Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

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 No.: 0-51952

 


ALLIANCE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware    03-0573898

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

1717 South Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(918) 295-1415

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one)    Large Accelerated Filer  ¨     Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of June 22, 2006, 59,863,000 Common Units are outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

          Page

ITEM 1.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

  
  

ALLIANCE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.

  
  

Condensed Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2006

   3
  

Notes to Condensed Balance Sheet

   4
  

ALLIANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

   7
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

   8
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

   9
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   10

ITEM 2.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   22

ITEM 3.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   33

ITEM 4.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   33
  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   35

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   36

ITEM 1A.

  

RISK FACTORS

   36

ITEM 2.

  

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   36

ITEM 3.

  

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

   36

ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   36

ITEM 5.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

   36

ITEM 6.

  

EXHIBITS

   36

 

2


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

AT MARCH 31, 2006

(UNAUDITED)

 

Cash

   $ 1,000
      

Partners’ equity

   $ 1,000
      

See Notes to Condensed Balance Sheet

 

3


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.

NOTES TO CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

MARCH 31, 2006

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION

Alliance Holdings GP, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”) that was formed on November 10, 2005 to own directly and indirectly 100% of the limited liability company interest of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, (“ARM GP”) which is the managing general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (“ARLP”), a publicly traded limited partnership. ARLP is a North American diversified producer and marketer of coal to major United States utilities and industrial users.

The accompanying balance sheet and notes thereto are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the balance sheet is fairly presented.

This balance sheet and accompanying notes are prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting and should be read in conjunction with the balance sheet and note included in the Partnership’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-129883) (the “Registration Statement”).

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Initial Public Offering

The Partnership initiated its initial public offering (“the IPO”) of 12,500,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a price of $25.00 per unit on May 9, 2006 and closed the IPO on May 15, 2006. Upon the closing of the IPO, the Partnership owns directly and indirectly 100 percent of the members’ interests of ARM GP, a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal, LLC (“Alliance Coal”), the operating subsidiary of ARLP, the incentive distribution rights in ARLP associated with ARM GP, a 1.98% general partner interest in ARLP and 15,550,628 common units of ARLP.

Contribution Agreement

In connection with the IPO of the Partnership, Alliance Management Holdings, LLC (“AMH”) and AMH II, LLC (“AMH II”), the current owners of ARM GP, and Alliance Resource GP, LLC, ARLP’s special general partner (“SGP”), have entered into a Contribution Agreement pursuant to which, at the closing of the initial public offering, the 1.98% general partner interest in ARLP owned by ARM GP, the incentive distribution rights, 15,550,628 of ARLP’s common units and a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal will be contributed to the Partnership. As consideration for this contribution and in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the Partnership will distribute to AMH, AMH II and SGP substantially all of the proceeds from its initial public offering and issuing 20,641,168, 6,863,470 and 19,858,362 of the Partnership’s common units to SGP, AMH and AMH II, respectively.

Administrative Services Agreement

Alliance GP, LLC, (the “General Partner”) will manage the Partnership’s operations and activities. On May 15, 2006, the Partnership entered into an administrative services agreement between ARM GP, ARLP, Alliance Coal, the General Partner, the Partnership and Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. (“ARH II”). Under the administrative services agreement, certain personnel of the Partnership and its affiliates, including the Partnership’s executive officers, will perform administrative and commercial services for the Partnership and

 

4


Table of Contents

for ARLP and ARH II and their respective affiliates. The services performed by these personnel will include but not be limited to day-to-day operations, human resources, information technology and financial and accounting services. The Partnership will reimburse the General Partner for the Partnership’s pro rata portion of the services rendered by these employees on the Partnership’s behalf. The Partnership will adopt policies and procedures to protect and prevent inappropriate disclosure by shared personnel of commercial and other non-public information relating to the Partnership, ARLP and ARH II.

ARLP Omnibus Agreement

On May 15, 2006, the Partnership became party to an existing omnibus agreement currently among ARLP, its general partners and Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc (“ARH”), which governs potential competition among ARLP and the other parties to the agreement. This omnibus agreement was entered into in connection with ARLP’s August 1999 initial public offering and was first amended in May 2002. Pursuant to the terms of the amended omnibus agreement, the Partnership agreed and caused its controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as management controls ARLP’s managing general partner, not to engage in the business of mining, marketing or transporting coal in the United States, unless ARLP is first offered the opportunity to engage in the potential activity or acquire a potential business, and the board of directors of ARLP’s managing general partner, with the concurrence of its conflicts committee, elects to cause ARLP not to pursue such opportunity or acquisition. The ARLP omnibus agreement provides, among other things, that ARLP will be presumed to desire to acquire the assets until such time as it advises the Partnership that it has abandoned the pursuit of such business opportunity, and the Partnership may not pursue the acquisition of such assets prior to that time. This restriction will not apply to:

 

    any business owned or operated by the Partnership and its affiliates at May 15, 2006;

 

    any acquisition by the Partnership or its affiliates, the majority value of which does not constitute a restricted business, provided ARLP is offered the opportunity to purchase the restricted business following its acquisition; or

 

    any acquisition by the Partnership or its affiliates, the majority value of which does not constitute a restricted business, provided ARLP is offered the opportunity to purchase the restricted business following its acquisition; or

 

    any business conducted by the Partnership or its affiliates with the approval of ARLP’s board of directors or its conflicts committee.

Except as provided above, the Partnership and its affiliates will not be prohibited from engaging in activities that directly compete with ARLP. In addition, the Partnership’s affiliates will not be prohibited from engaging in activities that compete directly with the Partnership.

Credit Facility

At the closing of the IPO, the Partnership entered into a $5.0 million revolving credit facility with C-Holdings, LLC, an entity controlled by Joseph W. Craft III, as the lender. The facility is available for the Partnership’s for general partnership purposes. Borrowings under the facility will mature on March 31, 2007 and will bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. The Partnership is required to pay a commitment fee to C-Holdings, LLC on the unused portion of the working capital facility of 0.3% annually.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Partnership adopted the Alliance Holdings GP, L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) effective May 15, 2006 for the employees, directors and consultants of Alliance GP and its affiliates, including ARLP, who perform services for the Partnership. The LTIP will consist of two components: restricted units and

 

5


Table of Contents

phantom units. The LTIP will limit the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to awards to 5,215,000 units. Units forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations are available for delivery pursuant to other awards. The LTIP will be administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.

The board of directors of the General Partner and the compensation committee of the board may terminate or amend the LTIP at any time with respect to any units for which a grant has not yet been made. The board of directors and the compensation committee of the board also have the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of the LTIP from time to time, including increasing the number of units that may be granted, subject to unitholder approval as may be required by the exchange upon which the common units are listed at that time, if any. However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would materially reduce the benefits of the participant without the consent of the participant. The LTIP will expire upon its termination by the board of directors or the compensation committee or, if earlier, when no units remain available under the LTIP for awards. Upon termination of the LTIP, awards then outstanding will continue pursuant to the terms of their grants.

 

6


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 43,471     $ 32,071  

Trade receivables, net

     94,537       94,495  

Other receivables

     2,755       2,330  

Marketable securities

     39,397       49,242  

Inventories

     23,685       17,270  

Advance royalties

     2,952       2,952  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     6,088       8,934  
                

Total current assets

     212,885       207,294  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

    

Property, plant and equipment at cost

     679,228       635,086  

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (344,819 )     (330,672 )
                

Total property, plant and equipment

     334,409       304,414  

OTHER ASSETS:

    

Advance royalties

     18,362       16,328  

Other long-term assets

     4,584       4,733  
                

Total other assets

     22,946       21,061  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 570,240     $ 532,769  
                

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIENCY IN CAPITAL

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 60,948     $ 53,597  

Due to affiliates

     1,458       1,539  

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

     14,603       13,177  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     14,929       14,517  

Accrued pension benefit

     8,519       7,588  

Accrued interest

     1,421       4,855  

Workers’ compensation and pneumoconiosis benefits

     7,813       7,740  

Current portion, accrued Long-Term Incentive Plan

     —         5,088  

Other current liabilities

     5,435       5,120  

Current maturities, long-term debt

     18,000       18,000  
                

Total current liabilities

     133,126       131,221  

LONG-TERM LIABLITIES:

    

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

     144,000       144,000  

Pneumoconiosis benefits

     24,002       23,293  

Workers’ compensation

     31,754       30,050  

Reclamation and mine closing

     39,177       38,716  

Other liabilities

     8,324       9,636  
                

Total long-term liabilities

     247,257       245,695  
                

Total liabilities

     380,383       376,916  
                

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED PARTNERSHIP:

    

Affiliate

     (100,668 )     (112,050 )

Non-Affiliate

     292,639       270,090  
                

Total non-controlling interest

     191,971       158,040  
                

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    

MEMBERS’ DEFICIENCY IN CAPITAL:

    

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     (52 )     (68 )

Minimum pension liability

     (6,953 )     (6,953 )

Members’ capital

     4,891       4,834  
                

Total members’ deficiency in capital

     (2,114 )     (2,187 )
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIENCY IN CAPITAL

   $ 570,240     $ 532,769  
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

7


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2006     2005  

SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:

    

Coal sales

   $ 218,212     $ 178,846  

Transportation revenues

     10,034       9,623  

Other sales and operating revenues

     10,074       7,158  
                

Total revenues

     238,320       195,627  
                

EXPENSES:

    

Operating expenses

     152,010       119,392  

Transportation expenses

     10,034       9,623  

Outside purchases

     3,526       4,117  

General and administrative

     7,158       5,708  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     14,725       13,631  

Interest expense (net of interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 of $1,330 and $472, respectively)

     2,242       3,474  
                

Total operating expenses

     189,695       155,945  
                

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     48,625       39,682  

OTHER INCOME

     271       105  
                

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE AND NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

     48,896       39,787  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     1,242       710  
                

INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE AND NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

     47,654       39,077  

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

     112       —    
                

INCOME BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

     47,766       39,077  

Affiliate non-controlling interest in consolidated partnership’s net income

     (18,539 )     (16,044 )

