Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis provides a narrative of our results of operations and financial condition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The following discussion includes forward-looking statements about our business, financial condition and results of operations, including discussions about management's expectations for our business. These statements represent projections, beliefs and expectations based on current circumstances and conditions and in light of recent events and trends, and you should not construe these statements either as assurances of performance or as promises of a given course of action. Instead, various known and unknown factors are likely to cause our actual performance and management's actions to vary, and the results of these variances may be both material and adverse. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors."
Market Overview
Coal markets remain subject to uncertainty and volatility resulting from geopolitical conflicts and global economic conditions. Improving indicators in manufacturing conditions across key Alpha markets suggest that economic conditions are stable, with almost all in growth territory. While global steel demand remains weak, supply-related factors, such as mine closure announcements, temporarily influenced metallurgical coal indices to rise toward the end of the third quarter, with further volatility continuing after the quarter close.
In the third quarter of 2026, metallurgical coal prices showed improvement across the indices. Each of the four indices Alpha closely monitors rose by 10% or more during the quarter, with the U.S. East Coast High Volatile A index showing the largest increase at 24.2%. The Australian Premium Low Volatile index increased from $244.00 per metric ton on July 1, 2026, to $272.10 per metric ton on September 30, 2026. The U.S. East Coast Low Volatile index rose from $190.00 per metric ton at the beginning of the quarter to $210.00 per metric ton at the end of the quarter. The U.S. East Coast High Volatile A index increased from $157.00 per metric ton at the start of the quarter to $195.00 per metric ton at quarter-end. The U.S. East Coast High Volatile B index rose from $147.00 per metric ton in early July to $170.00 per metric ton by the end of September. As of October 22, 2026, the Australian Premium Low Volatile decreased to $266.70 per metric ton from its quarter-close level, and the U.S. East Coast Low Volatile remained unchanged at $210.00 per metric ton. The U.S. East Coast High Volatile A and High Volatile B indices measured $185.00 and $166.00 per metric ton, respectively, as of the same date.
The world manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) posted a 55-month high in September with a PMI of 53.0, an increase from 52.3 in August. China registered a September PMI of 52.1, up from 51.5 in August. India, a key market for Alpha, recorded a PMI of 55.1 in September, improving from 52.8 in August. The United States' PMI rose to 55.9 in September from 53.9 in August. Europe's PMI reached a 52-month high of 52.9 in September, up from 52.7 in August. Brazil's PMI declined to 44.8 in September from 46.3 in August.
The September 2026 global crude steel production reached 142.4 million metric tons from 70 countries, as compiled by the World Steel Association ("WSA"), representing a decrease of 0.2% compared to September 2025. China, the world's largest steel-producing country, produced 73.6 million metric tons of steel in September, an increase of 0.1% year-over-year. India produced 13.9 million metric tons of crude steel in September 2026, up 1.9% from the year-ago period. The United States produced 7.2 million metric tons of steel in September, an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Japan's 6.3 million metric tons of steel produced in September 2026 was down 0.6% from September 2025. Of the top 10 steel-producing countries, Vietnam experienced the largest year-over-year percentage increase of 29.1%, with 2.6 million metric tons of steel produced in September 2026. Germany recorded the largest percentage drop among the top ten steel-producing countries, as its 2.6 million metric tons of steel produced in September 2026 represented a 13.0% decrease from September 2025. Regionally, the Asia and Oceania region, which contains both India and China, produced 104.0 million metric tons of crude steel in September 2026, a 0.7% increase from September 2025. The European Union produced 10.1 million metric tons in September 2026, a 5.0% decrease compared to the same period last year. North America's September 2026 crude steel production was 9.3 million metric tons, up 3.4% year-over-year.
The American Iron and Steel Institute's capacity utilization rate for U.S. steel mills was 80.9% for the week ending October 17, 2026. This is up compared to the year-ago period, when the capacity utilization rate was 75.1%.
In the seaborne thermal market, the API2 index was $115.50 per metric ton on July 1, 2026, and increased to $141.40 per metric ton on September 30, 2026.
Business Overview
We are a Tennessee-based mining company with operations in Virginia and West Virginia. With customers across the globe, high-quality reserves and significant port capacity, we are a leading supplier of metallurgical coal products to the steel industry. We operate high-quality, cost-competitive met coal mines across the CAPP coal basin. As of September 30, 2026, our operations consisted of twenty active mines and eight active coal preparation and load-out facilities, with approximately 3,860 employees. We produce, process, and sell met coal and thermal coal as a byproduct. We also sell coal produced by others, some of which is processed and/or blended with coal produced from our mines prior to resale, with the remainder purchased for resale. As of December 31, 2025, we had 294.5 million tons of reserves, which included 282.8 million tons of proven and probable metallurgical reserves and 11.7 million tons of proven and probable thermal reserves.
Purchases of our met coal were made primarily in several countries in Asia, Europe, South America, and the northeastern and midwestern regions of the United States for purposes of steel production. Purchases of our thermal coal were made primarily for purposes of power generation and industrial uses both in the United States and across the world.
