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ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS LP - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019

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.: 0-26823

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

   

73-1564280

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1717 South Boulder Avenue, Suite 400, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(918) 295-7600

(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. [X] Yes   [   ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  [X ] Yes   [   ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer .

Accelerated Filer

Non-Accelerated Filer  

Smaller Reporting Company  

Emerging Growth Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [   ]

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common units representing limited partner interests

ARLP

NASDAQ Global Select Market

As of November 5, 2019, 128,130,003 common units are outstanding.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

4

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

1.     Organization and Presentation

5

2.     New Accounting Standards

6

3.     Acquisitions

7

4.     Long-Lived Asset Impairment

10

5.     Contingencies

10

6.     Inventories

10

7.     Leases

11

8.     Fair Value Measurements

12

9.     Long-Term Debt

12

10.   Variable Interest Entities

14

11.   Investments

16

12.   Partners' Capital

16

13.   Revenue from Contracts with Customers

19

14.   Earnings per Limited Partner Unit

20

15.   Workers' Compensation and Pneumoconiosis

21

16.   Compensation Plans

21

17.   Components of Pension Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

23

18.   Segment Information

23

19.   Subsequent Events

26

ITEM 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

27

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

41

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

42

Forward-Looking Statements

43

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

45

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

45

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

45

ITEM 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

45

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

45

ITEM 5.

Other Information

45

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

46

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except unit data)

(Unaudited)

September 30, 

December 31, 

2019

    

2018

ASSETS

    

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

31,817

$

244,150

Trade receivables

 

182,094

 

174,914

Other receivables

 

524

 

395

Inventories, net

 

114,100

 

59,206

Advance royalties, net

 

1,229

 

1,274

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    

 

11,600

    

 

20,747

Total current assets

 

341,364

 

500,686

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

3,673,436

 

2,925,808

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(1,647,933)

 

(1,513,450)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

2,025,503

 

1,412,358

OTHER ASSETS:

Advance royalties, net

 

51,863

 

42,923

Equity method investments

 

28,721

 

161,309

Equity securities

 

122,094

Goodwill

136,399

136,399

Operating lease right-of-use assets

18,990

Other long-term assets

 

24,249

 

18,979

Total other assets

 

260,222

 

481,704

TOTAL ASSETS

$

2,627,089

$

2,394,748

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

$

91,445

$

96,397

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

 

17,611

 

16,762

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

48,535

 

43,113

Accrued interest

 

13,175

 

5,022

Workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis benefits

 

11,181

 

11,137

Current finance lease obligations

 

31,507

 

46,722

Current operating lease obligations

 

4,431

 

Other current liabilities

 

22,139

 

19,718

Current maturities, long-term debt, net

 

69,694

 

92,000

Total current liabilities

 

309,718

 

330,871

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities, net

 

637,090

 

564,004

Pneumoconiosis benefits

 

74,188

 

68,828

Accrued pension benefit

 

38,583

 

43,135

Workers' compensation

 

45,645

 

41,669

Asset retirement obligations

 

132,436

 

127,655

Long-term finance lease obligations

 

2,388

 

10,595

Long-term operating lease obligations

 

14,624

 

Other liabilities

 

21,126

 

20,304

Total long-term liabilities

 

966,080

 

876,190

Total liabilities

 

1,275,798

 

1,207,061

PARTNERS' CAPITAL:

ARLP Partners' Capital:

Limited Partners - Common Unitholders 128,391,191 and 128,095,511 units outstanding, respectively

 

1,389,959

 

1,229,268

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(50,692)

 

(46,871)

Total ARLP Partners' Capital

 

1,339,267

 

1,182,397

Noncontrolling interest

12,024

5,290

Total Partners' Capital

1,351,291

1,187,687

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

$

2,627,089

$

2,394,748

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:

Coal sales

$

420,005

$

460,330

$

1,357,331

$

1,359,865

Oil & gas royalties

13,969

36,254

Transportation revenues

 

20,024

 

28,697

 

82,892

 

76,014

Other revenues

 

10,728

 

8,731

 

31,905

 

35,138

Total revenues

 

464,726

 

497,758

 

1,508,382

 

1,471,017

EXPENSES:

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)

 

278,254

 

308,404

 

895,255

 

896,843

Transportation expenses

 

20,024

 

28,697

 

82,892

 

76,014

Outside coal purchases

 

10,599

 

 

15,910

 

1,442

General and administrative

 

17,885

 

15,836

 

55,218

 

49,513

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

72,348

 

70,196

 

220,400

 

204,194

Settlement gain

 

 

(80,000)

Asset impairment

 

15,190

 

 

15,190

 

Total operating expenses

 

414,300

 

423,133

 

1,284,865

 

1,148,006

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

50,426

 

74,625

 

223,517

 

323,011

Interest expense (net of interest capitalized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 of $298, $330, $790 and $891, respectively)

 

(11,698)

 

(9,840)

 

(33,831)

 

(30,653)

Interest income

 

92

 

32

 

321

 

121

Equity method investment income

 

659

 

5,980

 

1,533

 

14,555

Equity securities income

 

 

3,989

 

12,906

 

11,567

Acquisition gain

 

 

177,043

 

Other expense

 

(228)

 

(812)

 

(370)

 

(2,201)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

39,251

 

73,974

 

381,119

 

316,400

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

 

50

 

5

 

130

 

(2)

NET INCOME

39,201

73,969

380,989

316,402

LESS: NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

(117)

 

(236)

 

(7,407)

 

(571)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARLP

$

39,084

$

73,733

$

373,582

$

315,831

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARLP

GENERAL PARTNER

$

$

$

$

1,560

LIMITED PARTNERS

$

39,084

$

73,733

$

373,582

$

314,271

EARNINGS PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT - BASIC AND DILUTED

$

0.30

$

0.55

$

2.86

$

2.35

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING – BASIC AND DILUTED

 

128,391,191

 

131,169,538

 

128,311,609

 

131,090,838

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

    

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

NET INCOME

$

39,201

$

73,969

$

380,989

$

316,402

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

Defined benefit pension plan

Amortization of prior service cost (1)

46

46

139

140

Amortization of net actuarial loss (1)

 

980

 

767

 

2,941

 

2,705

Total defined benefit pension plan adjustments

 

1,026

 

813

 

3,080

 

2,845

Pneumoconiosis benefits

Net actuarial loss

 

 

 

(3,465)

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) (1)

 

(1,145)

 

1

 

(3,436)

 

2

Total pneumoconiosis benefits adjustments

 

(1,145)

 

1

 

(6,901)

 

2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

(119)

 

814

 

(3,821)

 

2,847

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

39,082

74,783

377,168

319,249

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(117)

(236)

(7,407)

(571)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARLP

$

38,965

$

74,547

$

369,761

$

318,678

(1)Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial gain or loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Notes 15 and 17 for additional details).

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$

408,418

$

579,267

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Property, plant and equipment:

Capital expenditures

 

(241,142)

 

(184,408)

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

319

 

673

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

892

 

2,361

Contributions to equity method investments

 

 

(15,600)

Distributions received from investments in excess of cumulative earnings

2,309

 

1,685

Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(320,232)

 

Cash received from redemption of equity securities

134,288

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(423,566)

 

(195,289)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Borrowings under securitization facility

153,500

 

182,600

Payments under securitization facility

(179,000)

 

(255,000)

Proceeds from equipment financing

10,000

 

Payments on equipment financing

(1,021)

 

Borrowings under revolving credit facilities

 

300,000

 

70,000

Payments under revolving credit facilities

 

(235,000)

 

(100,000)

Payments on finance lease obligations

 

(23,270)

 

(22,106)

Payments for purchases of units under unit repurchase program

(5,251)

 

(21,070)

Net settlement of withholding taxes on issuance of units in deferred compensation plans

 

(7,817)

 

(2,081)

Cash contribution by General Partner

 

 

41

Cash contribution by affiliated entity

 

2,142

Cash obtained in Simplification Transactions

 

1,139

Distributions paid to Partners

(208,653)

 

(206,682)

Other

 

(673)

 

(1,362)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(197,185)

 

(352,379)

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(212,333)

 

31,599

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

244,150

 

6,756

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

31,817

$

38,355

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid for interest

$

23,931

$

21,797

Cash paid for income taxes

$

$

34

SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH ACTIVITY:

Accounts payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment

$

14,904

$

16,309

Assets acquired by finance lease

$

$

835

Right-of-use assets acquired by operating lease

$

25,321

$

Market value of common units issued under deferred compensation plans before tax withholding requirements

$

17,415

$

6,142

Acquisition of businesses:

Fair value of assets assumed

$

629,475

$

Previously held equity-method investments

(307,322)

Cash paid, net of cash acquired

(320,232)

Fair value of liabilities assumed

$

1,921

$

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION

Significant Relationships Referenced in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

References to "we," "us," "our" or "ARLP Partnership" mean the business and operations of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the parent company, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries.
References to "ARLP" mean Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.
References to "MGP" mean Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, ARLP's general partner.
References to "Intermediate Partnership" mean Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., the intermediate partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
References to "Alliance Coal" mean Alliance Coal, LLC, the holding company for the coal mining operations of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.

Organization

ARLP is a Delaware limited partnership listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ARLP."  ARLP was formed in May 1999 and completed its initial public offering on August 19, 1999 when it acquired substantially all of the coal production and marketing assets of Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.  We are managed by our general partner, MGP, a Delaware limited liability company which holds a non-economic general partner interest in ARLP.  

AllDale I & II Acquisition

On January 3, 2019 (the "AllDale Acquisition Date"), we acquired all of the limited partner interests not owned by Cavalier Minerals JV, LLC ("Cavalier Minerals") in AllDale Minerals LP ("AllDale I") and AllDale Minerals II, LP ("AllDale II", and collectively with AllDale I, "AllDale I & II") and the general partner interests in AllDale I & II (the "AllDale Acquisition").  As a result of the AllDale Acquisition and our previous investments held through Cavalier Minerals, we acquired control of approximately 43,000 net royalty acres in premier oil & gas resource plays.  The AllDale Acquisition provides us with diversified exposure to industry leading operators and is consistent with our general business strategy to grow our Minerals segment. See Note 3 – Acquisitions for more information.

Wing Acquisition

On August 2, 2019, our subsidiary AR Midland, LP ("AR Midland") closed on an agreement with Wing Resources LLC and Wing Resources II LLC (collectively, "Wing") to acquire approximately 9,000 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin, with exposure to more than 400,000 gross acres (the "Wing Acquisition").  The Wing Acquisition enhances our ownership position in the Permian Basin, expands our exposure to industry leading operators and furthers our business strategy to grow our Minerals segment.  Following the Wing Acquisition, we control approximately 52,000 net royalty acres in premier oil & gas resource plays.  See Note 3 – Acquisitions for more information.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the ARLP Partnership and present our financial position as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the results of our operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.  All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

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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 do not include all of the information normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") of the United States.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented.  Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2019.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the ARLP Partnership's condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Leases

We lease buildings and equipment under operating lease agreements that provide for the payment of minimum rentals.  We also have noncancelable lease agreements with third parties for land and equipment under finance lease obligations.  Some of our arrangements within these agreements have both lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.  We have elected a practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for leases of buildings and office equipment.  Our leases have lease terms of one year to 20 years, some of which include automatic renewals up to ten years which are likely to be exercised, and some of which include options to terminate the lease within one year.  We also hold numerous mineral reserve leases with both related parties as well as third parties, none of which are accounted for as an operating lease or as a finance lease.  

We review each agreement to determine if an arrangement within the agreement contains a lease at the inception of an arrangement.  Once an arrangement is determined to contain either an operating or finance lease with a term greater than 12 months, we recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The lease term includes all noncancelable periods defined in the lease as well as periods covered by options to extend the lease that we are reasonably certain to exercise.  As an implicit borrowing rate cannot be determined under most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

Expenses related to leases determined to be operating leases will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term including any reasonably assured renewal periods, while those determined to be finance leases will be recognized following a front-loaded expense profile in which interest and amortization are presented separately in the income statement.  The determination of whether a lease is accounted for as a finance lease or an operating lease requires management to make estimates primarily about the fair value of the asset and its estimated economic useful life.

2.NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

New Accounting Standards Issued and Adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02").  ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about lease arrangements. Leases are now classified as either finance or operating, with the resulting classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.  We elected to use the modified retrospective transition method which allows a cumulative effect adjustment on the balance sheet upon adoption. The adoption of the standard resulted in the recognition of approximately $25.0 million in additional net lease assets and respective lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019.  

As part of our transition there are a number of practical expedients available in the new standard.  We elected a package of practical expedients that, among other things, allows us to not reassess the lease classification of expired or

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existing leases. In addition to the package of practical expedients, we also elected to use a practical expedient allowing us to use hindsight in determining the lease term for existing leases.

New Accounting Standards Issued and Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13").  ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments to require the use of a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally will result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses.  The new standard will require disclosure of significantly more information related to these items.  ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods.  We do not have a history of credit losses on our financial instruments, accordingly we do not anticipate ASU 2016-13 will have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.  