Non-affiliate non-controlling interest in consolidated partnership’s net income

     (24,875 )     (21,357 )
                

NET INCOME

   $ 4,352     $ 1,676  
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2006     2005  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   $ 67,642     $ 28,504  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Property, plant and equipment

    

Capital expenditures

     (44,714 )     (16,914 )

Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (567 )     —    

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     418       193  

Purchase of marketable securities

     (4,735 )     (9,727 )

Proceeds from marketable securities

     14,596       9,721  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (35,002 )     (16,727 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to affiliate non-controlling interest

     (7,157 )     (5,835 )

Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to non-affiliate non-controlling interest

     (9,603 )     (7,766 )

Distributions on unissued LTIP units to non-affiliate non- controlling interest

     (185 )     —    

Distributions paid to members

     (4,295 )     (1,196 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (21,240 )     (14,797 )
                

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     11,400       (3,020 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     32,071       31,184  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 43,471     $ 28,164  
                

CASH PAID FOR:

    

Interest

   $ 6,864     $ 7,546  

Income taxes to taxing authorities

   $ 1,025     $ 250  
                

NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY

    

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   $ 8,797     $ —    
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GP, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION

Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC (“ARM GP”), a Delaware limited liability company, was formed in June 1999 to be the managing general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. ARM GP’s primary business purpose is to manage the affairs and operations of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “ARLP”). ARLP is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “ARLP.” ARLP conducts substantially all of its business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P. (the “Intermediate Partnership”). ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership were formed in May 1999 to acquire, own and operate the majority of the coal operations of Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ARH”) (formerly known as Alliance Coal Corporation).

The Delaware limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporation that comprise ARLP and its subsidiaries are as follows: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., Alliance Coal, LLC (the holding company for operations), Alliance Land, LLC, Alliance Properties, LLC, Alliance Service, Inc., Backbone Mountain, LLC, Excel Mining, LLC, Gibson County Coal, LLC, Hopkins County Coal, LLC, MC Mining, LLC, Mettiki Coal, LLC, Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC, Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC, Penn Ridge Coal, LLC, Pontiki Coal, LLC, Tunnel Ridge, LLC, Warrior Coal, LLC, Webster County Coal, LLC, and White County Coal, LLC.

ARM GP owns a 0.99% general partner interest in ARLP, a 1.0001% general partner interest in the Intermediate Partnership, and a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal, LLC, the operating subsidiary. In addition, ARM GP owns all of the “Incentive Distribution Rights” provided for in the ARLP Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which entitles it to receive increasing percentages up to 48% of any cash distributed by ARLP beginning with cash distributed excess of $ .275 per unit in any quarter together with cash distributed by ARLP to ARM GP for its combined 2% general partner interest.

At March 31, 2006, Alliance Management Holdings, LLC (“AMH”) and AMH II, LLC (“AMH II”) owned 25.9% and 74.1%, respectively, of the members’ interest of ARM GP. AMH and AMH II are collectively referred to as the “Members” and are owned by management of ARM GP and ARLP.

At March 31, 2006, AMH and AMH II also owned a limited partner interest in ARLP of 19,522 and 220,484 common units, respectively. AMH and AMH II’s limited partner interest in ARLP is included in the affiliate portion of non-controlling interest for consolidated financial statement presentation purposes.

Alliance Resource GP, LLC (the “Special GP”) owns a 0.01% general partner interest in ARLP and a 0.01% general partner interest in the Intermediate Partnership. The Special GP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARH. At March 31, 2006, the Special GP also owns a 41.8% limited partner interest in ARLP that is attributable to its ownership of 15,310,622 common units of ARLP. The Special GP’s ownership in ARLP is included in the affiliate portion of the non-controlling interest for consolidated financial statement presentation purposes.

ARH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. (“ARH II”), a Delaware corporation formed in May 2002 and owned by management of ARM GP and ARLP.

 

10


Table of Contents

The number of reconciling items between ARM GP’s condensed consolidated financial statements and those of ARLP are few. The primary differences between ARM GP’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and that of ARLP are non-controlling interest in ARM GP’s net assets by the limited partners of ARLP and the elimination of ARM GP’s investment in ARLP with ARM GP’s underlying partner’s capital account in ARLP. The difference in consolidated net income is primarily attributable to non-controlling interest expense resulting from the allocation of a portion of ARM GP’s consolidated earnings to the limited partners of ARLP.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and present the financial position as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. All material inter-company transactions and accounts of the Company have been eliminated.

On September 15, 2005, ARLP completed a two-for-one split of ARLP’s common units, whereby holders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2005 received one additional common unit for each common unit owned on that date. The unit split resulted in the issuance of 18,130,440 common units. For all periods presented, all references to the number of units and per unit distribution amounts included in this report have been adjusted to give effect for this unit split.

These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the periods presented. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Alliance Holdings GP, L.P.’s (“AHGP”) Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-129883) (the “Registration Statement”).

We have not included earnings per share as we do not have outstanding shares, rather our membership interests are based on ownership percentages.

2. CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to its business. Disputes between the Company and its customers over the provisions of long-term coal supply contracts arise occasionally and generally relate to, among other things, coal quality, quantity, pricing and the existence of force majeure conditions. The Company is not involved in any litigation relating to any of the Company’s long-term coal supply contracts. However, we cannot assure you that disputes will not occur or that the Company will be able to resolve those disputes in a satisfactory manner. The Company is not engaged in any litigation that we believe is material to the Company’s operations, including under the various environmental protection statutes to which the Company is subject. The Company provides for costs related to litigation and regulatory proceedings, including civil fines issued as part of the outcome of these proceedings, when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably determinable. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, the outcome of these matters, to the extent not previously provided for or covered under insurance, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations. Nonetheless, these matters or estimates that are based on current facts and circumstances, if resolved in a manner different from the basis on which management has formed its opinion, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

During October 2005, the Company completed its annual property and casualty insurance renewal with various insurance coverages effective as of October 1, 2005. Available capacity for underwriting

 

11


Table of Contents

property insurance has tightened as a result of recent events including insurance carrier losses associated with U.S. gulf coast hurricanes, poor loss claims history in the underground coal mining industry and our recent loss history (i.e., Pattiki Vertical Belt Incident, MC Mining Fire Incident, and Dotiki Fire Incident). As a result, the Company will retain a participating interest along with our insurance carriers at an average rate of approximately 10% in the $75 commercial property program. The aggregate maximum limit in the commercial property program is $75 million per occurrence of which we would be responsible for a maximum amount of $7.75 million for each occurrence, excluding a $1.5 million deductible for property damage and a 45-day waiting period for business interruption. As a result of the renewal for comparable levels of commercial property coverage, premiums for the property insurance program increased by approximately 130%. The Company can make no assurances that it will not experience significant insurance claims in the future, which as a result of the participation in the commercial property program, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial conditions, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future.

The Company’s subsidiary, Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC, is developing an underground longwall mine in Tucker County, West Virginia (referred to as the Mountain View Mine or the E-Mine), which will eventually replace Mettiki Coal’s existing longwall mining operation at the D-Mine located in Garrett County, Maryland. The Mountain View Mine is located approximately 10 miles from Mettiki Coal. In order to proceed with development of the Mountain View Mine, Mettiki Coal (WV) submitted various permit applications to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, or WVDEP, including an application for approval to conduct underground mining. WVDEP issued the required permits in the spring of 2004. Certain complainants appealed WVDEP’s decision issuing the underground mining permit to the West Virginia Surface Mine Board, or SMB, which held administrative hearings on the matter in late 2004 and early 2005. On March 8, 2005, the SMB on a divided 3-3 vote issued a final order concluding consideration of the appeal without effectively rendering a decision, which, by operation of West Virginia law, resulted in the affirmation of WVDEP’s decision to issue the underground mining permit. The complainants appealed the SMB decision, but subsequently voluntarily agreed to withdraw the appeal, which was dismissed with prejudice by the Tucker County circuit court in West Virginia on April 26, 2005.

On April 19, 2005, these same complainants submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement, or OSM, and the OSM’s regional field office in Charleston, West Virginia, or CHFO, requesting federal monitoring and inspection of the Mountain View Mine and alleging that operations at the mine would create acid mine drainage with no defined end point. By written notice, dated April 21, 2005, the CHFO advised WVDEP that it would review the complainant’s allegation that the Mountain View Mine would cause material harm to the hydrological balance within and outside of the permit area. Following its initial review, on September 15, 2005, the CHFO notified WVDEP that it intended to initiate a formal investigation into the issuance of the underground mining permit for the Mountain View Mine. WVDEP requested an informal review of the CHFO decision by the OSM. By two letters, both dated October 21, 2005, OSM reversed the decision of the CHFO concluding that the CHFO and OSM lacked statutory authority to review the WVDEP’s issuance of the underground mining permit, and the Department of the Interior ordered that this was the Department’s final decision of the matter raised in the complainants’ letter dated April 19, 2005. The Mountain View Mine is not currently subject to any pending or threatened agency or third-party claims. However, on March 8, 2006, these same complainants requested that the Director of OSM evaluate West Virginia’s State Program pursuant to 30 C.F.R. §§ 733 et seq., but acknowledged a similar request had been made on April 19, 2005, which request had been previously rejected

 

12


Table of Contents

by the Department of the Interior’s final decision on October 21, 2005. In a letter dated March 24, 2006, the Department of the Interior denied the complainants request and stated that this denial was the final decision of the Department of the Interior.

On October 12, 2004, Pontiki Coal, LLC (“Pontiki”), one of the Company’s subsidiaries and the successor-in-interest of Pontiki Coal Corporation as a result of a merger completed on August 4, 1999, was served with a complaint from ICG, LLC (“ICG”) alleging breach of contract and seeking declaratory relief to determine the parties’ rights under a coal sales agreement between Horizon Natural Resource Sales Company (“Horizon Sales”), as buyer, and Pontiki Coal Corporation, as seller, dated October 3, 1998, as amended on February 28, 2001, which we refer to as the Horizon Agreement. ICG has represented that it acquired the rights and assumed the liabilities of the Horizon Agreement effective September 30, 2004, as part of an asset sale approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court supervising the bankruptcy proceedings of Horizon Sales and its affiliates.