The following table summarizes information about our coal sales and export revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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Three Months Ended September 30,
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Nine Months Ended September 30,
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(In millions of tons)
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2026
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2025
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2026
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|
2025
|
|
Sales of met coal
|
3.6
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|
3.6
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|
10.1
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|
10.6
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Sales of thermal coal
|
0.3
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|
0.3
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|
0.9
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|
0.9
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Met coal as % of coal sales volume
|
92
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%
|
|
93
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%
|
|
91
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%
|
|
92
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%
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|
Thermal coal as % of coal sales volume
|
8
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%
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|
7
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%
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|
9
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%
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|
8
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%
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|
Export coal revenues as % of total coal revenues
|
74
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%
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|
72
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%
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|
74
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%
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|
73
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%
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In addition, we generate other revenues from equipment sales, rentals, terminal and processing fees, coal and environmental analysis fees, royalties and the sale of natural gas. We also record freight and handling fulfillment revenue within coal revenues for freight and handling services provided in delivering coal to certain customers, which are a component of the contractual selling price.
As of September 30, 2026, we have one reportable segment: Met. Refer to Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures on reportable segments, geographic areas, and export coal revenue information.
As discussed in the "Market Overview" presented above, global economic conditions and uncertainty driven by geopolitical unrest are influencing factors in the metallurgical coal markets. Met coal prices continue to be restrained by weak global steel demand. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 were impacted by these factors. Our guidance range for full-year sales volumes below reflects our current expectation for 2026. However, we continually monitor steel markets and metallurgical coal demand indicators alongside the productive capacity of our portfolio to evaluate how our production levels align with market conditions. Additionally, refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Business Updates" for developments regarding a key piece of equipment, a stacker reclaimer machine at Dominion Terminal Associates ("DTA"), which sustained significant damage due to high winds from a storm as previously announced in June 2026.
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Sales Agreements. We manage our commodity price risk for coal sales through the use of coal supply agreements. As of October 29, 2026, we had sales commitments for 2026 as follows:
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2026 Guidance
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(In millions of tons)
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Low
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High
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Metallurgical
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13.2
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14.0
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Thermal
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1.0
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1.4
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Met Segment - Total Shipments
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14.2
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15.4
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Committed/Priced (1)
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Committed
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Volume (in millions of tons)
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Average Committed Realized Price per Ton
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Metallurgical - Domestic
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3.7
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$135.98
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Metallurgical - Export
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8.1
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$122.49
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Metallurgical Total
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87
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%
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11.8
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$126.69
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Thermal
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100
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%
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|
1.3
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$76.06
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Met Segment
|
89
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%
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13.1
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$121.45
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(1) Based on committed and priced coal shipments as of October 29, 2026. Committed percentage based on the midpoint of shipment guidance range. Actual average per-ton realizations on committed and priced tons recognized in future periods may vary based on actual freight expense in future periods relative to assumed freight expense embedded in projected average per-ton realizations. Includes estimates of future coal shipments based upon contract terms and anticipated delivery schedules. Actual coal shipments may vary from these estimates.
Realized Pricing. Our realized price per ton of coal is influenced by many factors that vary by region, including (i) coal quality, which includes energy (heat content), sulfur, ash, volatile matter and moisture content; (ii) differences in market conventions concerning transportation costs and volume measurement; and (iii) regional supply and demand.
Costs. Our results of operations are dependent upon our ability to maximize productivity and control costs. Our primary expenses are for operating supply costs, repair and maintenance expenditures, costs of purchased coal, royalties, wages and benefits, freight and handling costs and taxes incurred in selling our coal. The principal goods and services we use in our operations include maintenance and repair parts and services, electricity, fuel, roof control and support items, explosives, tires, conveyance structures, ventilation supplies and lubricants. Our management strives to aggressively control costs and improve operating performance to mitigate external cost pressures. We experience volatility in operating costs related to fuel, explosives, steel, tires, contract services and healthcare, among others, and take measures to mitigate the increases in these costs at all operations. We have a centralized sourcing group for major supplier contract negotiation and administration, for the negotiation and purchase of major capital goods, and to support the business units. We promote competition between suppliers and seek to develop relationships with suppliers that focus on lowering our costs. We seek suppliers who identify and concentrate on implementing continuous improvement opportunities within their area of expertise. To the extent upward pressure on costs exceeds our ability to realize sales increases, or if we experience unanticipated operating or transportation difficulties, our operating margins would be negatively impacted. We may also experience difficult geologic conditions, delays in obtaining permits, labor shortages, unforeseen equipment problems, and unexpected shortages of critical materials such as tires, fuel and explosives that may result in adverse cost increases and limit our ability to produce at forecasted levels.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 are discussed below.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2026 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
Revenues
The following table summarizes information about our revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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|
Three Months Ended September 30,
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Increase (Decrease)
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(In thousands, except for per ton data)
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2026
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2025
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$ or Tons
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%
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Coal revenues
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$
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560,579
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|
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$
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525,203
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$
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35,376
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6.7
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%
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Other revenues
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1,666
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1,575
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|
91
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5.8
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%
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Total revenues
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$
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562,245
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|
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$
|
526,778
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|
|
$
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35,467
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6.7
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%
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Tons sold
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3,915
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3,852
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|
63
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1.6
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%
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Coal revenues. Coal revenues increased $35.4 million, or 6.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to a 5.0% increase in our average coal sales realization as sales shifted toward relatively higher quality coal with stronger pricing in the current year period. In addition, coal sales volumes increased 1.6% compared to the prior year period driven largely by changes in the timing of shipments as DTA's planned equipment outage in June delayed certain shipments into the current quarter. Refer to the "Non-GAAP coal revenues" section below for further detail on coal revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period.