3.ACQUISITIONS

Wing

On August 2, 2019 (the "Wing Acquisition Date"), our subsidiary, AR Midland closed on an agreement with Wing to acquire approximately 9,000 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin, with exposure to more than 400,000 gross acres, for a cash purchase price of $144.9 million.  When we entered into the agreement on June 21, 2019, we provided a cash deposit of $10.9 million to Wing, which was held in escrow and applied to the purchase price upon closing of the transaction.  The balance of the purchase price was funded with cash on hand and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility discussed in Note 9 – Long-Term Debt.  The Wing Acquisition enhances our ownership position in the Permian Basin, expands our exposure to industry leading operators and furthers our business strategy to grow our Minerals segment.  Concurrent with the Wing Acquisition, JC Resources LP, an entity owned by Joseph W. Craft III, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGP ("Mr. Craft"), acquired from Wing, in a separate transaction, mineral interests that we elected not to acquire.

Because the mineral interests acquired in the Wing Acquisition include royalty interests in both producing properties and unproved properties, we have determined that the acquisition should be accounted for as a business combination and the underlying assets should be recorded at fair value as of the Wing Acquisition Date on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We consider our fair value measurements to be preliminary as we continue to obtain additional information from operators regarding reserve and production quantities and projections for the mineral interests we acquired.

The following table summarizes the fair value allocation of assets acquired as of the Wing Acquisition Date:

As of August 2, 2019

(in thousands)

Mineral interests in proved properties

$

55,619

Mineral interests in unproved properties

87,441

Receivables

1,867

Net assets acquired

$

144,927

The fair value of the mineral interests was determined using an income approach primarily comprised of a discounted cash flow model.  The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model included estimated production, projected cash flows, forward oil & gas prices and a risk adjusted discount rate.  Certain assumptions used are not observable in active markets; therefore, the fair value measurements represent Level 3 fair value measurements.  The carrying value of the receivables represent their fair value given their short-term nature.

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The amounts of revenue and earnings from the mineral interests acquired in the Wing Acquisition included in our condensed consolidated statements of income since the Wing Acquisition Date are as follows:

Three Months Ended

September 30, 

2019

    

(in thousands)

Revenue

$

1,136

Net income

 

460

The following represents the pro forma revenues and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 as if the mineral interests acquired in the Wing Acquisition had been included in our consolidated results since January 1, 2018.  These amounts have been calculated after applying our accounting policies.  

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

(in thousands)

Total revenues

As reported

$

464,726

$

497,758

$

1,508,382

$

1,471,017

Pro forma

465,296

499,449

1,512,953

1,475,575

Net income

As reported

$

39,201

$

73,969

$

380,989

$

316,402

Pro forma

39,730

75,564

385,280

320,713

AllDale I & II

On the AllDale Acquisition Date, we acquired all of the limited partner interests not owned by Cavalier Minerals in AllDale I & II and the general partner interests in AllDale I & II for $176.2 million, which was funded with cash on hand and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.  As a result of the AllDale Acquisition and our previous investments held through Cavalier Minerals, we acquired control of approximately 43,000 net royalty acres strategically positioned in the core of the Permian (Delaware and Midland), Anadarko (SCOOP/STACK), Williston (Bakken) and Appalachian basins.  The AllDale Acquisition provides us with diversified exposure to industry leading operators and is consistent with our general business strategy to grow our Minerals segment.  

Because the underlying mineral interests held by AllDale I & II include royalty interests in both producing properties and unproved properties, we have determined that the AllDale Acquisition should be accounted for as a business combination and the underlying assets and liabilities of AllDale I & II should be recorded at their AllDale Acquisition Date fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The final total fair value of the cash paid in the AllDale Acquisition and our previous investments were as follows:

As of January 3, 2019

(in thousands)

Cash

$

176,205

Previously held investments

307,322

Total

$

483,527

Prior to the AllDale Acquisition Date, we accounted for our investments in AllDale I & II, held through Cavalier Minerals, as equity method investments. The combined fair value of our equity method investments on the AllDale Acquisition Date was $307.3 million.  We re-measured our equity method investments, which had an aggregate carrying value of $130.3 million immediately prior to the AllDale Acquisition.  The re-measurement resulted in a gain of $177.0 million which is recorded in the Acquisition gain line item in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

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During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we finalized our purchase price accounting, which resulted in adjustments to our mineral interests in proved and unproved properties due to additional information received from operators of the mineral interests about reserve and production quantities and projections that represented facts and circumstances that existed as of the AllDale Acquisition Date.  In addition, we reduced our receivables by $1.3 million as a result of information received from operators concerning royalty payments owed to us from production that occurred prior to the AllDale Acquisition Date.  The following table summarizes the preliminary and final fair value allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the AllDale Acquisition Date:

Preliminary

Adjustments

Final

(in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

900

$

900

Mineral interests in proved properties

159,617

24,415

184,032

Mineral interests in unproved properties

314,084

(22,894)

291,190

Receivables

10,602

(1,276)

9,326

Accounts payable

(1,921)

(1,921)

Net assets acquired

$

483,282

$

483,527

Our previous equity method investments in AllDale I & II were held through Cavalier Minerals.  Bluegrass Minerals Management, LLC ("Bluegrass Minerals") continues to hold a 4% membership interest (the "Bluegrass Interest") as well as a profits interest in Cavalier Minerals as it did before the AllDale Acquisition.  This Bluegrass Interest represents an indirect noncontrolling interest in AllDale I & II.  The AllDale Acquisition Date fair value of the Bluegrass Interest was $12.3 million.  

The fair value of our previous equity method investments, the mineral interests and the Bluegrass Interest were determined using an income approach primarily comprised of discounted cash flow models.  The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow models include estimated production, projected cash flows, forward oil & gas prices and a risk adjusted discount rate.  Certain assumptions used are not observable in active markets, therefore the fair value measurements represent Level 3 fair value measurements.  AllDale I & II's carrying value of the receivables and accounts payable represent their fair value given their short-term nature.  

The amounts of revenue and earnings, exclusive of the acquisition gain, of AllDale I & II included in our condensed consolidated statements of income since the AllDale Acquisition Date are as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2019

(in thousands)

Revenue

$

13,042

$

36,198

Net income

 

5,046

 

14,028

The following represents the pro forma revenues and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 as if AllDale I & II had been included in our consolidated results since January 1, 2018.  These amounts have been calculated after applying our accounting policies.  Pro forma information is not necessary for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 as the AllDale Acquisition occurred at the beginning of the year.  Additionally, our results have been adjusted to remove the effect of our past equity method investments in AllDale I & II.

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Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2018

    

2018

  

(in thousands)

Total revenues

As reported

$

497,758

$

1,471,017

Pro forma

 

508,186

 

1,498,080

Net income

As reported

$

73,969

$

316,402

Pro forma

 

71,460

 

310,757

4.LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENT

We ceased coal production effective August 16, 2019 at our Dotiki mine to focus on maximizing production at our lower-cost mines in our Illinois Basin segment.  Accordingly, we adjusted the carrying value of Dotiki's assets from $35.9 million to their fair value of $25.8 million and accrued scheduled payments of $5.1 million to WKY CoalPlay for leased reserves from which we may not receive future economic benefit, resulting in an impairment charge of $15.2 million.  See Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities for more information about WKY CoalPlay.

The fair value of Dotiki's assets was determined using a market approach, which represents Level 3 fair value measurement under the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value analysis used assumptions of marketability of certain assets at our Dotiki mine.

5.CONTINGENCIES

Various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business are pending against the ARLP Partnership.  We record accruals for potential losses related to these matters when, in management's opinion, such losses are probable and reasonably estimable.  Based on known facts and circumstances, we believe the ultimate outcome of these outstanding lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  However, if the results of these matters were different from management's current opinion and in amounts greater than our accruals, then they could have a material adverse effect.

6.INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

    

September 30, 

December 31, 

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Coal

$

76,483

$

20,929

Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $5,564 and $5,453, respectively)

 

37,617

 

38,277

Total inventories, net

$

114,100

$

59,206

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7.LEASES

The components of lease expense were as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2019

(in thousands)

Finance lease cost:

Amortization of right-of-use assets

$

3,630

$

12,647

Interest on lease liabilities

 

495

 

1,828

Operating lease cost

 

1,873

 

7,282

Short-term lease cost

84

380

Variable lease cost

 

334

 

1,009

Total lease cost

$

6,416

$

23,146

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2019

(in thousands)

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

Operating cash flows for operating leases

$

1,804

$

7,095

Operating cash flows for finance leases

$

495

$

1,828

Financing cash flows for finance leases

$

6,716

$

23,270

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

Operating leases

$

142

$

25,321

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

    

September 30, 

December 31, 

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Finance leases:

Property and equipment finance lease assets, gross

$

125,121

$

141,019

Accumulated depreciation

 

(72,371)

 

(74,576)

Property and equipment finance lease assets, net

$

52,750

$

66,443

    

September 30, 

2019

    

Weighted average remaining lease term

Operating leases

12.4 years

Finance leases

0.7 years

Weighted average discount rate

Operating leases

6.0

%

Finance leases

 

5.2

%

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Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 were as follows:

Operating leases

    

Finance leases

(in thousands)

2019

$

2,001

$

23,558

2020

3,804

8,748

2021

2,252

913

2022

2,189

913

2023

2,012

140

Thereafter

15,122

560

Total lease payments

27,380

34,832

Less imputed interest

(8,325)

(937)

Total

$

19,055

$

33,895

8.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table summarizes our fair value measurements within the hierarchy:

September 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

 

(in thousands)

Long-term debt

$

$

709,694

$

$

$

669,864

$

Total

$

$

709,694

$

$

$

669,864

$

The carrying amounts for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities, due from affiliates and due to affiliates approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, is based on interest rates that we believe are currently available to us in active markets for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities (See Note 9 – Long-Term Debt).  The fair value of debt, which is based upon these interest rates, is classified as a Level 2 measurement under the fair value hierarchy.

9.LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

Unamortized Discount and

Principal

Debt Issuance Costs

September 30, 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Revolving credit facility

$

240,000

$

175,000

$

(3,588)

$

(5,203)

Senior notes

 

400,000

 

400,000

 

(5,107)

 

(5,793)

Securitization facility

66,500

92,000

Equipment financing

8,979

 

715,479

 

667,000

 

(8,695)

 

(10,996)

Less current maturities

 

(69,694)

 

(92,000)

 

 

Total long-term debt

$

645,785

$

575,000

$

(8,695)

$

(10,996)

Credit Facility.  On January 27, 2017, our Intermediate Partnership entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with various financial institutions.  The Credit Agreement provides for a $494.75 million revolving credit facility, including a sublimit of $125 million for the issuance of letters of credit and a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), with a termination date of May 23, 2021.  

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The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of the material direct and indirect subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership, and is secured by substantially all of the Intermediate Partnership's assets.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at the option of the Intermediate Partnership, at either (i) the Base Rate at the greater of three benchmarks or (ii) a Eurodollar Rate, plus margins for (i) or (ii), as applicable, that fluctuate depending upon the ratio of Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Cash Flow (each as defined in the Credit Agreement).  The Eurodollar Rate, with applicable margin, under the Revolving Credit Facility was 4.43% as of September 30, 2019.  At September 30, 2019, we had $9.3 million of letters of credit outstanding with $245.5 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility. We currently incur an annual commitment fee of 0.35% on the undrawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.  We utilize the Revolving Credit Facility, as appropriate, for working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments, scheduled debt payments and distribution payments.  

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions affecting our Intermediate Partnership and its subsidiaries including, among other things, restrictions on incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, sale of assets, investments, mergers and consolidations and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to various exceptions, and the payment of cash distributions by our Intermediate Partnership if such payment would result in a certain fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  The Credit Agreement requires the Intermediate Partnership to maintain (a) a debt to cash flow ratio of not more than 2.5 to 1.0 and (b) a cash flow to interest expense ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0, in each case, during the four most recently ended fiscal quarters.  The debt to cash flow ratio and cash flow to interest expense ratio were 1.13 to 1.0 and 14.7 to 1.0, respectively, for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2019.  We remain in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2019.  

Senior Notes.  On April 24, 2017, the Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation (as co-issuer), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Intermediate Partnership ("Alliance Finance"), issued an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes due 2025 ("Senior Notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers.  The Senior Notes have a term of eight years, maturing on May 1, 2025 (the "Term") and accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5%.  Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1.  The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary terms, events of default and covenants relating to, among other things, the incurrence of debt, the payment of distributions or similar restricted payments, undertaking transactions with affiliates and limitations on asset sales.  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the issuers of the Senior Notes may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.5% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.  The issuers of the Senior Notes may also redeem all or a part of the notes at any time on or after May 1, 2020, at redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the Senior Notes.  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the issuers of the Senior Notes may redeem the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus a "make-whole" premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.  

Accounts Receivable Securitization.  On December 5, 2014, certain direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership entered into a $100.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility ("Securitization Facility").  Under the Securitization Facility, certain subsidiaries sell trade receivables on an ongoing basis to our Intermediate Partnership, which then sells the trade receivables to AROP Funding, LLC ("AROP Funding"), a wholly owned bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary of our Intermediate Partnership, which in turn borrows on a revolving basis up to $100.0 million secured by the trade receivables.  After the sale, Alliance Coal, as servicer of the assets, collects the receivables on behalf of AROP Funding.  The Securitization Facility bears interest based on a Eurodollar Rate.  In January 2019, we extended the term of the Securitization Facility to January 2020.  In October 2019, we extended the term from January 2020 to January 2021. At September 30, 2019, we had a $66.5 million outstanding balance under the Securitization Facility.  