The complaint alleged that from January 2004 to August 2004, Pontiki failed to deliver a total of 138,111 tons of coal that met the contract delivery and quality specifications resulting in an alleged loss of profits for ICG of $4.1 million. The Company is aware that certain deliveries under the Horizon Agreement were not made during 2004 for reasons including, but not limited to, force majeure events at Pontiki and ICG’s failure to provide transportation services for the delivery of coal as required under the Horizon Agreement. In November 2005, the Company settled this contract dispute with ICG. Under this settlement, effective August 1, 2005, Pontiki will ship coal in approximately ratable monthly quantities until the remaining contract obligation of 1,681,303 tons is shipped, and this contract will terminate on or by December 31, 2006. Under the terms of the settlement, the existing coal supply agreement was amended to change the coal quality specifications and to exclude from the definition of “force majeure” the events of railroad car shortages and geological and quality issues with respect to coal. As part of this settlement, the Company and ICG also executed a new coal sales agreement whereby another subsidiary of the Company will purchase 892,000 tons of coal from ICG. Approximately 63,000 tons and 149,000 tons were purchased and sold at a profit during 2005 and the three months ended March 31, 2006, respectively, and the remaining 680,000 tons are expected to be purchased and sold at a profit during the remainder of 2006. These agreements will expire on or by December 31, 2006.

At certain of the Company’s operations, property tax assessments for several years are under audit by various state tax authorities. The Company believes that it has recorded adequate liabilities based on reasonable estimates of any property tax assessments that may be ultimately assessed as a result of these audits.

3. TUNNEL RIDGE ACQUISITION

In January 2005, ARLP acquired 100% of the limited liability company member interests of Tunnel Ridge, LLC (“Tunnel Ridge”) for approximately $500,000 and the assumption of reclamation liabilities from ARH, a company owned by management of ARLP. Tunnel Ridge controls, through a coal lease agreement with the Special GP, approximately 9,400 acres of land located in Ohio County, West Virginia and Washington County, Pennsylvania containing an estimated 70 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 coal seam. Under the terms of the coal lease, beginning on January 1, 2005, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay the Special GP an advance minimum royalty of $3.0 million per year. The advance royalty payments are fully recoupable against earned royalties.

The Tunnel Ridge transaction described above was a related-party transaction and, as such, was reviewed by the Board of Directors of ARM GP and its Conflicts Committee. Based upon these reviews, the Conflicts Committee determined that these transactions reflected market-clearing terms and conditions. As a result, the Board of Directors of ARM GP and its Conflicts Committee approved the Tunnel Ridge acquisition as fair and reasonable to ARLP and its limited partners.

 

13


Table of Contents

4. MC MINING MINE FIRE

On December 26, 2004, MC Mining, LLC’s Excel No. 3 mine was temporarily idled following the occurrence of a mine fire (the “MC Mining Fire Incident”). The fire was discovered by mine personnel near the bottom of the Excel No. 3 mine slope late in the evening of December 25, 2004. Under a firefighting plan developed by MC Mining, in cooperation with mine emergency response teams from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) and Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, the four portals at the Excel No. 3 mine were temporarily capped to deprive the fire of oxygen. A series of boreholes was then drilled into the mine from the surface, and nitrogen gas and foam were injected through the boreholes into the fire area to further suppress the fire. As a result of these efforts, the mine atmosphere was rendered substantially inert, or without oxygen, and the Excel No. 3 mine fire was effectively suppressed. MC Mining then began construction of temporary and permanent barriers designed to completely isolate the mine fire area. Once the construction of the permanent barriers was completed, MC Mining began efforts to repair and rehabilitate the Excel No. 3 mine infrastructure. On February 21, 2005, the repair and rehabilitation efforts had progressed sufficiently to allow initial resumption of production. Coal production has returned to near normal levels, but continues to be adversely impacted by inefficiencies attributable to or associated with the MC Mining Fire Incident.

The Company maintains commercial property (including business interruption and extra expense) insurance policies with various underwriters, which policies are renewed annually in October and provide for self-retention and various applicable deductibles, including certain monetary and/or time element forms of deductibles (collectively, the “2005 Deductibles”) and 10% co-insurance (“2005 Co-Insurance”). The Company believes such insurance coverage will cover a substantial portion of the total cost of the disruption to MC Mining’s operations. However, concurrent with the renewal of the Company’s commercial property (including business interruption) insurance policies concluded on October 31, 2005, MC Mining confirmed with the current underwriters of the commercial property insurance coverage that any negotiated settlement of the losses arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident would not exceed $40.0 million (inclusive of co-insurance and deductible amounts). Until the claim is resolved ultimately, through the claim adjustment process, settlement, or litigation, with the applicable underwriters, the Company can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery of insurance proceeds.

The Company made an initial estimate of certain costs primarily associated with activities relating to the suppression of the fire and the initial resumption of operations. Operating expenses for the 2004 fourth quarter were increased by $4.1 million to reflect an initial estimate of certain minimum costs attributable to the MC Mining Fire Incident that are not reimbursable under the Company’s insurance policies due to the application of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance.

Following the initial two submittals by the Company to a representative of the underwriters of its estimate of the expenses and losses (including business interruption losses) incurred by MC Mining and other affiliates arising from and in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident (the “MC Mining Insurance Claim”), on September 15, 2005, the Company filed a third estimate of its expenses and losses, with an update through July 31, 2005. Partial payments of $0.4 million, $2.9 million and $12.2 million were received during June and April 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005, respectively, these amounts are net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. The accounting for these partial payments and future payments, if any, made to the Company by the underwriters will be subject to the accounting methodology described below. On March 23, 2006, the Company filed a third partial proof of loss for the period through July 31, 2005 in the amount of $4.0 million. Currently, the Company continues to evaluate its potential insurance recoveries under the applicable insurance policies in the following areas:

 

  1. Fire Brigade/Extinguishing/Mine Recovery Expense; Expenses to Reduce Loss; Debris Removal Expenses; Demolition and Increased Cost of Construction; Expediting Expenses; and Extra Expenses incurred as a result of the fire – These expenses and other costs (e.g. professional fees) associated with extinguishing the fire, reducing the overall loss, demolition

 

14


Table of Contents

of certain property and removal of debris, expediting the recovery from the loss, and extra expenses that would not have been incurred by the Company but for the MC Mining Fire Incident, are being expensed as incurred with related actual and/or estimated insurance recoveries recorded as they are considered to be probable, up to the amount of the actual cost incurred.

 

  2. Damage to MC Mining mine property - The net book value of property destroyed of $154,000, was written off in the first quarter of 2005 with a corresponding amount recorded as an estimated insurance recovery, since such recovery is considered probable. Any insurance proceeds from the claims relating to the MC Mining mine property (other than amounts relating to the matters discussed in 1. above) that exceed the net book value of such damaged property are expected to result in a gain. The anticipated gain will be recorded when the MC Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received.

 

  3. MC Mining mine business interruption losses – The Company has submitted to a representative of the underwriters a business interruption loss analysis for the period of December 24, 2004 through July 31, 2005. Expenses associated with business interruption losses are expensed as incurred, and estimated insurance recoveries of such losses are recognized to the extent such recoveries are considered to be probable, up to the actual amount incurred. Recoveries in excess of actual costs incurred will be recorded as gains when the MC Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received.

Pursuant to the accounting methodology described above, the Company has recorded as an offset to operating expenses, $0.4 million and $9.2 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. These amounts represent the current estimated insurance recovery of actual costs incurred, net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. The Company continues to discuss the MC Mining Insurance Claim and the determination of the total claim amount with representatives of the underwriters. The MC Mining Insurance Claim will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available and the Company has completed its assessment of the losses (including the methodologies associated therewith) arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident. At this time, based on the magnitude and complexity of the MC Mining Insurance Claim, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the total amount of the MC Mining Insurance Claim as well as its exposure, if any, for amounts not covered by its insurance program.

5. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED PARTNERSHIP

Non-controlling interest in consolidated partnership (Non-Controlling Interest) represents third-party and related party ownership interests in the net assets of ARLP. The following table shows the components of Non-Controlling Interest for the periods indicated, (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

Affiliates of ARM GP

   $ (100,668 )   $ (112,050 )

Non-Affiliates of ARM GP

     292,639       270,090  
                
   $ 191,971     $ 158,040  

As a result of common control considerations, ARM GP’s condensed consolidated financial information reflects the assets and liabilities from the consolidated financial information of ARLP, with any third-party and non-controlling affiliate investors’ ownership in ARM GP’s condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts shown as Non-Controlling Interest.

 

15


Table of Contents

The Non-Controlling Interest designated as Affiliates of ARM GP represents the limited partner interest in ARLP controlled through the common units held by the Special GP, AMH and AMH II and the Special GP’s .01% general partner interest in ARLP and .01% general partner interest in the Intermediate Partnership.

The Non-Controlling Interest designated as Non-Affiliates of ARM GP represents the limited partners interest in ARLP controlled through the common unit ownership, excluding the common units held by the Special GP and the common units held by AMH and AMH II. Upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share Based Payment on January 1, 2006, the total obligation associated with the LTIP is also included in the Non-Affiliates component of Non-Controlling Interest (Note 6).

The following table shows cash distributions paid to each component of the Non-Controlling Interest for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2006    2005

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests:

     

ARLP’s limited partners

   $ 16,756    $ 13,598

Special GP

     4      3

Distributions in the table above paid to Non-Controlling Interest represent ARLP’s quarterly distributions in accordance with the ARLP Partnership Agreement. There were no contributions from Non-Controlling Interest in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

The Affiliates of ARM GP component of Non-Controlling Interest includes the $(158.7) million net impact at ARLP’s formation attributable to the Special GP’s contribution of net assets of $120.6 million offset by the Special GP’s retention of debt borrowing assumed by ARLP of $214.5 million and a distribution to the Special GP at the time of formation of $64.8 million.

