.
There are no investments in CONSOL Energy stock held by these plans at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
There are no assets in the other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Cash Flows:
If necessary, CONSOL Energy intends to contribute to the pension trust using prudent funding methods. However, the
Company does not expect to contribute to the pension plan trust in 2015. Pension benefit payments are primarily funded from the
trust. CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the other postemployment plan in 2015 and intends to pay benefit claims
as they are due.
The following benefit payments, reflecting expected future service, are expected to be paid:
Pension
Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
$
$
$
$
$
59,425
50,145
49,854
50,951
52,457
Year 2020-2024 $
263,337
$
$
$
$
$
$
57,279
57,336
57,180
56,691
56,007
200,261
NOTE 17—COAL WORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS (CWP) AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION:
CONSOL Energy is responsible under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, for medical and
disability benefits to employees and their dependents resulting from occurrences of coal workers' pneumoconiosis disease.
CONSOL Energy is also responsible under various state statutes for pneumoconiosis benefits. CONSOL Energy primarily provides
for these claims through a self-insurance program. The calculation of the actuarial present value of the estimated pneumoconiosis
obligation is based on an annual actuarial study by independent actuaries and uses assumptions regarding disability incidence,
medical costs, indemnity levels, mortality, death benefits, dependents and interest rates which are derived from actual company
experience and outside sources. Recent legislative changes have not been favorable for CWP. Although these changes have not
had a significant impact on the liability, CONSOL has noticed an increase in claims. Actuarial gains or losses can result from
differences in incident rates and severity of claims filed as compared to original assumptions.
CONSOL Energy must also compensate individuals who sustain employment-related physical injuries or some types of
occupational diseases and, on some occasions, for costs of their rehabilitation. Workers' compensation laws will also compensate
survivors of workers who suffer employment-related deaths. Workers' compensation laws are administered by state agencies with
each state having its own set of rules and regulations regarding compensation that is owed to an employee that is injured in the
course of employment. CONSOL Energy primarily provides for these claims through a self-insurance program. CONSOL Energy
recognizes an actuarial present value of the estimated workers' compensation obligation calculated by independent actuaries. The
calculation is based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported as well as various assumptions, including
discount rate, future healthcare trend rate, benefit duration and recurrence of injuries. Actuarial losses associated with workers'
compensation have resulted from discount rate changes and differences in claims experience and incident rates as compared to
prior assumptions.
On December 5, 2013, CONSOL Energy completed the CCC Sale, in connection with which the obligations for certain
participants of the CWP and Workers' Compensation plans were transferred to Murray Energy. These plan settlements reduced
CONSOL Energy's CWP and Workers' Compensation liabilities by $49,652 and $105,308, respectively at December 31, 2013 and
resulted in adjustments of $43,892 and $13,768 in Other Comprehensive Income, net of $26,337 and $8,262 in deferred taxes for
142
CWP and Workers' Compensation, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The settlements were included in the results of discontinued
operations.
CWP
at December 31,
Workers' Compensation
at December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
$
121,183
$
184,079
$
85,096
$
179,589
State administrative fees and insurance bond
premiums
Service, legal and administrative cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Settlements
Benefit obligation at end of period
Current assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net obligation recognized
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income consist of:
Net actuarial gain
Net amount recognized (before tax effect)
$
$
$
$
$
—
5,674
5,537
5,578
(11,874)
—
126,098
$
—
8,168
7,031
(18,020)
(10,423)
(49,652)
121,183
$
— $
— $
(9,156)
(116,942)
(126,098) $
(9,211)
(111,972)
(121,183) $
3,352
9,781
3,577
3,805
(15,523)
(347)
89,741
$
$
1,327
(15,122)
(75,946)
(89,741) $
5,324
15,943
6,401
11,806
(28,659)
(105,308)
85,096
1,386
(15,014)
(71,468)
(85,096)
(68,588) $
(68,588) $
(80,363) $
(80,363) $
(9,382) $
(9,382) $
(13,569)
(13,569)
143
The components of the net periodic cost (credit) are as follows:
CWP
For the Years Ended
December 31,
Workers’ Compensation
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2014
$
5,674
$
8,168
$
7,711
$
9,781
$
2013
15,943
2012
17,126
$
5,537
—
(6,196)
7,031
—
(16,384)
7,964
(395)
(19,338)
3,577
—
(382)
6,401
—
(2,630)
7,113
—
(3,944)
Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized net actuarial gain
State administrative fees and insurance
bond premiums
Settlement gain
Net periodic cost (credit)
$
5,015
—
—
—
(119,881)
$ (121,066) $
—
—
(4,058) $
3,352
—
16,328
5,324
(121,838)
$ (96,800) $
6,727
—
27,022
Including settlements and curtailments associated with the CCC Sale, expenses (income) attributable to discontinued
operations included in the net periodic cost (credit) were $(120,496), and $(2,374), respectively, for CWP and $(113,097) and
$10,132, respectively, for Workers' Compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012. No amounts were included
in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Following are amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be recognized in 2015
net periodic benefit costs:
Actuarial gain recognition
CWP
Benefits
Workers'
Compensation
Benefits
$
(5,576) $
(30)
CONSOL Energy utilizes a corridor approach to amortize actuarial gains and losses that have been accumulated under the
Workers’ Compensation and CWP plans. Cumulative gains and losses that are in excess of 10% of the greater of either the estimated
liability or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the expected average remaining future service of the current
active membership of the Workers’ Compensation and CWP plans.
Assumptions:
The weighted-average discount rates used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic cost (benefit) are as follows:
Benefit obligations
Net periodic cost (benefit)
CWP
For the Years Ended
December 31,
Workers' Compensation
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2014
4.21%
4.75%
2013
4.75%
4.03%
2012
4.03%
4.46%
2014
3.84%
4.57%
2013
4.57%
3.95%
2012
3.95%
4.40%
Discount rates are determined using a Company-specific yield curve model (above-mean) developed with the assistance of
an external actuary. The Company-specific yield curve models (above-mean) use a subset of the expanded bond universe to
determine the Company-specific discount rate. Bonds used in the yield curve are rated AA by Moody's or Standard & Poor's as
of the measurement date. The yield curve models parallel the plans' projected cash flows, and the underlying cash flows of the
bonds included in the models exceed the cash flows needed to satisfy the Company's plans.
Assumed discount rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for both CWP costs and Workers' Compensation
costs. A one-quarter percentage point change in assumed discount rate would have the following effect on benefit costs:
144
CWP costs (decrease) increase
Workers' compensation costs (decrease) increase
Cash Flows:
0.25 Percentage
0.25 Percentage
Point Increase
Point Decrease
$
$
(134) $
(95) $
138
102
CONSOL Energy does not intend to make contributions to the CWP or Workers' Compensation plans in 2015, but it intends
to pay benefit claims as they become due.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future claims as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
Workers' Compensation
CWP
Total
Benefits
Benefits
Actuarial
Benefits
Other
Benefits
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
$
$
$
$
$
9,156
7,483
6,802
6,402
6,207
Year 2020-2024 $
29,376
$
$
$
$
$
$
17,101
17,027
17,123
17,287
17,443
91,222
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,795
13,639
13,650
13,727
13,794
71,563
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,306
3,388
3,473
3,560
3,649
19,659
NOTE 18—OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
UMWA Benefit Trusts:
The Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (the Act) created two multi-employer benefit plans: (1) the United
Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund (the Combined Fund) into which the former UMWA Benefit Trusts were
merged, and (2) the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan (1992 Benefit Plan). In connection with the sale of
Consolidation Coal Company and certain subsidiaries, CONSOL Energy retained responsibility for the contributions to these two
funds. CONSOL Energy accounts for required contributions to these multi-employer trusts as expense when incurred.
The Combined Fund provides medical and death benefits for all beneficiaries of the former UMWA Benefit Trusts who were
actually receiving benefits as of July 20, 1992. The 1992 Benefit Plan provides medical and death benefits to orphan UMWA-
represented members eligible for retirement on February 1, 1993, and for those who retired between July 20, 1992 and
September 30, 1994. The Act provides for the assignment of beneficiaries to former employers and the allocation of unassigned
beneficiaries (referred to as orphans) to companies using a formula set forth in the Act. The Act requires that responsibility for
funding the benefits to be paid to beneficiaries be assigned to their former signatory employers or related companies. This cost
is recognized when contributions are assessed. CONSOL Energy's total contributions under the Act were $10,121, $11,435, and
$12,358 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Based on available information at December 31,
2014, CONSOL Energy's obligation for the Act is estimated to be approximately $110,864.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Relief and Healthcare Act of 2006 (The 2006 Act) and the 1992 Benefit Plan, CONSOL
Energy is required to provide security in an amount based on the annual cost of providing health care benefits for all individuals
receiving benefits from the 1992 Benefit Plan who are attributable to CONSOL Energy, plus all individuals receiving benefits
from an individual employer plan maintained by CONSOL Energy who are entitled to receive such benefits. In accordance with
the terms of the 2006 Act and the 1992 Benefit Plan, CONSOL Energy must secure its obligations by posting letters of credit,
which were $21,394, $60,741, and $63,614 at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2014, 2013 and 2012 security
amounts were based on the annual cost of providing health care benefits and included a reduction in the number of eligible
employees. The 2014 security amount also reflects the further reduction in the number of eligible individuals receiving benefits
from CONSOL Energy's individual employer plan as the result of the CCC Sale, in connection with which the Company's obligation
for certain participants was transferred to Murray Energy.
145
Equity Incentive Plans:
CONSOL Energy has an equity incentive plan that provides grants of stock-based awards to key employees and to non-
employee directors. See Note 19–Stock Based Compensation for further discussion of CONSOL Energy's equity incentive plans.
Investment Plan:
CONSOL Energy has an investment plan available to all domestic, non-represented employees. Throughout the year ended
December 31, 2014, the Company's matching contribution was 6% of eligible compensation contributed for all non-represented
employees, except for those employees of Fairmont Supply Company, whose contribution was a match of 50% of the first 12%
of eligible compensation contributed by the employee. Total payments and costs were $21,606, $23,748, and $24,127 for the
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In conjunction with the qualified pension plan changes, beginning January 1, 2015, the Company will contribute an additional
3% of eligible compensation into the 401(k) plan accounts for employees hired or rehired on or after October 1, 2014 or who were
under age 40 or who had less than 10 years of service with the Company as of September 30, 2014.
Long-Term Disability:
CONSOL Energy has a Long-Term Disability Plan available to all eligible full-time salaried employees. The benefits for
this plan are based on a percentage of monthly earnings, offset by all other income benefits available to the disabled.
Benefit cost (credit)
Discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic benefit costs
$ 2,213
$
3.53%
(687)
3.04%
December 31,
2013
2014
2012
$ 6,122
3.62%
For the Years Ended
Expenses attributable to discontinued operations included in the net periodic cost (credit) above were $2,073 and $1,816
for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Liabilities incurred under the Long-Term Disability Plan are included in Other Accrued Liabilities and Deferred Credits and
Other Liabilities–Other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. and amounted to a combined total of $22,427 and $20,425 at
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a result of the CCC Sale, the obligations for certain participants of the Long-Term
Disability plan now belong to Murray Energy. This was accounted for as a plan settlement and resulted in an adjustment at
December 31, 2013 of $1,338 in Other Comprehensive Income, which is net of $803 in deferred taxes. It also reduced CONSOL
Energy's Long-Term Disability liability by $10,140 at December 31, 2013.
2012 Voluntary Severance Incentive Program (VSIP):
CONSOL Energy offered a VSIP to active salaried corporate and operation support employees with 30 years of service, or
more. Under this program, eligible employees who accepted the offer received a severance payment equal to one year's salary and
any 2013 accrued vacation earned as of December 31, 2012. Approximately 100 employees volunteered for the program. Severance
and vacation pay costs of $13,304 were accrued for the program at December 31, 2012, all of which was paid in 2013.
NOTE 19—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
CONSOL Energy adopted the CONSOL Energy Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Incentive Plan) on April 7, 1999.
The Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock-based awards to key employees and to non-employee directors. Amendments
to the Equity Incentive Plan have been approved by the Board of Directors since the commencement of the plan. Most recently,
in May 2012, the Board of Directors approved an 8,000,000 increase to the total number of shares available for issuance, which
brought the total number of shares of common stock that can be covered by grants to 31,800,000. At December 31, 2014, 4,367,713
shares of common stock remain available for all awards. The Equity Incentive Plan provides that the aggregate number of shares
available for issuance will be reduced by one share for each share issued in settlement of stock options and by 1.62 for each share
issued in settlement of Performance Share Units (PSUs), Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), or CONSOL Stock Units (CSUs). No
award of stock options may be exercised under the Equity Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the
award.
For only those shares expected to vest, CONSOL Energy recognizes stock-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis
over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term, or to an employee's eligible retirement date, if
earlier and applicable. Awards vest immediately if granted to retiree-eligible employees who are aged 62 and older. Awards vest
146
at the end of one year when granted to employees aged 55 to 62 and who have also completed ten years of service. Awards vest
over a three year term at 33% per year to all other employees. The vesting of all awards will accelerate in the event of death and
disability and may accelerate upon a change in control of CONSOL Energy. See each specific award section for special vesting
terms related to non-employee directors and other specific awards. The total stock-based compensation expense recognized during
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $41,877, $56,987 and $41,127, respectively. The related deferred tax
benefit totaled $15,243, $21,769 and $15,464, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy has $21,738 of unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested stock-
based compensation awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.89 years. When stock options
are exercised and restricted and performance stock unit awards become vested, the issuances are made from CONSOL Energy's
common stock shares.