Cavalier Credit Agreement.  On October 6, 2015, Cavalier Minerals (see Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities) entered into a credit agreement (the "Cavalier Credit Agreement") with Mineral Lending, LLC ("Mineral Lending") for a $100.0 million line of credit (the "Cavalier Credit Facility").  The Cavalier Credit Facility terminated on October 6, 2019.  During the term of the Cavalier Credit Facility, the commitment was reduced by any distributions received from Cavalier Minerals' investment in AllDale II.  As of September 30, 2019, the commitment was $64.6 million.  Mineral Lending is an entity owned by (a) Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. ("ARH II"), an entity owned by Mr. Craft and Kathleen S. Craft, (b) an entity owned by an individual who is an officer and director of ARH II ("ARH Officer") and (c) charitable foundations established by Mr. Craft and Kathleen S. Craft.  We had no borrowings from the facility since its inception and there was no commitment fee under the facility.    

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Equipment Financing.  On May 17, 2019, the Intermediate Partnership entered into an equipment financing arrangement accounted for as debt, wherein the Intermediate Partnership received $10.0 million in exchange for conveying its interest in certain equipment owned by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Intermediate Partnership and entering into a master lease agreement for that equipment (the “Equipment Financing”).  The Equipment Financing contains customary terms and events of default and provides for thirty-six monthly payments with an implicit interest rate of 6.25%, maturing on May 1, 2022.  Upon maturity, the equipment will revert back to the Intermediate Partnership.  

10.VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Cavalier Minerals

On November 10, 2014, our subsidiary, Alliance Minerals, and Bluegrass Minerals entered into a limited liability company agreement (the "Cavalier Agreement") to create Cavalier Minerals, which was formed to indirectly acquire oil & gas mineral interests through its ownership in AllDale I & II.  Alliance Minerals' ownership interest in Cavalier Minerals is 96%.  Bluegrass Minerals owns a 4% membership interest in Cavalier Minerals and a profits interest which entitles it to receive distributions equal to 25% of all distributions (including in liquidation) after all members have recovered their investment.  Distributions with respect to Bluegrass Minerals' profits interest will be offset by all distributions received by Bluegrass Minerals from the former general partners of AllDale I & II.  Bluegrass Minerals was Cavalier Minerals' managing member prior to the AllDale Acquisition (see Note 3 – Acquisitions).  In conjunction with the AllDale Acquisition, we became the managing member in Cavalier Minerals.  Total contributions to and cumulative distributions from Cavalier Minerals are as follows:  

Alliance

Bluegrass

Minerals

Minerals

(in thousands)

Contributions

$

143,112

$

5,963

Distributions

67,271

2,802

We have concluded that Cavalier Minerals is a variable interest entity ("VIE") which we consolidate as the primary beneficiary because we are the managing member and a substantial equity owner in Cavalier Minerals.  Bluegrass Minerals' equity ownership of Cavalier Minerals is accounted for as noncontrolling ownership interest in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, earnings attributable to Bluegrass Minerals are recognized as noncontrolling interest in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

AllDale I & II

As a result of the AllDale Acquisition, we now own 100% of the general partner interests and, including the limited partner interests we hold indirectly through our ownership in Cavalier Minerals, approximately 97% of the limited partner interests in AllDale I & II.  See Note 3 – Acquisitions for more information on the AllDale Acquisition.  As the general partner of AllDale I & II, we are entitled to receive 20.0% of all distributions from AllDale I & II with the remaining 80.0% allocated to limited partners based upon ownership percentages.

Since AllDale I & II are structured as limited partnerships with the limited partners 1) not having the ability to remove the general partner and 2) not participating significantly in the operational decisions, we concluded that AllDale I & II are VIEs.  We consolidate AllDale I & II as the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact AllDale I & II's economic performance in addition to substantial equity ownership.

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The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of AllDale I & II's assets and liabilities included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

September 30, 

2019

Assets (liabilities):

    

(in thousands)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,353

Trade receivables

 

10,993

Other receivables

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

30

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

460,422

Other long-term assets

 

Accounts payable

(410)

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

 

(111)

Other current liabilities

 

(17)

AllDale III

In February 2017, Alliance Minerals committed to directly invest $30.0 million in AllDale Minerals III, LP ("AllDale III") which was created for similar investment purposes as AllDale I & II.  Alliance Minerals completed funding of this commitment in 2018. Alliance Minerals' limited partner interest in AllDale III at September 30, 2019 was 13.9%.

The AllDale III Partnership Agreement includes a 25% profits interest for the general partner, subject to a return hurdle equal to the greater of 125% of cumulative capital contributions and a 10% internal rate of return, and following an 80/20 "catch-up" provision for the general partner.  AllDale III distributed to Alliance Minerals $0.6 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1.8 million and $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Since AllDale III is structured as a limited partnership with the limited partners 1) not having the ability to remove the general partner and 2) not participating significantly in the operational decisions, we concluded that AllDale III is a VIE.  We are not the primary beneficiary of AllDale III as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact AllDale III's economic performance.  We account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of AllDale III as an equity method investment.  We record equity income or loss based on AllDale III's distribution structure.

WKY CoalPlay

On November 17, 2014, SGP Land, LLC ("SGP Land"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ARH II, and two limited liability companies ("Craft Companies") owned by irrevocable trusts established by Mr. Craft, entered into a limited liability company agreement to form WKY CoalPlay, LLC ("WKY CoalPlay").  WKY CoalPlay was formed, in part, to purchase and lease coal reserves.  WKY CoalPlay is managed by the ARH Officer discussed in Note 9 – Long-Term Debt, who is also a trustee of the irrevocable trusts owning the Craft Companies.  In December 2014 and February 2015, we entered into various coal reserve leases with WKY CoalPlay.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we paid $10.8 million of advanced royalties to WKY CoalPlay.    

We have concluded that WKY CoalPlay is a VIE because of our ability to exercise options to acquire reserves under lease with WKY CoalPlay, which is not within the control of the equity holders and, if it occurs, could potentially limit the expected residual return to the owners of WKY CoalPlay.  We do not have any economic or governance rights related to WKY CoalPlay and our options that provide us with a variable interest in WKY CoalPlay's reserve assets do not give us any rights that constitute power to direct the primary activities that most significantly impact WKY CoalPlay's economic performance.  SGP Land has the sole ability to replace the manager of WKY CoalPlay at its discretion and therefore has power to direct the activities of WKY CoalPlay.  Consequently, we concluded that SGP Land is the primary beneficiary of WKY CoalPlay.

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11.INVESTMENTS

AllDale III

As discussed in Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities, we account for our ownership interest in the income or loss of AllDale III as an equity method investment.  We record equity income or loss based on AllDale III's distribution structure.  The changes in our equity method investment in AllDale III for each of the periods presented were as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

(in thousands)

Beginning balance

$

28,672

$

25,126

$

28,974

$

14,182

Contributions

4,200

15,600

Equity method investment income

659

93

1,533

290

Distributions received

(610)

(341)

(1,786)

(994)

Ending balance

$

28,721

$

29,078

$

28,721

$

29,078

Kodiak

On July 19, 2017, Alliance Minerals purchased $100 million of Series A-1 Preferred Interests from Kodiak Gas Services, LLC ("Kodiak"), a privately-held company providing large-scale, high-utilization gas compression assets to customers operating primarily in the Permian Basin.  This structured investment provided us with a quarterly cash or payment-in-kind return.  We accounted for our ownership interests in Kodiak as equity securities without readily determinable fair values.  On February 8, 2019, Kodiak redeemed our preferred interest for $135.0 million in cash resulting in an $11.5 million gain due to an early redemption premium. The gain is included in the Equity securities income line item.  We no longer hold any ownership interests in Kodiak.  

12.PARTNERS' CAPITAL

Distributions

Distributions paid or declared during 2018 and 2019 were as follows:

Payment Date

    

Per Unit Cash Distribution

 

Total Cash Distribution

 

(in thousands)

February 14, 2018

$

0.5100

$

68,396

May 15, 2018

0.5150

69,047

August 14, 2018

0.5200

69,239

November 14, 2018

0.5250

69,220

Total

$

2.0700

$

275,902

February 14, 2019

$

0.5300

$

69,011

May 15, 2019

 

0.5350

69,489

August 14, 2019

0.5400

70,153

November 14, 2019 (1)

0.5400

Total

$

2.1450

$

208,653

(1)On October 28, 2019, we declared this quarterly distribution payable on November 14, 2019 to all unitholders of record as of November 7, 2019.  

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Unit Repurchase Program

In May 2018, the MGP board of directors approved the establishment of a unit repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase and retire up to $100 million of ARLP common units.  The program has no time limit and we may repurchase units from time to time in the open market or in other privately negotiated transactions. The unit repurchase program authorization does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of units.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased and retired 300,970 units for $5.3 million.  Since inception of the program through September 30, 2019, we have repurchased and retired 3,985,045 units at an average unit price of $19.03 for an aggregate purchase price of $75.9 million.  Total units repurchased includes the repurchase and retirement of 35 units representing fractional units as part of the Simplification Transactions which are not part of the unit repurchase program.

Change in Partners' Capital

The following tables present the quarterly change in Partners' Capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

Accumulated

Number of

Limited 

Other

Limited Partner

Partners'

Comprehensive

Noncontrolling

Total Partners’

    

Units

    

Capital

    

Loss

    

Interest

    

 Capital

 

(in thousands, except unit data)

Balance at January 1, 2019

 

128,095,511

$

1,229,268

$

(46,871)

$

5,290

$

1,187,687

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

276,428

 

7,176

 

 

283,604

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

(3,584)

 

 

 

(3,584)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

280,020

Settlement of deferred compensation plans

596,650

(7,817)

(7,817)

Purchase of units under unit repurchase program

(300,970)

(5,251)

(5,251)

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

2,743

2,743

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(1,280)

(1,280)

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(262)

(262)

Distributions to Partners

 

(67,731)

(67,731)

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

128,391,191

1,426,360

(50,455)

12,204

1,388,109

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

58,070

 

114

 

 

58,184

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

(118)

 

 

 

(118)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

58,066

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

3,021

3,021

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(799)

(799)

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(228)

(228)

Distributions to Partners

 

(68,690)

(68,690)

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

128,391,191

1,417,962

(50,573)

12,090

1,379,479

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

39,084

 

117

 

 

39,201

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

(119)

 

 

 

(119)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

39,082

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

3,066

3,066

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(822)

(822)

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(183)

(183)

Distributions to Partners

 

(69,331)

(69,331)

Balance at September 30, 2019

 

128,391,191

$

1,389,959

$

(50,692)

$

12,024

$

1,351,291

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Accumulated

Number of

Limited 

General

Other

Limited Partner

Partners'

Partner's

Comprehensive

Noncontrolling

Total Partners’

    

Units

    

Capital

    

Capital

    

Income (Loss)

    

Interest

    

 Capital

 

(in thousands, except unit data)

Balance at January 1, 2018

 

130,704,217

$

1,183,219

$

14,859

$

(51,940)

$

5,348

$

1,151,486

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

154,348

 

1,560

 

148

 

 

156,056

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

 

1,017

 

 

 

1,017

Total comprehensive income

 

 

157,073

Settlement of deferred compensation plans

 

199,039

 

(2,081)

(2,081)

Simplification Transactions fees

(1)

(1)

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

3,006

3,006

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(1,062)

(1,062)

General Partner contribution

 

 

41

41

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(162)

(162)

Distributions to Partners

 

(66,660)

(674)

(67,334)

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

130,903,256

1,270,769

15,786

(50,923)

5,334

1,240,966

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

86,190

 

 

187

 

 

86,377

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

 

1,016

 

 

 

1,016

Total comprehensive income

 

 

87,393

Settlement of deferred compensation plans

 

 

(664)

(664)

Issuance of units to Owners of SGP in Simplification Transactions

1,322,388

14,742

(15,106)

(364)

Issuance of units to SGP related to Exchange Transaction

20,960

Simplification Transactions fees

(59)

(59)

Contribution of units and cash by affiliated entity

(467,018)

2,142

2,142

Purchase of units under unit repurchase program

(383,599)

(7,639)

(7,639)

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

2,897

2,897

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(910)

(910)

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(194)

(194)

Distributions to Partners

 

(67,457)

(680)

(68,137)

Balance at June 30, 2018

 

131,395,987

1,300,011

(49,907)

5,327

1,255,431

Comprehensive income:

Net income

 

 

73,733

 

 

236

 

 

73,969

Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

 

814

 

 

 

814

Total comprehensive income

 

 

74,783

Simplification Transactions fees

(36)

(36)

Purchase of units under unit repurchase program

(683,641)

(13,431)

(13,431)

Common unit-based compensation

 

 

3,011

3,011

Distributions on deferred common unit-based compensation

 

 

(937)

(937)

Distributions from consolidated company to noncontrolling interest

(246)

(246)

Distributions to Partners

 

(68,302)

(68,302)

Balance at September 30, 2018

 

130,712,346

$

1,294,049

$

$

(49,093)

$

5,317

$

1,250,273

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13.REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The following table illustrates the disaggregation of our revenues by type, including a reconciliation to our segment presentation as presented in Note 18 – Segment Information, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

    

Illinois

    

    

    

Other and

    

    

    

Basin

    

Appalachia

    

Minerals

    

Corporate

    

Elimination

    

Consolidated

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

Coal sales

$

256,293

$

162,316

$

$

5,689

$

(4,293)

$

420,005

Oil & gas royalties

13,969

13,969

Transportation revenues

18,778

1,246

20,024

Other revenues

5,264

852

208

7,434

(3,030)

10,728

Total revenues

$

280,335

$

164,414

$

14,177

$

13,123

$

(7,323)

$

464,726

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Coal sales

$

289,263

$

168,365

$

$

10,056

$

(7,354)

$

460,330

Transportation revenues

27,132

1,565

28,697

Other revenues

3,565

716

7,606

(3,156)

8,731

Total revenues

$

319,960

$

170,646

$

$

17,662

$

(10,510)

$

497,758

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Coal sales

$

875,544

$

477,720

$

$

16,530

$

(12,463)

$

1,357,331

Oil & gas royalties

36,254

36,254

Transportation revenues

79,303

3,589

82,892

Other revenues

10,557

2,753

1,079

26,745

(9,229)

31,905

Total revenues

$

965,404

$

484,062

$

37,333

$

43,275

$

(21,692)

$

1,508,382

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Coal sales

$

875,792

$

476,540

$

$

27,165

$

(19,632)

$

1,359,865

Transportation revenues

71,730

4,282

2

76,014

Other revenues

12,299

2,268

30,047

(9,476)

35,138

Total revenues

$

959,821

$

483,090

$

$

57,214

$

(29,108)

$

1,471,017

The following table illustrates the amount of our transaction price for all current coal supply contracts allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of September 30, 2019 and disaggregated by segment and contract duration.

