International Coal Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Results

SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  

Highlights:

• Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA increases by 19% over 2009
• Per ton margins increase by 21% compared to fourth quarter 2009
• Metallurgical shipments up 64% over fourth quarter 2009
• Record full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $211.1 million, excluding non-routine transactions

International Coal Group, Inc. (NYSE: ICO) today reported its results for the fourth quarter of 2010.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $47.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $40.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2009.

• Net income was $9.6 million, or $0.05 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to a net loss of $11.3 million, or $0.07 per share on a diluted basis, during the fourth quarter of 2009. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 included a $0.4 million pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt related to repurchases of 9% Convertible Senior Notes. Excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2010, adjusted net income would have been $9.8 million, or $0.05 per share on a diluted basis. Fourth quarter 2009 financial results included a $13.3 million pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt resulting from private exchanges of 9% Convertible Senior Notes for shares of the Company's common stock. Excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2009, net income and diluted earnings per share would have been essentially break-even.

• Margin per ton sold increased 21% to $14.67 in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $12.11 during the same period in 2009, primarily due to higher price realization from growing metallurgical shipments.

• Coal sales revenues increased to $243.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $231.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2009.

"We were pleased to deliver solid fourth quarter results despite isolated operational challenges and late-quarter shipment delays," said Ben Hatfield, President and CEO of ICG. "Although our Sentinel mine had several unplanned section moves that reduced metallurgical shipments, we were able to maintain attractive margins. Additionally, weather-related disruptions to rail service delayed approximately 100,000 tons of fourth quarter shipments, impacting Adjusted EBITDA by nearly $5.0 million."

Hatfield continued, "Current coal prices have moved up sharply for both metallurgical and thermal coal. Metallurgical prices are being driven by the severe flooding in Australia, which has idled substantial production there, and an improving global economic climate. Thermal markets have also shown marked improvement due to rebounding export demand and colder weather, although US utilities are delaying significant spot purchases in order to draw down stockpiles.  We believe US domestic prices are poised for rapid improvement during the latter half of 2011."

Full Year Results

The Company reported Adjusted EBITDA of $201.1 million in 2010 and $201.7 million in 2009. Adjusted EBITDA in 2010 was reduced by a $10.0 million contract buyout, but increased in 2009 by a $27.0 million payment received for early termination of coal supply agreements and a $7.7 million gain on the termination of a below-market contract. Excluding these transactions, Adjusted EBITDA would have been $211.1 million for 2010 and $167.0 million for 2009.

Net income for 2010 was $30.1 million, or $0.15 per share on a diluted basis, versus net income of $21.5 million, or $0.14 per share on a diluted basis, for 2009. Excluding the $10.0 million contract buyout charge and a $29.4 million loss on extinguishment of debt, adjusted net income for 2010 would have been $54.9 million, or $0.27 per share on a diluted basis. Excluding the $27.0 million payment received for early termination of coal supply agreements, the $7.7 million gain related to the contract termination and a $13.3 million loss on extinguishment of debt, adjusted net income for 2009 would have been $11.3 million, or $0.07 per share on a diluted basis.

Sales, Production and Reserves

ICG sold 3.5 million tons of coal during the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to 3.8 million tons during the fourth quarter of 2009. Production totaled 3.6 million tons for the fourth quarter of both 2010 and 2009. Metallurgical shipments of 571,000 tons represented a 64% increase over the fourth quarter of 2009.

As of December 31, 2010, ICG controlled approximately 1.1 billion tons of coal reserves, located primarily in Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, the Company controlled approximately 434 million tons of non-reserve coal deposits, which may be classified as reserves in the future as additional drilling and geological work is completed.

Operational and Other Updates

• Construction at the new Tygart Valley #1 deep mine complex experienced minor weather-related delays during the fourth quarter, but major earthwork is now complete with site development expected to wrap up in March 2011. Construction of the slope commenced in early November and work on the shafts began in December. Initial coal production is projected for late fourth quarter 2011. At full output, currently projected for early 2014, Tygart Valley #1 is expected to boost the Company's annual metallurgical sales to approximately 5.5 million tons.

• Vindex Energy's Dobbin Ridge preparation plant began processing coal in January 2011 after a $7.7 million upgrade. The associated Bismarck deep mine, despite a slower than anticipated start, is expected to contribute approximately 180,000 tons of low-volatile metallurgical coal sales in 2011, and achieve the targeted run-rate of 250,000 annual tons by the fourth quarter of 2011.

• During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company substantially completed its capital restructuring which began late in 2009. In October 2010, the Company redeemed $10.3 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.0% Convertible Senior Notes, incurring a $0.4 million loss. The Company used cash on hand to fund the repurchase.