6. COMPENSATION PLAN

Effective January 1, 2000, ARM GP adopted the LTIP for certain employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates, who perform services for the Company. Annual grant levels and vesting provisions for designated participants are recommended by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee. Grants are made either of restricted units, which are “phantom” units that entitle the grantee to receive a Common Unit or an equivalent amount of cash upon the vesting of the phantom unit, or options to purchase Common Units. Common Units to be delivered upon the vesting of restricted units or to be issued upon exercise of a unit option will be acquired by the Company in the open market at a price equal to the then prevailing price, or directly from ARH or any other third party, including units newly issued by ARLP, units already owned by the Company, or any combination of the foregoing. On December 22, 2005, the Compensation Committee executed a unanimous consent resolution that, effective January 1, 2006, (a) all existing grants made under the LTIP prior to January 1, 2006 and subsequent thereto be settled, upon satisfaction of any applicable vesting requirements, in Common Units to the extent of net share settlement for minimum statutory income tax withholding requirements for each individual participant based upon the fair market value of the Common Units as of the date of payment and (b) any existing and prospective LTIP grants of restricted units receive quarterly distributions as provided in the distribution equivalent rights provision of the LTIP. Therefore, each LTIP participant will have a contingent right to receive an amount equal to the cash distributions made by ARLP during the vesting period.

The aggregate number of units reserved for issuance under the LTIP is 1,200,000. Effective January 1, 2004, the Compensation Committee approved an amendment to the LTIP clarifying that any award that is forfeited, expires for any reason, or is paid or settled in cash, including the satisfaction of minimum statutory

 

16


Table of Contents

withholding requirements, rather than through the delivery of units will be available for future grants under the LTIP. Of the initial 1,200,000 units reserved for issuance under the LTIP, cumulative units of 1,092,780 were granted in years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Of those grants, 43,650 units were forfeited and 421,452 units were settled in cash rather than delivery of units, resulting in the net issuance of 627,678 Common Units under those grants. During 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Compensation Committee approved grants of 205,570 units, 114,390 units and 85,275 units, respectively, which will vest December 31, 2006, January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009, respectively, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests that management currently believes will be satisfied. As of March 31, 2006, 3,690 outstanding LTIP grants have been forfeited. Expenses related to the LTIP were approximately $1,060,000 and $489,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, using the “modified prospective” transition method. SFAS No. 123R permits companies to adopt its requirements using either a “modified prospective” method, or a “modified retrospective” method. Under the “modified prospective” method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123R, of all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123R. Under the “modified retrospective” method, the requirements are the same as under the “modified prospective” method, but also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on pro forma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS No. 123. The Company used the modified prospective method of adoption provided under SFAS No. 123R and, therefore, it did not restate prior period results.

The Company historically accounted for the compensation expense of the non-vested restricted common units granted under the LTIP using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and the related FASB Interpretation No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans. Compensation cost for the restricted Common Units was recorded on a pro-rata basis, as appropriate given the “cliff vesting” nature of the grants, based upon the current market value of ARLP’s Common Units at the end of each period. Because the Company had previously expensed share-based payments using the current market value of ARLP’s Common Units at the end of each period, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

The intrinsic value of the 2005 and 2004 grants of $37.20 per LTIP grant at December 31, 2005 essentially equals the fair value at January 1, 2006 and, therefore, no incremental compensation cost was recognized upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R. As required by SFAS No. 123R, the fair value was reduced for expected forfeitures, to the extent compensation cost had been previously recognized and the Company recorded a benefit of $112,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as a cumulative effect of accounting change. The Company expects to settle the non-vested LTIP grants by delivery of Common Units, except for the portion of the grants that will satisfy the minimum statutory income tax withholding requirements. Consequently, the previously recognized liability reflected separately in current liabilities and combined with other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005 was reclassified to the non-affiliates component of Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Partnership upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006. The fair value of the 2006 grants is based upon the intrinsic value at the date of grant which was $37.91 per LTIP grant.

A summary of non-vested LTIP grants as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

Nonvested grants at January 1, 2006

   316,270

Granted

   85,275

Vested

   —  

Forfeited

   —  
    

Nonvested grants at March 31, 2006

   401,545

 

17


Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2006, there was $7,219,000 in total unrecognized compensation cost related to the nonvested LTIP grants. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years, as of March 31, 2006, the intrinsic value of the nonvested LTIP grants was $14,190,000.

The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of March 31, 2006 was $7,462,000 and is included in the Non-Affiliates component of Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Partnership. The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of December 31, 2005 was $6,517,000 and is reported separately in current liabilities and combined with other long-term liabilities contained the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Consistent with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the following table demonstrates that compensation cost for the non-vested restricted units granted under the LTIP is the same under both the intrinsic value method and the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months
Ended

March 31, 2005

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 1,676  

Add: compensation expenses related to Long-Term Incentive Plan units included in reported net income, excluding the non-controlling interest portion

     21  

Deduct: compensation expense related to Long-Term Incentive Plan units determined under fair value method for all awards, excluding the non-controlling interest portion

     (21 )
        

Net income, pro forma

   $ 1,676  
        

7. COMPONENTS OF PENSION PLAN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS

Components of the net periodic costs for each of the periods presented are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
         2006             2005      

Service cost

   $ 829     $ 813  

Interest cost

     487       417  

Expected return on plan assets

     (567 )     (483 )

Prior service cost

     11       13  

Net loss

     78       50  
                
   $ 838     $ 810  
                

The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, that ARLP expected to contribute $7,900,000 to the Pension Plan in 2006. ARLP typically makes a single contribution to its Pension Plan in the third quarter of a year. As of March 31, 2006, ARLP had made no contributions to the Pension Plan in 2006.

 

18


Table of Contents

8. MINE DEVELOPMENT

The Company has mine development activities in progress at its River View, Mountain View, Elk Creek and Pontiki underground mines. Mine development costs are capitalized and represent costs that establish access to mineral reserves and include costs associated with sinking or driving shafts and underground drifts, permanent excavations, roads and tunnels.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs. SFAS No. 151 is an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 43, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5 that deals with inventory pricing. SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and spoilage. Under previous guidance, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight, and re-handling costs might be considered to be so abnormal, under certain circumstances, as to require treatment as current period charges. This statement eliminates the criterion of “so abnormal” and requires that those items be recognized as current period charges. Also, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 151 on January 1, 2006 did not affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R effective on January 1, 2006. The Company used the modified prospective method of adoption provided under SFAS No. 123R and, therefore, did not restate prior period results (Note 6).

In March 2005, the FASB issued EITF No. 04-6, Accounting for Stripping Costs in the Mining Industry, and concluded that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be included in the costs of the inventory produced during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. EITF No. 04-6 does not address the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the pre-production phase of a mine. EITF No. 04-6 is effective for the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 with early adoption permitted. The effect of initially applying this consensus would be accounted for in a manner similar to a cumulative effect adjustment. Since the Company has historically adhered to the accounting principles similar to EITF No. 04-6 in accounting for stripping costs incurred at the Company’s surface operation, the Company’s adoption of EITF No. 04-6, effective January 1, 2006, did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in the eastern United States as a producer and marketer of coal to major United States utilities and industrial users, also located in the eastern United States. The Company has the following three reportable segments: the Illinois Basin, Central Appalachia and Northern Appalachia. The segments also represent the three major coal deposits in the eastern United States. Coal quality, coal seam height, transportation methods and regulatory issues are similar within each of these three segments. The Illinois Basin segment is comprised of the Dotiki, Gibson, Hopkins, Pattiki and Warrior mines. Central Appalachia segment is comprised of the Pontiki and MC Mining mines. Northern Appalachia segment is comprised of the Mettiki, Mountain View, Tunnel Ridge and Penn Ridge mines. The Mountain View mine is currently being developed to eventually replace production from the Mettiki mine, which is expected to deplete its coal reserves in late 2006. The Company is in the process of permitting the Tunnel Ridge and Penn Ridge properties for future mine development.

Operating segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are presented below. Other and Corporate, includes marketing and administrative expenses, the Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal and coal brokerage activity.

 

19


Table of Contents
    

Illinois

Basin

  

Central

Appalachia

  

Northern

Appalachia

   Other and
Corporate (1)
   Consolidated
     (in thousands)

Operating segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2006 were as follows:

  

Total revenues

   $ 155,347    $ 48,169    $ 28,304    $ 6,500    $ 238,320

Selected production expenses (2)

     82,638      30,576      14,674      3,921      131,809

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3)

     51,311      11,904      7,885      1,921      73,021

Total assets

     297,658      90,344      86,002      96,236      570,240

Capital expenditures (4)

     29,560      3,805      8,174      3,175      44,714

Operating segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were as follows:

Total revenues

   $ 136,292    $ 24,440    $ 33,955    $ 940    $ 195,627

Selected production expenses (2)

     70,032      17,616      15,578      360      103,586

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3)

     45,979      3,768      12,441      412      62,600

Total assets

     232,889      79,162      53,960      81,468      447,479

Capital expenditures

     11,304      3,228      2,150      232      16,914

(1) Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are attributable to Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal transloading revenues and brokerage coal sales.
(2) Selected production expenses is comprised of operating expenses and outside purchases (as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income), excluding production taxes and royalties that are incurred as a percentage of coal sales or volumes.
(3) Segment adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense and interest income, depreciation, depletion and amortization, and general and administrative expense.
(4) Capital expenditures includes items received but not yet paid, which is disclosed as non-cash activity, purchase of property, plant and equipment in the supplemental cash flow information in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income:

  

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 73,021     $ 62,600  

General & administrative

     (7,158 )     (5,708 )

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (14,725 )     (13,631 )

Interest expense

     (2,242 )     (3,474 )

Income taxes

     (1,242 )     (710 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     112       —    
                

Net Income before non-controlling interest

   $ 47,766     $ 39,077  
                

Reconciliation of Selected Production Expenses to Combined Operating Expenses and Outside Purchases:

    

Selected production expenses

   $ 131,809     $ 103,586  

Production taxes and royalties

     23,727       19,923  
                

Combined operating expenses and outside purchases

   $ 155,536     $ 123,509  
                

 

20


Table of Contents

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 12, 2006, ARLP announced that Alliance Coal, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the rights to approximately 99.3 million tons of high sulfur coal reserves in Union County, Kentucky. As a result of the purchase of all of the members’ interests of River View Coal, LLC, or River View, the Company gained control of approximately 89.7 million tons of coal by lease and approximately 9.6 million tons of coal through direct ownership in the Kentucky No. 7, No. 9 and No. 11 coal seams, along with related surface properties and other assets. The Company intends to develop the River View mine as an underground mining complex utilizing continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar mining techniques. The Company estimates the River View mining complex will be designed to produce annually up to 3.5 million tons of coal. Total capital expenditures required to develop the River View reserves are currently estimated to be in the range of approximately $110 to $130 million over a four-year period. It is currently anticipated that the River View complex will begin production in the 2008-2009 time frame and employ as many as 300 workers. Definitive development commitment for River View is dependent upon final approval of the board of directors of the Company.