2022 and

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

    

Thereafter

    

Total

    

(in thousands)

Illinois Basin coal revenues

$

309,827

$

590,062

$

293,566

$

16,744

$

1,210,199

Appalachia coal revenues

189,198

366,017

132,376

444,735

1,132,326

Other and Corporate coal revenues

6,183

6,183

Elimination

(4,571)

(4,571)

Total coal revenues (1)

$

500,637

$

956,079

$

425,942

$

461,479

$

2,344,137

(1) Coal revenues consists of coal sales and transportation revenues.

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14.EARNINGS PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

We utilize the two-class method in calculating basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit ("EPU").  Subsequent to the simplification transactions completed by the Partnership on May 31, 2018 (“Simplification Transactions”), net income attributable to ARLP is only allocated to limited partners and participating securities under deferred compensation plans.  Prior to the Simplification Transactions, net income attributable to ARLP was allocated to MGP, limited partners and participating securities under deferred compensation plans in accordance with their respective ownership percentages of the ARLP Partnership, after giving effect to any special income or expense allocations.  

Our participating securities under deferred compensation plans include rights to nonforfeitable distributions or distribution equivalents.  Our participating securities are outstanding awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") and phantom units in notional accounts under our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") and the MGP Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors ("Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan").  

As a result of the Simplification Transactions, MGP no longer holds economic interests in the Intermediate Partnership or Alliance Coal.  We no longer make distributions or allocate income and losses to MGP in our calculation of EPU.

The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to ARLP used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per unit and the weighted-average units used in computing EPU for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

(in thousands, except per unit data)

Net income attributable to ARLP

$

39,084

$

73,733

$

373,582

$

315,831

Adjustments:

General partner's equity ownership (1)

 

 

 

 

(1,560)

Limited partners' interest in net income attributable to ARLP

 

39,084

 

73,733

 

373,582

 

314,271

Less:

Distributions to participating securities

 

(1,133)

 

(1,281)

 

(3,360)

 

(3,813)

Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities

 

 

(70)

 

(2,655)

 

(1,969)

Net income attributable to ARLP available to limited partners

$

37,951

$

72,382

$

367,567

$

308,489

Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding – basic and diluted

 

128,391

 

131,170

 

128,312

 

131,091

Earnings per limited partner unit - basic and diluted (2)

$

0.30

$

0.55

$

2.86

$

2.35

(1)Amounts presented for periods subsequent to the first quarter of 2018 reflect the impact of the Simplification Transactions which ended net income allocations and quarterly cash distributions to MGP after May 31, 2018.  Prior to the Simplification Transactions, MGP maintained a 1.0001% general partner interest in the Intermediate Partnership and a 0.001% managing member interest in Alliance Coal and thus received quarterly distributions and income and loss allocations during this time period.  
(2)Diluted EPU gives effect to all potentially dilutive common units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPU excludes all potentially dilutive units calculated under the treasury stock method if their effect is anti-dilutive.  The combined total of LTIP, SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan units of 1,133 and 1,216 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and 1,685 and 1,585 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, were considered anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

   

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15.WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS

The changes in the workers' compensation liability, including current and long-term liability balances, for each of the periods presented were as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

(in thousands)

Beginning balance

$

53,425

$

52,942

$

49,539

$

54,439

Accruals increase

 

2,395

 

2,072

 

6,603

 

4,998

Payments

 

(2,663)

 

(2,123)

 

(8,588)

 

(7,968)

Interest accretion

 

402

 

363

 

1,204

 

1,090

Valuation loss (1)

 

 

 

4,801

 

695

Ending balance

$

53,559

$

53,254

$

53,559

$

53,254

(1)Our estimate of the liability for the present value of current workers′ compensation benefits is based on our actuarial calculations.  Our actuarial calculations are based on a blend of actuarial projection methods and numerous assumptions including claims development patterns, mortality, medical costs and interest rates.  We conducted a mid-year 2019 review of our actuarial assumptions which resulted in a valuation loss in 2019 due to unfavorable changes in claims development and a decrease in the discount rate from 3.89% to 3.06%.  Our mid-year 2018 actuarial review resulted in a valuation loss in 2018 primarily attributable to unfavorable changes in claims development, offset in part by an increase in the discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of future obligations from 3.22% to 3.82%.

We limit our exposure to traumatic injury claims by purchasing a high deductible insurance policy that starts paying benefits after deductibles for a claim have been met.  The deductible level may vary by claim year.  Our workers' compensation liability above is presented on a gross basis and does not include our expected receivables on our insurance policy.  Our receivables for traumatic injury claims under this policy as of September 30, 2019 are $8.5 million and are included in Other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Certain of our mine operating entities are liable under state statutes and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to pay pneumoconiosis, or black lung, benefits to eligible employees and former employees and their dependents.  Components of the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods presented are as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Service cost

$

656

$

634

$

1,947

$

1,896

 

Interest cost (1)

 

761

 

635

 

2,283

 

1,906

Net amortization (1)

 

(1,145)

 

1

 

(3,436)

 

2

Net periodic benefit cost

$

272

$

1,270

$

794

$

3,804

(1)Interest cost and net amortization is included in the Other expense line item within our condensed consolidated statements of income.

16.COMPENSATION PLANS

Long-Term Incentive Plan

We maintain the LTIP for certain employees and officers of MGP and its affiliates who perform services for us.  The LTIP awards are grants of non-vested "phantom" or notional units, also referred to as "restricted units", which upon satisfaction of time and performance-based vesting requirements, entitle the LTIP participant to receive ARLP common units.  Annual grant levels and vesting provisions for designated participants are recommended by the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGP, subject to review and approval of the compensation committee of the MGP board

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of directors (the "Compensation Committee").  Vesting of all grants outstanding is subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests, which management currently believes is probable.  Grants issued to LTIP participants are expected to cliff vest on January 1st of the third year following issuance of the grants.  We account for forfeitures of non-vested LTIP grants as they occur.  We will settle the non-vested LTIP grants by delivery of ARLP common units, except for the portion of the grants that will satisfy employee tax withholding obligations of LTIP participants.  As provided under the distribution equivalent rights ("DERs") provisions of the LTIP and the terms of the LTIP awards, all non-vested grants include contingent rights to receive quarterly distributions in cash or, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, phantom units in lieu of cash credited to a bookkeeping account with value equal to the cash distributions we make to unitholders during the vesting period.  

A summary of non-vested LTIP grants as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:

    

Number of units

 

Weighted average grant date fair value per unit

 

Intrinsic value

 

(in thousands)

Non-vested grants at January 1, 2019

1,828,080

$

17.18

$

31,699

Granted

 

586,644

19.93

Vested (1)

 

(885,381)

 

12.38

Forfeited

 

(6,558)

 

21.06

Non-vested grants at September 30, 2019

 

1,522,785

 

21.01

24,380

(1)During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we issued 596,650 unrestricted common units to the LTIP participants.  The remaining vested units were settled in cash to satisfy tax withholding obligations of the LTIP participants.

LTIP expense was $2.7 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and $7.9 million and $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of September 30, 2019 was $17.7 million and is included in the partners' capital Limited partners-common unitholders line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  As of September 30, 2019, there was $14.2 million in total unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested LTIP grants that are expected to vest.  That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

After consideration of the January 1, 2019 vesting and subsequent issuance of 596,650 common units, approximately 1.9 million units remain available under the LTIP for issuance in the future, assuming all grants issued in 2019, 2018 and 2017 and currently outstanding are settled with common units without reduction for tax withholding, no future forfeitures occur and DERs continue being paid in cash versus additional phantom units.    

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan

We utilize the SERP to provide deferred compensation benefits for certain officers and key employees. All allocations made to participants under the SERP are made in the form of "phantom" ARLP units and SERP distributions will be settled in the form of ARLP common units.  The SERP is administered by the Compensation Committee.  

Our directors participate in the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, for amounts deferred either automatically or at the election of the director, a notional account is established and credited with notional common units of ARLP, described in the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan as "phantom" units.  Distributions from the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan will be settled in the form of ARLP common units.

For both the SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, when quarterly cash distributions are made with respect to ARLP common units, an amount equal to such quarterly distribution is credited to each participant's notional account as additional phantom units.  All grants of phantom units under the SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan vest immediately.

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A summary of SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:

    

Number of units

 

Weighted average grant date fair value per unit

 

Intrinsic value

 

(in thousands)

Phantom units outstanding as of January 1, 2019

635,837

$

27.34

$

11,025

Granted

55,292

17.47

Issued

 

(115,484)

25.20

Phantom units outstanding as of September 30, 2019

 

575,645

 

26.82

9,216

Total SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan expense was $0.4 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  As of September 30, 2019, the total obligation associated with the SERP and Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan was $15.4 million and is included in the partners' capital Limited partners-common unitholders line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we provided 115,484 ARLP common units to a director under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.

17.COMPONENTS OF PENSION PLAN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS

Eligible employees at certain of our mining operations participate in a defined benefit plan (the "Pension Plan") that we sponsor.  The Pension Plan is currently closed to new applicants and participants in the Pension Plan are no longer receiving benefit accruals for service.  The benefit formula for the Pension Plan is a fixed dollar unit based on years of service.  Components of the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods presented are as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

(in thousands)

Interest cost

$

1,217

$

1,115

$

3,649

$

3,347

Expected return on plan assets

 

(1,233)

 

(1,344)

 

(3,699)

 

(4,328)

Amortization of prior service cost

46

46

139

140

Amortization of net loss

 

980

 

767

 

2,941

 

2,705

Net periodic benefit cost (1)

$

1,010

$

584

$

3,030

$

1,864

(1)Net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plan is included in the Other expense line item within our condensed consolidated statements of income.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we made contribution payments of $2.4 million to the Pension Plan for the 2018 plan year and $2.1 million for the 2019 plan year.  In October 2019, we made a contribution payment of $1.0 million for the 2019 plan year.

18.SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate in the United States as a diversified natural resource company that generates income from the production and marketing of coal to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users as well as income from oil & gas mineral interests.  We aggregate multiple operating segments into three reportable segments, Illinois Basin, Appalachia, and Minerals.  We also have an "all other" category referred to as Other and Corporate.  Our two coal reportable segments correspond to major coal producing regions in the eastern United States with similar economic characteristics including coal quality, geology, coal marketing opportunities, mining and transportation methods and regulatory issues.  The two coal segments include seven mining complexes operating in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia and a coal loading terminal in Indiana on the Ohio River.  The Minerals reportable segment aggregates our oil & gas mineral interests which are located primarily in the Permian (Delaware and Midland), Anadarko (SCOOP/STACK), Williston (Bakken) and Appalachian basins.  We have no operations within our Minerals reportable segment other than receiving royalties and lease bonuses for our oil & gas mineral interests.  

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As a result of the AllDale Acquisition discussed in Note 3 – Acquisitions, we now control the underlying oil & gas mineral interests held by AllDale I & II.  This control over the oil & gas mineral interests held by AllDale I & II reflects a strategic change in how we manage our business and how resources are allocated by our chief operating decision maker.   Due to this strategic change, we realigned our reportable segments in the first quarter of 2019 to include our oil & gas mineral interests within a new Minerals reportable segment.  In August 2019, our subsidiary, AR Midland acquired additional oil & gas mineral interests through the Wing Acquisition (Note 3 – Acquisitions) which are included within the Minerals reportable segment.  As part of our realignment, we have also included the operations of our Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC ("Mt. Vernon") and Mid-America Carbonates, LLC ("MAC") subsidiaries in the Illinois Basin reportable segment rather than Other and Corporate to better reflect our Illinois Basin related activities.  Prior periods have been recast to include our oil & gas mineral interests in the Minerals segment, and Mt. Vernon and MAC in the Illinois Basin segment.