Cost and Expenses
The following table summarizes information about our costs and expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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Three Months Ended September 30,
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Increase (Decrease)
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(In thousands)
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2026
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2025
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$
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%
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Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
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$
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509,656
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$
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461,635
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$
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48,021
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10.4
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%
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization
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35,486
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43,899
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(8,413)
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(19.2)
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%
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Accretion on asset retirement obligations
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5,249
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5,503
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(254)
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(4.6)
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%
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Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
876
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1,357
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(481)
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(35.4)
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%
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Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
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18,668
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15,697
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2,971
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|
18.9
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%
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Other operating loss
|
340
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|
1,209
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(869)
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(71.9)
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%
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Total costs and expenses
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$
|
570,275
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|
|
$
|
529,300
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|
|
$
|
40,975
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|
|
7.7
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%
|
Cost of coal sales. Cost of coal sales increased $48.0 million, or 10.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The increase was attributable to a 1.6% increase in coal sales volumes combined with an 8.6% increase in our average cost of coal sales per ton. Compared with the prior year period, increases in labor and benefits costs, as well as inflationary impacts on supply costs, including increases in certain supply costs due to changing trade policies and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and increases in royalties and taxes due to higher sales realizations, were partially offset by the benefit of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 45X tax credit. Refer to the "Non-GAAP cost of coal sales" section below for further detail on cost of coal sales for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $8.4 million, or 19.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to certain assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives and becoming fully depreciated.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.0 million, or 18.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to increases of $3.4 million in incentive pay and $1.2 million in stock compensation, partially offset by a decrease of $2.1 million in professional services.
Total Other Expense, Net
The following table summarizes information about our total other expense, net during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
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|
(In thousands)
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2026
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2025
|
|
$
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%
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|
Total other expense, net
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$
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6,940
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|
|
$
|
6,323
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|
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$
|
617
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9.8
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%
|
Income Tax Benefit
The following table summarizes information about our income tax benefit during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
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|
(In thousands)
|
2026
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|
2025
|
|
$
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%
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|
Income tax benefit
|
$
|
(5,677)
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|
|
$
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(3,330)
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|
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$
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(2,347)
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|
(70.5)
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%
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Income tax benefit of $5.7 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2026 on a loss before income taxes of $15.0 million. The effective tax rate of 37.9% differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the permanent impact of percentage depletion, permanent impact of the IRC Section 45X tax credit (refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), and state income taxes, net of federal impact, partially offset by non-deductible compensation.
Income tax benefit of $3.3 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2025 on a loss before income taxes of $8.8 million. The effective tax rate of 37.7% differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the permanent impact of percentage depletion, partially offset by the impact of non-deductible compensation and state income taxes, net of federal impact. Refer to Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The discussion below contains "non-GAAP financial measures." These are financial measures that either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP financial measures "Adjusted EBITDA," "non-GAAP coal revenues," "non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton," "non-GAAP cost of coal sales," "non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton," "non-GAAP coal margin," and "non-GAAP coal margin per ton." In addition to net income (loss), we use Adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of our reportable segment. Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance or any other measure of operating results, financial performance, or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, this measure is not calculated identically by all companies and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes it is a useful indicator of the financial performance of our coal operations. We use non-GAAP coal revenues to present coal revenues generated, excluding freight and handling fulfillment revenues. Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton is calculated as non-GAAP coal revenues divided by tons sold. We use non-GAAP cost of coal sales to adjust cost of coal sales to remove freight and handling costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (excluding the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions), accretion on asset retirement obligations, amortization of acquired intangibles, and idled and closed mine costs. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton is calculated as non-GAAP cost of coal sales divided by tons sold. Non-GAAP coal margin is calculated as non-GAAP coal revenues less non-GAAP cost of coal sales. Non-GAAP coal margin per ton is calculated as non-GAAP coal margin divided by tons sold. The presentation of these measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Management uses non-GAAP financial measures to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. The definition of these non-GAAP measures may be changed periodically by management to adjust for significant items important to an understanding of operating trends and to adjust for items that may not reflect the trend of future results by excluding transactions that are not indicative of our core operating performance. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate our operating performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentations of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term
strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate, capital investments and other factors.
Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.
The following table summarizes certain financial information relating to our coal operations for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands, except for per ton data)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$ or Tons
|
|
%
|
|
Coal revenues
|
$
|
560,579
|
|
|
$
|
525,203
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|
|
$
|
35,376
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|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
Less: freight and handling fulfillment revenues
|
(86,508)
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|
|
(82,448)
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|
|
(4,060)
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|
|
(4.9)
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%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal revenues
|
$
|
474,071
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|
|
$
|
442,755
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|
|
$
|
31,316
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|
|
7.1
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%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton
|
$
|
121.09
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|
|
$
|
114.94
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|
|
$
|
6.15
|
|
|
5.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
|
$
|
509,656
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|
|
$
|
461,635
|
|
|
$
|
48,021
|
|
|
10.4
|
%
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1)
|
35,218
|
|
|
43,582
|
|
|
(8,364)
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|
|
(19.2)
|
%
|
|
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
5,249
|
|
|
5,503
|
|
|
(254)
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|
|
(4.6)
|
%
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
876
|
|
|
1,357
|
|
|
(481)
|
|
|
(35.4)
|
%
|
|
Total cost of coal sales
|
550,999
|
|
|
512,077
|
|
|
38,922
|
|
|
7.6
|
%
|
|
Less: freight and handling costs
|
(86,508)
|
|
|
(82,448)
|
|
|
(4,060)
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|
|
(4.9)
|
%
|
|
Less: depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1)
|
(35,218)
|
|
|
(43,582)
|
|
|
8,364
|
|
|
19.2
|
%
|
|
Less: accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
(5,249)
|
|
|
(5,503)
|
|
|
254
|
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
|
Less: amortization of acquired intangibles
|
(876)
|
|
|
(1,357)
|
|
|
481
|
|
|
35.4
|
%
|
|
Less: idled and closed mine costs
|
(4,531)
|
|
|
(4,517)
|
|
|
(14)
|
|
|
(0.3)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP cost of coal sales
|
$
|
418,617
|
|
|
$
|
374,670
|
|
|
$
|
43,947
|
|
|
11.7
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton
|
$
|
106.93
|
|
|
$
|
97.27
|
|
|
$
|
9.66
|
|
|
9.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAAP coal margin
|
$
|
9,580
|
|
|
$
|
13,126
|
|
|
$
|
(3,546)
|
|
|
(27.0)
|
%
|
|
GAAP coal margin per ton
|
$
|
2.45
|
|
|
$
|
3.41
|
|
|
$
|
(0.96)
|
|
|
(28.2)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-GAAP coal margin
|
$
|
55,454
|
|
|
$
|
68,085
|
|
|
$
|
(12,631)
|
|
|
(18.6)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal margin per ton
|
$
|
14.16
|
|
|
$
|
17.68
|
|
|
$
|
(3.52)
|
|
|
(19.9)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tons sold
|
3,915
|
|
|
3,852
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.