Market Outlook and Committed Sales

Recent historic flooding in Australia has affected coal prices in world markets. The key metallurgical coal-producing region of Queensland has been especially impacted, driving spot metallurgical prices to over $300 per metric tonne FOB Australia. While US prices have not yet reached that level, the Company anticipates substantial spot price improvement over the next few quarters.

While there has been general improvement in thermal prices, domestic utility spot purchases are expected to be somewhat muted until early summer of this year.  Management believes that continued economic recovery and growing export demand, in conjunction with regulatory actions that constrain Central Appalachian production, will serve as catalysts for meaningful price increases.

Reflecting this market view, the Company has generally limited term-contract commitments in anticipation of improved pricing.

For 2011, committed and priced sales total approximately 12.9 million tons, or 79% of planned shipments, at an average price of $72.25 per ton, excluding freight and handling expenses. Uncommitted tonnage includes approximately 2.5 million tons of thermal coal and 1.0 million tons of metallurgical coal.

For 2012, committed and priced sales total approximately 3.6 million tons, or 21% of planned shipments, at an average price of $53.75 per ton, excluding freight and handling expenses. Uncommitted tonnage includes approximately 10.2 million tons of thermal coal and 3.2 million tons of metallurgical coal.

Liquidity and Debt

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $215.3 million in cash and $19.6 million in borrowing capacity available under its credit agreement.

Debt outstanding as of December 31, 2010 totaled $329.1 million, net of a $33.2 million discount, consisting primarily of $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Secured Second-Priority Notes.

Outlook

The Company has updated its guidance to reflect modifications to its production mix and the global economic conditions affecting the coal market:

• For 2011, the Company expects to produce and sell between 16.1 million and 16.7 million tons of coal, including 3.1 million to 3.5 million tons of metallurgical coal. The average selling price is projected to be $73.00 per ton to $77.00 per ton, with an anticipated average cost of $55.00 to $57.00 per ton, excluding selling, general and administrative expenses.

• Adjusted EBITDA, or earnings before deducting interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and noncontrolling interest, is expected to be in the range of $270 million to $310 million in 2011.

• The Company projects its effective tax rate to be approximately 30% for 2011.

• The Company's expectation for average coal pricing by region for 2011 is as follows:

• The Company anticipates 2011 capital expenditures of between $225 million and $245 million, including approximately $125 million related to development projects at our Tygart Valley #1, Illinois and Vindex operations.

• For 2012, the Company expects to produce and sell between 16.5 million and 17.5 million tons of coal, including 3.3 million to 3.7 million tons of metallurgical coal.

General Information

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

Forward-Looking Statements

• Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We have used the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements: market demand for coal, electricity and steel; availability of qualified workers; future economic or capital market conditions; weather conditions or catastrophic weather-related damage; our production capabilities; consummation of financing, acquisition or disposition transactions and the effect thereof on our business; a significant number of conversions of our convertible senior notes prior to maturity; our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion or consolidation; our relationships with, and other conditions affecting, our customers; availability and costs of key supplies or commodities, such as diesel fuel, steel, explosives and tires; availability and costs of capital equipment; prices of fuels which compete with or impact coal usage, such as oil and natural gas; timing of reductions or increases in customer coal inventories; long-term coal supply arrangements; reductions and/or deferrals of purchases by major customers; risks in or related to coal mining operations, including risks related to third-party suppliers and carriers operating at our mines or complexes; unexpected maintenance and equipment failure; adoption by Appalachian states of EPA guidance regarding stringent water quality-based limitations in CWA Section 402 wastewater discharge permits and CWA Section 404 dredge and fill permits; environmental, safety and other laws and regulations, including those directly affecting our coal mining and production, and those affecting our customers' coal usage; ability to obtain and maintain all necessary governmental permits and authorizations; competition among coal and other energy producers in the United States and internationally; railroad, barge, trucking and other transportation availability, performance and costs; employee benefits costs and labor relations issues; replacement of our reserves; our assumptions concerning economically recoverable coal reserve estimates; availability and costs of credit, surety bonds and letters of credit; title defects or loss of leasehold interests in our properties which could result in unanticipated costs or inability to mine these properties; the impact of the mine explosion at a competitor's mine on federal and state authorities' decisions to enact laws and regulations that result in more frequent mine inspections, stricter enforcement practices and enhanced reporting requirements; future legislation and changes in regulations or governmental policies or changes in interpretations or enforcement thereof, including with respect to safety enhancements and environmental initiatives relating to global warming and climate change; impairment of the value of our long-lived and deferred tax assets; our liquidity, including our ability to adhere to financial covenants related to our borrowing arrangements; adequacy and sufficiency of our internal controls; and legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims, including those related to citations and orders issued by regulatory authorities, and the availability of related insurance coverage.

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

SOURCE International Coal Group, Inc.