On April 13, 2006 the Intermediate Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit facility (“Amended Credit Facility”). The Amended Credit Facility is for $100.0 million and has an expiration date of April 13, 2011. This Amended Credit Facility replaces an $85 million credit facility (“Credit Facility”) that would have expired in September 2006. The interest rate on the Amended Credit Facility fluctuates based on the LIBOR rate and the financial performance of the Intermediate Partnership. Initially, the interest rate will be the LIBOR rate plus 0.875%. The Amended Credit Facility contains events of default provisions that could cause the acceleration of the term if an event of default occurs. The Intermediate Partnership may request that the aggregate amount of the Amended Credit Facility be increased up to $150 million, subject to lender approval.

On April 19, 2006 the Company received a letter from the managing member of Synfuel Solutions Operating, LLC (“SSO”), which stated that effective April 23, 2006, due to the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil, SSO had elected to exercise its contractual right to suspend until further notice operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at the Company’s Warrior Coal, LLC (“Warrior”), mining complex in Hopkins County, Kentucky. The Company receives fees from coal sales, rental, marketing and other services provided to SSO pursuant to various long-term agreements associated with the coal synfuel facility located at Warrior. These agreements, which expire on December 31, 2007, are dependent on the ability of SSO to use certain qualifying federal income tax credits available to the coal synfuel facility and are subject to early cancellation if the synfuel tax credits become unavailable to SSO due to a rise in the price of crude oil or otherwise. SSO advised the Company that resumption of operations of the synfuel facility is dependent on the price of crude oil in the future. During the suspension period, the Company sold coal directly to SSO’s synfuel customers under “back up” coal supply agreements, which automatically provide for the sale of the Company’s coal in the event these customers do not purchase coal synfuel from SSO. Subsequently, the Company received notice from SSO that, on May 11, 2006, SSO resumed operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at the Company’s Warrior mining complex. As a result of the resumption of operations at the SSO coal synfuel production facility, the Company is currently selling coal to SSO as feedstock for the synfuel facility. SSO has advised the Company that continued operation of the synfuel production facility is dependent on the future price of crude oil.

The Company has also entered into agreements with the owners of two other coal synfuel production facilities – PC Indiana Synthetic Fuel #2, L.L.C. (“PCIN”), related to its coal synfuel facility located at the Company’s Gibson County Coal, LLC (“Gibson”) mining complex in Gibson County, Indiana and Mt. Storm Coal Supply, related to its coal synfuel facility located at Virginia Electric and Power Company’s Mt. Storm power station, which is adjacent to the Company’s Mettiki Coal, LLC mining complex in Garrett County, Maryland. On May 11, 2006, the Company received notice from PCIN, which stated that effective May 11, 2006, due to the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil, PCIN was exercising its contractual right

 

21


Table of Contents

to suspend until further notice the operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at the Company’s Gibson mining complex in Gibson County, Indiana. The Company receives fees from coal sales, rental, marketing and other services provided to PCIN pursuant to various long-term agreements associated with the coal synfuel facility located at Gibson. These agreements, which expire on December 31, 2007, are dependent on the ability of PCIN to use certain qualifying federal income tax credits available to the coal synfuel facility and are subject to early cancellation if the synfuel tax credits become unavailable to PCIN due to a rise in the price of crude oil or otherwise. PCIN advised the Company that resumption of operations of the synfuel facility is dependent on the price of crude oil in the future. The Company is currently selling coal directly to PCIN’s synfuel customers under “back up” coal supply agreements, which automatically provide for the sale of the Company’s coal in the event these customers do not purchase coal synfuel from PCIN. The Mt. Storm Coal Supply synfuel facility currently remains in operation; however, the continued operation of this facility cannot be assured as the operator of this facility has a similar contractual right to suspend production due to higher oil prices.

Pursuant to its coal synfuel related agreements, the Company is not obligated to make retroactive adjustments or reimbursements if the coal synfuel facilities tax credits are disallowed.

AHGP is a Delaware limited partnership that was formed on November 10, 2005 to become the sole member of the Company. AHGP initiated its initial public offering (“the IPO”) on May 9, 2006 and closed the IPO on May 15, 2006. Upon the closing of the IPO, AHGP owns 100 percent of the members’ interest of the Company, a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal, LLC, the incentive distribution rights in ARLP associated with the Company, and 15,550,628 common units of ARLP.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Financial Presentation. We reflect our ownership interest in Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (“ARLP”) on a consolidated basis, which means that our financial results are combined with ARLP’s financial results and the results of our other subsidiaries. The non-controlling limited partner interests in ARLP will be reflected as an expense in our results of operations. We have no separate operating activities apart from those conducted by ARLP, and our cash flows currently consist of distributions from ARLP on the partnership interests, including the incentive distribution rights, that we own. Our historical consolidated results of operations reflect the results of operations of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC (“ARM GP”), our wholly-owned subsidiary. Throughout this discussion, when we refer to “our” consolidated results of operations, we are referring to the results of operations of ARM GP. ARM GP’s results of operations principally reflect the results of operations of ARLP adjusted for non-controlling partners interest in ARLP’s net income. Accordingly, the discussion of our financial position and results of operations in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” reflects the operating activities and results of operations of ARLP. The historical results of our operations do not reflect the incremental expenses we expect to incur as a result of being a publicly traded partnership.

General. We are a Delaware limited partnership. Our cash generating assets consist of our partnership interests in Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP), a publicly traded limited partnership engaged in the production and marketing of coal to major United States utilities and industrial users. In connection with our initial public offering, Alliance Management Holdings, LLC (AMH) and AMH II, LLC (AMH II), the current owners of ARM GP and ARLP’s special general partner, SGP, have entered into a Contribution Agreement pursuant to which, at the closing of the initial public offering on May 15, 2006, the 1.98% general partner interest in ARLP owned by ARM GP, the incentive distribution rights, 15,550,628 of ARLP’s common units and a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal, LLC (Alliance Coal) were contributed to us. As consideration for this contribution and in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement, we distributed to AMH, AMH II and SGP substantially all of the proceeds from its initial public offering as well as a certain amount of our common units.

 

22


Table of Contents

Our incentive distribution rights in ARLP entitle us to receive an increasing percentage of the total cash distributions made by ARLP as it reaches certain target distribution levels. At ARLP’s current quarterly distribution rate of $0.46 per unit, aggregate quarterly cash distributions to us on all our interests in ARLP are approximately $11.4 million, representing approximately 54% of the total cash distributed.

In connection with the closing of our initial public offering, we entered into an administrative services agreement between ARLP, Alliance Coal, and Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. (ARH II). Under the administrative services agreement, certain personnel of Alliance GP, LLC (Alliance GP) and its affiliates, including executive officers, perform administrative and commercial services for ARLP, AHGP and ARH II and their respective affiliates and/or alternatively, certain of ARLP’s personnel provide administrative services to us, ARM GP, Alliance GP and ARH II. Concurrently, Alliance GP, LLC (the general partner of AHGP) ARM GP and us were joined as parties to our Omnibus Agreement, which addresses areas of non-competition between us and ARLP.

Our primary business objective is to increase our cash distributions to our unitholders by actively assisting ARLP in executing its business strategy. ARLP’s business strategy is to create sustainable, capital-efficient growth in distributable cash flow to maximize its distribution to its unitholders by, among other things (1) expanding its operations by adding and developing mines and coal reserves in existing, adjacent or neighboring properties, (2) developing new mining complexes in locations with attractive market conditions, (3) continuing to make productivity improvements in order to be a safe, low-cost producer in each region in which it operates and (4) strengthening its position with existing and future customers by offering a broad range of coal qualities, transportation alternatives and customized services.

Overview of Our Operations

As discussed above, we have no independent operating activities apart from those conducted by ARLP. Accordingly, the overview of our operations primarily reflects the operating activities of ARLP.

We reported quarterly net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (the 2006 Quarter) of $4.4 million, an increase of 159.7% over the three months ended March 31, 2005 (the 2005 Quarter). Increased results for the 2006 Quarter were primarily attributable to increased sales volumes from the MC Mining complex, which returned to production following the MC Mining Fire Incident described below. During the 2006 Quarter, we continued to benefit from higher average sales prices reflecting the continuation of favorable coal markets, which benefit was partially offset by increased production costs.

ARLP has contractual commitments for substantially all of our remaining estimated 2006 production.

On April 19, 2006, ARLP received a letter from the managing member of Synfuel Solutions Operating, LLC (SSO), which stated that effective April 23, 2006, due to the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil, SSO has elected to exercise its contractual right to suspend, until further notice, operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at our Warrior Coal, LLC (Warrior) mining complex in Hopkins County, Kentucky. ARLP receives fees from coal sales, rental, marketing and other services provided to SSO pursuant to various long-term agreements associated with the coal synfuel facility located at Warrior. These agreements, which expire on December 31, 2007, are dependent on the ability of SSO to use certain qualifying federal income tax credits available to the coal synfuel facility and are subject to early cancellation if the synfuel tax credits become unavailable to SSO due to a rise in the price of crude oil or otherwise. SSO advised ARLP that resumption of operations of the synfuel facility is dependent on the price of crude oil in the future. During the suspension period ARLP sold, coal directly to SSO’s synfuel customers under “back up” coal supply agreements, which automatically provide, for the sale of our coal in the event these customers did not purchase coal synfuel from SSO. Subsequently, ARLP received notice from SSO that, on May 11, 2006, SSO

 

23


Table of Contents

resumed operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at Warrior. As a result of the resumption of operations at the SSO coal synfuel production facility, ARLP is currently selling coal to SSO as feedstock for the synfuel facility. SSO has advised ARLP that continued operation of the synfuel facility is dependent on the future prices of crude oil.