Non-GAAP coal revenues. Non-GAAP coal revenues increased $31.3 million, or 7.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to a $6.15, or 5.4%, increase in our average non-GAAP coal sales realization as sales shifted toward relatively higher quality coal with stronger pricing in the current year period. In addition, coal sales volumes increased 1.6% compared to the prior year period driven largely by changes in the timing of shipments as DTA's planned equipment outage in June delayed certain shipments into the current quarter.
Non-GAAP cost of coal sales. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales increased $43.9 million, or 11.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The increase was attributable to a 1.6% increase in coal sales volumes combined with a 9.9% increase in our average non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton. Compared with the prior year period, increases in labor and benefits costs, as well as inflationary impacts on supply costs, including increases in certain supply costs due to changing trade policies and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and increases in royalties and taxes due to higher sales realizations, were partially offset by the benefit of the IRC Section 45X tax credit. During the first quarter of 2026,
we became eligible for the IRC Section 45X tax credit (refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) which generally provides for a refundable tax credit equal to 2.5% of production costs for metallurgical coal produced and sold during the period. For the three months ended September 30, 2026, we recorded $9.4 million related to the tax credit as a reduction in non-GAAP cost of coal sales.
Adjusted EBITDA
The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(9,293)
|
|
|
$
|
(5,515)
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
967
|
|
|
765
|
|
|
Interest income
|
(2,561)
|
|
|
(3,948)
|
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
(5,677)
|
|
|
(3,330)
|
|
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
35,486
|
|
|
43,899
|
|
|
Non-cash stock compensation expense
|
4,381
|
|
|
2,950
|
|
|
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
5,249
|
|
|
5,503
|
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
876
|
|
|
1,357
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
29,428
|
|
|
$
|
41,681
|
|
The following table summarizes Adjusted EBITDA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
|
%
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
29,428
|
|
|
$
|
41,681
|
|
|
$
|
(12,253)
|
|
|
(29.4)
|
%
|
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $12.3 million, or 29.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by a decrease in non-GAAP coal margin, as described above.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2026 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Revenues
The following table summarizes information about our revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands, except for per ton data)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$ or Tons
|
|
%
|
|
Coal revenues
|
$
|
1,575,617
|
|
|
$
|
1,603,545
|
|
|
$
|
(27,928)
|
|
|
(1.7)
|
%
|
|
Other revenues
|
4,471
|
|
|
5,464
|
|
|
(993)
|
|
|
(18.2)
|
%
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
1,580,088
|
|
|
$
|
1,609,009
|
|
|
$
|
(28,921)
|
|
|
(1.8)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tons sold
|
11,060
|
|
|
11,496
|
|
|
(436)
|
|
|
(3.8)
|
%
|
Coal revenues. Coal revenues decreased $27.9 million, or 1.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was attributable to a 3.8% decline in coal sales volumes largely driven by lower levels of purchased coal. Our average coal sales realization increased 2.1% as sales shifted toward relatively higher quality coal with stronger pricing in the current year period. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Coal revenues" section below for further detail on coal revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period.
Cost and Expenses
The following table summarizes information about our costs and expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
|
%
|
|
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
|
$
|
1,427,708
|
|
|
$
|
1,446,172
|
|
|
$
|
(18,464)
|
|
|
(1.3)
|
%
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
|
111,456
|
|
|
132,631
|
|
|
(21,175)
|
|
|
(16.0)
|
%
|
|
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
15,678
|
|
|
16,625
|
|
|
(947)
|
|
|
(5.7)
|
%
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
2,628
|
|
|
4,071
|
|
|
(1,443)
|
|
|
(35.4)
|
%
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above)
|
52,523
|
|
|
46,337
|
|
|
6,186
|
|
|
13.4
|
%
|
|
Other operating (income) loss
|
(943)
|
|
|
3,215
|
|
|
(4,158)
|
|
|
(129.3)
|
%
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
$
|
1,609,050
|
|
|
$
|
1,649,051
|
|
|
$
|
(40,001)
|
|
|
(2.4)
|
%
|
Cost of coal sales. Cost of coal sales decreased $18.5 million, or 1.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period, primarily related to a 3.8% decline in coal sales volumes. Average cost of coal sales per ton increased 2.6%, as increases in labor and benefits costs, as well as inflationary impacts on supply costs, including increases in certain supply costs related to changing trade policies and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and increases in royalties and taxes due to higher sales realizations, were partially offset by a reduced level of relatively higher-cost purchased coal and the benefit of the IRC Section 45X tax credit. Refer to the "Non-GAAP cost of coal sales" section below for further detail on cost of coal sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $21.2 million, or 16.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to certain assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives and becoming fully depreciated.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.2 million, or 13.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily related to increases of $5.1 million in incentive pay, $1.7 million in stock compensation, and $1.2 million in wages and benefits expense, partially offset by a decrease of $2.3 million in professional services.