The Illinois Basin reportable segment includes currently operating mining complexes (a) Gibson County Coal, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Gibson North and Gibson South mines, (b) Warrior Coal, LLC's mining complex, (c) River View Coal, LLC's mining complex and (d) Hamilton County Coal, LLC's mining complex. The Illinois Basin reportable segment also includes our currently operating Mt. Vernon coal loading terminal in Indiana on the Ohio River.  The Gibson North mine had been idled since the fourth quarter of 2015 in response to market conditions but resumed production in May 2018.

The Illinois Basin reportable segment also includes Webster County Coal, LLC's Dotiki mining complex, which ceased production in August 2019, White County Coal, LLC's Pattiki mining complex, Hopkins County Coal, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Elk Creek mine, the Pleasant View surface mineable reserves and the Fies underground project, Sebree Mining, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Onton mine, Steamport, LLC and certain reserves, CR Services, LLC, CR Machine Shop, LLC, certain properties and equipment of Alliance Resource Properties, LLC ("Alliance Resource Properties"), ARP Sebree, LLC, ARP Sebree South, LLC, UC Coal, LLC and its subsidiaries, UC Mining, LLC and UC Processing, LLC and MAC.    

The Appalachia reportable segment includes currently operating mining complexes (a) Mettiki mining complex, (b) Tunnel Ridge, LLC mining complex and (c) MC Mining, LLC mining complex. The Mettiki mining complex includes Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC's Mountain View mine and Mettiki Coal, LLC's preparation plant.  The Appalachia reportable segment also includes the Penn Ridge property and certain properties and equipment of Alliance Resource Properties.

The Minerals reportable segment includes AllDale I & II, AR Midland, which holds the oil & gas mineral interests acquired in the Wing Acquisition, Alliance Royalty, LLC, AllRoy GP, LLC, CavMM, LLC, and Alliance Minerals' equity interests in both AllDale III (Note 11 – Investments) and Cavalier Minerals.

Other and Corporate includes marketing and administrative activities, ASI and its subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC and its subsidiaries Matrix Design International, LLC and Matrix Design Africa (PTY) LTD ("Matrix Design"), Alliance Design Group, LLC ("Alliance Design") (collectively, the Matrix Design entities and Alliance Design are referred to as the "Matrix Group"), ASI's ownership of aircraft, Alliance Coal's coal brokerage activity, Alliance Minerals' equity investment in Kodiak which was redeemed in February 2019 by Kodiak (see Note 11 – Investments), certain of Alliance Resource Properties' land and mineral interest activities, Pontiki Coal, LLC's prior workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis liabilities, Wildcat Insurance, LLC ("Wildcat Insurance"), which assists the ARLP Partnership with its insurance requirements, and AROP Funding and Alliance Finance (both discussed in Note 9 – Long-Term Debt).  

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Table of Contents

Reportable segment results as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are presented below.

    

Illinois

    

    

    

Other and

    

Elimination

    

 

    

Basin

    

Appalachia

    

Minerals

    

Corporate

    

(1)

    

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenues - Outside

$

276,042

$

164,414

$

14,177

$

10,093

$

$

464,726

Revenues - Intercompany

4,293

3,030

(7,323)

Total revenues (2)

280,335

164,414

14,177

13,123

(7,323)

464,726

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)

 

173,779

 

107,990

 

2,517

 

9,878

 

(5,083)

 

289,081

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)

 

87,780

 

55,178

 

12,202

 

3,243

 

(2,240)

 

156,163

Capital expenditures

 

49,829

 

25,056

 

 

630

 

 

75,515

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Revenues - Outside

$

312,606

$

170,646

$

$

14,506

$

$

497,758

Revenues - Intercompany

7,354

3,156

(10,510)

Total revenues (2)

319,960

170,646

17,662

(10,510)

497,758

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)

 

199,813

 

105,412

 

 

12,396

 

(8,405)

 

309,216

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)

 

93,014

 

63,671

 

5,744

 

9,254

 

(2,105)

 

169,578

Capital expenditures

 

46,570

 

16,691

 

 

501

 

 

63,762

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenues - Outside

$

952,941

$

484,062

$

37,333

$

34,046

$

$

1,508,382

Revenues - Intercompany

12,463

9,229

(21,692)

Total revenues (2)

965,404

484,062

37,333

43,275

(21,692)

1,508,382

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)

 

579,510

312,861

6,109

28,026

(14,971)

 

911,535

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)

 

306,592

167,612

32,432

28,155

(6,721)

 

528,070

Total assets

 

1,418,008

493,133

647,480

561,171

(492,703)

 

2,627,089

Capital expenditures (5)

 

157,759

79,389

3,994

 

241,142

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Revenues - Outside

$

940,256

$

483,023

$

$

47,738

$

$

1,471,017

Revenues - Intercompany

19,565

67

9,476

(29,108)

Total revenues (2)

959,821

483,090

57,214

(29,108)

1,471,017

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (3)

 

586,160

 

301,448

 

 

35,671

 

(22,793)

 

900,486

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (4)

 

301,931

 

177,361

 

13,984

 

33,107

 

(6,315)

 

520,068

Total assets

 

1,418,222

 

437,804

 

162,103

 

348,794

 

(149,550)

 

2,217,373

Capital expenditures

 

130,604

 

51,511

 

 

2,293

 

 

184,408

(1)The elimination column represents the elimination of intercompany transactions and is primarily comprised of sales from the Matrix Group to our mining operations, coal sales and purchases between operations within different segments, sales of receivables to AROP Funding, financing between segments and insurance premiums paid to Wildcat Insurance.

(2)Revenues included in the Other and Corporate column are primarily attributable to the Matrix Group revenues, administrative service revenues from affiliates, Wildcat Insurance revenues and brokerage coal sales.

(3)Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, coal purchases and other income. Transportation expenses are excluded as transportation revenues are recognized in an amount equal to transportation expenses when title passes to the customer.  

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The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization):

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

$

289,081

$

309,216

$

911,535

$

900,486

Outside coal purchases

 

(10,599)

 

 

(15,910)

 

(1,442)

Other expense

 

(228)

 

(812)

 

(370)

 

(2,201)

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)

$

278,254

$

308,404

$

895,255

$

896,843

(4)Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to ARLP before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, general and administrative expenses, settlement gain, asset impairment and acquisition gain.  Management therefore is able to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.  Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA

$

156,163

$

169,578

$

528,070

$

520,068

General and administrative

 

(17,885)

 

(15,836)

 

(55,218)

 

(49,513)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(72,348)

 

(70,196)

 

(220,400)

 

(204,194)

Settlement gain

80,000

Asset impairment

 

(15,190)

 

 

(15,190)

 

Interest expense, net

 

(11,606)

 

(9,808)

 

(33,510)

 

(30,532)

Acquisition gain

177,043

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(50)

 

(5)

 

(130)

 

2

Acquisition gain attributable to noncontrolling interest

(7,083)

Net income attributable to ARLP

$

39,084

$

73,733

$

373,582

$

315,831

Noncontrolling interest

117

236

7,407

571

Net income

$

39,201

$

73,969

$

380,989

$

316,402

(5)Capital Expenditures shown exclude the AllDale Acquisition on January 3, 2019 and the Wing Acquisition on August 2, 2019 (Note 3 – Acquisitions).

19.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Other than those events in Notes 9, 12 and 17, there were no subsequent events.

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

Significant relationships referenced in this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations include the following:

References to "we," "us," "our" or "ARLP Partnership" mean the business and operations of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the parent company, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries.
References to "ARLP" mean Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.
References to "MGP" mean Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, ARLP's general partner.
References to "Intermediate Partnership" mean Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., the intermediate partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
References to "Alliance Coal" mean Alliance Coal, LLC, the holding company for the mining operations of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.

Summary

We operate in the United States as a diversified natural resource company that generates income from the production and marketing of coal to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users as well as income from oil & gas mineral interests.  We began coal mining operations in 1971 and, since then, have grown through acquisitions and internal development in strategic producing regions to become the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States.  As is customary in the coal industry, we have entered into long-term coal supply agreements with many of our customers.  In 2014, we began acquiring oil & gas mineral interests in premier oil & gas producing regions across the United States.  

We have three reportable segments, Illinois Basin, Appalachia and Minerals.  We also have an "all other" category referred to as Other and Corporate.  The two coal reportable segments correspond to major coal producing regions in the eastern United States with similar economic characteristics including coal quality, geology, coal marketing opportunities, mining and transportation methods and regulatory issues. The two coal mining segments include seven underground mining complexes in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia and a coal loading terminal in Indiana on the Ohio River.  The Minerals segment includes our oil & gas mineral interests which are located primarily in the Permian (Delaware and Midland), Anadarko (SCOOP/STACK), Williston (Bakken) and Appalachian basins.  We have no operations within our Minerals reportable segment other than receiving royalties for our oil & gas mineral interests.

On August 2, 2019, our subsidiary, AR Midland, LP ("AR Midland") acquired certain mineral interests from Wing Resources LLC and Wing Resources II LLC (collectively, "Wing") for $144.9 million (the "Wing Acquisition").  On January 3, 2019 (the "AllDale Acquisition Date"), we acquired all of the limited partner interests not owned by Cavalier Minerals JV, LLC ("Cavalier Minerals") in AllDale Minerals LP ("AllDale I") and AllDale Minerals II, LP ("AllDale II", and collectively with AllDale I, "AllDale I & II") and the general partner interests in AllDale I & II for $176.0 million (the "AllDale Acquisition").  As a result of the Wing Acquisition, the AllDale Acquisition and our previous investments held through Cavalier Minerals, we control approximately 52,000 net royalty acres in premier oil & gas resource plays.  These acquisitions provide us with diversified exposure to industry leading operators and are consistent with our general business strategy to grow our Minerals segment.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 3 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the Wing and AllDale Acquisitions.

As a result of the AllDale Acquisition, we now control the underlying oil & gas mineral interests held by AllDale I & II.  This control over the oil & gas mineral interests held by AllDale I & II reflects a strategic change in how we manage our business and how resources are allocated by our chief operating decision maker.  Due to this strategic change we realigned our reportable segments in the first quarter of 2019 to include our oil & gas mineral interests within a new Minerals reportable segment. The mineral interests acquired through the Wing Acquisition in August 2019 are also included within the Minerals reportable segment.  As a part of our realignment, we have also included our Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC ("Mt. Vernon") and Mid-America Carbonates, LLC ("MAC") in the Illinois Basin reportable segment rather than Other and Corporate to better reflect our Illinois Basin related activities.  Prior periods have been recast to include our oil & gas mineral interests in the Minerals segment, and Mt. Vernon and MAC in the Illinois Basin segment.

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Illinois Basin reportable segment includes currently operating mining complexes (a) Gibson County Coal, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Gibson North and Gibson South mines, (b) Warrior Coal, LLC's mining complex, (c) River View Coal, LLC's mining complex ("River View") and (d) Hamilton County Coal, LLC's mining complex ("Hamilton").  The Illinois Basin reportable segment also includes our currently operating Mt. Vernon coal loading terminal in Indiana on the Ohio River.  The Gibson North mine had been idled since the fourth quarter of 2015 in response to market conditions but resumed production in May 2018.  

The Illinois Basin reportable segment also includes MAC's manufacturing and sales (primarily to our mines) of rock dust, CR Services, LLC, CR Machine Shop, LLC, certain properties and equipment of Alliance Resource Properties, LLC ("Alliance Resource Properties"), ARP Sebree, LLC, ARP Sebree South, LLC, UC Coal, LLC and its subsidiaries, UC Mining, LLC and UC Processing, LLC (collectively "UC Coal") and our mining complexes currently not operating: (a) Webster County Coal, LLC's Dotiki mining complex ("Dotiki"), which ceased production in August 2019, (b) White County Coal, LLC's Pattiki mining complex ("Pattiki"), (c) Hopkins County Coal, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Elk Creek mine, the Pleasant View surface mineable reserves and the Fies underground project and (d) Sebree Mining, LLC's mining complex, which includes the Onton mine, Steamport, LLC and certain reserves.    

Appalachia reportable segment includes currently operating mining complexes (a) Mettiki mining complex ("Mettiki"), (b) Tunnel Ridge, LLC mining complex ("Tunnel Ridge"), and (c) MC Mining, LLC mining complex ("MC Mining").  Mettiki includes Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC's Mountain View mine and Mettiki Coal, LLC's preparation plant.  The Appalachia reportable segment also includes the Penn Ridge property and certain properties and equipment of Alliance Resource Properties.

Minerals reportable segment includes AllDale I & II, AR Midland, which acquired oil & gas mineral interests in the Wing Acquisition, Alliance Royalty, LLC, AllRoy GP, LLC, CavMM, LLC, and Alliance Minerals, LLC's ("Alliance Minerals") equity interests in AllDale Minerals III, LP ("AllDale III") and Cavalier Minerals.  Please read "Item 1 - Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 11 – Investments" and "Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on Alliance Minerals and Cavalier Minerals.