Stock Options:
CONSOL Energy did not grant stock option awards during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. The last awards
were granted during 2012, at which time CONSOL Energy examined its historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to
determine if there were any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee populations. From this analysis, CONSOL
Energy identified two distinct employee populations and used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the options for
each of the employee populations. The expected term computation presented in the table below is based upon a weighted average
of the historical exercise patterns and post-vesting termination behavior of the two populations. The risk-free interest rate was
determined for each vesting tranche of an award based upon the calculated yield on U.S. Treasury obligations for the expected
term of the award. The expected forfeiture rate is based upon historical forfeiture activity. A combination of historical and implied
volatility is used to determine expected volatility and future stock price trends. The total fair value of options granted during the
year ended December 31, 2012 was $8,515, based on the following assumptions and weighted average fair values:
Weighted average fair value of grants
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected forfeiture rate
Expected volatility
Expected term in years
A summary of the status of stock options granted is presented below:
$
December 31,
2012
14.58
0.73%
1.18%
2.00%
54.80%
4.40
Weighted
Average
Balance at December 31, 2013
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2014
Vested and expected to vest
Exercisable at December 31, 2014
Weighted Remaining Aggregate
Intrinsic
Average Contractual
Exercise
Price
Term (in
years)
Value (in
thousands)
Shares
4,777,226
$
— $
(725,027) $
(9,170) $
4,043,029
4,032,198
3,896,403
$
$
$
38.12
—
20.70
36.89
41.24
41.26
41.43
3.72
3.71
3.60
$
$
$
37,900
37,900
37,529
At December 31, 2014, there are 3,912,402 stock options outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plan. Additionally, there
are 100,066 fully vested employee stock options outstanding which vested under terms ranging from six months to one year. Non-
employee director stock options vested 33% per year, beginning one year after the grant date. There are 30,561 fully vested stock
options outstanding under these grants.
147
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between CONSOL
Energy's closing stock price on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 2014 and the option's exercise price, multiplied
by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their
options on December 31, 2014. This amount varies based on the fair market value of CONSOL Energy's stock. The total intrinsic
value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14,545, $6,820 and $18,562, respectively.
Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $15,011, $3,720 and $8,383,
respectively. The tax impact from option exercises totaled $2,629, $2,929, and $8,678, for the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013 and 2012, respectively. This excess tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows.
Restricted Stock Units:
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, CONSOL Energy grants certain employees and non-employee directors restricted stock
unit awards, which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests. Non-employee director restricted stock units
vest at the end of one year. In 2014, restricted stock units were granted that will vest over a five year period unless certain market
conditions are met, in which the award will accelerate. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the units,
described above. The total fair value of restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
was $31,360, $20,687 and $26,426, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $15,686, $37,002 and $23,097, respectively. The following represents the nonvested
restricted stock units and their corresponding fair value (based upon the closing share price) at the date of grant:
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2014
Performance Share Units:
Number of Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
881,570
833,390
(425,107)
(41,662)
1,248,191
$35.95
$37.63
$36.90
$35.71
$36.76
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, CONSOL Energy grants certain employees performance share unit awards, which entitle
the holder to shares of common stock subject to the achievement of certain market and performance goals. Compensation expense
is recognized over the performance measurement period of the units in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation
Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for awards with market and performance vesting conditions. At
December 31, 2014, achievement of the market and performance goals is believed to be probable. The total fair value of performance
share units granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11,853, $1,270 and $16,794, respectively.
The total fair value of performance share units vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $18,759,
$10,899 and $7,312, respectively. The following represents the nonvested performance share units and their corresponding fair
value (based upon the closing share price) on the date of grant:
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
Granted
Vested
Nonvested at December 31, 2014
Performance Options:
Number of Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
583,480
276,098
(378,971)
480,607
$38.19
$42.93
$49.50
$31.99
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, CONSOL Energy granted certain employees performance options, which entitled the holder
to shares of common stock subject to the achievement of certain performance goals. Compensation expense was recognized over
the vesting period of the options, described above. The annual goals for the performance options included a gas cost goal and a
gas production goal, both of which were met at December 31, 2014. Achievement of the gas production goal for the year ended
December 31, 2012 did not occur and resulted in a reversal of compensation expense of $1,671 for the year ended December 31,
148
2012. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was used to value each tranche separately. The total fair value of performance
options vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4,949, $1,650 and $6,599, respectively. No
performance stock options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014. All of the performance options vested and
the following represents their corresponding fair value (based upon the closing share price) at the date of grant:
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
Vested
Nonvested at December 31, 2014
CONSOL Stock Unit:
Number of Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
301,063
(301,063)
—
$16.44
$16.44
$16.44
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, CONSOL Energy granted certain employees CONSOL Stock Unit Awards, which entitled
the holder to shares of common stock subject to the achievement of certain market and performance goals. Compensation expense
was recognized over the performance measurement period of the units in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation
Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for awards with market and performance vesting conditions. CONSOL
Energy used the Monte Carlo methodology to estimate the fair value of the CONSOL Stock Units. At December 31, 2014, the
achievement of the market and performance goals is believed to be probable. The total fair value of CONSOL Stock Units granted
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $189 and $28,381, respectively. The following represents the nonvested
CONSOL Stock Unit awards and their corresponding fair value (based upon the closing share price) at the date of grant:
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
Granted
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2014
Number of Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
833,553
4,700
(18,701)
819,552
$33.70
$40.18
$33.70
$33.74
NOTE 20—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
The following are non-cash transactions that impact the investing and financing activities of CONSOL Energy. For non-
cash transactions that relate to acquisitions and dispositions, see Note 2 - Discontinued Operations and Note - 3 Acquisitions and
Dispositions.
CONSOL Energy obtains capital lease arrangements for company-used vehicles. For the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013 and 2012, CONSOL Energy entered into non-cash capital lease arrangements of $1,572, $4,178, and $3,583, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, CONSOL Energy purchased goods and services related to capital projects in the
amount of $74,292, $40,870 and $63,051, respectively, that are included in accounts payable.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, CONSOL Energy entered into a promissory note for $6,236 with the lessor of
its former headquarters to replace the existing operating lease.
The following table shows cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
Income taxes
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
233,631
$
(81,962) $
209,580
35,079
$
$
212,364
121,245
149
NOTE 21—CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS:
CONSOL Energy markets natural gas primarily to gas wholesalers, thermal coal principally to electric utilities in the United
States, Canada and Western Europe and metallurgical coal to steel and coke producers worldwide.
Concentration of credit risk is summarized below:
Thermal coal utilities
Steel and coke producers
Coal brokers and distributors
Gas wholesalers
Various other
$
Total Accounts Receivable Trade (including Accounts Receivable—Securitized)
$
December 31,
2014
2013
85,527
10,043
41,983
117,985
4,279
259,817
$
$
154,738
10,963
52,233
71,441
43,199
332,574
Accounts receivable from thermal coal utilities and steel and coke producers include amounts sold under the accounts
receivable securitization facility. See Note 10–Accounts Receivable Securitization for further discussion. Credit is extended
based on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition, and generally collateral is not required. Credit losses have been
consistently minimal.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, coal sales to Duke Energy were $394,849 and coal sales to Xcoal Energy
Resources were $344,617, each of which comprised over 10% of the Company's revenues.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, coal sales to Xcoal Energy Resources were $495,242 and coal sales to Duke
Energy were $346,424, each of which comprised over 10% of the Company's revenues.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, coal sales to Xcoal Energy Resources were $382,843, which was over 10% of
the Company's revenues.
NOTE 22—FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
CONSOL Energy determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received
for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use
when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs
to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.
Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources (including NYMEX forward curves, LIBOR-based
discount rates and basis forward curves), while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions of what market
participants would use.
The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below.
Level One - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level Two - The fair value of the assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are based on standard industry income
approach models that use significant observable inputs, including NYMEX forward curves, LIBOR-based discount rates and
basis forward curves.
Level Three - Unobservable inputs significant to the fair value measurement supported by little or no market activity. The
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's third party guarantees are the credit risk
of the third party and the third party surety bond markets. A significant increase or decrease in these values, in isolation, would
have a directionally similar effect resulting in higher or lower fair value measurement of the Company's Level 3 guarantees.
In those cases when the inputs used to measure fair value meet the definition of more than one level of the fair value
hierarchy, the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its totality determines the applicable level in
the fair value hierarchy.
150
The financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
Description
Gas Derivatives
Murray Energy Guarantees
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2014
Level 2
Level 1
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2013
Level 2
Level 1
Level 3
$
$
— $ 193,069
$
— $
— $
— $
1,275
$
— $
— $
65,449
$
—
— $
3,000
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value for which the fair value option was not
elected:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents
approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Long-term debt: The fair value of long-term debt is measured using unadjusted quoted market prices or estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses. The discounted cash flow analyses are based on current market rates for instruments with
similar cash flows.
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments for which the fair value option was not elected are as
follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Long-Term Debt
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Carrying
Amount
$
176,989
$ 3,241,474
Fair
Value
$
176,989
$ 3,169,154
Carrying
Amount
$
327,420
$ 3,118,920
Fair
Value
$
327,420
$ 3,299,875
Cash and cash equivalents represent highly-liquid instruments and constitute Level 1 fair value measurements. Certain of the
Company’s debt is actively traded on a public market and, as a result, constitute Level 1 fair value measurements. The portion of the
Company’s debt obligations that are not actively traded are valued through reference to the applicable underlying benchmark rate
and, as a result, constitute Level 2 fair value measurements.
NOTE 23—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:
CONSOL Energy enters into financial derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price volatility. CONSOL
Energy derivatives that meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, reflect changes in their fair values in Other Comprehensive
Income.
CONSOL Energy’s derivative instruments that qualified for cash flow hedge accounting are for a total notional amount of
production of 215.9 billion cubic feet. On December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy de-designated all of its cash flow hedges and
will account for all existing and future gas commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis with changes in fair value recorded in
current period earnings. In connection with this change, CONSOL Energy froze the balances recorded in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income at December 31, 2014 and will reclassify balances to earnings as the underlying physical transactions
occur, unless it is no longer probable that the physical transaction will occur at which time the related OCI will be immediately
recorded in earnings. The gross fair value of CONSOL Energy's derivative instruments that were de-designated from cash flow
hedge treatment on December 31, 2014 was an asset of $192,332, of which $123,676 was included in Prepaid Expense and $68,656
which was included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. CONSOL Energy expects to reclassify $78,051 out of
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income
during the year ending December 31, 2015.
In November 2014, CONSOL Energy entered into basis only swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting. The swaps
were entered into to decrease the risk related to pricing differences between local markets and NYMEX. At December 31, 2014,
the fair values of these swaps, which were for notional amounts of 10.6 billion cubic feet, were $1,064 that was recorded in Prepaid
Expenses and $327 that was recorded in Other Current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The basis only swaps
resulted in $737 being recorded in Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income during the year
ending December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2013 the gross fair values of CONSOL Energy's derivative instruments resulted in assets of $83,661 and
liabilities of $18,212. The total assets were comprised of $59,605 that were recorded in Prepaid Expense and $24,056 which were
included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total liabilities were comprised of $12,327 which were recorded
151
in Other Accrued Liabilities and $5,885 which were included Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years
ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, no gains were reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges.
The effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, net of tax, were as follows:
Natural Gas Price Swaps and Options
Beginning Balance – Accumulated OCI
Gain recognized in Accumulated OCI
Less: Gain reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Outside Sales
Ending Balance – Accumulated OCI
Gain (Loss) recognized in Outside Sales for ineffectiveness
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
$
$
$
$
42,493 $
97,316 $
18,288 $
121,521 $
4,168 $
76,761 $
45,631 $
79,899 $
42,493 $
(4,645) $
151,780
114,240
189,259
76,761
579
There were no amounts recognized in earnings related to the amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge
effectiveness in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
NOTE 24—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal
injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental
remediation, employment and contract disputes and other claims and actions arising out of the normal course of business. We
accrue the estimated loss for these lawsuits and claims when the loss is probable and can be estimated. Our current estimated
accruals related to these pending claims, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial to the financial position, results of
operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy. It is possible that the aggregate loss in the future with respect to these lawsuits and
claims could ultimately be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy; however,
such amounts cannot be reasonably estimated. The amount claimed against CONSOL Energy is disclosed below when an amount
is expressly stated in the lawsuit or claim, which is not often the case. The maximum aggregate amount claimed in those lawsuits
and claims, regardless of probability, where a claim is expressly stated or can be estimated, exceeds the aggregate amounts accrued
for all lawsuits and claims by approximately $388,986.
The following lawsuits and claims include those for which a loss is probable and an accrual has been recognized.
Hale Litigation: This class action lawsuit was filed on September 23, 2010 in the U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Virginia.
The putative class consists of forced-pooled unleased gas owners whose ownership of the coalbed methane (CBM) gas was declared
to be in conflict with rights of others. The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration of ownership of the CBM and damages based on
allegations CNX Gas Company failed to either pay royalties due to conflicting claimants, or deemed lessors or paid them less than
required because of the alleged practice of improper below market sales and/or taking alleged improper post-production deductions.