ARLP has also entered into agreements with the owners of two other coal synfuel production facilities – PC Indiana Synthetic Fuel #2, L.L.C. (“PCIN”), related to its coal synfuel facility located at ARLP’s Gibson County Coal, LLC (“Gibson”) mining complex in Gibson County, Indiana and Mt. Storm Coal Supply, related to its coal synfuel facility located at Virginia Electric and Power Company’s Mt. Storm power station, which is adjacent to ARLP’s Mettiki Coal, LLC mining complex in Garrett County, Maryland. On May 11, 2006, ARLP received notice from PCIN, which stated that effective May 11, 2006, due to the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil, PCIN was exercising its contractual right to suspend until further notice the operation of its coal synfuel production facility located at ARLP’s Gibson mining complex in Gibson County, Indiana. ARLP receives fees from coal sales, rental, marketing and other services provided to PCIN pursuant to various long-term agreements associated with the coal synfuel facility located at Gibson. These agreements, which expire on December 31, 2007, are dependent on the ability of PCIN to use certain qualifying federal income tax credits available to the coal synfuel facility and are subject to early cancellation if the synfuel tax credits become unavailable to PCIN due to a rise in the price of crude oil or otherwise. PCIN advised ARLP that resumption of operations of the synfuel facility is dependent on the price of crude oil in the future. ARLP is currently selling coal directly to PCIN’s synfuel customers under “back up” coal supply agreements, which automatically provide for the sale of ARLP’s coal in the event these customers do not purchase coal synfuel from PCIN. The Mt. Storm Coal Supply synfuel facility currently remains in operation; however, the continued operation of this facility cannot be assured as the operator of this facility has a similar contractual right to suspend production due to higher oil prices.

Pursuant to its coal synfuel related agreements, ARLP is not obligated to make retroactive adjustments or reimbursements if the coal synfuel facilities tax credits are disallowed.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

     March 31,    March 31,
     2006    2005    2006    2005
     (in thousands)    (per ton sold)

Tons sold

     6,102      5,631      N/A      N/A

Tons produced

     6,248      5,729      N/A      N/A

Coal sales

   $ 218,212    $ 178,846    $ 35.76    $ 31.76

Operating expenses and outside purchases

   $ 155,536    $ 123,509    $ 25.49    $ 21.93

Coal sales. Coal sales increased 22.0% to $218.2 million for the 2006 Quarter from $178.8 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $39.4 million reflects increased sales volumes (contributing $15.0 million of the increase) and higher coal sales (contributing $24.4 million of the increase). Tons sold increased 8.4% to 6.1 million tons for the 2006 Quarter from 5.6 million tons for the 2005 Quarter. Tons produced increased 9.1% to 6.2 million tons for the 2006 Quarter from 5.7 million tons for the 2005 Quarter.

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased 27.3% to $152.0 million for the 2006 Quarter from $119.4 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $32.6 million resulted from an increase in operating expenses associated with additional coal sales of 471,000 tons, including the following factors:

 

    Labor and benefit costs increased $12.4 million reflecting increased headcount, pay rate increases and escalating health care costs;

 

24


Table of Contents
    Material and supplies, and maintenance costs increased $10.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, reflecting increased production and increased costs for the products and services used in the mining process;

 

    Third party mining costs increased $2.9 million reflecting the addition of two small third-party mining operations at Mettiki;

 

    Production taxes and royalties (which are incurred as a percentage of coal sales or volumes) increased $3.8 million;

 

    Coal supply agreement buy-out expense decreased $1.4 million.

 

    Costs of $3.8 million associated with the purchase of tons under the settlement agreement we entered into with ICG, LLC (ICG) in November 2005. Consistent with the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force No. 04-13, Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty, Pontiki’s sale of coal to ICG and Alliance Coal’s purchase of coal from ICG are combined. Therefore, the excess of Alliance Coal’s purchase price from ICG over Pontiki’s sales price to ICG is reflected as an operating expense; and

 

    Operating expenses were reduced by $4.8 million, reflecting the net of additional operating costs incurred in the mine development process offset by revenues received for coal produced incidental with the mine development process.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased to $7.2 million for the 2006 Quarter from $5.7 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $1.5 million was primarily related to higher unit-based incentive compensation expense associated with the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). Prior to our adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Shared-Based Payment, (“SFAS No. 123R”) effective January 1, 2006 using the “modified prospective” transition method, our LTIP expense was impacted by period-to-period changes in our common unit price. Our common unit price declined from $37.00 at December 31, 2004 to $32.14 at March 31, 2005, which lowered our LTIP expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005. An increase in salaries and benefits associated with additional corporate employees and additional corporate compliance costs also contributed to the increase in general & administrative expense.

Other sales and operating revenues. Other sales and operating revenues are principally comprised of service revenue to coal synfuel production facilities and Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal transloading fees. Other sales and operating revenues increased 40.7% to $10.1 million for the 2006 Quarter from $7.2 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $2.9 million was primarily attributable to $1.9 million of additional rental and service fees associated with a new third-party coal synfuel facility at the Gibson County Coal operation, which began producing synfuel in May 2005, and $0.8 million of rent and service fees associated with increased volumes at a third-party coal synfuel facility at Warrior.

Outside purchases. The decrease in outside purchases to $3.5 million for the 2006 Quarter from $4.1 million in the 2005 Quarter was primarily attributable to not purchasing coal from a third-party supplier that experienced production difficulties in the 2006 Quarter.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased to $14.7 million for the 2006 Quarter from $13.6 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $1.1 million is primarily attributable to additional depreciation expense associated with an increase of capital expenditures and infrastructure investments in recent years which has increased our production capacity.

 

25


Table of Contents

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased to $2.2 million for the 2006 Quarter from $3.5 million for the 2005 Quarter. The decrease of $1.3 million was principally attributable to increased interest income earned on marketable securities which is netted against interest expense in addition to the capitalized interest of $0.4 million in the 2006 Quarter related to the development at the Elk Creek and Mountain View mines. ARLP had no borrowings under the credit facility during the 2006 or 2005 Quarters.

Transportation revenues and expenses. Transportation revenues and expenses were comparable for the 2006 and 2005 Quarters at $10.0 and $9.6 million, respectively. Transportation services are a pass through to ARLP’s customers. Consequently ARLP does not realize any margin on transportation revenues.

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change and non-controlling interest. Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change and non-controlling interest increased to $48.9 million for the 2006 Quarter from $39.8 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $9.1 million was primarily attributable to increased sales volumes and higher coal prices partially offset by higher operating expenses. Results for the 2006 Quarter benefited from increased sales volumes from the MC Mining complex, which returned to production following the MC Mining Fire Incident described below. There were no unusual items included in the results for the 2006 Quarter.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense increased to $1.2 million in the 2006 Quarter compared to $0.7 million in the 2005 Quarter. The increase of $0.5 million resulted from a new state income tax on limited liability companies in Kentucky.

Cumulative effect of accounting change. The cumulative effect of accounting change $0.1 million was attributable to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006.

 

26


Table of Contents

Our 2006 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $10.4 million, or 16.6%, to $73.0 million from 2005 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $62.6 million. Segment Adjusted EBITDA, tons sold, coal sales, operating revenues and Adjusted Segment EBITDA Expense by segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
      
      2006    2005    Increase/(Decrease)  

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

          

Illinois Basin

   $ 51,311    $ 45,979    $ 5,332     11.6 %

Central Appalachia

     11,904      3,768      8,136     215.9 %

Northern Appalachia

     7,885      12,441      (4,556 )   (36.6 )%

Other and Corporate

     1,921      412      1,509     366.3 %
                        

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 73,021    $ 62,600    $ 10,421     16.6 %
                        

Tons sold

          

Illinois Basin

     4,309      4,200      109     2.6 %

Central Appalachia

     975      543      432     79.6 %

Northern Appalachia

     818      888      (70 )   (7.9 )%

Other and Corporate

     —        —        —      
                        

Total tons sold

     6,102      5,631      471     8.4 %
                        

Coal sales

          

Illinois Basin

   $ 141,314    $ 124,866    $ 16,448     13.2 %

Central Appalachia

     47,198      23,630      23,568     99.7 %

Northern Appalachia

     24,716      30,350      (5,634 )   (18.6 )%

Other and Corporate

     4,984      —        4,984    
                        

Total coal sales

   $ 218,212    $ 178,846    $ 39,366     22.0 %
                        

Other sales and operating revenues

          

Illinois Basin

   $ 8,237    $ 5,424    $ 2,813     51.9 %

Central Appalachia

     238      185      53     28.6 %

Northern Appalachia

     553      609      (56 )   (9.2 )%

Other and Corporate

     1,046      940      106     11.3 %
                        

Total other sales and operating revenues

   $ 10,074    $ 7,158    $ 2,916     40.7 %
                        

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

          

Illinois Basin

   $ 98,241    $ 84,311    $ 13,930     16.5 %

Central Appalachia

     35,532      20,047      15,485     77.2 %

Northern Appalachia

     17,385      18,518      (1,133 )   (6.1 )%

Other and Corporate

     4,107      528      3,579     677.8 %
                        

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (2)

   $ 155,265    $ 123,404    $ 31,861     25.8 %
                        

(1) Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense and interest income, depreciation, depletion and amortization, and general and administrative expense. Adjusted Segment EBITDA is reconciled to net income below.
(2) Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, outside purchases and other income. Pass through transportation expenses are excluded.