Other and Corporate includes marketing and administrative activities, Alliance Service, Inc. ("ASI") and its subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC and its subsidiaries Matrix Design International, LLC and Matrix Design Africa (PTY) LTD ("Matrix Design"), Alliance Design Group, LLC (collectively along with Matrix Design, the "Matrix Group"), ASI's ownership of aircraft, Alliance Coal's coal brokerage activity, Alliance Minerals' equity investment in Kodiak Gas Services, LLC ("Kodiak") which was redeemed in February 2019 by Kodiak (see Note 11 – Investments) certain of Alliance Resource Properties' land and mineral interest activities, Pontiki Coal, LLC's legacy workers' compensation and pneumoconiosis liabilities, Wildcat Insurance, LLC, which assists the ARLP Partnership with its insurance requirements, AROP Funding, LLC ("AROP Funding") and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation ("Alliance Finance").  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 9 – Long-term Debt" "and Note 11 – Investments" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on AROP Funding and the Kodiak redemption, respectively.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

We reported net income attributable to ARLP of $39.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 ("2019 Quarter") compared to $73.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 ("2018 Quarter").  The decrease of $34.6 million was primarily due to lower revenues and a $15.2 million non-cash asset impairment discussed in more detail below.  Total revenues were $464.7 million in the 2019 Quarter compared to $497.8 million in the 2018 Quarter as coal sales revenues declined due to reduced coal sales volumes and prices.  Reduced coal sales revenues were partially offset by the addition of oil & gas royalty revenues resulting from our 2019 acquisitions within our Minerals segment.

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Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

(per ton sold)

Tons sold

 

9,320

 

10,071

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Tons produced

 

10,071

 

9,874

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Coal sales

$

420,005

$

460,330

$

45.06

$

45.71

Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (1) (2)

$

286,564

$

309,216

$

30.75

$

30.70

(1)For a definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense and related reconciliation to comparable generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") financial measures, please see below under "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense" to GAAP "Operating Expenses."
(2)Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is defined as consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense excluding our Minerals segment.

Coal sales.  Coal sales decreased $40.3 million or 8.8% to $420.0 million for the 2019 Quarter from $460.3 million for the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease was attributable to a volume variance of $34.3 million resulting from decreased tons sold and a price variance of $6.0 million due to lower average coal sales prices.  Coal sales volumes declined 7.5% to 9.3 million tons primarily due to lower export sales from our Gibson South mine and reduced volumes from our Dotiki mine which ceased production in the 2019 Quarter due to weak market conditions.  These decreases were partially offset by increased sales at our River View mine. Coal sales price realizations declined 1.4% in the 2019 Quarter to $45.06 per ton sold, compared to $45.71 per ton sold during the 2018 Quarter.  

Oil & gas royalties.  As a result of the AllDale Acquisition on January 3, 2019, we obtained control of AllDale I & II and thus began consolidation of AllDale I & II in our financial statements.  As a result of the consolidation, in the first quarter of 2019 we began recording royalty revenues from AllDale I & II.  Prior to 2019, our investments in AllDale I & II were accounted for as equity method investments.  In August 2019, we acquired additional oil & gas mineral interests through the Wing Acquisition.  Our mineral interests contributed royalty revenues of $14.0 million in the 2019 Quarter.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 3 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the AllDale and Wing Acquisitions.

Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense, excluding our Minerals segment, decreased 7.3% to $286.6 million, primarily as a result of reduced coal sales volumes.  On a per ton basis, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense, excluding our Minerals segment, remained comparable to the 2018 Quarter, increasing slightly to $30.75 per ton in the 2019 Quarter resulting from reduced production at our Gibson South and MC Mining operations, lower recoveries at our River View and Mettiki mines and sales of higher-cost purchased coal in the 2019 Quarter, offset in part by reduced longwall move days at our Tunnel Ridge, Mettiki and Hamilton mines and increased production from our low cost per ton River View operation due to additional mining units.  In addition, other cost increases are discussed by category below:

Labor and benefit expenses per ton produced, excluding workers' compensation, increased 2.5% to $9.92 per ton in the 2019 Quarter from $9.68 per ton in the 2018 Quarter.  The increase of $0.24 per ton was primarily due to sales and production volume variances discussed above;

Maintenance expenses per ton produced increased 3.4% to $3.66 per ton in the 2019 Quarter from $3.54 per ton in the 2018 Quarter.  The increase of $0.12 per ton produced was primarily due to sales and production volume variances discussed above;

Mine administration expenses increased $2.0 million for the 2019 Quarter compared to the 2018 Quarter, primarily due to higher outside services expenses; and

Outside coal purchases increased $10.6 million in the 2019 Quarter as a result of sales from purchased coal, which generally cost higher on a per ton basis than our produced coal.  

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increases above were partially offset by the following decreases:

Material and supplies expenses per ton produced decreased 5.6% to $10.68 per ton in the 2019 Quarter from $11.31 per ton in the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease of $0.63 per ton produced resulted primarily from decreases of

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$0.23 per ton for roof support, $0.12 per ton for outside expenses and $0.12 per ton for contract labor used in the mining process reflecting in part an improved production mix from lower cost mines discussed above; and

Production taxes and royalty expenses incurred as a percentage of coal sales prices and volumes decreased $1.03 per produced ton sold in the 2019 Quarter compared to the 2018 Quarter primarily as a result of a favorable state production mix and lower excise tax rates in 2019.

General and administrative.  General and administrative expenses for the 2019 Quarter increased to $17.9 million compared to $15.8 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The increase of $2.1 million was primarily due to higher professional services fees resulting from both the AllDale and Wing Acquisitions.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased to $72.3 million in the 2019 Quarter from $70.2 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The increase of $2.1 million resulted primarily from production from our oil & gas mineral interests, partially offset by lower depreciation at our Tunnel Ridge mine reflecting increased coal inventory and related depreciation included therein as well as favorable fixed asset in-service timing.

Asset impairment.  During the 2019 Quarter, we ceased coal production at our Dotiki mine to focus on maximizing production at our lower-cost mines in the Illinois Basin.  Consequently, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $15.2 million in the 2019 Quarter.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 4 – Long-Lived Asset Impairment" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Equity method investment income.  Equity method investment income decreased to $0.7 million in the 2019 Quarter from $6.0 million in the 2018 Quarter as a result of the AllDale Acquisition and related consolidation of AllDale I & II in 2019.  Equity method investment income in the 2019 Quarter is generated by our AllDale III investment.  Prior to 2019, our investments in AllDale I & II also generated equity method investment income in addition to AllDale III.  

Equity securities income.  Equity securities income decreased $4.0 million compared to the 2018 Quarter as we did not recognize equity securities income in the 2019 Quarter due to the redemption of our preferred interest in Kodiak in the first quarter of 2019.

Transportation revenues and expenses.  Transportation revenues and expenses were $20.0 million and $28.7 million for the 2019 and 2018 Quarters, respectively.  The decrease of $8.7 million was primarily attributable to decreased coal tonnage for which we arrange third-party transportation at certain mines resulting primarily from reduced coal export shipments, partially offset by an increase in average third-party transportation rates in the 2019 Quarter.  Transportation revenues are recognized in an amount equal to transportation expenses when title to the coal passes to the customer.

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Segment Adjusted EBITDA.  Our 2019 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased $13.4 million, or 7.9%, to $156.2 million from the 2018 Quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $169.6 million.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA, tons sold, coal sales, other revenues, oil & gas royalties, BOE volume and Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense by segment are as follows:

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

Increase (Decrease)

 

    

(in thousands)

    

 

    

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

87,780

$

93,014

$

(5,234)

(5.6)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

55,178

 

63,671

 

(8,493)

(13.3)

%

Minerals

12,202

5,744

6,458

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

3,243

 

9,254

 

(6,011)

 

(65.0)

%

Elimination

 

(2,240)

 

(2,105)

 

(135)

 

(6.4)

%

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$

156,163

$

169,578

$

(13,415)

(7.9)

%

Tons sold

Coal - Illinois Basin

 

6,553

 

7,246

 

(693)

(9.6)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

2,767

 

2,825

 

(58)

(2.1)

%

Other and Corporate

 

144

 

233

 

(89)

 

(38.2)

%

Elimination

 

(144)

 

(233)

 

89

 

38.2

%

Total tons sold

 

9,320

 

10,071

 

(751)

(7.5)

%

Coal sales

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

256,293

$

289,263

$

(32,970)

(11.4)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

162,316

 

168,365

 

(6,049)

(3.6)

%

Other and Corporate

 

5,689

 

10,056

 

(4,367)

 

(43.4)

%

Elimination

 

(4,293)

 

(7,354)

 

3,061

 

41.6

%

Total coal sales

$

420,005

$

460,330

$

(40,325)

(8.8)

%

Other revenues

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

5,264

$

3,565

$

1,699

47.7

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

852

 

716

 

136

19.0

%

Minerals

208

208

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

7,434

 

7,606

 

(172)

(2.3)

%

Elimination

 

(3,030)

 

(3,156)

 

126

4.0

%

Total other revenues

$

10,728

$

8,731

$

1,997

22.9

%

BOE volume and oil & gas royalties

Volume - BOE (3)

433

433

(1)

Oil & gas royalties

$

13,969

$

$

13,969

 

(1)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

173,779

$

199,813

$

(26,034)

(13.0)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

107,990

 

105,412

 

2,578

2.4

%

Minerals

2,517

2,517

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

9,878

 

12,396

 

(2,518)

 

(20.3)

%

Elimination

 

(5,083)

 

(8,405)

 

3,322

 

39.5

%

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (2)

$

289,081

$

309,216

$

(20,135)

(6.5)

%

(1)Percentage change not meaningful.
(2)For a definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA and related reconciliation to comparable GAAP financial measures, please see below under "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA" to GAAP "net income."  
(3)Barrels of oil equivalent ("BOE") is calculated on a 6:1 basis (6,000 cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel).

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Illinois Basin – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5.6% to $87.8 million in the 2019 Quarter from $93.0 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease of $5.2 million was primarily attributable to lower coal sales, which decreased 11.4% to $256.3 million in the 2019 Quarter from $289.3 million in the 2018 Quarter, partially offset by reduced operating expenses.  The decrease of $33.0 million in coal sales reflects lower coal sales volumes and price realizations.  Tons sold in the 2019 Quarter decreased 9.6% compared to the 2018 Quarter as a result of lower export sales from our Gibson South mine and the cessation of production at our Dotiki mine in the 2019 Quarter to focus on maximizing production at our lower-cost mines.  Coal sales price per ton sold in the 2019 Quarter decreased 2.0% reflecting lower domestic and export sales prices due to weak market conditions.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense decreased 13.0% to $173.8 million in the 2019 Quarter from $199.8 million in the 2018 Quarter primarily as a result of reduced coal sales volumes.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton decreased $1.06 per ton sold to $26.52 from $27.58 per ton sold in the 2018 Quarter, primarily due to a longwall move at our Hamilton mine in the 2018 Quarter and reduced sales of higher cost tons following the cessation of production at our Dotiki mine in the 2019 Quarter, as well as certain cost increases described above under "–Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense."

Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 13.3% to $55.2 million for the 2019 Quarter from $63.7 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease of $8.5 million was primarily attributable to lower coal sales, which decreased 3.6% to $162.3 million in the 2019 Quarter from $168.4 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease of $6.1 million in coal sales resulted primarily from lower coal sale prices and volumes.  Coal sales price per ton sold in the 2019 Quarter decreased 1.6% compared to the 2018 Quarter due to reduced high priced export volumes and decreased export price realizations at our Mettiki mine, partially offset by increased domestic prices from our MC Mining operation.  Sales volumes decreased 2.1% in the 2019 Quarter compared to the 2018 Quarter as a result of lower export sales volumes from our Mettiki and MC Mining operations.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased 2.4% to $108.0 million in the 2019 Quarter from $105.4 million in the 2018 Quarter due to higher expenses per ton.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased $1.72 per ton sold to $39.03 compared to $37.31 per ton sold in the 2018 Quarter, primarily due to lower recoveries at our Mettiki and MC Mining mines and sales from higher-cost purchased coal in the 2019 Quarter. These increases were partially offset by the comparative impact of longwall moves at our Mettiki and Tunnel Ridge mines in the 2018 Quarter and reduced selling expenses across the region in the 2019 Quarter.

Minerals – Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12.2 million for the 2019 Quarter from $5.7 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The increase of $6.5 million primarily resulted from the AllDale Acquisition in 2019.  