On September 30, 2013, the District Judge entered an Order certifying the class, and CNX Gas Company appealed the Order to
the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. On August 19, 2014, the Fourth Circuit agreed with CNX Gas Company, reversed the
Order certifying the class and remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with the decision. CONSOL
Energy continues to believe this action cannot properly proceed as a class action in any form, believes the case has meritorious
defenses, and intends to defend it vigorously. We have established an accrual to cover our estimated liability for this case. This
accrual is immaterial to the overall financial position of CONSOL Energy and is included in Other Accrued Liabilities on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Addison Litigation: This class action lawsuit was filed on April 28, 2010 in the United States District Court in Abingdon,
Virginia. The putative class consists of gas lessors whose gas ownership is in conflict. The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration
of ownership of the CBM and damages based on the allegations that CNX Gas Company failed to either pay royalties due these
conflicting claimant lessors or paid them less than required because of the alleged practice of improper below market sales and/
or taking alleged improper post-production deductions. On September 30, 2013, the District Judge entered an Order certifying
the class, and CNX Gas Company appealed the Order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. On August 19, 2014,
the Fourth Circuit agreed with CNX Gas Company, reversed the Order certifying the class and remanded the case to the trial court
for further proceedings consistent with the decision. CONSOL Energy continues to believe this action cannot properly proceed
as a class action in any form, believes the case has meritorious defenses, and intends to defend it vigorously. We have established
152
an accrual to cover our estimated liability for this case. This accrual is immaterial to the overall financial position of CONSOL
Energy and was included in Other Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following royalty and land right lawsuits and claims include those for which a loss is reasonably possible, but not
probable, and accordingly, no accrual has been recognized. These claims are influenced by many factors which prevent the
estimation of a range of potential loss. These factors include, but are not limited to, generalized allegations of unspecified damages
(such as improper deductions), discovery having not commenced or not having been completed, unavailability of expert reports
on damages and non-monetary issues are being tried. For example, in instances where a gas lease termination is sought, damages
would depend on speculation as to if and when the gas production would otherwise have occurred, how many wells would have
been drilled on the lease premises, what their production would be, what the cost of production would be, and what the price of
gas would be during the production period. An estimate is calculated, if applicable, when sufficient information becomes available.
Ratliff Litigation: On January 30, 2013, the Company was served with a complaint filed on behalf of four individuals against
Consolidation Coal Company (CCC), Island Creek Coal Company (ICCC), CNX Gas Company, as well as CONSOL Energy itself
in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief in
connection with the deposit of water from mining activities at the Buchanan Mine into nearby void spaces at some of the mines
of ICCC, voids ostensibly underlying their property. The suit alleges damage to coal and coalbed methane and seeks recovery in
tort, contract and assumpsit (quasi-contract). The suit seeks damages of approximately $50,000 plus punitive damages. The
defendants have asserted Virginia's Mine Void Statute as a defense to plaintiffs’ claims and the plaintiffs have challenged the
constitutionality of that statute. Discovery is ongoing. CONSOL Energy intends to vigorously defend the suit.
Kennedy Litigation: The Company is a party to a case filed on March 26, 2008 captioned Earl Kennedy (and others) v. CNX
Gas Company and CONSOL Energy in the Court of Common Pleas of Greene County, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges that
CNX Gas Company and CONSOL Energy trespassed and converted gas and other minerals allegedly belonging to the plaintiffs
in connection with wells drilled by CNX Gas Company. The complaint, as amended, seeks injunctive relief, including removing
CNX Gas Company from the property, and compensatory damages of $20,000. The suit also sought to overturn existing law as
to the ownership of coalbed methane in Pennsylvania, but that claim was dismissed by the court. The suit further sought a
determination that the Pittsburgh 8 coal seam does not include the “roof/rider” coal. The court held a bench trial on the “roof/
rider” coal issue in November 2011 and ruled in favor of CNX Gas Company and CONSOL Energy. On March 3, 2014, the
Company won summary judgment on Counts 1 through 10 of the Amended Complaint, each relating to the alleged trespass of
horizontal CBM wells into strata other than the Pittsburgh 8 Seam. The last remaining Count, seeking to quiet title to approximately
40 acres of Pittsburgh Seam coal, was nonsuited by Plaintiffs, without prejudice, on March 26, 2014. On March 28, 2014, Plaintiffs
filed Notices of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Superior Court. The appeal is fully briefed, and a panel of the Superior Court heard
argument on December 10, 2014.
Rowland Litigation: Rowland Land Company filed a complaint in May 2011 against CONSOL Energy, CNX Gas Company,
Dominion Resources Inc., and EQT Production Company (EQT) in Raleigh County Circuit Court, West Virginia. Rowland is the
lessor on a 33,000 acre oil and gas lease in southern West Virginia. EQT was the original lessee, but farmed out the development
of the lease to Dominion Resources in exchange for an overriding royalty. Dominion Resources sold the indirect subsidiary that
held the lease to a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy on April 30, 2010. Subsequent to that acquisition, the subsidiary that held the
lease was merged into CNX Gas Company as part of an internal reorganization. Rowland alleges that (i) Dominion Resources'
sale of the subsidiary to CONSOL Energy was a change in control that required its consent under the terms of the farmout agreement
and lease, and/or (ii) the subsequent merger of the subsidiary into CNX Gas Company was an assignment that required its consent
under the lease. The parties have recently reached a settlement in principle of this matter, which will be dismissed with prejudice.
At December 31, 2014, CONSOL Energy has provided the following financial guarantees, unconditional purchase obligations
and letters of credit to certain third parties, as described by major category in the following table. These amounts represent the
maximum potential total of future payments that we could be required to make under these instruments. These amounts have not
been reduced for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. Generally, recoveries under reclamation bonds
would be limited to the extent of the work performed at the time of the default. No amounts related to these financial guarantees
and letters of credit are recorded as liabilities on the financial statements. CONSOL Energy management believes that these
guarantees will expire without being funded, and therefore the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on financial
condition.
153
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Total
Amounts
Committed
Less Than
1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
Beyond
5 Years
Letters of Credit:
Employee-Related
Environmental
Other
Total Letters of Credit
Surety Bonds:
Employee-Related
Environmental
Other
Total Surety Bonds
Guarantees:
Coal
Other
Total Guarantees
$
$
150,042
5,509
149,097
304,648
223,579
598,877
24,437
846,893
133,600
61,571
195,171
124,536
5,509
141,337
271,382
223,579
598,877
24,436
846,892
100,200
34,974
135,174
$
$
25,506
—
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33,266
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
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8,822
42,222
—
—
—
—
—
8,367
8,367
Total Commitments
$ 1,346,712
$ 1,253,448
$
75,488
$
8,367
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
1
—
9,408
9,408
9,409
Included in the above table are commitments and guarantees entered into in conjunction with the sale of CCC and certain
of its subsidiaries, which contain all five of its longwall coal mines in West Virginia, and its river operations to a subsidiary of
Murray Energy Corporation (Murray Energy). As part of the sales agreement, CONSOL Energy has guaranteed certain equipment
lease obligations and coal sales agreements that were assumed by Murray Energy. In the event that Murray Energy would default
on the obligations defined in the agreements, CONSOL Energy would be required to perform under the guarantees. If CONSOL
Energy would be required to perform, the stock purchase agreement provides various recourse actions. At December 31, 2014,
the fair value of these guarantees was $1,275 and were included in Other Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The fair value of certain guarantees was determined using CONSOL Energy’s risk adjusted interest rate. Significant increases or
decreases in the risk-adjusted interest rates may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Coal sales
agreement guarantees were valued based on an evaluation of coal market pricing compared to contracted sales price and includes
an adjustment for nonperformance risk. No other amounts related to financial guarantees and letters of credit are recorded as
liabilities in the financial statements. Significant judgment is required in determining the fair value of these guarantees. The
guarantees of the leases and sales agreements are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
CONSOL Energy regularly evaluates the likelihood of default for all guarantees based on an expected loss analysis and
records the fair value, if any, of its guarantees as an obligation in the consolidated financial statements.
CONSOL Energy and CNX Gas enter into long-term unconditional purchase obligations to procure major equipment
purchases, natural gas firm transportation, gas drilling services and other operating goods and services. These purchase obligations
are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2014, the purchase obligations for each of the next five
years and beyond were as follows:
Obligations Due
Less than 1 year
1 - 3 years
3 - 5 years
More than 5 years
Total Purchase Obligations
Amount
250,471
338,312
181,608
455,414
1,225,805
$
$
154
NOTE 25—SEGMENT INFORMATION:
CONSOL Energy consists of two principal business divisions: Exploration and Production (E&P) and Coal. The principal
activity of the E&P division, which includes four reportable segments, is to produce pipeline quality natural gas for sale primarily
to gas wholesalers. The E&P division's reportable segments are Marcellus, Utica, Coalbed Methane, and Other Gas. The Other
Gas segment is primarily related to conventional oil and gas production as well as Upper Devonian Shale, and includes the
Company's purchased gas activities and general and administrative activities, as well as various other activities assigned to the
Gas division but not allocated to each individual well type.
The principal activities of the Coal division are mining, preparation and marketing of thermal coal, sold primarily to power
generators, and metallurgical coal, sold to metal and coke producers. The Coal division includes three reportable segments, which
are Pennsylvania (PA) Operations, Virginia (VA) Operations, and Other Coal. Each of these reportable segments includes a number
of operating segments (which are individual mines or the type of coal sold). For the year ended December 31, 2014, the PA
Operations aggregated segment includes the following mines: Bailey, Enlow Fork, and Harvey Mines and the corresponding
preparation plant facilities. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the VA Operations aggregated segment includes the Buchanan
Mine and the corresponding preparation plant facilities. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Other Coal segment includes,
Miller Creek Complex, coal terminal operations, the Company's purchased coal activities, idled mine activities and general and
administrative activities, as well as various other activities assigned to the Coal division but not allocated to each individual mine.
CONSOL Energy’s All Other division includes industrial supplies (sold December 2014 - See Note 3 - Acquisitions and
Dispositions) and various other corporate expenses that are not allocated to the E&P or Coal segment.
In the preparation of the following information, intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market.
Operating profit for each segment is based on sales less identifiable operating and non-operating expenses. Assets are reflected at
the division level for E&P and are not allocated between each individual E&P segment. These assets are not allocated to each
individual segment due to the diverse asset base controlled by CONSOL Energy, whereby each individual asset may service more
than one segment within the division. An allocation of such asset base would not be meaningful or representative on a segment
by segment basis.
155
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Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Amounts:
Revenue and Other Income:
Total segment sales and freight from external customers
$
3,476,100
$
3,120,722
$
3,282,350
Other income not allocated to segments (Note 4)
Gain on sale of assets
207,103
43,601
111,483
67,480
113,170
282,006
Total Consolidated Revenue and Other Income
$
3,726,804
$
3,299,685
$
3,677,526
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Earnings Before Income Taxes:
Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes for total reportable business
segments
Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes for all other businesses
Interest (expense), net (I)
Evaluation fees for non-core asset dispositions (I)
Loss on debt extinguishment
Other non-operating activity (I)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
Total Assets:
Segment assets for total reportable business segments
Segment assets for all other businesses
Items excluded from segment assets:
Cash and other investments (I)
Recoverable income taxes
Deferred tax assets
Bond issuance costs
Total Consolidated Assets
_________________________
(I) Excludes amounts specifically related to the gas segment.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2012
2013
2014
$
$
597,161
(32,821)
(223,564)
(9,785)
(95,267)
(52,600)
183,124
$
$
342,779
(17,201)
(219,198)
(15,168)
—
(45,137)
46,075
$
$
648,016
26,194
(220,042)
(6,584)
—
(40,897)
406,687
December 31,
2014
$ 11,471,946
15,089
2013
$ 10,682,752
132,487
147,210
20,401
66,569
38,315
321,992
10,705
211,303
34,428
$ 11,759,530
$ 11,393,667
159
Enterprise-Wide Disclosures:
CONSOL Energy's Revenues by geographical location (J):
United States
Europe
South America
Canada
Other
$
For the Years Ended December 31,
$
$
2014
3,354,581
91,340
21,685
8,494
—
2013
2,999,674
83,878
29,787
3,575
3,808
2012
2,898,341
187,313
169,591
5,692
21,413
Total Revenues and Freight from External Customers (K)
$
3,476,100
$
3,120,722
$
3,282,350
_________________________
(J) CONSOL Energy attributes revenue to individual countries based on the location of the customer.
(K) CONSOL Energy has contractual relationships with certain U.S. based customers who distribute coal to
international markets. The table above reflects the ultimate destination of CONSOL Energy coal.
CONSOL Energy's Property, Plant and Equipment by geographical location are:
United States
Canada
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, net
December 31,
2014
$ 10,151,448
11,024
$ 10,162,472
$
$
2013
9,431,238
11,024
9,442,262
NOTE 26—GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
The payment obligations under the $1,014,800, 8.250% per annum senior notes due April 1, 2020, the $250,000, 6.375% per
annum senior notes due March 1, 2021 and the $1,856,506, 5.875% per annum senior notes due April 15, 2022 issued by CONSOL
Energy are jointly and severally, and also fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy.
In accordance with positions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the following financial information
sets forth separate financial information with respect to the parent, CNX Gas, a guarantor subsidiary, the remaining guarantor
subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The principal elimination entries include investments in subsidiaries and certain
intercompany balances and transactions. CONSOL Energy, the parent, and a guarantor subsidiary manage several assets and
liabilities of all other wholly owned subsidiaries. These include, for example, deferred tax assets, cash and other post-employment
liabilities. These assets and liabilities are reflected as parent company or guarantor company amounts for purposes of this
presentation.