Other operating (income) loss. Other operating income increased $4.2 million, or 129.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of assets in the current period.
Total Other Expense, Net
The following table summarizes information about our total other expense, net during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
|
%
|
|
Total other expense, net
|
$
|
21,213
|
|
|
$
|
20,389
|
|
|
$
|
824
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
Income Tax Benefit
The following table summarizes information about our income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
|
%
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
$
|
(17,598)
|
|
|
$
|
(16,015)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,583)
|
|
|
(9.9)
|
%
|
Income tax benefit of $17.6 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 on a loss before income taxes of $50.2 million. The effective tax rate of 35.1% differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the permanent impact of percentage depletion, permanent impact of the IRC Section 45X tax credit (refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), and state income taxes, net of federal impact, partially offset by non-deductible compensation.
Income tax benefit of $16.0 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 on a loss before income taxes of $60.4 million. The effective tax rate of 26.5% differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the permanent impact of percentage depletion and stock compensation, partially offset by the impact of non-deductible compensation and state income taxes, net of federal impact. Refer to Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.
The following table summarizes certain financial information relating to our coal operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands, except for per ton data)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$ or Tons
|
|
%
|
|
Coal revenues
|
$
|
1,575,617
|
|
|
$
|
1,603,545
|
|
|
$
|
(27,928)
|
|
|
(1.7)
|
%
|
|
Less: freight and handling fulfillment revenues
|
(232,942)
|
|
|
(250,961)
|
|
|
18,019
|
|
|
7.2
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal revenues
|
$
|
1,342,675
|
|
|
$
|
1,352,584
|
|
|
$
|
(9,909)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton
|
$
|
121.40
|
|
|
$
|
117.66
|
|
|
$
|
3.74
|
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)
|
$
|
1,427,708
|
|
|
$
|
1,446,172
|
|
|
$
|
(18,464)
|
|
|
(1.3)
|
%
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1)
|
110,574
|
|
|
131,678
|
|
|
(21,104)
|
|
|
(16.0)
|
%
|
|
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
15,678
|
|
|
16,625
|
|
|
(947)
|
|
|
(5.7)
|
%
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
2,628
|
|
|
4,071
|
|
|
(1,443)
|
|
|
(35.4)
|
%
|
|
Total cost of coal sales
|
1,556,588
|
|
|
1,598,546
|
|
|
(41,958)
|
|
|
(2.6)
|
%
|
|
Less: freight and handling costs
|
(232,942)
|
|
|
(250,961)
|
|
|
18,019
|
|
|
7.2
|
%
|
|
Less: depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1)
|
(110,574)
|
|
|
(131,678)
|
|
|
21,104
|
|
|
16.0
|
%
|
|
Less: accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
(15,678)
|
|
|
(16,625)
|
|
|
947
|
|
|
5.7
|
%
|
|
Less: amortization of acquired intangibles
|
(2,628)
|
|
|
(4,071)
|
|
|
1,443
|
|
|
35.4
|
%
|
|
Less: idled and closed mine costs
|
(22,057)
|
|
|
(17,028)
|
|
|
(5,029)
|
|
|
(29.5)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP cost of coal sales
|
$
|
1,172,709
|
|
|
$
|
1,178,183
|
|
|
$
|
(5,474)
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton
|
$
|
106.03
|
|
|
$
|
102.49
|
|
|
$
|
3.54
|
|
|
3.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAAP coal margin
|
$
|
19,029
|
|
|
$
|
4,999
|
|
|
$
|
14,030
|
|
|
280.7
|
%
|
|
GAAP coal margin per ton
|
$
|
1.72
|
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
|
$
|
1.29
|
|
|
300.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-GAAP coal margin
|
$
|
169,966
|
|
|
$
|
174,401
|
|
|
$
|
(4,435)
|
|
|
(2.5)
|
%
|
|
Non-GAAP coal margin per ton
|
$
|
15.37
|
|
|
$
|
15.17
|
|
|
$
|
0.20
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tons sold
|
11,060
|
|
|
11,496
|
|
|
(436)
|
|
|
(3.8)
|
%
|
(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.
Non-GAAP Coal revenues. Non-GAAP coal revenues decreased $9.9 million, or 0.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was due to a 3.8% decline in coal sales volumes, largely driven by lower levels of purchased coal, partially offset by a $3.74, or 3.2%, increase in our non-GAAP coal sales realization resulting from a shift in sales mix toward relatively higher quality coal with stronger pricing levels in the current period.
Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales decreased $5.5 million, or 0.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period, primarily related to a 3.8% decrease in coal sales volumes. Average non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton increased $3.54, or 3.5%, as increases in labor and benefits costs, as well as inflationary impacts on supply costs, including increases in certain supply costs related to changing trade policies and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and increases in royalties and taxes due to higher sales realizations, were partially offset by a reduced level of relatively higher-cost purchased coal and the benefit of the IRC Section 45X tax credit. During the first quarter of 2026, we became eligible for the IRC Section 45X tax credit (refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) which generally provides for a refundable tax credit equal to 2.5% of production costs for metallurgical coal produced and sold during the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, we recorded $23.7 million related to the tax credit as a reduction in non-GAAP cost of coal sales.