Other and Corporate – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $6.1 million to $3.2 million in the 2019 Quarter compared to $9.3 million in the 2018 Quarter.  The decrease was primarily attributable to lower equity securities income as a result of the redemption of our preferred interest in Kodiak in the first quarter of 2019 and decreased coal brokerage activity.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

We reported net income attributable to ARLP of $373.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 ("2019 Period") compared to $315.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 ("2018 Period").  The increase of $57.8 million was primarily due to higher revenues and a $170.0 million net gain related to the AllDale Acquisition, partially offset by a $15.2 million non-cash asset impairment and increased outside coal purchases and depreciation, depletion and amortization in the 2019 Period as well as an $80.0 million net gain on settlement of litigation in the 2018 Period.  Improved coal sales prices and the addition of royalty revenues in the 2019 Period drove total revenues higher to $1.51 billion compared to $1.47 billion in the 2018 Period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

(in thousands)

(per ton sold)

Tons sold

 

29,857

 

29,957

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Tons produced

 

31,430

 

30,070

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Coal sales

$

1,357,331

$

1,359,865

$

45.46

$

45.39

Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (1) (2)

$

905,426

$

900,486

$

30.33

$

30.06

(1)For a definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense and related reconciliation to comparable GAAP financial measures, please see below under "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense" to GAAP "Operating Expenses."
(2)Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is defined as consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense excluding our Minerals segment.

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Coal sales.  Coal sales revenues of $1.36 billion for the 2019 Period were comparable to the 2018 Period.  Compared to the 2018 Period, coal sales volumes fell slightly due to a volume variance of $4.5 million resulting from reduced tons sold, partially offset by a price variance of $2.0 million due to higher average coal sales prices.  Coal sales price realizations in the 2019 Period increased modestly to $45.46 per ton sold, compared $45.39 per ton sold in the 2018 Period.  Coal production increased 4.5% compared to the 2018 Period to 31.4 million tons, primarily due to increased production from additional mining units at our River View mine, the resumption of operations in the second quarter of 2018 at our Gibson North mine and strong performance at our Tunnel Ridge mine during the 2019 Period.  These increases were partially offset by curtailed production at our Gibson South mine due to weak market exports, the production ceasing at our Dotiki mine and lower recoveries at our Mettiki and MC Mining operations in the 2019 Period.

Oil & gas royalties.  Our mineral interests contributed oil & gas royalties of $36.3 million in the 2019 Period.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 3 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the AllDale and Wing Acquisitions.

Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense, excluding our Minerals segment, increased 0.5% to $905.4 million for the 2019 Period from $900.5 million for the 2018 Period primarily as a result of higher expenses per ton.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton, excluding our Minerals segment, increased to $30.33 per ton sold compared to $30.06 per ton sold in the 2018 Period due to lower recoveries at our River View, Gibson North, Mettiki and MC Mining operations offset in part by increased production at the Gibson North mine and improved productivity at our Hamilton and Tunnel Ridge mines.  In addition, other cost increases are discussed by category below:

Labor and benefit expenses per ton produced, excluding workers' compensation, increased 3.6% to $9.53 per ton in the 2019 Period from $9.20 per ton in the 2018 Period.  The increase of $0.33 per ton was primarily due to sales and production volume variances discussed above; and

Outside coal purchases increased $14.5 million in the 2019 Period as a result of sales from purchased coal, which is generally higher-cost than produced coal, in the 2019 Period.  

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increases above were partially offset by the following decreases:

Material and supplies expenses per ton produced decreased slightly to $10.98 per ton in the 2019 Period from $11.04 per ton in the 2018 Period.  The decrease in material and supplies expenses per ton produced resulted primarily from improved production mix of lower-cost mines discussed above and related decreases of $0.14 per ton for power and fuel used in the mining process and $0.11 per ton for outside expenses, partially offset by an increase of $0.18 per ton in longwall subsidence expense; and

Production taxes and royalty expenses incurred as a percentage of coal sales prices and volumes decreased $0.80 per produced ton sold in the 2019 Period compared to the 2018 Period primarily as a result of a favorable state production mix and lower excise tax rates in 2019.

General and administrative.  General and administrative expenses for the 2019 Period increased to $55.2 million compared to $49.5 million in the 2018 Period.  The increase of $5.7 million was due to higher professional services fees primarily resulting from both the AllDale and Wing Acquisitions.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased to $220.4 million in the 2019 Period from $204.2 million in the 2018 Period.  The increase of $16.2 million resulted primarily from depletion beginning in the 2019 Period attributable to production from our oil & gas mineral interests, increases at our River View mine due to additional mining units and increases at our Hamilton mine due to unfavorable fixed asset in-service timing.  These increases were partially offset by decreased deprecation resulting from favorable fixed asset in-service timing at our Tunnel Ridge mine and reduced volumes at our Mettiki mine.

Settlement gain.  During the 2018 Period, we finalized an agreement with a customer and certain of its affiliates to settle litigation we initiated in 2015.  The agreement provided for a $93.0 million cash payment to us in the 2018 Period, future conditional coal supply commitments, continued export transloading capacity for our Appalachian mines and the acquisition of certain coal reserves near our Tunnel Ridge operation.  A settlement gain of $80.0 million was recorded in

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the 2018 Period reflecting the cash payment received net of $13.0 million of combined legal fees paid and associated incentive compensation accruals.

Asset impairment.  During the 2019 Period, we ceased coal production at our Dotiki mine to focus on maximizing production at our lower-cost mines in the Illinois Basin.  Consequently, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $15.2 million in the 2019 Period.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 4 – Long-Lived Asset Impairment" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Equity method investment income.  Equity method investment income decreased to $1.5 million in the 2019 Period from $14.6 million in the 2018 Period as a result of the AllDale Acquisition and related consolidation of AllDale I & II in the 2019 Period.  Equity method investment income in the 2019 Period is generated by our AllDale III investment.  Prior to 2019, our investments in AllDale I & II also generated equity method investment income in addition to AllDale III.  

Acquisition gain.  We were required to re-measure Cavalier Minerals' equity method investments in AllDale I & II to fair value as a result of the AllDale Acquisition.  The re-measurement resulted in a gain of $177.0 million in the 2019 Period.  Please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Note 3 – Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on the acquisition gain in connection with the AllDale Acquisition.

Transportation revenues and expenses.  Transportation revenues and expenses were $82.9 million and $76.0 million for the 2019 and 2018 Periods, respectively.  The increase of $6.9 million was primarily attributable to an increase in average third-party transportation rates in the 2019 Period resulting from higher shipping costs for coal exported to international markets, partially offset by decreased coal tonnage for which we arrange third-party transportation at certain mines.  Transportation revenues are recognized in an amount equal to transportation expenses when title to the coal passes to the customer.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased to $7.4 million in the 2019 Period from $0.6 million in the 2018 Period as a result of allocating $7.1 million of the acquisition gain discussed above to noncontrolling interest related to Bluegrass Minerals' equity interest in Cavalier Minerals.

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Segment Adjusted EBITDA.  Our 2019 Period Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $8.0 million, or 1.5%, to $528.1 million from the 2018 Period Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $520.1 million.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA, tons sold, coal sales, other revenues, oil & gas royalties, BOE volume and Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense by segment are as follows:

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

Increase (Decrease)

 

    

(in thousands)

    

 

    

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

306,592

$

301,931

$

4,661

1.5

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

167,612

 

177,361

 

(9,749)

(5.5)

%

Minerals

32,432

13,984

18,448

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

28,155

 

33,107

 

(4,952)

 

(15.0)

%

Elimination

 

(6,721)

 

(6,315)

 

(406)

 

(6.4)

%

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$

528,070

$

520,068

$

8,002

1.5

%

Tons sold

Coal - Illinois Basin

 

21,793

 

22,074

 

(281)

(1.3)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

8,064

 

7,881

 

183

2.3

%

Other and Corporate

 

422

 

636

 

(214)

 

(33.6)

%

Elimination

 

(422)

 

(634)

 

212

 

33.4

%

Total tons sold

 

29,857

 

29,957

 

(100)

(0.3)

%

Coal sales

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

875,544

$

875,792

$

(248)

(0.0)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

477,720

 

476,540

 

1,180

0.2

%

Other and Corporate

 

16,530

 

27,165

 

(10,635)

(39.1)

%

Elimination

 

(12,463)

 

(19,632)

 

7,169

 

36.5

%

Total coal sales

$

1,357,331

$

1,359,865

$

(2,534)

(0.2)

%

Other revenues

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

10,557

$

12,299

$

(1,742)

 

(14.2)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

2,753

 

2,268

 

485

 

21.4

%

Minerals

1,079

1,079

 

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

26,745

 

30,047

 

(3,302)

(11.0)

%

Elimination

 

(9,229)

 

(9,476)

 

247

2.6

%

Total other revenues

$

31,905

$

35,138

$

(3,233)

(9.2)

%

BOE volume and oil & gas royalties

Volume - BOE (3)

1,113

1,113

(1)

Oil & gas royalties

$

36,254

$

$

36,254

 

(1)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

Coal - Illinois Basin

$

579,510

$

586,160

$

(6,650)

(1.1)

%

Coal - Appalachia

 

312,861

 

301,448

 

11,413

3.8

%

Minerals

6,109

6,109

(1)

Other and Corporate

 

28,026

 

35,671

 

(7,645)

(21.4)

%

Elimination

 

(14,971)

 

(22,793)

 

7,822

34.3

%

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

$

911,535

$

900,486

$

11,049

1.2

%

(1)Percentage change not meaningful.
(2)For a definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA and related reconciliation to comparable GAAP financial measures, please see below under "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA" to GAAP "net income."  
(3)Barrels of oil equivalent ("BOE") is calculated on a 6:1 basis (6,000 cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel).

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Illinois Basin – Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 1.5% to $306.6 million in the 2019 Period from $301.9 million in the 2018 Period.  The increase of $4.7 million was primarily attributable to higher coal sales prices, which increased 1.3% to $40.18 per ton sold in the 2019 Period from $39.68 per ton sold in the 2018 Period, and lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower coal sales volumes.  Tons sold in the 2019 Period decreased 1.3% compared to the 2018 Period as a result of lower export sales from our Gibson South mine and the cessation of production at our Dotiki mine in the 2019 Period to focus on maximizing production at our lower-cost mines, offset in part by additional production units at the River View mine in the 2019 Period.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense decreased 1.1% to $579.5 million in the 2019 Period from $586.2 million in the 2018 Period due to reduced coal sales volumes.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased slightly to $26.59 per ton sold in the 2019 Period due to certain cost increases described above under "–Coal - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense."

Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5.5% to $167.6 million for the 2019 Period from $177.4 million in the 2018 Period.  The decrease of $9.8 million was primarily attributable to reduced coal sales prices and increased operating expenses, partially offset by higher coal sales volumes.  Coal sales, which increased slightly to $477.7 million in the 2019 Period from $476.5 million in the 2018 Period resulted from higher coal sales volumes of 8.1 million tons sold in the 2019 Period, compared to 7.9 million tons sold in the 2018 Period, due to a strong performance at our Tunnel Ridge longwall operation, partially offset by lower coal sales prices.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased 3.8% to $312.9 million in the 2019 Period from $301.4 million in the 2018 Period due to increased sales volumes and higher expenses per ton.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased 1.4% to $38.80 per ton compared to $38.25 per ton sold in the 2018 Period reflecting lower recoveries at our Mettiki and MC Mining operations, offset in part by improved productivity at our Tunnel Ridge mine.

Minerals – Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased to $32.4 million for the 2019 Period from $14.0 million in the 2018 Period.  The increase of $18.4 million primarily resulted from the AllDale Acquisition in the 2019 Period.  

Other and Corporate – Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $4.9 million to $28.2 million in the 2019 Period compared to $33.1 million in the 2018 Period.  The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced coal brokerage activity and mining technology product sales from Matrix Group.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA" to GAAP "net income" and reconciliation of non-GAAP "Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense" to GAAP "Operating Expenses"

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) is defined as net income attributable to ARLP before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, general and administrative expenses, settlement gain, asset impairment and acquisition gain.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a key component of consolidated EBITDA, which is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others.  We believe that the presentation of EBITDA provides useful information to investors regarding our performance and results of operations because EBITDA, when used in conjunction with related GAAP financial measures, (i) provides additional information about our core operating performance and ability to generate and distribute cash flow, (ii) provides investors with the financial analytical framework upon which we base financial, operational, compensation and planning decisions and (iii) presents a measurement that investors, rating agencies and debt holders have indicated is useful in assessing us and our results of operations.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a supplemental financial measure by our management for reasons similar to those stated in the previous explanation of EBITDA.  In addition, the exclusion of corporate general and administrative expenses from consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA allows management to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating profitability as it relates to our revenues and operating expenses, which are primarily controlled by our segments.  

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The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP financial measure:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA

$

156,163

$

169,578

$

528,070

$

520,068

General and administrative

 

(17,885)

 

(15,836)

 

(55,218)

 

(49,513)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(72,348)

 

(70,196)

 

(220,400)

 

(204,194)

Settlement gain

80,000

Asset impairment

 

(15,190)

 

 

(15,190)

 

Interest expense, net

 

(11,606)

 

(9,808)

 

(33,510)

 

(30,532)

Acquisition gain

177,043

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(50)

 

(5)

 

(130)

 

2

Acquisition gain attributable to noncontrolling interest

(7,083)

Net income attributable to ARLP

$

39,084

$

73,733

$

373,582

$

315,831

Noncontrolling interest

117

236

7,407

571

Net income

$

39,201

$

73,969

$

380,989

$

316,402

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (a non-GAAP financial measure) includes operating expenses, coal purchases and other income.  Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and, consequently, we do not realize any gain or loss on transportation revenues.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management to assess the operating performance of our segments.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is a key component of Segment Adjusted EBITDA in addition to coal sales, royalty revenues and other sales and operating revenues.  The exclusion of corporate general and administrative expenses from Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense allows management to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating performance as it primarily relates to our operating expenses.  