160
Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Revenues and Other Income:
Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales
Coal Sales
Other Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales
Freight-Outside Coal
Miscellaneous Other Income
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets
Total Revenue and Other Income
Costs and Expenses:
Exploration and Production Costs
Lease Operating Expense
Transportation, Gathering and Compression
Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
General and Administrative
Total Exploration and Production Costs
Coal Costs
Operating and Other Costs
Royalties and Production Taxes
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Freight Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
Total Coal Costs
Other Costs
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
Interest Expense
Total Other Costs
Total Costs And Expenses
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax
Income Taxes
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Loss From Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Shareholders
Parent
Issuer
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
— $ 1,030,574
$
— $
— $
(2,457) $ 1,028,117
2,052,166
—
41,255
234,987
—
—
—
—
458,322
—
—
—
91,427
—
67,308
45,917
—
28,148
130,072
(2,337)
—
—
—
—
2,052,166
276,242
91,427
28,148
207,103
43,601
—
—
9,668
(458,267)
21
—
458,322
1,235,226
2,249,304
244,676
(460,724)
3,726,804
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
118,391
258,110
39,418
55,092
314,381
23,356
77,197
86,499
64,047
1,036,491
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23,524
—
—
558
—
—
55,321
79,403
76,124
—
82
95,267
220,068
391,541
470,944
(12,622)
(175,712)
163,090
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,021
9,021
1,328,766
100,890
44,185
254,356
28,148
45,160
—
1,801,505
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,045,512
1,801,505
189,714
66,441
123,273
—
447,799
119,559
328,240
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(12)
—
—
118,391
258,110
39,418
55,092
314,381
23,356
77,185
86,499
64,047
(12)
1,036,479
(2,458)
1,349,832
—
—
—
—
—
—
100,890
44,185
254,914
28,148
45,160
55,321
(2,458)
1,878,450
231,112
788
1,814
—
235
233,949
233,949
10,727
4,059
6,668
(5,687)
—
—
—
—
(5,760)
(5,760)
(8,230)
(452,494)
—
(452,494)
307,236
788
1,896
95,267
223,564
628,751
3,543,680
183,124
14,347
168,777
—
(5,687)
$
163,090
$
123,273
$
328,240
$
981
$ (452,494) $
163,090
161
Balance Sheet for December 31, 2014:
Assets:
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts and Notes Receivable:
Trade
Other Receivables
Inventories
Deferred Income Taxes
Recoverable Income Taxes
Prepaid Expenses
Total Current Assets
Parent
Issuer
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
145,239
$
30,682
$
— $
1,068
$
— $
176,989
—
141,905
—
25,497
—
99,776
79,426
38,418
388,356
117,912
309,247
14,748
(33,207)
(59,025)
129,796
510,153
12,390
87,125
—
—
25,341
124,856
12
—
—
—
—
142,985
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and
Amortization
Total Property, Plant and Equipment-Net
Other Assets:
158,555
8,066,308
6,449,914
108,432
50,123
1,497,569
6,568,739
2,906,304
3,543,610
Investment in Affiliates
Other
Total Other Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Equity:
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
12,571,886
172,884
12,744,770
121,721
71,339
193,060
27,544
33,527
61,071
— (12,568,193)
—
—
— (12,568,193)
$ 13,183,249
$
7,271,952
$
3,729,537
$
142,985
$ (12,568,193) $
11,759,530
$
86,313
$
385,381
$
60,279
$
— $
— $
531,973
Accounts Payable (Recoverable)—Related Parties
4,499,174
182,758
(5,333,209)
(68,873)
720,150
Current Portion Long-Term Debt
Short-Term Notes Payable
Other Accrued Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt:
Long-Term Debt
Capital Lease Obligations
Total Long-Term Debt
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Pneumoconiosis Benefits
Mine Closing
Gas Well Closing
Workers’ Compensation
Salary Retirement
Reclamation
Other
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
2,485
—
119,484
6,602
720,150
172,787
3,929
—
310,701
—
—
—
4,707,456
1,467,678
(4,958,300)
(68,873)
3,123,187
942
3,124,129
—
37,342
37,342
(148,925)
474,517
—
—
—
—
—
109,956
—
61,175
22,206
—
—
—
116,930
—
—
—
94,378
685,825
113,235
1,172
114,407
—
703,680
116,941
306,789
58,439
75,947
—
33,788
2,618
1,298,202
7,275,228
—
(720,150)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total CONSOL Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
5,329,458
5,081,107
211,858
(12,568,193)
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 13,183,249
$
7,271,952
$
3,729,537
$
142,985
$ (12,568,193) $
11,759,530
162
259,817
347,146
101,873
66,569
20,401
193,555
1,166,350
14,674,777
4,512,305
10,162,472
152,958
277,750
430,708
—
13,016
—
602,972
1,147,961
3,236,422
39,456
3,275,878
325,592
703,680
116,941
306,789
175,369
75,947
109,956
33,788
158,171
2,006,233
5,329,458
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing
Operations
Net Cash Used In Discontinued Operating
Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating
Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Parent
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$ (178,921) $
567,851
$
157,211
$
36,902
$
387,663
$
970,706
—
—
—
(33,926)
—
(33,926)
$ (178,921) $
567,851
$
157,211
$
2,976
$
387,663
$
936,780
Capital Expenditures
$
(4,420) $(1,103,656) $ (385,349) $
— $
— $ (1,493,425)
Proceeds From Sales of Assets
Investments in Equity Affiliates
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
(Payments on) Proceeds from
Miscellaneous Borrowings
Payments on Long Term Notes, including
Redemption Premium
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Notes
Tax Benefit from Stock-Based
Compensation
Dividends Paid
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
44,049
—
92,507
85,248
220,267
9,959
13
—
—
—
356,836
95,207
$
39,629
$ (925,901) $ (155,123) $
13
$
— $ (1,041,382)
$
(12,135) $
387,663
$
(7,257) $
(2,630) $ (387,663) $
(22,022)
(1,843,866)
1,859,920
2,629
(57,506)
15,016
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,843,866)
1,859,920
2,629
(57,506)
15,016
—
Other Financing Activities
—
(5,169)
5,169
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
$
(35,942) $
382,494
$
(2,088) $
(2,630) $ (387,663) $
(45,829)
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Parent
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
Net Income (Loss)
$ 163,090
$ 123,273
$ 328,240
$
981
$ (452,494) $
163,090
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability
Adjustments
Net Increase (Decrease) in the Value of Cash
Flow Hedge
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedge from OCI
to Earnings
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to
CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders
94,989
—
94,989
97,316
97,316
—
—
—
(94,989)
94,989
(97,316)
97,316
(18,288)
174,017
(18,288)
79,028
—
94,989
—
18,288
— (174,017)
(18,288)
174,017
$ 337,107
$ 202,301
$ 423,229
$
981
$ (626,511) $
337,107
163
Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2013:
Revenues and Other Income:
Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales
Coal Sales
Other Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales
Freight-Outside Coal
Miscellaneous Other Income
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets
Parent
Issuer
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
— $
741,090
$
— $
— $
(3,389) $
737,701
—
—
—
—
930,481
—
— 2,018,067
—
—
43,364
216,419
69,733
—
36,371
21,000
—
35,438
54,612
46,366
—
—
—
—
2,018,067
259,783
69,733
35,438
111,483
67,480
—
—
20,500
(930,481)
114
—
Total Revenue and Other Income
930,481
868,194
2,197,847
237,033
(933,870)
3,299,685
Costs and Expenses:
Exploration and Production Costs
Lease Operating Expense
Transportation, Gathering and Compression
Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
Production Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
General and Administrative
Total Exploration and Production Costs
Coal Costs
Operating and Other Costs
Royalties and Production Taxes
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Freight Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
Total Coal Costs
Other Costs
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Interest Expense
Total Other Costs
Total Costs And Expenses
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax
Income Taxes
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Income From Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income (Loss)
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Shareholders
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
96,601
201,024
28,676
49,092
231,809
61,104
57,906
95,534
39,047
860,793
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14,743
— 1,174,638
—
—
12,160
—
—
55,802
82,705
139,927
—
697
211,026
351,650
434,355
496,126
(164,316)
660,442
—
660,442
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
102,128
49,018
214,479
35,438
40,047
—
— 1,615,748
—
—
—
8,605
8,605
—
—
—
—
—
869,398
1,615,748
582,099
126,164
455,935
(1,204)
1,420
(2,624)
—
(2,624)
(1,386)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(41)
1
—
(40)
96,601
201,024
28,676
49,092
231,809
61,104
57,865
95,535
39,047
860,753
156,416
1,345,797
—
—
—
—
—
—
102,128
49,018
226,639
35,438
40,047
55,802
156,416
1,854,869
224,706
(49,453)
315,180
936
1,977
47
227,666
227,666
9,367
3,543
5,824
—
—
(480)
(49,933)
936
2,674
219,198
537,988
106,443
3,253,610
(1,040,313)
—
(1,040,313)
46,075
(33,189)
79,264
579,792
659,056
—
579,792
—
455,935
585,616
(1,040,313)
—
—
—
(1,386)
$
660,442
$
(1,238) $
455,935
$
585,616
$(1,040,313) $
660,442
164
Balance Sheet for December 31, 2013:
Assets:
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts and Notes Receivable:
Trade
Notes Receivable
Other Receivables
Inventories
Deferred Income Taxes
Recoverable Income Taxes
Prepaid Expenses
Total Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, Plant and Equipment
Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and
Amortization
Total Property, Plant and Equipment-Net
Other Assets:
Investment in Affiliates
Notes Receivable
Other
Total Other Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Equity:
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
Parent
Issuer
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
320,473
$
6,238
$
— $
709
$
— $
327,420
—
1,238
17,657
—
219,566
(16,262)
43,698
586,370
71,911
—
207,128
15,185
(8,263)
26,967
65,701
384,867
—
24,623
14,969
99,320
—
—
24,915
163,827
260,663
—
4,219
43,409
—
—
1,528
310,528
173,719
6,919,972
6,459,014
25,804
122,022
51,697
1,188,464
5,731,508
2,806,775
3,652,239
18,986
6,818
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,965,054
206,060
125
145,401
12,110,580
—
30,728
236,788
70,222
—
28,831
99,053
— (11,949,661)
—
9,053
9,053
—
—
(11,949,661)
332,574
25,861
243,973
157,914
211,303
10,705
135,842
1,445,592
13,578,509
4,136,247
9,442,262
291,675
125
214,013
505,813
$ 12,748,647
$ 6,353,163
$ 3,915,119
$
326,399
$ (11,949,661) $
11,393,667
$
91,553
$
324,226
$
89,201
$
9,600
$
— $
514,580
Accounts Payable (Recoverable)—Related Parties
4,629,131
Current Portion Long-Term Debt
Short-Term Notes Payable
Other Accrued Liabilities
Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
1,029
—
144,612
—
23,287
6,258
332,487
89,080
—
3,372
—
322,606
—
796
—
9,399
28,239
Total Current Liabilities
4,866,325
775,338
(4,706,548)
184,856
(5,121,727)
136,822
332,487
Long-Term Debt:
Long-Term Debt
Capital Lease Obligations
Total Long-Term Debt
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Pneumoconiosis Benefits
Mine Closing
Gas Well Closing
Workers’ Compensation
Salary Retirement
Reclamation
Other
3,004,213
1,245
3,005,458
—
42,852
42,852
(232,904)
475,547
—
—
—
—
—
48,252
—
55,227
—
—
—
119,429
—
—
—
61,190
656,166
111,750
1,724
113,474
—
961,127
111,971
320,723
56,174
71,136
—
40,706
14,938
1,576,775
6,931,418
—
1,775
1,775
—
—
—
—
—
332
—
—
—
332
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
(129,425)
Total CONSOL Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
5,006,289
4,878,807
139,436
(11,949,661)
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 12,748,647
$ 6,353,163
$ 3,915,119
$
326,399
$ (11,949,661) $
11,393,667
165
—
(332,487)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,455
—
565,697
28,239
1,119,971
3,115,963
47,596
3,163,559
242,643
961,127
111,971
320,723
175,603
71,468
48,252
40,706
131,355
2,103,848
5,006,289
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 31, 2013:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing
Operations
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operating
Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating
Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures
Changes in Restricted Cash
Parent
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
51,093
$
440,763
$
572,683
$ (843,456) $
332,487
$
553,570
—
—
—
105,206
—
105,206
51,093
$
440,763
$
572,683
$ (738,250) $
332,487
$
658,776
(68,796) $ (968,607) $ (458,653) $
— $
— $ (1,496,056)
$
$
—
—
68,673
—
112
—
—
—
—
68,673
483,969
(35,712)
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
327,964
350,975
(195,082)
(Investments in), net of Distributions from,
Equity Affiliates
—
(47,500)
11,788
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued
Investing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
(Payments on) Proceeds from Miscellaneous
Borrowings
Payments on Securitization Facility
Dividends (Paid)
(Payments on) Proceeds from Short-Term
Borrowings
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Other Financing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
Net Cash Used in Discontinued
Financing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Financing Activities
$
259,168
$ (665,132) $ (573,274) $
112
$
— $
(979,126)
—
—
—
777,145
—
777,145
$
259,168
$ (665,132) $ (573,274) $
777,257
$
— $
(201,981)
$
(25,952) $
— $
(4,800) $
(792) $
— $
(31,544)
—
—
14,168
(100,000)
—
3,727
778
332,487
—
(5,232)
5,232
—
—
—
—
(37,846)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(37,846)
(85,832)
(332,487)
—
—
—
3,727
778
$
(7,279) $
227,255
$
432
$
(38,638) $ (332,487) $
(150,717)
—
—
—
(520)
—
(520)
$
(7,279) $
227,255
$
432
$
(39,158) $ (332,487) $
(151,237)
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2013:
Net Income (Loss)
$ 660,442
$
(2,624) $ 455,935
$ 585,616
$ (1,040,313) $ 659,056
Parent
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability
Adjustments
Net Increase (Decrease) in the Value of Cash
Flow Hedge
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedge from
OCI to Earnings
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Less: Net Loss Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to
CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders
456,493
—
456,493
45,631
45,631
—
—
—
(456,493)
456,493
(45,631)
45,631
(79,899)
$ 422,225
1,082,667
(79,899)
—
$ (34,268) $ 456,493
912,428
(36,892)
—
— $
$
585,616
79,899
(79,899)
(422,225) $ 422,225
1,081,281
(1,462,538)
—
(1,386)
—
—
—
(1,386)
$1,082,667
$ (35,506) $ 912,428
$ 585,616
$ (1,462,538) $1,082,667
166
Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2012:
Parent
Issuer
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