Adjusted EBITDA
The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(32,577)
|
|
|
$
|
(44,416)
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
2,770
|
|
|
2,289
|
|
|
Interest income
|
(9,686)
|
|
|
(12,193)
|
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
(17,598)
|
|
|
(16,015)
|
|
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
111,456
|
|
|
132,631
|
|
|
Non-cash stock compensation expense
|
12,353
|
|
|
10,405
|
|
|
Accretion on asset retirement obligations
|
15,678
|
|
|
16,625
|
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangibles
|
2,628
|
|
|
4,071
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
85,024
|
|
|
$
|
93,397
|
|
The following table summarizes Adjusted EBITDA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
(In thousands)
|
2026
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
|
%
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
85,024
|
|
|
$
|
93,397
|
|
|
$
|
(8,373)
|
|
|
(9.0)
|
%
|
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $8.4 million, or 9.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by a decrease in non-GAAP coal margin, as described above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from existing unrestricted cash balances, short-term investments, proceeds from future coal sales, and amounts available under our revolving credit agreement. Our primary capital resource requirements stem from the cost of our coal production and purchases, selling and administrative expenses, taxes, capital expenditures, debt service obligations, reclamation obligations, and collateral requirements. As of September 30, 2026, we had $7.4 million of long-term indebtedness outstanding, net of current portion, and no amounts borrowed and $40.7 million of letters of credit ("LCs") outstanding under our ABL Facility (as defined below).
We believe that cash on hand and cash generated from our operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital, anticipated capital expenditure, income tax, debt service, collateral and reclamation requirements for the next 12 months and the reasonably foreseeable future. We may also use cash in accordance with our share repurchase program. We rely on a number of assumptions in budgeting for our future activities. These include the costs for mine development to sustain capacity of our operating mines, our cash flows from operations, effects of regulation and taxes by governmental agencies, mining technology improvements and reclamation costs. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, political, economic, regulatory, environmental and competitive uncertainties, pending and existing climate-related initiatives, contingencies and risks, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. For example, if the new authorization
process for all self-insured coal mine operators is adopted, it would substantially increase the collateral required to secure our self-insured federal black lung obligations. Refer to the DCMWC Reauthorization Process section below for more information. Increased scrutiny of ESG matters specific to the coal sector could negatively influence our ability to raise capital in the future and result in a reduced number of surety and insurance providers. We may need to raise additional funds if market conditions deteriorate, if one or more of our assumptions prove to be incorrect or if we choose to expand our acquisition or development efforts or any other activity more rapidly than we presently anticipate and we may not be able to do so in a timely fashion, on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Additionally, we may elect to raise additional funds before we need them if the conditions for raising capital are favorable. We may seek to sell equity or debt securities or obtain additional bank credit facilities. The sale of equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could result in increased fixed obligations and additional covenants that could restrict our operations.
Liquidity
The following table summarizes our total liquidity as of September 30, 2026:
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(in thousands)
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September 30, 2026
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
|
334,111
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|
|
Credit facility availability (1)
|
184,290
|
|
|
Minimum liquidity requirement
|
(75,000)
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|
|
Total liquidity
|
$
|
443,401
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|
(1) Comprised of our unused commitments available under our credit agreement entered into on October 27, 2023 that was amended and extended on May 6, 2025 (the "ABL Agreement") after considering $40.7 million of outstanding LCs, subject to limitations described therein.
Cash Collateral
We are required to provide cash collateral to secure our obligations under certain workers' compensation, black lung, reclamation-related obligations, financial payments and other performance obligations, and other operating agreements. Future regulatory changes relating to these obligations could result in increased obligations, additional costs, or additional collateral requirements which could require greater use of alternative sources of funding for this purpose, which would reduce our liquidity. Refer to the DCMWC Reauthorization Process section below for information related to the new authorization process for self-insured coal mine operators being implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor (Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation). As of September 30, 2026, we had the following cash collateral on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:
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(in thousands)
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September 30, 2026
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Long-term restricted cash
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$
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129,202
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|
|
Long-term restricted investments
|
34,528
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|
|
Long-term deposits
|
4,762
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|
Total cash collateral
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$
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168,492
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|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are required to provide financial assurance in order to perform the post-mining reclamation required by our mining permits, pay workers' compensation claims under workers' compensation laws in various states, pay federal black lung benefits, and perform certain other obligations. In order to provide the required financial assurance, we generally use surety bonds for post-mining reclamation and workers' compensation obligations. We also use bank LCs to collateralize certain obligations. As of September 30, 2026, we had the following outstanding surety bonds and LCs:
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(in thousands)
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September 30, 2026
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Surety bonds
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$
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175,650
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Letters of credit (1)
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$
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40,710
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|
(1) The LCs outstanding are under the ABL Agreement.
Refer to Note 14, part (c) to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosures on off-balance sheet arrangements.
Debt Financing
Refer to Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures on long-term debt.
Capital Requirements
Our capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 were $119.6 million. We expect to spend between $148 million and $168 million on capital expenditures during 2026. At the midpoint of guidance, this total includes approximately $137.0 million in sustaining maintenance capital, approximately $9.5 million in planned projects to invest in mine development, and approximately $11.5 million in carryover from 2025 due to timing and availability of supplies and contract labor.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations are discussed in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources-Contractual Obligations" section contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Refer to the "Business Updates" section below and Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures on our other commitments.