Illinois Basin – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2006 Quarter increased 11.6%, to $51.3 million from 2005 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $46.0 million. The increase of $5.3 million was primarily attributable to increased coal sales which rose by $16.4 million, or 13.2%, to $141.3 million during 2006 as compared to $124.9 million in 2005. Increased coal sales in 2006 reflects a higher average coal sales price per ton which increased $3.07 per ton to $32.80 per ton (contributing $13.2 million of the increase in coal sales) and increased tons sold of 109,000 tons (contributing $3.2 million of the increase in coal sales). Other sales and operating revenues increased $2.8 million, primarily due to $1.9 million of revenues associated with the

 

27


Table of Contents

coal synfuel facility that began operating at Gibson in 2005. Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2006 Quarter increased 16.5% to $98.2 million from $84.3 million in 2005. On a per ton sold basis, 2006 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense rose to $22.80 per ton, an increase of 13.6% over the 2005 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton of $20.07 per ton. The increase in 2006 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily reflects the impact of cost increases described above under consolidated operating expenses.

Central Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2006 Quarter increased $8.1 million, or 215.9%, to $11.9 million as compared to 2005 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million. The increase was primarily attributable to increased coal sales of $23.6 million, reflecting a higher average coal sales price per ton of $48.41 in 2006, an increase of $4.89 per ton over the 2005 average coal sales price per ton, (which contributed $4.8 million of the increase in coal sales) and increased tons sold of 432,000 tons in the 2006 Quarter, contributing $18.8 million of increase in coal sales. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2006 Quarter increased 77.2% to $35.5 million from $20.0 million in 2005. The increase in 2006 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily reflects the impact of cost increases described above under consolidated operating expenses. However, on a per ton basis, 2006 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense declined $0.48 per ton reflecting an increase in production of 427,000 tons. The production increase was primarily attributable to the negative impact of the MC Mining Fire Incident on production in the 2005 Quarter.

Northern Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2006 Quarter decreased $4.6 million, or 36.6%, to $7.9 million as compared to 2005 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $12.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $5.6 million reduction of coal sales, reflecting a lower average sales price per ton of $3.96 to $30.22 per ton in 2006 (which contributed $3.2 million of the decrease in coal sales) and decreased tons sold of 70,000 tons (which contributed $2.4 million of the decrease in coal sales). The lower average sales price was primarily attributable to fewer tons sold into the higher priced export market during the 2006 Quarter. The increase in Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily reflects the impact of cost increases described above under consolidated operating expenses, partially offset by lower tons sold.

A reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
      2006     2005  

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 73,021     $ 62,600  

General & administrative

     (7,158 )     (5,708 )

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (14,725 )     (13,631 )

Interest expense

     (2,242 )     (3,474 )

Income taxes

     (1,242 )     (710 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     112       —    
                

Income before non-controlling interest

   $ 47,766     $ 39,077  
                

MC Mining Mine Fire

On December 26, 2004, ARLP’s MC Mining, LLC’s Excel No. 3 mine was temporarily idled following the occurrence of a mine fire (the MC Mining Fire Incident). The fire was discovered by mine personnel near the bottom of the Excel No. 3 mine slope late in the evening of December 25, 2004. Under a firefighting plan developed by MC Mining, in cooperation with mine emergency response teams from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MHSA), and Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, the four portals at the Excel No. 3 mine were temporarily capped to deprive the fire of oxygen.

 

28


Table of Contents

A series of boreholes was then drilled into the mine from the surface, and nitrogen gas and foam were injected through the boreholes into the fire area to further suppress the fire. As a result of these efforts, the mine atmosphere was rendered substantially inert, or without oxygen, and the Excel No. 3 mine fire was effectively suppressed. MC Mining then began construction of temporary and permanent barriers designed to completely isolate the mine fire area. Once the construction of the permanent barriers was completed, MC Mining began efforts to repair and rehabilitate the Excel No. 3 mine infrastructure. On February 21, 2005, the repair and rehabilitation efforts had progressed sufficiently to allow initial resumption of production. Coal production has returned to near normal levels, but continues to be adversely impacted by inefficiencies attributable to or associated with the MC Mining Fire Incident.

ARLP maintains commercial property (including business interruption and extra expense) insurance policies with various underwriters, which policies are renewed annually in October and provide for self-retention and various applicable deductibles, including certain monetary and/or time element forms of deductibles, which we refer to (collectively, the 2005 Deductibles), and 10% co-insurance (2005 Co-Insurance). ARLP believes such insurance coverage will cover a substantial portion of the total cost of the disruption to MC Mining’s operations. However, concurrent with the renewal of ARLP’s commercial property (including business interruption and extra expense) insurance policies concluded on October 31, 2005, MC Mining confirmed with the current underwriters of the commercial property insurance coverage that any negotiated settlement of the losses arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident would not exceed $40.0 million (inclusive of co-insurance and deductible amounts). Until the claim is resolved ultimately, through the claim adjustment process, settlement, or litigation, with the applicable underwriters, ARLP can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery of insurance proceeds.

ARLP made an initial estimate of certain costs primarily associated with activities relating to the suppression of the fire and the initial resumption of operations. Operating expenses for the 2004 fourth quarter were increased by $4.1 million to reflect an initial estimate of certain minimum costs attributable to the MC Mining Fire Incident that are not reimbursable under ARLP’s insurance policies due to the application of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance.

Following the initial two submittals by ARLP to a representative of the underwriters of its estimate of the expenses and losses (including business interruption losses) incurred by MC Mining and other affiliates arising from and in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident, (MC Mining Insurance Claim), on September 15, 2005, ARLP filed a third estimate of our expenses and losses, with an update through July 31, 2005. Partial payments of $0.4 million, $2.9 million and $12.2 million were received, during June and April 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005, respectively, these amounts are net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. The accounting for these partial payments and future payments, if any, made to ARLP by the underwriters will be subject to the accounting methodology described below. On March 23, 2006 we filed a third partial proof of loss for the period through July 31, 2005 of $4.0 million. Currently, ARLP continues to evaluate its potential insurance recoveries under the applicable insurance policies in the following areas:

 

  1. Fire Brigade/Extinguishing/Mine Recovery Expense; Expenses to Reduce Loss; Debris Removal Expenses; Demolition and Increased Cost of Construction; Expediting Expenses; and Extra Expenses incurred as a result of the fire—These expenses and other costs (e.g. professional fees) associated with extinguishing the fire, reducing the overall loss, demolition of certain property and removal of debris, expediting the recovery from the loss, and extra expenses that would not have been incurred by ARLP but for the MC Mining Fire Incident are being expensed as incurred with related actual and/or estimated insurance recoveries recorded as they are considered to be probable, up to the amount of the actual cost incurred.

 

  2. Damage to MC Mining mine property—The net book value of property destroyed of $154,000 was written off in the first quarter of 2005 with a corresponding amount recorded as an estimated insurance recovery, since such recovery is considered probable. Any insurance proceeds from the claims relating to the MC Mining mine property (other than amounts

 

29


Table of Contents

relating to the matters discussed in 1. above) that exceed the net book value of such damaged property are expected to result in a gain. The anticipated gain will be recorded when the MC Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received.

 

  3. MC Mining mine business interruption losses—ARLP has submitted to a representative of the underwriters a business interruption loss analysis for the period of December 24, 2004 through July 31, 2005. Expenses associated with business interruption losses are expensed as incurred, and estimated insurance recoveries of such losses are recognized to the extent such recoveries are considered to be probable, up to the actual amount incurred. Recoveries in excess of actual costs incurred will be recorded as gains when the MC Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received.

Pursuant to the accounting methodology described above, ARLP has recorded as an offset to operating expenses, $0.4 million and $9.2 million, during the 2006 and 2005 Quarters, respectively, which amounts represent the current estimated insurance recovery of actual costs incurred, net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. ARLP continues to discuss the MC Mining Insurance Claim and the determination of the total claim amount with representatives of the underwriters. The MC Mining Insurance Claim will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available and we have completed our assessment of the losses (including the methodologies associated therewith) arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident. At this time, based on the magnitude and complexity of the MC Mining Insurance Claim, we are unable to reasonably estimate the total amount of the MC Mining Insurance Claim as well as its exposure, if any, for amounts not covered by our insurance program.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities was $67.6 million for the 2006 Quarter compared to $28.5 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was principally attributable to a combination of a lower period-to-period increase in working capital in the 2006 Quarter compared to the 2005 Quarter and an increase in net income. Total working capital changes include a reduced use of cash attributable to accounts receivable and other receivables in the 2006 Quarter compared to the 2005 Quarter. The 2005 Quarter included a $9.3 million increase in accounts receivable related to the MC Mining Fire Incident described above and higher trade accounts receivable attributable to slow payments from customers.

Net cash used in investing activities was $35.0 million for the 2006 Quarter compared to $16.7 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures associated with the continuing development of the Elk Creek and Mountain View mines. ARLP is currently estimating total capital expenditures in 2006 to range from approximately $160.0 million to $175.0 million. ARLP expects to fund these capital expenditures with available cash and marketable securities on hand, future cash generated from operations and/or borrowings available under the revolving credit facility. The increase in net cash used in investing activities attributable to increased capital expenditures was partially offset by proceeds from marketable securities, net of purchases of marketable securities, which occurred during the 2006 Quarter.

Net cash used in financing activities was $21.2 million for the 2006 Quarter compared to $14.8 million for the 2005 Quarter. The increase is attributable to increased distributions by ARLP and ARM GP in the 2006 Quarter.

Capital Expenditures

ARLP’s capital expenditures increased to $44.7 million in the 2006 Quarter from $16.9 million in the 2005 Quarter. See discussion of “Cash Flows” above concerning the increase in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures include items received but not yet paid, which is disclosed as a non-cash investing activity, purchase of property, plant and equipment in “Item 1, Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.”

 

30


Table of Contents

Debt Obligations

Alliance Holdings, GP, L.P.