Revenues and Other Income:
Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Sales
$
— $ 661,192
$
— $
— $
(2,372)
$
658,820
Coal Sales
Other Outside Sales
Gas Royalty Interests and Purchased Gas Sales
Freight-Outside Coal
Miscellaneous Other Income
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets
—
—
—
—
613,340
—
—
—
52,721
—
45,232
10,964
2,169,625
51,046
—
107,079
46,313
271,029
Total Revenue and Other Income
613,340
770,109
2,645,092
—
243,059
—
—
21,626
13
264,698
—
—
—
—
(613,341)
—
2,169,625
294,105
52,721
107,079
113,170
282,006
(615,713)
3,677,526
Costs and Expenses:
Exploration and Production Costs
Lease Operating Expense
Transportation, Gathering and Compression
Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Exploration and Production Related Other
Costs
Production Royalty Interests and Purchased
Gas Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
General and Administrative
Total Exploration and Production Costs
Coal Costs
Operating and Other Costs
Royalties and Production Taxes
Direct Administrative and Selling
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Freight Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Other Corporate Expenses
Total Coal Costs
Other Costs
Miscellaneous Operating Expense
General and Administrative Costs
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Interest Expense
Total Other Costs
Total Costs And Expenses
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax
Income Taxes
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Income From Discontinued Operations, net
Net Income (Loss)
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling
Interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CONSOL
Energy Shareholders
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,292
—
—
11,491
—
—
52,900
73,683
78,861
—
266
208,894
288,021
361,704
251,636
(136,834)
388,470
—
388,470
90,837
160,579
26,145
47,565
205,149
39,005
41,633
81,028
33,686
725,627
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,098
5,098
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,356,575
117,194
54,910
208,145
107,079
42,662
—
1,886,565
—
—
—
6,470
6,470
730,725
1,893,035
39,384
15,021
24,363
—
24,363
752,057
204,105
547,952
—
547,952
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(55)
5
—
(50)
90,837
160,579
26,145
47,565
205,149
39,005
41,578
81,033
33,686
725,577
92,046
1,457,913
—
—
—
—
—
—
117,194
54,910
219,636
107,079
42,662
52,900
92,046
2,052,294
244,635
(53,843)
269,653
943
2,064
44
247,686
247,686
17,012
6,436
10,576
70,114
80,690
—
—
(464)
(54,307)
37,689
(653,402)
—
(653,402)
—
(653,402)
943
2,330
220,042
492,968
3,270,839
406,687
88,728
317,959
70,114
388,073
—
(397)
—
—
—
(397)
$
388,470
$
24,760
$
547,952
$
80,690
$
(653,402)
$
388,470
167
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 31, 2012:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
Continuing Operations
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued
Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures
Changes in Restricted Cash
Proceeds From Sales of Assets
(Investments in), net of Distributions
from, Equity Affiliates
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
Net Cash Used in Discontinued
Investing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends (Paid)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common
Stock
Other Financing Activities
$
$
Parent
CNX Gas
Guarantor
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Elimination
Consolidated
$
(58,410) $
82,036
$
412,293
$
21,423
$
— $
457,342
$
$
—
—
—
270,771
—
270,771
(58,410) $
82,036
$
412,293
$
292,194
$
— $
728,113
(49,973) $ (532,636)
$
(662,888)
$
— $
— $ (1,245,497)
—
—
—
360,129
(48,294)
285,238
200,000
(37,400)
13,949
—
254
—
—
—
(48,294)
645,621
(200,000)
(23,451)
$
150,027
$ (209,907)
$
(411,995)
$
254
$
(200,000) $
(671,621)
—
—
—
(328,789)
—
(328,789)
150,027
$ (209,907)
$
(411,995)
$
(328,535) $
(200,000) $ (1,000,410)
(142,278) $ (200,000)
$
— $
— $
200,000
$
(142,278)
8,278
22,532
—
(5,504)
—
—
(1,408)
37,404
—
—
8,278
53,024
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operations
Net Cash Used in Discontinued
Financing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Financing Activities
$
(111,468) $ (205,504)
$
(1,408)
$
37,404
$
200,000
$
(80,976)
—
—
—
(601)
—
(601)
$
(111,468) $ (205,504)
$
(1,408)
$
36,803
$
200,000
$
(81,577)
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2012:
Net Income (Loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability
Adjustments
Net Increase (Decrease) in the Value of Cash
Flow Hedge
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedge from
OCI to Earnings
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling
Interests
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to
CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders
Parent
$ 388,470
CNX Gas
Guarantor
24,363
$
Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
$ 547,952
Non-
Guarantors
80,690
$
Elimination
Consolidated
$ (653,402) $ 388,073
129,231
—
129,231
114,240
114,240
—
—
—
(129,231)
129,231
(114,240)
114,240
$
(189,259)
54,212
442,682
(189,259)
—
$ (75,019) $ 129,231
677,183
(50,656)
189,259
—
— $ (54,212) $
$
80,690
(707,614)
(189,259)
54,212
442,285
—
(397)
—
—
—
(397)
$ 442,682
$ (50,259) $ 677,183
$
80,690
$ (707,614) $ 442,682
168
NOTE 27—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On September 30 2011, CNX Gas Company and Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble Energy), an unrelated third party and joint
venture partner, formed CONE Gathering LLC to develop and operate each company's gas gathering system needs in the
Marcellus Shale play. CONSOL Energy accounts for CNX Gas Company's 50% ownership interest in CONE Gathering LLC
under the equity method of accounting.
On May 30, 2014, CONE Gathering LLC formed CONE Midstream Partners, LP (the Partnership). On September 30,
2014, CONE Gathering LLC contributed certain assets and liabilities to the Partnership, which closed on an initial public
offering of 20,125,000 of its common units at a per unit price of $22.00, which included a 2,625,000 common unit over-
allotment option that was exercised in full by the underwriters (the CONE IPO). The Partnership received net proceeds of
$413,005 in connection with the CONE IPO, which is net of underwriting discounts, commissions, structuring fees and other
offering expense of $29,745. The Partnership distributed $203,986 of the net proceeds from the CONE IPO to CNX Gas
Company, which CONSOL Energy recorded as a return on equity investments within cash flows from operating activities and
as a net investment in equity affiliates within cash flows from investing activities, pursuant to the cumulative earnings
approach. Under this approach, all distributions received by the investor are deemed to be returns on the investment unless the
cumulative distributions exceed the cumulative equity in earnings recognized by the investor. The excess distributions are
deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing cash flows.
Following the CONE IPO, CONE Gathering LLC has a 2% general partner interest in the Partnership, while each sponsor
has a 32.1% limited partner interest. CNX Gas Company accounts for its portion of the earnings in the Partnership under the
equity method of accounting. At December 31, 2014, CNX Gas Company and Noble Energy each continue to own a 50%
interest in the assets of CONE Gathering LLC that were not contributed to the Partnership.
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, CONE Gathering LLC (prior to September 30, 2014) and the
Partnership (after September 30, 2014) provided gathering services to CNX Gas Company in the ordinary course of business
totaling $65,584 and $35,765 respectively. These costs were included in Exploration and Production Costs - Transportation,
Gathering and Compression on CONSOL Energy’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2014
and December 31, 2013, CONSOL Energy had a net payable of $21,535 and $5,448 respectively, due to both the Partnership
and CONE Gathering LLC primarily for accrued but unpaid gathering services.
169
Supplemental Gas Data (unaudited):
The following information was prepared in accordance with the FASB's Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-03,
“Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas (Topic 932).”
Capitalized Costs:
Proven properties
Unproven properties
Intangible drilling costs
Wells and related equipment
Gathering assets
Gas well plugging
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Net Capitalized Costs
Costs incurred for property acquisition, exploration and development (*):
Property acquisitions
Proven properties
Unproven properties
Development
Exploration
Total
__________
(*)
Includes costs incurred whether capitalized or expensed.
As of December 31,
2014
2013
$
1,768,007
$
1,670,404
1,540,835
2,798,394
716,748
1,088,238
111,227
8,023,449
(1,515,983)
6,507,466
$
1,463,406
1,937,336
688,548
1,058,008
113,481
6,931,183
(1,187,409)
5,743,774
$
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
— $
— $
50,005
119,597
952,733
45,006
260,477
629,100
95,413
28,634
339,608
130,312
$ 1,117,336
$
984,990
$
548,559
170
Results of Operations for Producing Activities:
Production Revenue
Royalty Interest Gas Revenue
Purchased Gas Revenue
Total Revenue
Lifting Costs
Ad Valorem, Severance & Other Taxes
Gathering Costs
Royalty Interest Gas Costs
Direct Administrative, Selling & Other Costs
Other Costs
Purchased Gas Costs
DD&A
Total Costs
Pre-tax Operating Income
Income Taxes
For the Years Ended December 31,
$
$
2014
1,030,574
82,428
8,999
1,122,001
118,391
39,418
258,110
69,946
55,092
22,719
7,251
314,381
885,308
236,693
82,894
2013
2012
$
740,869
63,202
6,531
810,602
96,601
28,676
201,024
53,069
49,092
61,107
4,837
231,809
726,215
84,387
32,067
660,442
49,405
3,316
713,163
90,837
26,145
160,579
38,922
47,565
39,029
2,711
205,149
610,937
102,226
38,989
Results of Operations for Producing Activities excluding
Corporate and Interest Costs
$
153,799
$
52,320
$
63,237
The following is production, average sales price and average production costs, excluding ad valorem and severance taxes,
per unit of production:
Production (MMcfe)
Average gas sales price before effects of financial settlements (per Mcf)
Average effects of financial settlements (per Mcf)
Average gas sales price including effects of financial settlements (per
Mcf)
Average lifting costs, excluding ad valorem and severance taxes (per Mcf)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2012
2013
2014
235,714
4.26
0.11
4.37
0.50
$
$
$
$
172,380
3.85
0.45
4.30
0.56
$
$
$
$
156,325
3.00
1.22
4.22
0.58
$
$
$
$
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we drilled 180.3, 139.8, and 95.5 net development wells,
respectively. There were no net dry development wells in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we drilled 8.5, 5.5, and 22.0 net exploratory wells, respectively.
There were no net dry exploratory wells in 2014 or 2013, and 9.5 net dry exploratory wells in 2012.
At December 31, 2014, there were 52.0 net development wells and 2.5 net exploratory wells in the process of being drilled.
We are committed to provide 153.5 Bcf of gas under existing sales contracts or agreements over the course of the next four
years. We expect to produce sufficient quantities from existing proved developed reserves to satisfy these commitments.
Most of our development wells and proved acreage are located in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Some leases
are beyond their primary term, but these leases are extended in accordance with their terms as long as certain drilling commitments
or other term commitments are satisfied. The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2014, the number of producing wells,
developed acreage and undeveloped acreage:
171
Producing Gas Wells (including gob wells)
Producing Oil Wells
Proved Developed Acreage
Proved Undeveloped Acreage
Unproved Acreage
Total Acreage
Gross
Net(1)
17,044
154
537,935
112,617
4,946,174
5,596,726
12,918
34
515,439
63,801
3,933,975
4,513,215
____________
(1) Net acres include acreage attributable to our working interests of the properties. Additional adjustments (either increases or
decreases) may be required as we further develop title to and further confirm our rights with respect to our various properties
in anticipation of development. We believe that our assumptions and methodology in this regard are reasonable.
Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Quantities:
Annually, the preparation of gas reserves estimates are completed in accordance with CONSOL Energy's prescribed internal
control procedures, which include verification of input data into a gas reserves forecasting and economic evaluation software, as
well as multi-functional management review. The input data verification includes reviews of the price and cost assumptions used
in the economic model to determine the reserves. Also, the production volumes are reconciled between the system used to calculate
the reserves and other accounting/measurement systems. The technical employee responsible for overseeing the preparation of
the reserve estimates is a petroleum engineer with over 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Our 2014 gas reserves
results, which are reported in the Supplemental Gas Data year ended December 31, 2014 Form 10-K, were audited by Netherland
Sewell. The technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the audit of our reserves is a registered professional engineer
in the state of Texas with over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. The gas reserves estimates are as follows:
172
Balance December 31, 2011 (c)
Revisions (a)
Price Changes
Extensions and Discoveries (b)
Production
Balance December 31, 2012 (c)
Revisions (a)
Price Changes
Extensions and Discoveries (b)
Production
Balance December 31, 2013 (c)
Revisions (d)
Price Changes
Extensions and Discoveries (e)
Production
Balance December 31, 2014 (c)
Proved developed reserves:
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2014
Proved undeveloped reserves:
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2014
Condensate
Consolidated
Natural Gas
NGLs
& Crude Oil
Operations
(MMcfe)
(Mbbls)
(Mbbls)
(MMcfe)
3,470,551
243,442
(526,608)
873,104
(155,052)
3,905,437
176,045
104,728
1,567,634
(168,737)
5,585,107
(46,560)
15,512
979,801
(216,260)
6,317,600
2,149,912
2,470,412
2,979,906
1,755,525
3,114,695
3,337,694
25
469
—
12,992
(111)
13,375
(1,017)
4
9,623
(438)
21,547
40,363
—
18,459
(2,578)
77,791
1,717
5,939
32,406
12,075
15,607
45,385
1,555
(710)
(1)
553
(100)
1,297
336
1
1,343
(170)
2,807
3,756
—
1,314
(664)
7,213
878
1,375
4,062
—
1,431
3,151
3,480,027
241,989
(526,611)
954,378
(156,325)
3,993,458
171,953
104,757
1,633,426
(172,380)
5,731,214
218,168
15,512
1,098,436
(235,714)
6,827,616
2,165,483
2,514,294
3,198,706
1,827,975
3,216,920
3,628,910
__________
(a) Revisions are primarily due to corporate planning changes that affect the number of wells (5-Years) forecasted to be drilled
in our various areas and reservoirs. These changes along with upward revisions attributable to efficiencies in operations and
well performance had the total affect of the positive revisions for 2013 and 2012.