There have been no other material changes to our contractual obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2026.
Refer to Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures on long-term debt.
Business Updates
On August 12, 2026, S&P Global Ratings published a report noting our current BB- issuer credit rating and stable rating outlook. Should we receive any negative outlook ratings in the future, such negative outlook ratings would result in potential liquidity risks for us, including the risks of declines in our stock value, declines in our cash and cash equivalents, less availability and higher costs of additional credit, and requests for additional collateral by surety providers.
We have a 65.0% ownership interest in DTA, a coal export terminal in Newport News, Virginia. Under the terms of our partnership-related agreements with respect to our investment in DTA, we are required to fund our proportionate share of DTA's ongoing operating and capital costs. In June 2026, we announced that a key piece of equipment, a stacker reclaimer machine ("SR1"), at DTA sustained significant damage due to high winds from a storm. DTA has determined that the SR1 is not able to be repaired and will need to be replaced. DTA's insurance carrier is expected to cover the replacement cost for a new machine as well as certain other expenses incurred due to the equipment damage. As a result, we do not currently anticipate needing to provide significant additional funding to DTA in connection with the replacement of SR1. Given the custom nature of the SR1, a full replacement, which would include design, engineering, construction and installation, is likely to take approximately two years. During this period, throughput at the DTA facility may be slowed, requiring us to utilize other, more costly alternative terminals to load customer vessels, which may increase freight and handling costs. We have informed our insurance carriers and are in discussions concerning potential coverage related to the impact resulting from this business disruption. Further, in November 2023, we, together with DTA management, announced a multi-year capital investment plan to upgrade DTA's equipment and infrastructure. As of September 30, 2026, excluding any potential funding related to a final SR1-related plan, we would expect to invest approximately $25 million of additional capital over the next five years related to the ongoing upgrade program.
In April 2026, we committed to invest up to $9.4 million for a 49% partnership interest in Centauri Ground Support LLC. As of September 30, 2026, $4.9 million of the commitment has been funded. The newly formed entity plans to develop a manufacturing facility in Putnam County, West Virginia, to produce ground support products primarily to be sold to us for use in our mining operations.
We continually strive to enhance our capital structure and financial flexibility. We may refinance or repay outstanding debt, seek to amend our credit facility, undertake additional borrowings, sell assets or businesses or take other measures as we believe circumstances warrant. We may decide to pursue or not pursue these opportunities at any time. Access to additional funds from liquidity-generating transactions or other sources of external financing is subject to market conditions and certain limitations, including our credit rating and covenant restrictions in our credit facilities.
As a regular part of our business, we review opportunities for, and engage in discussions and negotiations concerning, the acquisition or disposition of coal mining and related infrastructure assets and interests in coal mining companies, and acquisitions or dispositions of, or combinations or other strategic transactions involving, companies with coal mining or other complementary assets. When we believe that these opportunities are consistent with our strategic plans and our acquisition or disposition criteria, we may make bids or proposals and/or enter into letters of intent and other similar agreements. These bids or proposals, which may be binding or non-binding, are customarily subject to a variety of conditions and usually permit us to terminate the discussions and any related agreement if, among other things, we are not satisfied with the results of due diligence. Any acquisition opportunities we pursue could materially affect our liquidity and capital resources and may require us to incur indebtedness, seek equity capital or both. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Government Grants
On July 4, 2025, legislation commonly referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" ("OBBBA") was signed into law. As part of the OBBBA, metallurgical coal was added to the list of "applicable critical minerals" making us eligible for the IRC Section 45X tax credit (also known as the advanced manufacturing production credit). The IRC Section 45X tax credit will generally provide us with a refundable tax credit equal to 2.5% of production costs for metallurgical coal produced and sold in tax years 2026 through 2029. As the IRC Section 45X tax credit is refundable, we account for the tax credit as a government grant. We are currently analyzing the financial impact of the IRC Section 45X credit and expect that it will serve as a source of additional liquidity in future years. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, we recorded $9.4 million and $23.7 million, respectively, of estimated grant income as a reduction in cost of coal sales. Based on preliminary analysis, we currently believe the annual cash benefit of the tax credit may be in the range of $20 million to $40 million, dependent upon the amount of qualifying production costs incurred in a given year.
Pension Plan
We expect to pay $20.3 million in minimum required contributions to the pension plan in 2026. Refer to Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosures related to this obligation.
DCMWC Reauthorization Process
In January 2025, the DOL published a final rule revising the requirements and procedures for authorizing operators to self-insure their liabilities under the Black Lung Benefits Act (the "2025 Final Rule"), and we anticipate it would require a substantial increase in the collateral required to secure self-insured federal black lung obligations. Under the 2025 Final Rule's 100% minimum collateral requirement, if this requirement is not modified or stayed through legal action, we estimate we would be required to provide approximately $80.0 million to $100.0 million of collateral to secure certain of our black lung obligations. The 2025 Final Rule permits us to use combinations of letters of credit, surety bonds, and cash to meet the collateral requirement. We received a letter from the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation ("DCMWC") dated January 14, 2025, outlining the new procedures and application process for authorizing operators to self-insure under the new regulation. The letter outlined authorization form requirements and provided a 60-day period for the submission of the required documents. Subsequently, on February 20, 2025, we received a letter from the DCMWC stating that the 60-day deadline to provide information was no longer applicable and no information was required to be submitted at this time. DCMWC stated that additional guidance would be provided in due course after consultation with new DOL leadership.