At the closing of the initial public offering of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P. (AHGP) entered into a $5.0 million revolving credit facility with C-Holdings, LLC, an entity controlled by Joseph W. Craft, III, as the lender. The facility is available for the Partnership’s for general partnership purposes. Borrowings under the facility will mature on March 31, 2007 and will bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. AHGP is required to pay a commitment fee to C-Holdings, LLC on the unused portion of the working capital facility of 0.3% annually. Although there are no material operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facility, future financing agreements could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., ARLP’s intermediate partnership, has $162.0 million principal amount of 8.31% senior notes due August 20, 2014, payable in nine remaining equal annual installments of $18.0 million with interest payable semiannually (Senior Notes). On April 13, 2006, ARLP’s intermediate partnership entered into a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (Credit Facility), which expires in 2011. The Credit Facility replaced a $85.0 million credit facility that would have expired September 2006. The interest rate on the Credit Facility is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the financial performance of the intermediate partnership. Initially, the interest rate will be the LIBOR rate plus 0.875%. Letters of credit can be issued under the Credit Facility not to exceed $50.0 million. Outstanding letters of credit will reduce amounts available under the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2006, the intermediate partnership had letters of credit of $10.8 million outstanding under the $85 million credit facility that were transferred to the new Credit Facility on April 13, 2006. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility at March 31, 2006

The Senior Notes and Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries of ARLP’s intermediate partnership. The Senior Notes and Credit Facility contain various restrictive and affirmative covenants, including restrictions on the amount of distributions by ARLP’s intermediate partnership and the incurrence of other debt exceeding $35.0 million. The Senior Notes restrictions on distributions are consistent with ARLP’s partnership agreement, and the Credit Facility limits borrowings to fund distributions to $25.0 million. ARLP was in compliance with the covenants of both the original $85 million credit facility and Senior Notes at March 31, 2006. ARLP is in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility.

ARLP has previously entered into and has maintained specific agreements with two banks to provide additional letters of credit in an aggregate amount of $25.0 million to maintain surety bonds to secure ARLP’s obligations for reclamation liabilities and workers’ compensation benefits. At March 31, 2006, we had $24.8 million in letters of credit outstanding under these agreements. ARLP’s special general partner guarantees these outstanding letters of credit.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We have continuing related party transactions with ARLP’s special general partner, including affiliates of ARLP’s special general partner. These related party transactions relate principally to mineral and equipment leases with our special general partner and its affiliates and guarantees from ARLP’s special general partner for letters of credit.

 

31


Table of Contents

In connection with our initial public offering, AMH and AMH II, the current owners of ARM GP, and ARLP’s special general partner, SGP, have entered into a Contribution Agreement pursuant to which, at the closing of the initial public offering on May 15, 2006, the 1.98% general partner interest in ARLP owned by ARM GP, the incentive distribution rights, 15,550,628 of ARLP’s common units, which represents approximately 42.7% of ARLP’s common units, and a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal were contributed to us. As consideration for this contribution and in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement, we distributed to AMH, AMH II and SGP substantially all of the proceeds from its initial public offering as well as a certain amount of its common units. In connection with the closing of the initial public offering, we entered into an administrative services agreement between ARLP, Alliance Coal, and ARH II. Under the administrative services agreement, certain personnel of Alliance GP and its affiliates, including executive officers, perform administrative and commercial services for ARLP, AHGP and ARH II and their respective affiliates and/or alternatively, certain of ARLP’s personnel provide administrative services to us, ARM GP, Alliance GP and ARH II. Concurrently, Alliance GP, LLC (the general partner of AHGP) and ARM GP and us were joined as parties to our Omnibus Agreement, which addresses areas of non-competition between us and ARLP.

Please read our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-129883) “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Related Party Transactions” for additional information concerning the related party transactions described above.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 151, Inventory Costs. SFAS No. 151 is an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5 that deals with inventory pricing. SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and spoilage. Under previous guidance, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight, and rehandling costs might be considered to be so abnormal, under certain circumstances, as to require treatment as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 eliminates the criterion of “so abnormal” and requires that those items be recognized as current period charges. Also, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Our adoption of SFAS No. 151 on January 1, 2006 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Share Based Payment, using the “modified prospective” transition method and, therefore, did not restate prior period results.

In March 2005, the FASB issued EITF No. 04-6 Accounting for Stripping Costs in the Mining Industry and concluded that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be included in the costs of the inventory produced during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. EITF No. 04-6 does not address the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the pre-production phase of a mine. EITF No. 04-6 is effective for the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, with early adoption permitted. The effect of initially applying this consensus would be accounted for in a manner similar to a cumulative-effect adjustment. Since we have historically adhered to the accounting principles similar to EITF No. 04-6 in accounting for stripping costs incurred at our surface operation, our adoption of EITF No. 04-6, effective January 1, 2006 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

32


Table of Contents

OTHER

ARLP will be considered to have terminated its partnership for federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month period. The transactions surrounding our IPO represent a sale or exchange of approximately 42.3% of the total interests in ARLP’s capital and profits interests. We believe, and will take the position, that the transactions surrounding our IPO, together with all other common units sold within the prior 12-month period, represent a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interest in ARLP’s capital and profits interests. The termination of the partnership will result, among other things, in the closing of ARLP’s taxable year for all unitholders and could result in a deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income for the year in which the termination occurs. The impact of this termination to ARLP’s unitholders is reflected in the amount of taxable income ARLP expects to be allocated to unitholders as a result of an investment in our common units. Although the amount of increase cannot be estimated because it depends upon numerous factors including the timing of the termination, the amount could be material. The termination of the partnership, currently would not affect ARLP’s classification, as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, but instead, ARLP would be treated as a new partnership for tax purposes. If treated as a new partnership, ARLP must make new tax elections and could be subject to penalties if we are unable to determine that a termination occurred.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ARLP has significant long-term coal supply agreements. Virtually all of the long-term coal supply agreements are subject to price adjustment provisions, which permit an increase or decrease periodically in the contract price to principally reflect changes in specified price indices or items such as taxes, royalties or actual production costs.

Almost all of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and as a result, we do not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks. At the current time, we do not have any interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate or commodity price-hedging transactions outstanding.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are at variable rates and, as a result, we have interest rate exposure. Our earnings are not materially affected by changes in interest rates. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility at March 31, 2006

As of March 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes was approximately $174.0 million. The fair value of long-term debt is based on interest rates that we believe are currently available to us for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. There were no other significant changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as set forth in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-129883).

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to collect the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC, and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act) was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers. Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report conducted by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers believe the design and operation of these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the ARM GP is able to collect, process and disclose the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with

 

33


Table of Contents

the SEC within the required time periods, and during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) identified in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

34


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. When used in this document, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast”, “may,” “project”, “will,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Specific factors which could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include:

 

    increased competition in coal markets and ARLP’s ability to respond to the competition;

 

    fluctuation in coal prices, which could adversely affect ARLP’s operating results and cash flows;

 

    risks associated with the expansion of ARLP’s operations and properties;

 

    deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the domestic coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions;

 

    dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing customer contracts upon expiration of existing contracts;

 

    customer bankruptcies and/or cancellations or breaches to existing contracts;

 

    customer delays or defaults in making payments;

 

    fluctuations in coal demand, prices and availability due to labor and transportation costs and disruptions, equipment availability, governmental regulations and other factors;

 

    ARLP’s productivity levels and margins that ARLP earns on its coal sales;

 

    greater than expected increases in raw material costs;

 

    greater than expected shortage of skilled labor;

 

    any unanticipated increases in labor costs, adverse changes in work rules, or unexpected cash payments associated with post-mine reclamation and workers’ compensation claims;

 

    any unanticipated increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions;

 

    greater than expected environmental regulation, costs and liabilities;

 

    a variety of operational, geologic, permitting, labor and weather-related factors;

 

    risks associated with major mine-related accidents, such as mine fires, or interruptions;

 

    results of litigation;

 

    difficulty maintaining ARLP’s surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits;

 

    a loss or reduction of the direct or indirect benefit from certain state and federal tax credits, including non-conventional source fuel tax credits; and

 

    difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with ARLP’s participation (excluding any applicable deductible) in ARLP’s commercial insurance property program.

 

    a loss or reduction of the direct or indirect benefit from certain state and federal tax credits, including non-conventional source fuel tax credits.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statement. When considering forward-looking statements, you should also keep in mind the risk factors described in “Risk Factors” below. The risk factors could also cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We disclaim any obligation to update the above list or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

You should consider the information above when reading any forward-looking statements contained:

 

    in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;

 

    other reports filed by us with the SEC;

 

    our press releases; and

 

    written or oral statements made by us or any of our officers or other persons acting on our behalf.

 

35


Table of Contents

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information in Note 2. Contingencies to the Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1, Financial Statements (Unaudited)” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q herein is hereby incorporated by reference. See also pages 105 and 128 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration Statement No. 333-129883).

On April 24, 2006, ARLP was served with a complaint from Mr. Ned Comer, et al, who we refer to as the plaintiffs, alleging that approximately 40 oil and coal companies, including ARLP, which we refer to as the defendants, are liable to the plaintiffs for tortiously causing damage to plaintiffs’ property in Mississippi. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants’ greenhouse gas emissions caused global warning and resulted in the increase in the destructive capacity of Hurricane Katrina. ARLP believes this complaint is without merit and does not believe that this complaint will have a material adverse effect on ARLP’s business, financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no significant changes in our risk factors as set forth in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-129883).

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

  31.1 Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., dated June 22, 2006, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

 

  31.2 Certification of Brian L. Cantrell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., dated June 22, 2006, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

 

  32.1 Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., dated June 22, 2006, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

 

  32.2 Certification of Brian L. Cantrell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP, L.P, , dated June 22, 2006, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

 

36


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 22, 2006.

 

 

ALLIANCE HOLDINGS GP, L.P.

By:

  Alliance GP, LLC
 

its general partner

 

/s/ Joseph W. Craft, III

 

Joseph W. Craft, III

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

and Director

 

/s/ Brian L. Cantrell

 

Brian L. Cantrell

 

Senior Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

37