(b) Extensions and Discoveries in 2013 and 2012 are primarily due to the addition of wells on our Marcellus Shale acreage
(c)
more than one offset location away with reliable technology.
Proved developed and proved undeveloped gas reserves are defined by SEC Rule 4.10(a) of Regulation S-X. Generally,
these reserves would be commercially recovered under current economic conditions, operating methods and government
regulations. CONSOL Energy cautions that there are many inherent uncertainties in estimating proved reserve quantities,
projecting future production rates and timing of development expenditures. Proved oil and gas reserves are estimated
quantities of natural gas which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in
future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions and government regulations. Proved
developed reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered through existing wells, with existing equipment and operating
methods.
(d) Revisions for 2014 are primarily due to efficiencies in operations and well optimization and had the total effect of positive
revisions. Additionally, the 2014 revisions include a reclassification of ethane volumes from natural gas to NGLs.
(e) Extensions and Discoveries in 2014 are primarily due to the addition of wells on our Marcellus and Utica Shale acreage.
We also included Marcellus Shale wells which are more than one offset location away due to continued use of reliable
technology.
173
Proved Undeveloped Reserves (MMcfe)
Beginning proved undeveloped reserves
Undeveloped reserves transferred to developed(a)
Price Changes
Plan and other revisions (b)
Extension and discoveries
Ending proved undeveloped reserves(c)(d)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
3,216,920
(526,839)
(1,293)
(9,034)
949,156
3,628,910
_________
(a) During 2014, various exploration and development drilling and evaluations were completed. Approximately, $389,838 of
capital was spent in the year ended December 31, 2014 related to undeveloped reserves that were transferred to developed.
(c)
(b) Plan and other revisions are due to corporate planning changes that affect the number of wells forecasted to be drilled in
our various areas and reservoirs. These changes along with upward revisions attributable to efficiencies in operations and
well performance had the total affect of a positive revision.
Included in proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2014 are approximately 212,161 MMcfe of reserves that have
been reported for more than five years. These reserves specifically relate to CONSOL Energy's Buchanan Mine, more
specifically, to GOB (a rubble zone formed in the cavity created by the extraction of coal) production due to a complex
fracture being generated in the overburden strata above the mined seam. Mining operations take a significant amount of time
and our GOB forecasts are consistent with the future plans of the Buchanan Mine. Evidence also exists that supports the
continual operation of the mine beyond the current plan, unless there was an extreme circumstance which resulted from an
external factor. These reasons constitute that specific circumstances exist to continue recognizing these reserves for CONSOL
Energy.
Included in proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2014 are 229 gross proved undeveloped locations that generate
positive future net revenue but have negative present worth discounted at 10 percent as of December 31, 2014, representing
12.1% of our total proved undeveloped reserves. Additionally, the 438.8 Bcfe of natural gas and equivalents attributable to
these locations represent approximately 6.4% of our total proved reserves. The Company includes these well sites in its
current drilling plans and currently intends to drill these sites as our economic modeling of these well locations generate
positive future cash flows.
(d)
The following table represents the capitalized exploratory well cost activity as indicated:
Costs pending the determination of proved reserves at December 31, 2014
For a period one year or less
For a period greater than one year but less than five years
For a period greater than five years
Total
Costs reclassified to wells, equipment and facilities based on the
determination of proved reserves
Costs expensed due to determination of dry hole or abandonment of
project
December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
27,453
2,041
$
$
12,140
8,596
CONSOL Energy's proved gas reserves are located in the United States.
December 31,
2014
$
$
$
$
22,851
—
—
22,851
2012
14,447
3,320
174
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows:
The following information has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board's Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-03, “Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas (Topic 932).” This topic requires the
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows to be based on the average, first-day-of-the-month price for the year
ended December 31, 2014. Because prices used in the calculation are average prices for that year, the standardized measure could
vary significantly from year to year based on the market conditions that occurred.
The projections should not be viewed as realistic estimates of future cash flows, nor should the “standardized measure” be
interpreted as representing current value to CONSOL Energy. Material revisions to estimates of proved reserves may occur in the
future; development and production of the reserves may not occur in the periods assumed; actual prices realized are expected to
vary significantly from those used; and actual costs may vary. CONSOL Energy's investment and operating decisions are not based
on the information presented, but on a wide range of reserve estimates that include probable as well as proved reserves and on
different price and cost assumptions.
The standardized measure is intended to provide a better means for comparing the value of CONSOL Energy's proved
reserves at a given time with those of other gas producing companies than is provided by a comparison of raw proved reserve
quantities.
Future Cash Flows:
Revenues
Production costs
Development costs
Income tax expense
Future Net Cash Flows
Discounted to present value at a 10% annual rate
Total standardized measure of discounted net cash flows
2014
December 31,
2013
2012
$ 28,502,852
(10,100,868)
(3,368,621)
(5,711,989)
9,321,374
(6,337,216)
2,984,158
$
$ 21,602,594
(7,105,962)
(3,902,875)
(4,025,626)
6,568,131
(4,887,320)
1,680,811
$
$ 11,777,550
(4,823,670)
(2,450,589)
(1,711,251)
2,792,040
(2,055,834)
736,206
$
The following are the principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for
consolidated operations during:
Balance at beginning of period
Net changes in sales prices and production costs
Sales net of production costs
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates
Net change due to extensions, discoveries and improved recovery
Development costs incurred during the period
Difference in previously estimated development costs compared to actual
costs incurred during the period
Changes in estimated future development costs
Net change in future income taxes
Accretion of discount and other
Total discounted cash flow at end of period
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
1,680,811
$
736,206
$
517,731
(559,563)
151,233
418,775
952,733
(102,949)
595,221
(798,470)
128,636
2,984,158
$
$
1,295,956
(365,477)
132,900
383,308
625,824
(123,976)
(486,518)
(578,951)
61,539
1,680,811
$
1,747,181
(1,480,573)
(104,518)
(104,158)
14,645
333,640
(96,749)
(153,104)
619,045
(39,203)
736,206
175
Supplemental Coal Data (unaudited)
Millions of Tons
For the Year Ended December 31,
2012
2011
2013
2014
Proved and probable reserves at beginning of period
3,032
4,229
4,314
4,229
Purchased reserves
Reserves sold in place
Production
Revisions and other changes
—
(233)
(32)
471
1
(1,199)
(55)
56
—
(155)
(55)
125
6
—
(62)
141
Consolidated proved and probable reserves at end of period*
3,238
3,032
4,229
4,314
2010
4,350
4
(41)
(62)
(22)
4,229
Proportionate share of proved and probable reserves of unconsolidated
equity affiliates (excluded from the table above)*
______________
* Proved and probable coal reserves are the equivalent of “demonstrated reserves” under the coal resource classification system
of the U.S. Geological Survey. Generally, these reserves would be commercially mineable at year-end prices and cost levels, using
current technology and mining practices.
172
145
57
55
41
CONSOL Energy's coal reserves are located in nearly every major coal-producing region in North America. At December 31,
2014, 319 million tons were assigned to mines either in production or temporarily idled. The proved and probable reserves at
December 31, 2014 include 2,759 million tons of thermal coal reserves, of which approximately 5 percent has a sulfur content
equivalent to less than 1.2 pounds sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit (Btu), 17 percent has a sulfur content equivalent
to between 1.2 and 2.5 pounds sulfur dioxide per million Btu and an additional 78 percent has a sulfur content equivalent to greater
than 2.5 pounds sulfur dioxide per million Btu. The reserves also include 480 million tons of metallurgical coal in consolidated
reserves, of which approximately 41 percent has a sulfur content equivalent to less than 1.2 pounds sulfur dioxide per million Btu
and an additional 59 percent has a sulfur content equivalent to between 1.2 and 2.5 pounds sulfur dioxide per million Btu.
Our estimate of proven and probable coal reserves has been determined by CONSOL Energy’s geologists and mining
engineers. CONSOL Energy geologists and mining engineers completed an extensive re-evaluation of the longwall mineable
Pittsburgh and Illinois No. 5 seams during 2014. The re-evaluations included the use of mine specific assumptions and mine plans
versus general mine recovery factors and general parameters. To date, approximately 50% of CONSOL Energy’s reserves have
been re-evaluated using mine specific parameters as opposed to an assumed average mining recovery factor. The 2014 re-
evaluations resulted in 407 million of the total 471 million additional tons of proven and probable reserves added as result of
revisions and other changes in 2014. During 2014, Golder Associates (Golder) audited approximately 86% of the above revisions
and other changes that occurred in 2014.
176
Supplemental Quarterly Information (unaudited):
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Sales (A)
Freight Revenue
Costs and Expenses (B)
Freight Expense
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Inc Shareholders
Earnings Per Share
Basic:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income (Loss)
Dilutive:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income (Loss)
Sales (A)
Freight Revenue
Costs and Expenses (B)
Freight Expense
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy
Inc Shareholders
Earnings Per Share
Basic:
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Net (Loss) Income
Dilutive:
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Net (Loss) Income
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2014
June 30,
2014
September 30, December 31,
2014
2014
900,485
9,945
$
$
573,240
9,945
121,691
$
$
$
(5,687) $
855,867
10,109
$
$
$
615,161
10,109
$
(24,935) $
— $
833,806
2,497
$
$
$
610,553
2,497
$
(1,645) $
— $
857,794
5,597
574,741
5,597
73,666
—
116,004
$
(24,935) $
(1,645) $
73,666
0.53
$
(0.02) $
$
0.51
0.53
$
(0.03) $
$
0.50
(0.11) $
— $
(0.11) $
(0.11) $
— $
(0.11) $
(0.01) $
— $
(0.01) $
(0.01) $
— $
(0.01) $
0.32
—
0.32
0.32
—
0.32
Three Months Ended
March 31,
June 30,
September 30, December 31,
2013
2013
2013
2013
799,997
12,253
606,729
$
$
$
12,253
$
(3,724) $
$
1,903
759,948
9,660
560,801
$
$
$
$
9,660
8,562
$
(21,375) $
753,081
9,579
566,453
$
$
$
9,579
$
(72,169) $
$
8,120
772,258
3,946
572,505
3,946
146,595
591,144
(1,564) $
(12,526) $
(63,651) $
738,183
(0.02) $
0.01
$
(0.01) $
(0.02) $
$
0.01
(0.01) $
0.04
$
(0.09) $
(0.05) $
0.04
$
(0.09) $
(0.05) $
(0.31) $
0.03
$
(0.28) $
(0.31) $
$
0.03
(0.28) $
0.64
2.59
3.23
0.64
2.57
3.21
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(A) Includes natural gas, NGLs, and oil sales; coal sales; other outside sales; and gas royalty interests and purchased gas sales.
(B) Includes exploration and production costs, coal costs, and miscellaneous operating expense, excluding DD&A, other
corporate expenses, general and administrative, and freight expense.
177
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures. CONSOL Energy, under the supervision and with the participation of its
management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the
Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form
10-K. Based on that evaluation, CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded
that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2014 to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and
includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in such
reports is accumulated and communicated to CONSOL Energy’s management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. CONSOL Energy's management is
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. CONSOL Energy's internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
CONSOL Energy's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; (2) provide
reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and the directors of CONSOL Energy; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of CONSOL Energy's assets that could have a material effect on our
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of CONSOL Energy's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment and those
criteria, management has concluded that CONSOL Energy maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2014.
The effectiveness of CONSOL Energy's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited
by Ernst and Young, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report set forth in the Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm in Part II, Item 9a of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over
financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
178
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission 2013 framework (the COSO criteria). CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries'
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9a. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated balance sheets of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2014 of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated December 31,
2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 6, 2015
179
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
NONE
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the information under the captions
“PROPOSAL NO. 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS-Biographies of Nominees,” “BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
COMPENSATION INFORMATION and “SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in the
Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 6, 2015 (the “Proxy Statement”).
Executive Officers of CONSOL Energy
The following is a list, as of February 1, 2015, of CONSOL Energy executive officers, their ages and their positions and
offices held with CONSOL Energy.
Name
Age
Position
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
Stephen W. Johnson
David M. Khani
James C. Grech
Timothy C. Dugan
James A. Brock
46
56
51
53
53
58
President and Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President - Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Operating Officer - Exploration and Production
Chief Operating Officer - Coal
Nicholas J. DeIuliis has been President of CONSOL Energy since February 23, 2011 and on May 7, 2014 he was named
CONSOL's Chief Executive Officer. Mr. DeIuliis previously served in various positions at CNX Gas Corporation, including
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He is currently Chairman of the Board at CNX Gas
Corporation. He was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CONSOL Energy from January 16, 2009 until
February 23, 2011. Prior to that time, he held the following positions at CONSOL Energy: Senior Vice President - Strategic
Planning (November 1, 2004 to August 2005); Vice President Strategic Planning (April 1, 2002 to November 1, 2004);
Director-Corporate Strategy (October 1, 2001 to April 1, 2002); Manager-Strategic Planning (January 1, 2001 to October
2001); and Supervisor-Process Engineering (April 1, 1999 to January 1, 2001).