On July 30, 2026, the DOL published a proposed rule that would revise the 2025 Final Rule by replacing the current 100% collateral requirement with a risk-based approach, providing additional flexibility regarding acceptable forms of collateral, and extending the timeframe for satisfying collateral requirements. The public comment period has ended and we now wait for the DOL to publish the final version. We will evaluate the Final Rule's potential impact on future collateral requirements, once published.
New York State Act
In December 2024, the state of New York adopted the Climate Change Superfund Act, purporting to impose significant, ongoing cash charges upon a variety of companies involved in the production and use of fossil fuels, including our company (the "Act"). Other states have adopted or are contemplating adopting similar laws.
We believed the new law to be unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution. In February 2025, we, along with numerous U.S. states and other entities involved in the fossil fuel industry, filed a complaint against the attorney general of New York and
other New York officials. The complaint was filed in the federal district court for the northern district of New York and requested that the court (a) declare that the Act is preempted by federal statutes and otherwise violates the U.S. Constitution, (b) declare that the Act is unenforceable, and (c) enjoin the state of New York and its officials from taking any action to implement or enforce the Act.
In August 2026, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of Alpha and the other plaintiffs, finding that the Act conflicted with preemptive federal law and was "simply beyond the limits of state law" and could not be enforced. The defendants have appealed the district court's decision to the court of appeals for the second circuit.
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency filed a similar complaint against the State of New York, Kathleen Hochul in her capacity as Governor, Letitia James in her capacity as New York Attorney General and Amanda Lefton in her capacity as Acting Commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in the southern district of New York, requesting that the court declare the Act unconstitutional and permanently enjoin its implementation or enforcement.
In September 2026, the district court held that the Act is preempted both by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal government's exclusive authority over foreign affairs. The court found the Act to be unconstitutional and permanently enjoined New York officials from enforcing it.
Respirable Crystalline Silica Final Rule
In April 2024, MSHA issued its final rule, Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection, to reduce miner exposures to respirable crystalline silica and improve respiratory protection for all airborne hazards. The final rule lowers the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) for a full shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average, for all miners. The final rule also includes other requirements to protect miner health and update existing respiratory protection requirements. For coal mine operators, the deadline for compliance with the new rule was April 14, 2025. On April 4, 2025, however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ("Court") granted a temporary administrative stay of the enforcement of the final rule and is now considering whether to block enforcement permanently or allow enforcement to begin. In a filing with the Court in late 2025, MSHA indicated its intent to review and potentially modify portions of the rules at issue. Our compliance with these or any other new health and safety regulations could increase our mining costs substantially. Further, if we were ever found to be in violation of these regulations, we could face penalties or restrictions that may materially and adversely affect our operations, financial results and liquidity.
Climate Effect Disclosures
In March 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") adopted new rules requiring issuers to disclose certain climate-related information beginning in 2025. Shortly following their release, the rules were stayed by a federal court. The SEC subsequently stayed the rules pending resolution of ongoing litigation. In March 2025, the SEC voted to end its legal defense of the rules, and litigation has been suspended by the Eighth Circuit until the SEC informs the court whether it intends to reconsider the rules under administrative procedures or whether the SEC will renew its defense of the rules. In May 2026, the SEC formally proposed to rescind the amendments to the rules with the public comment period closing in August 2026. We cannot be certain whether or when these rules will take effect or what form they may ultimately take. It is therefore not presently possible to estimate reliably the potential effects of the rules upon us, including the potential costs associated with compliance.
Share Repurchase Program
Refer to Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for information on the share repurchase program and the shares repurchased during the current period.
Cash Flows
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased by $29.6 million and $69.8 million over the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash was attributable to the following:
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Nine Months Ended September 30,
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2026
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2025
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|
Cash flows (in thousands):
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|
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|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
$
|
115,786
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|
|
$
|
125,960
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|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(103,452)
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|
|
(165,692)
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|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
(41,906)
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|
|
(30,114)
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|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
$
|
(29,572)
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|
|
$
|
(69,846)
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|
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to the decline in non-GAAP coal margin, combined with an increase in selling, general and administrative costs, as discussed above in "Results of Operations".
Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period was primarily related to a reduction in the level of short-term investments held during the current year period, partially offset by increased levels of capital expenditures and capital contributions to equity affiliates. Our capital expenditure levels were elevated above normal maintenance levels due to development efforts related to our new Kingston Wildcat underground mine which began production during the second quarter of 2026. Capital contributions to equity affiliates were elevated due to DTA's ongoing equipment upgrade program as well as our initial $4.9 million investment in Centauri Ground Support LLC (refer to Business Updates section above).
Financing Activities. The increase in net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by an increase in the level of common stock repurchased under our share repurchase program, which was suspended from March 2024 until August 2025.
Analysis of Material Debt Covenants
We were in compliance with the applicable covenants and requirements subject to certification under the ABL Agreement as of September 30, 2026, including the requirement that we maintain minimum liquidity, as defined in the ABL Agreement, of $75.0 million. A breach of the covenants in the ABL Agreement could result in a default under the terms of the agreement, and the respective lenders could then elect to declare any amounts borrowed due and payable and require outstanding LCs to be cash collateralized. In addition, a default under the terms of the agreement would inhibit our ability to make certain restricted payments, as defined in the ABL Agreement, including our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions, including the current economic environment, that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and adjust such estimates and assumptions as facts and circumstances require. Foreign currency and energy markets, and fluctuations in demand for steel products, have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Our critical accounting estimates are discussed in the "Critical Accounting Estimates" section contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Our critical accounting estimates remain unchanged at September 30, 2026. Refer to the Recent Accounting Guidance section in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.