Stephen W. Johnson became Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer of CONSOL Energy
and CNX Gas Corporation on December 31, 2012. Prior to that time, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President and General
Counsel of CONSOL Energy and CNX Gas Corporation from February 5, 2009 through December 31, 2012. Prior to February
5, 2009, he served in the following positions with CNX Gas Corporation: General Counsel from September 1, 2005 until
December 2, 2005, Senior Vice President and General Counsel from December 2, 2005 through June 21, 2007 and Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from June 21, 2007 until February 5, 2009. Effective May 30, 2014, Mr.
Johnson became a director of the general partnership of CONE Midstream Partners LP.
David M. Khani joined CONSOL Energy on September 1, 2011 as its Vice President - Finance, and was promoted to
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2013. Prior to joining CONSOL Energy, Mr. Khani
was with FBR Capital Markets & Co. ("FBR"), an investment banking and advisory firm and held the following positions:
Director of Research from February 2007 through October 2010, and then Co-Director of Research from November 2010
through August 2011. Effective May 30, 2014, Mr. Khani became a director and the Chief Financial Officer of the general
partnership of CONE Midstream Partners LP.
James C. Grech became Chief Commercial Officer on November 15, 2012 and was promoted to Executive Vice President
and Chief Commercial Officer effective March 1, 2013. Mr. Grech had served as Senior Vice President of CNX Land
Resources Inc., a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy from September 13, 2011 until December 5, 2013. He joined the company in
2001 as Vice President of Business Development and was promoted to Senior Vice President - Marketing of CONSOL Energy
Sales Company, another subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, a position he held from August 15, 2005 to October 25, 2011.
180
Timothy C. Dugan has been Chief Operating Officer- Exploration & Production of CONSOL Energy since January 28, 2014.
He was President and Chief Operating Office of CNX Gas Corporation from May 22, 2014 to December 1, 2014, when he became
President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining CONSOL Energy, Mr. Dugan was Vice President - Appalachia South
Business Unit at Chesapeake Energy Corporation. During his seven years with Chesapeake Energy, he held the titles of Senior
Asset Manager, Operations Superintendent, Senior Asset Manager and District Manager. From 2001 to 2007, Mr. Dugan was
employed with EQT Corporation, where he held the titles of Regional Reservoir Engineer and Director of Operations - Engineering.
James A. Brock has been Chief Operating Officer - Coal of CONSOL Energy since December 10, 2010. Prior to this
appointment, he served as Senior Vice President - Northern Appalachia - West Virginia Operations of CONSOL Energy beginning
December 3, 2007. From September 7, 2006 until December 3, 2007 he served as Vice President-Operations. Mr. Brock began
his career with CONSOL Energy in 1979 at the Matthews Mine and since then has served at various locations in many positions
including Section Foreman, Mine Longwall Coordinator, General Mine Foreman, and Superintendent.
CONSOL Energy has a written Code of Business Conduct that applies to CONSOL Energy's Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer), Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and others. The Code of Business Conduct is
available on CONSOL Energy's website at www.consolenergy.com. Any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of our code
of employee business conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, our principal financial and accounting
officer and that relates to any element of the code of ethics enumerated in paragraph (b) of Item 406 of Regulation S-K shall be
disclosed by posting such information on our website at www.consolenergy.com.
By certification dated May 22, 2014, CONSOL Energy's Chief Executive Officer certified to the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. In addition,
the required Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Section 302 certifications regarding the quality of our public disclosures were filed by CONSOL
Energy as exhibits to this Form 10-K.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “BOARD OF
DIRECTORS AND COMPENSATION INFORMATION and “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION” (excluding
the Compensation Committee Report) in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES” and “SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER CONSOL ENERGY
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN” in the Proxy Statement.
181
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The information requested by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “PROPOSAL
NO. 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption
“ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE-INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM” in the
Proxy Statement.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBIT INDEX
PART IV
In reviewing any agreements incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K or filed with this 10-K, please remember that
such agreements are included to provide information regarding their terms. They are not intended to be a source of financial,
business or operational information about CONSOL Energy or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The representations, warranties
and covenants contained in these agreements are made solely for purposes of the agreements and are made as of specific dates;
are solely for the benefit of the parties; may be subject to qualifications and limitations agreed upon by the parties in connection
with negotiating the terms of the agreements, including being made for the purpose of allocating contractual risk between the
parties instead of establishing matters as facts; and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties
that differ from those applicable to investors or security holders. Investors and security holders should not rely on the representations,
warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of CONSOL Energy
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or, in connection with acquisition agreements, of the assets to be acquired. Moreover,
information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the
agreements. Accordingly, these representations and warranties alone may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they
were made or at any other time.
(A)(1)
(A)(2)
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.1
3.2
4.1
Financial Statements Contained in Item 8 hereof.
Financial Statement Schedule-Schedule II Valuation and qualifying accounts.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2010, among Dominion Resources, Inc., Dominion
Transmission, Inc., Dominion Energy, Inc. and CONSOL Energy Holdings LLC VI, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Parent Guarantee, dated March 14, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc. and Dominion Resources, Inc.,
Dominion Transmission, Inc. and Dominion Energy, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K
(file no. 001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Asset Acquisition Agreement dated August 17, 2011 between CNX Gas Company LLC and Noble Energy, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 18, 2011.
Joint Development Agreement by and among CNX Gas Company LLC and Noble Energy, Inc. dated as of
September 30, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2011, filed on October 31, 2011.
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 25, 2013, among CONSOL Energy Inc., Consolidation Coal Company,
Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., and, as to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Murray Energy Corporation,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on December 11, 2013.
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CONSOL Energy Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-
K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 8, 2006.
Amended and Restated Bylaws of CONSOL Energy Inc., dated as of December 9, 2014, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on December 10, 2014.
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2010, among CONSOL Energy Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and
The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.00% Senior Notes due
2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April 2, 2010.
182
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
4.15
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc., Dominion
Reserves, Inc., Dominion Coalbed Methane, Inc., Dominion Appalachian Development, LLC, Dominion
Appalachian Development Properties, LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.00% Senior Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4
to Form 8-K/A (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 6, 2010.
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of June 16, 2010, among Cardinal States Gathering Company, CNX Gas
Company LLC, CNX Gas Corporation, Coalfield Pipeline Company, Knox Energy, LLC, MOB Corporation,
CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the
8.00% Senior Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 8-K/A (file no. 001-14901) filed
on August 6, 2010.
Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of August 24, 2011, to Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 among
CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.00% Senior Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 29, 2011.
Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of September 10, 2013, to Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010, by and
among CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as successor trustee to The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, with respect to the
8.00% Senior Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) filed on
November 1, 2013.
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2010, among CONSOL Energy, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and
The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.25% Senior Notes due
2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April 2, 2010.
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2010, among Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc., Dominion
Reserves, Inc., Dominion Coalbed Methane, Inc., Dominion Appalachian Development, LLC, Dominion
Appalachian Development Properties, LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.25% Senior Notes due 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6
to Form 8-K/A (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 6, 2010.
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of June 16, 2010, among Cardinal States Gathering Company, CNX Gas
Company LLC, CNX Gas Corporation, Coalfield Pipeline Company, Knox Energy, LLC, MOB Corporation,
CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the
8.25% Senior Notes due 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Form 8-K/A (file no. 001-14901) filed
on August 6, 2010.
Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of August 24, 2011, to Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 among
CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8.25% Senior Notes due 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 29, 2011.
Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of September 10, 2013, to Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010, by and
among CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as successor trustee to The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, with respect to the
8.25% Senior Notes due 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) filed on
November 1, 2013.
Indenture, dated as of March 9, 2011, among CONSOL Energy Inc., the Subsidiaries named therein and The Bank
of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 11, 2011.
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of August 24, 2011, to Indenture dated as of March 9, 2011 among
CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 29, 2011.
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of September 10, 2013, to Indenture dated as of March 9, 2011, by and
among CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as successor trustee to The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, with respect to the
6.375 % Senior Notes due 2021, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) filed
on November 1, 2013.
Rights Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, between CONSOL Energy Inc., and Equiserve Trust Company,
N.A., as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on
December 22, 2003.
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the Guarantors
listed on Schedule I attached thereto and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Representative of the Initial
Purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to From 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April 2, 2010.
183
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2011, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the Guarantors
listed on Schedule I attached thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Representative of
the Initial Purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 11,
2011.
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the guarantors
signatory thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of
the several initial purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on
April 16, 2014.
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2014, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the guarantors
signatory thereto and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as the initial purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 12, 2014.
Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated July 22, 2013, by and among CONSOL Energy
Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. signatory thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
Successor Trustee to The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust
Company of New York, as Resigning Trustee (related to the Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 with respect to the
8.00% Senior Notes due 2017, the Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 with respect to the 8.25% Senior Notes due
2020, and the Indenture dated as of March 9, 2011 with respect to the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) filed on November 1, 2013.
Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2014, among CONSOL Energy Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee, with respect to the 5.875%
Senior Notes due 2022, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April
16, 2014.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2003, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., CONSOL Sales
Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company, Consolidation Coal Company,
Island Creek Coal Company, Windsor Coal Company, McElroy Coal Company, Keystone Coal Mining
Corporation, Eighty-Four Mining Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, CNX Marine Terminals Inc. and CNX
Funding Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003, filed on August 13, 2003.
First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of April 30, 2007, entered into among CONSOL
Energy Inc., CONSOL Energy Sales Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal
Company, Consolidation Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Windsor Coal Company, McElroy Coal
Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Eighty-Four Mining Company and CNX Marine Terminals Inc.,
each an “Originator” and CNX Funding Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 16, 2007, entered into among
CONSOL Energy Inc. (“CONSOL Energy”), CONSOL Energy Sales Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc.,
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Consolidation Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, McElroy
Coal Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Eighty-Four Mining Company and CNX Marine Terminals
Inc. (each an “Existing Originator”) and collectively the “Existing Originators”), Fola Coal Company, LLC., Little
Eagle Coal Company, LLC., Mon River Towing, Inc., Terry Eagle Coal Company, LLC., Tri-River Fleeting Harbor
Service, Inc., and Twin Rivers Towing Company (each, a “New Originator” and collectively the “New
Originators”; the Existing Originators and the New Originators, each an “Originator” and collectively, the
“Originators”), Windsor Coal Company (the “Released Originator”) and CNX Funding Corporation, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on
February 19, 2008.
Third Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2010, among CNX Marine
Terminals Inc., CONSOL Energy Inc., CONSOL Energy Sales Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., CONSOL
Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Consolidated Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Fola Coal
Company, L.L.C., Island Creek Coal Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Little Eagle Coal Company,
L.L.C., McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., Terry Eagle Coal Company, L.L.C., Twin Rivers Towing
Company and CNX Funding Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 8-K (file no.
001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Services Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries (other than
CNX Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries) and (b) CNX Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99(D)(11) of the Schedule TO filed on April 28, 2010.
Amended and Restated Receivable Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2007, by and among CNX Funding
Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., CONSOL Energy Sales Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., CONSOL
Pennsylvania Coal Company, Consolidation Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Windsor Coal Company,
McElroy Coal Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Eighty-Four Mining Company, CNX Marine
Terminals Inc., Market Street Funding LLC, Liberty Street Funding LLC, PNC Bank, National Association, and the
Bank of Nova Scotia, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
184
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2007, entered
into among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the Conduit Purchasers listed
on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed
on the signature pages thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no.
001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2007, entered
into among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer (in such capacity, the
“Servicer”), the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on the
signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto and PNC Bank, National
Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2007,
entered into among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the various new sub-
servicers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the
Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto and
PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2009, among
CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the various Sub-Servicers listed on the
signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on
the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto, and PNC Bank, National
Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K (file no.
001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement and Waiver, dated as of March 12,
2010, among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the various Sub-Servicers
listed on the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser
Agents listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto, and PNC
Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-
K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2010, among
CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the various Sub-Servicers listed on the
signature pages of the Amendment, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages of the Amendment, the
Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages of the Amendment, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages
of the Amendment and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (file no. 001-14901), filed on
February 10, 2011.
Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2012,
among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the various Sub-Servicers listed
on the signature pages of the Amendment, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages of the Amendment,
the Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages of the Amendment, the LC Participants listed on the signature
pages of the Amendment and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 (file no. 001-14901), filed on April
30, 2012.
Eighth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2012, by
and among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the Sub-Servicers listed on
the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents
listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto, and PNC Bank,
National Association, as Administrator, and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-Q
(file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Ninth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2013, by and
among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the Sub-Servicers listed on the
signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on
the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto, Market Street Funding LLC,
as Assignor, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator, as LC Bank and as Assignee, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed on
November 1, 2013.
Tenth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, by and
among CNX Funding Corporation, as seller, CONSOL Energy Inc., as the initial Servicer, the Sub-Servicers listed
on the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents
listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participants listed on the signature pages thereto, and PNC Bank,
National Association, as Administrator, and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 10-Q
(file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
185
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
Letter Agreement re: Receivables Purchase Agreement - Dilution Ratio, dated June 21, 2012, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 (file no. 001-14901), filed on August 1,
2012.
Commitment Letter, dated March 14, 2010, among Banc of America Bridge LLC, Banc of America Securities
LLC, PNC Bank, National Association PNC Capital Markets LLC and CONSOL Energy Inc., incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 16, 2010.
Share Tender Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2010, by and between CONSOL Energy Inc., and T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 22,
2010 (Film No. 10695706).
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the
Guarantors Party thereto, the Lenders Party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent,
Bank of America, N.A., as the Syndication Agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and
Sovereign Bank, as the Co-Documentation Agents, and PNC Capital Markets LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Joint Lead Arrangers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file
no. 001-14901) filed on April 18, 2011.
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the lenders and agents party thereto
and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-
K (file no. 001-14901) filed on December 11, 2013.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2014, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., the
lenders and agents party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K/A (file no. 001-14901) filed on June 25, 2014.
Amended and Restated Collateral Trust Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc.
and its Designated Subsidiaries, Wilmington Trust Company, as Corporate Trustee and David A. Vanaskey, as
Individual Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 13,
2010.
Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, made and entered into by each of the pledgors
listed on the signature pages thereto and each other persons and entities that become bound thereto from time to
time by joinder, assumption, or otherwise and Wilmington Trust Company, as Collateral Trustee, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 13, 2010.
Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., each
of the parties listed on the signature pages thereto and each other persons and entities that become bound thereto
from time to time by joinder, assumption, or otherwise and Wilmington Trust Company, as Collateral Trustee,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 13, 2010.
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2007, by and among each of the
pledgors listed on the signature pages thereto and each of the other persons and entities that become bound thereby
from time to time by joinder, assumption, or otherwise and Wilmington Trust Company, as Collateral Trustee,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (file no.
001-14901), filed on February 10, 2011.
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of May
7, 2010, by and among each of the pledgors listed on the signature pages thereto and each other persons and
entities that become bound thereto from time to time by joinder, assumption, or otherwise and Wilmington Trust
Company, as Collateral Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on
May 13, 2010.
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Assignment and Assumption, dated as of April 12, 2011, between Wilmington
Trust Company as assignor and PNC Bank, National Association as assignee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
2.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April 18, 2011.
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2003, by CONSOL Energy Inc., as guarantor in favor of
CNX Funding Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the
quarter ended March 31, 2011, filed on May 3, 2011.
Amended and Restated Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship, dated as of May 7, 2010, jointly and
severally given by each of the undersigned thereto and each of the other persons which become Guarantors
thereunder from time to time in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as the administrative
agent for the Lenders, in connection with that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as defined therein,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (file no.
001-14901), filed on February 10, 2011.
CNX Gas Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship, dated as of April 12, 2011, by CNX Gas Corporation
and certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on
April 18, 2011.
186
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, by and among among Wilmington Trust Company and
David A. Varansky as existing agents, PNC Bank, National Association as Collateral Trustee and CONSOL Energy
Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed
on April 18, 2011.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, by and among CNX Gas Corporation, the
Guarantors Party thereto, the Lenders Party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent,
Bank of America, N.A., as the Syndication Agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the Co-Documentation Agents, and PNC Capital Markets LLC and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April 18, 2011.
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2011, by and among CNX Gas Corporation, the
lenders and agents party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (file no. 01-14901), filed on
February 7, 2013.
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated December 14, 2011, by and among
CNX Gas Corporation, the lenders and agents party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative
agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31,
2013, filed on May 7, 2013.
Collateral Trust Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, by and among CNX Gas Corporation, its Designated
Subsidiaries, Wilmington Trust Company, as Corporate Trustee and David A. Vanaskey, as Individual Trustee,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the CNX Gas Corporation Form 8-K (file no. 001-32723) filed on May
13, 2010.
Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, by each of the pledgors listed on the signature pages thereto and each
of the other persons and entities that become bound thereby from time to time by joinder, assumption or otherwise
and Wilmington Trust Company, as Collateral Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the CNX Gas
Corporation Form 8-K (file no. 001-32723) filed on May 13, 2010.
Security Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2010, by and among CNX Gas Corporation and each of the undersigned
parties thereto and each of the other persons and entities that become bound thereby from time to time by joinder,
assumption or otherwise and Wilmington Trust Company, as Collateral Trustee, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.3 to the CNX Gas Corporation Form 8-K (file no. 001-32723) filed on May 13, 2010.
CONSOL Amended and Restated Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship, dated as of April 12, 2011,
by CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K (file no.
001-14901) filed on April 18, 2011.
Amended and Restated Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship, dated as of April 12, 2011, among
CNX Gas Company LLC and certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K (file
no. 001-14901) filed on April 18, 2011.
Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2011, by and among Wilmington Trust Company and David A.
Vanaskey as existing agents, PNC Bank, National Association as Collateral Trustee and CNX Gas Corporation and
certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on April
18, 2011.
Closing Agreement by and between CNX Gas Company LLC and Noble Energy, Inc. dated as of September 30,
2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended September
30, 2011, filed on October 31, 2011.
Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise and Settlement, dated May 8, 2013, between and among (i) plaintiffs
Harold L. Hurwitz and James R. Gummel, on their own behalf and on behalf of the Class (as defined therein) and
(ii) defendants CNX Gas Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc. and certain individual defendants, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, filed on August 5,
2013.
Amendment No. 1, dated April 19, 2013, to the Asset Acquisition Agreement, dated August 17, 2011, between
CNX Gas Company LLC and Noble Energy, Inc, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 10-Q (file no.
001-14901) for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, filed on August 5, 2013.
Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2014, among CONSOL Energy Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party
thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the several
initial purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on
April 16, 2014.
Time Sharing Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. and J. Brett Harvey,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 7, 2007.
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 21, 2014, between CONSOL Energy Inc. and J.
Brett Harvey incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 26, 2014.
187
10.48
10.49
10.50
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
10.55
10.56
10.57
10.58
10.59
10.60
10.61
10.62
10.63
10.64
10.65
10.66
10.67
10.68
10.69
10.70
10.71
10.72
10.73
Letter Agreement, dated August 24, 2007, by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. and Nicholas J. DeIuliis,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on August 24, 2007.
Change in Control Agreement by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. and J. Brett Harvey, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file no. 001-14901), filed on
February 17, 2009.
Change in Control Agreement by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. and Nicholas J. DeIuliis, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file no. 001-14901), filed on
February 17, 2009.
Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2014, between CONSOL
Energy Inc. and David M. Khani, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for
the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2014, between CONSOL
Energy Inc. and James Grech, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the
quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Change in Control Agreement by and among CNX Gas Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Stephen W.
Johnson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 of CNX
Gas Corporation (file no. 001-32723) filed on February 17, 2009.
Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2014, between CONSOL
Energy Inc. and James A. Brock.
Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2014, between CONSOL Energy Inc. and
Timothy Dugan.
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers of CONSOL Energy Inc., incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, filed on
August 3, 2009.
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers of CNX Gas Corporation, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, filed on
August 3, 2009.
Equity Incentive Plan, As Amended and Restated, effective May 1, 2012 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 21, 2012.
Amended and Restated CONSOL Energy Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to the Form DEF 14A (file no. 001-14901) filed on March 29, 2013.
Non-Employee Director Option Grant Notice, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.84 to the Form
8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on October 24, 2005.
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement For Employees, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26
to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-149442) filed on February 28, 2008.
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Employees (February 17, 2009 and after), incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Form S-4 (file no. 333-157894) filed on June 26, 2009.
Form of Employee Non-Qualified Performance Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to Form 8-K (file no. 001-14901) filed on June 21, 2010.
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award for Employees (February 17, 2009 through 2014), incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.31 to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 (file no. 333-157894) filed on June 26, 2009.
Form of 5-Year Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-149442) filed on February 28, 2008.
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees (for 2015 awards and after).
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (for 2014 awards), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (for 2015 awards and after).
Form of CONSOL Stock Unit Acknowledgment Letter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q
(file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Form of CONSOL Stock Unit Acknowledgment Letter (Alternate), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Form of CONSOL Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed on May 7, 2013.
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to Form 10-K (file
no. 001-14901) for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on February 7, 2014.
188
10.74
10.75
10.76
10.77
10.78
10.79
10.80
10.81
10.82
10.83
10.84
10.85
12
14.1
21
23.1
23.2
23.3
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
95
Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (1999 Plan), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q (file
no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, filed on April 30, 2008.
Hypothetical Investment Election Form Relating to Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (1999 Plan),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no.
001-14901), filed on February 19, 2008.
Directors' Deferred Fee Plan (2004 Plan) (Amended and Restated on December 4, 2007), incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, filed on April 30, 2008.
Hypothetical Investment Election Form Relating to Directors' Deferred Fee Plan (2004 Plan), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file no. 001-14901), filed on
February 19, 2008.
Form of Director Deferred Stock Unit Grant Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.95 to the Form 8-
K (file no. 001-14901) filed on May 8, 2006.
Trust Agreement (Amended and Restated on March 20, 2008) (1999 Directors Deferred Compensation Plan),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008,
filed on April 30, 2008.
Trust Agreement (Amended and Restated on March 20, 2008) (Directors' Deferred Fee Plan (2004 Plan)),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008,
filed on April 30, 2008.
Amended and Restated Retirement Restoration Plan of CONSOL Energy Inc., incorporated reference to Exhibit
10.30 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file no. 001-14901), filed on February 17, 2009.
Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Plan of CONSOL Energy Inc. effective January 1, 2007, as
amended and restated on September 8, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (file no.
001-14901) filed on September 11, 2009.
Amendment to CONSOL Energy Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan, dated as of October 17, 2011, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901), for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, filed on
October 31, 2011.
CONSOL Energy Inc. Defined Contribution Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2012, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.12 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May 6, 2014.
Executive Compensation Clawback Policy of CONSOL Energy Inc., dated as of January 28, 2014, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Form 10-Q (file no. 001-14901) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed on May
6, 2014.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
Code of Employee Business Conduct and Ethics
Subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Consent of Netherland Sewell & Associates, Inc.
Consent of Golder Associates, Inc.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Mine Safety Disclosure Exhibit
Engineers' Audit Letter
99.1
99.2 Mining Engineers' and Geologists' Audit Letter
101
Interactive Data File (Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 furnished in XBRL).
Supplemental Information
No annual report or proxy material has been sent to shareholders of CONSOL Energy at the time of filing of this Form 10-
K. An annual report will be sent to shareholders and to the commission subsequent to the filing of this Form 10-K.
In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed.
189
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the 6th day of February, 2015.
SIGNATURES
CONSOL ENERGY INC.
By:
/s/ NICHOLAS J. DEIULIIS
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
Director, Chief Executive Officer and President
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed as of the 5th day of
February, 2015, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated:
Signature
Title
/s/ NICHOLAS J. DEIULIIS
Director, Chief Executive Officer and President
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ DAVID M. KHANI
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
David M. Khani
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ LORRAINE L. RITTER
Controller and Vice President
Lorraine L. Ritter
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/S/ J. BRETT HARVEY
Director and Chairman of the Board
J. Brett Harvey
/S/ PHILIP W. BAXTER
Lead Independent Director
Philip W. Baxter
/S/ JAMES E. ALTMEYER, SR.
Director
James E. Altmeyer, Sr.
/s/ ALVIN R. CARPENTER
Director
Alvin R. Carpenter
/S/ WILLIAM E. DAVIS
Director
William E. Davis
/S/ RAJ K. GUPTA
Director
Raj K. Gupta
/S/ DAVID C. HARDESTY, JR.
Director
David C. Hardesty, Jr.
/s/ MAUREEN E. LALLY-GREEN
Director
Maureen E. Lally-Green
/S/ GREGORY A. LANHAM
Director
Gregory A. Lanham
/S/ JOHN T. MILLS
Director
John T. Mills
/s/ WILLIAM P. POWELL
Director
William P. Powell
/S/ WILLIAM N. THORNDIKE
Director
William N. Thorndike
/S/ JOSEPH T. WILLIAMS
Director
Joseph T. Williams
190
CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(Dollars in thousands)
Additions
Deductions
Balance at
Release of
Beginning Charged to Valuation Charged to
of Period
Allowance
Expense
Expense
SCHEDULE II
Balance at
End
of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2014
State operating loss carry-forwards
Deferred deductible temporary differences
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2013
State operating loss carry-forwards
Deferred deductible temporary differences
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2012
State operating loss carry-forwards
Deferred deductible temporary differences
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,527
5
7,532
7,793
170
7,963
7,801
72
7,873
$
$
$
$
$
$
157
11
168
1,987
—
1,987
224
153
377
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1,323) $
—
(1,323) $
(281) $
—
(281) $
6,080
16
6,096
(1,410) $
—
(1,410) $
(843) $
(165)
(1,008) $
7,527
5
7,532
(232) $
(55)
(287) $
— $
—
— $
7,793
170
7,963
191
CONSOL Energy Inc.
CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNX) is a Pittsburgh-based producer of natural gas and coal. The company is one
of the largest independent natural gas exploration, development and production companies, with operations
centered in the major shale formations of the Appalachian basin. CONSOL Energy deploys an organic growth
strategy focused on rapidly developing its resource base of 6.8 trillion cubic feet of proved natural gas reserves,
while the company’s premium coal assets are sold to electricity generators and steelmakers both domestically
and internationally. CONSOL Energy is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Equity Index and the Fortune
500. Additional information may be found at www.consolenergy.com.
Headquarters
CONSOL Energy Inc.
CNX Center
1000 CONSOL Energy Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Website
http://www.consolenergy.com
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
This Annual Report of CONSOL Energy Inc. is being delivered to the shareholders of CONSOL Energy to
comply with the annual report delivery requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and Rule 14a-3 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All information required by those applicable rules is contained in this Annual
Report, including certain information contained in the Form 10-K included herein, which has previously been
filed by CONSOL Energy with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONSOL Energy will provide to any shareholder, without charge and upon the written request of the
shareholder, a copy (without exhibits, unless otherwise requested) of CONSOL Energy’s annual report on Form
10-K as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for CONSOL Energy’s fiscal year
ended December 31, 2014. Any such request should be directed to CONSOL Energy Inc., Investor Relations
Department, 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. CONSOL Energy may also provide a
summary annual report to its shareholders. Any such summary annual report is not meant to replace this Annual
Report or satisfy the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange or Securities and Exchange Commission,
but is meant only to provide shareholders with a summary of information concerning CONSOL Energy that has
been previously disseminated to the public.