The following is a reconciliation of consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense to operating expense, the most comparable GAAP financial measure:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense

$

289,081

$

309,216

$

911,535

$

900,486

Outside coal purchases

 

(10,599)

 

 

(15,910)

 

(1,442)

Other expense

 

(228)

 

(812)

 

(370)

 

(2,201)

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)

$

278,254

$

308,404

$

895,255

$

896,843

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We have historically satisfied our working capital requirements and funded our capital expenditures, investments and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations, cash provided by the issuance of debt or equity, borrowings under credit and securitization facilities and other financing transactions.  We believe that existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations and investments, borrowings under credit facilities and cash provided from the issuance of debt or equity will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and additional investments, debt payments, commitments and distribution payments.  Nevertheless, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements, to fund planned capital expenditures, to service our debt obligations or to pay distributions will depend upon our future operating performance and access to and cost of financing sources, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions generally and in the coal and oil & gas industries specifically, as well as other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond our control.  Based on our recent operating results, current cash position, current unitholder distributions, anticipated future cash flows and sources of financing that we expect to have available, we do not anticipate any constraints to our liquidity at this time.  However, to the extent operating cash flow or access to and cost of financing sources are materially different than expected, future liquidity may be adversely affected.  Please read "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.  

On August 2, 2019, we closed on the Wing Acquisition using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility for $145.0 million.  On February 8, 2019, Kodiak redeemed our preferred equity interest for $135.0 million in cash. On January 3, 2019, we acquired all of the limited partner interests in AllDale I & II not owned by Cavalier Minerals and the general partner interests in AllDale I & II for $176.0 million, which was funded with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.  For more information on these transactions, please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 3. Acquisitions" and "– Note 11. Investments" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In May 2018, the MGP board of directors approved the establishment of a unit repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $100 million of ARLP common units.  The program has no time limit and we may repurchase units from time to time in the open market or in other privately negotiated transactions.  The unit repurchase program authorization does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of units.  Since inception through September 30, 2019, we have purchased units for a total of $75.8 million under the program.  Please read "Part II - Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information on unit repurchase program.

Mine Development Project

We have begun development activity for MC Mining's Excel Mine No. 5 and currently anticipate deploying total capital of approximately $29.0 million to $31.0 million during 2019 with an additional $15.0 million to $20.0 million during the first half of 2020, which we expect to fund with cash from operations or borrowings under our credit facilities.  We anticipate the new mine will enable us to access an additional 15 million tons of coal reserves with an expected mine life of approximately 12 years assuming the current level of production at MC Mining's Excel Mine No. 4 continues at the new mine.    We expect the development plan for the new Excel Mine No. 5 will provide a seamless transition from the current MC Mining operation as its reserves deplete in 2020.

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities was $408.4 million for the 2019 Period compared to $579.3 million for the 2018 Period.  The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was impacted by $93 million received in the 2018 Period for a one-time settlement related to litigation with a customer and certain of its affiliates initiated in 2015.  Additional decreases also resulted from unfavorable working capital changes related to trade receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other, and payroll and related benefit accruals.  These decreases were partially offset by a favorable working capital change related to accounts payable.

Net cash used in investing activities was $423.6 million for the 2019 Period compared to $195.3 million for the 2018 Period.  The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the AllDale Acquisition, the Wing Acquisition and increased capital expenditures for mine infrastructure and equipment at various mines.  This increase

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was partially offset by cash received from the redemption of our equity securities in the 2019 Period and cash used for equity method investment contributions in the 2018 Period.

Net cash used in financing activities was $197.2 million for the 2019 Period compared to $352.4 million for the 2018 Period.  The decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to decreases in overall net payments on the securitization facility and unit repurchase program and increased net proceeds under our revolving facility in the 2019 Period compared to the 2018 Period.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures increased to $241.1 million in the 2019 Period from $184.4 million in the 2018 Period.  See our discussion of "Cash Flows" above concerning the increase in capital expenditures.

We currently project average estimated annual maintenance capital expenditures over the five-year period beginning in January 2019 of approximately $5.57 per ton produced.  Our anticipated total capital expenditures (including investments) for the year ending December 31, 2019 are estimated in a range of $330.0 million to $350.0 million, which includes expenditures for maintenance capital at various mines.  Management anticipates funding remaining 2019 capital requirements with cash and cash equivalents ($31.8 million as of September 30, 2019), cash flows from operations and investments, borrowings under revolving credit and securitization facilities and cash provided from the issuance of debt or equity.  We will continue to have significant capital requirements over the long-term, which may require us to incur debt or seek additional equity capital.  The availability and cost of additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common units and several other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations.

Debt Obligations

Credit Agreement.  On January 27, 2017, our Intermediate Partnership entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with various financial institutions.  The Credit Agreement provides for a $494.75 million revolving credit facility, including a sublimit of $125 million for the issuance of letters of credit and a sublimit of $15.0 million for swingline borrowings (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), with a termination date of May 23, 2021.  

The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of the material direct and indirect subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership, and is secured by substantially all of the Intermediate Partnership's assets.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at the option of the Intermediate Partnership, at either (i) the Base Rate at the greater of three benchmarks or (ii) a Eurodollar Rate, plus margins for (i) or (ii), as applicable, that fluctuate depending upon the ratio of Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Cash Flow (each as defined in the Credit Agreement).  The Eurodollar Rate, with applicable margin, under the Revolving Credit Facility was 4.43% as of September 30, 2019.  At September 30, 2019, we had $9.3 million of letters of credit outstanding with $245.5 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility. We currently incur an annual commitment fee of 0.35% on the undrawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.  We utilize the Revolving Credit Facility, as appropriate, for working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments, scheduled debt payments and distribution payments.  

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions affecting our Intermediate Partnership and its subsidiaries including, among other things, restrictions on incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, sale of assets, investments, mergers and consolidations and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to various exceptions, and the payment of cash distributions by our Intermediate Partnership if such payment would result in a certain fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  The Credit Agreement requires the Intermediate Partnership to maintain (a) a debt to cash flow ratio of not more than 2.5 to 1.0 and (b) a cash flow to interest expense ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0, in each case, during the four most recently ended fiscal quarters.  The debt to cash flow ratio and cash flow to interest expense ratio were 1.13 to 1.0 and 14.7 to 1.0, respectively, for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2019.  We remain in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2019

Senior Notes.   On April 24, 2017, the Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation (as co-issuer), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Intermediate Partnership ("Alliance Finance"), issued an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes due 2025 ("Senior Notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers.  The Senior Notes have a term of eight years, maturing on May 1, 2025 (the "Term") and accrue

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interest at an annual rate of 7.5%.  Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1.  The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary terms, events of default and covenants relating to, among other things, the incurrence of debt, the payment of distributions or similar restricted payments, undertaking transactions with affiliates and limitations on asset sales.  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the issuers of the Senior Notes may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.5% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.  The issuers of the Senior Notes may also redeem all or a part of the notes at any time on or after May 1, 2020, at redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the Senior Notes.  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the issuers of the Senior Notes may redeem the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus a "make-whole" premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

Accounts Receivable Securitization.  On December 5, 2014, certain direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership entered into a $100.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility ("Securitization Facility").  Under the Securitization Facility, certain subsidiaries sell trade receivables on an ongoing basis to our Intermediate Partnership, which then sells the trade receivables to AROP Funding, LLC ("AROP Funding"), a wholly owned bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary of our Intermediate Partnership, which in turn borrows on a revolving basis up to $100.0 million secured by the trade receivables.  After the sale, Alliance Coal, as servicer of the assets, collects the receivables on behalf of AROP Funding.  The Securitization Facility bears interest based on a Eurodollar Rate.  In January 2019, we extended the term of the Securitization Facility to January 2020.  In October 2019, we extended the term from January 2020 to January 2021. At September 30, 2019, we had $66.5 million outstanding balance under the Securitization Facility.

Cavalier Credit Agreement.  On October 6, 2015, Cavalier Minerals (see Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities) entered into a credit agreement (the "Cavalier Credit Agreement") with Mineral Lending, LLC ("Mineral Lending") for a $100.0 million line of credit (the "Cavalier Credit Facility").  The Cavalier Credit Facility terminated on October 6, 2019.  During the term of the Cavalier Credit Facility, the commitment was reduced by any distributions received from Cavalier Minerals' investment in AllDale II.  As of September 30, 2019, the commitment was $64.6 million.  Mineral Lending is an entity owned by (a) Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. ("ARH II"), an entity owned by Mr. Craft and Kathleen S. Craft, (b) an entity owned by an individual who is an officer and director of ARH II ("ARH Officer") and (c) charitable foundations established by Mr. Craft and Kathleen S. Craft.  We had no borrowings from the facility since its inception and there was no commitment fee under the facility.

Equipment Financing.  On May 17, 2019, the Intermediate Partnership entered into an equipment financing arrangement accounted for as debt, wherein the Intermediate Partnership received $10.0 million in exchange for conveying its interest in certain equipment owned by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Intermediate Partnership and entering into a master lease agreement for that equipment (the “Equipment Financing”).  The Equipment Financing contains customary terms and events of default and provides for thirty-six monthly payments with an implicit interest rate of 6.25%, maturing on May 1, 2022.  Upon maturity, the equipment will revert back to the Intermediate Partnership.

Other.  We also have an agreement with a bank to provide additional letters of credit in an amount of $5.0 million to maintain surety bonds to secure certain asset retirement obligations and our obligations for workers' compensation benefits.  At September 30, 2019, we had $5.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under this agreement.

Related-Party Transactions

We have related-party transactions and activities with Mr. Craft, MGP, ARH II and their respective affiliates. These related-party transactions and activities relate principally to 1) mineral leases with charitable foundations established by Mr. Craft and Kathleen S. Craft, 2) the use of aircraft, and 3) providing administrative services with respect to the mineral interests Mr. Craft acquired concurrently with the Wing Acquisition.  We also have transactions with (a) WKY CoalPlay, LLC ("WKY CoalPlay") regarding three mineral leases, (b) Bluegrass Minerals Management, LLC ("Bluegrass Minerals") through its  noncontrolling ownership interest in Cavalier Minerals and (c) AllDale III to support its acquisition of oil & gas mineral interests.  For more information regarding the Wing Acquisition, WKY CoalPlay, Bluegrass Minerals and AllDale III, please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 3. Acquisitions", "– Note 10. Variable Interest Entities" and "– Note 11. Investments" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Please read our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 18. Related-Party Transactions" for additional information concerning related-party transactions.

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Prior to the AllDale Acquisition and Kodiak redemption, we also had transactions with AllDale I & II to support their acquisition of oil & gas mineral interests, and Kodiak to support its gas compression services.  For more information regarding the AllDale Acquisition and Kodiak redemption, please read "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 3. Acquisitions" and "– Note 11. Investments" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

New Accounting Standards

See "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 2. New Accounting Standards" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of new accounting standards.

Other Information

Insurance

Effective October 1, 2019, we renewed our annual property and casualty insurance program.  Our property insurance was procured from our wholly owned captive insurance company, Wildcat Insurance.  Wildcat Insurance charged certain of our subsidiaries for the premiums on this program and in return purchased reinsurance for the program in the standard market. The maximum limit in the commercial property program is $100.0 million per occurrence, excluding a $1.5 million deductible for property damage, a 60, 75, 90 or 120 day waiting period for underground business interruption depending on the mining complex and an additional $10.0 million overall aggregate deductible.  We have elected to retain a 10% participating interest in our commercial property insurance program.  As previously stated in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 under "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our profitability may decline due to unanticipated mine operating conditions and other events that are not within our control and that may not be fully covered under our insurance policies," we can make no assurances that we will not experience significant insurance claims in the future that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

We have significant long-term coal supply agreements.  Most of the long-term coal supply agreements are subject to price adjustment provisions, which periodically permit an increase or decrease in the contract price typically to reflect changes in specified indices or changes in production costs resulting from regulatory changes, or both.

Our results of operations are highly dependent upon the prices we receive for our coal.  The short-term coal contracts favored by some of our customers leave us more exposed to risks of declining price periods.  Also, a significant decline in oil and natural gas prices would have a significant impact on our royalty revenues.

We have exposure to coal, oil and natural gas sales prices and price risk for supplies that are used directly or indirectly in the normal course of coal and oil & gas production such as steel, electricity and other supplies. We manage our risk for these items through strategic sourcing contracts for normal quantities required by our operations.  Historically, we have not utilized any commodity price-hedges or other derivatives related to either our sales price or supply cost risks.

Credit Risk

Most of our coal is sold to United States electric utilities or into the international markets through brokered transactions.  Therefore, our credit risk is primarily with domestic electric power generators and reputable global brokerage firms.  Our policy is to independently evaluate each customer's creditworthiness prior to entering into transactions and to constantly monitor outstanding accounts receivable against established credit limits. When deemed appropriate by our credit management department, we will take steps to reduce our credit exposure to customers that do not meet our credit standards or whose credit has deteriorated. These steps may include obtaining letters of credit or cash collateral, requiring prepayment for shipments or establishing customer trust accounts held for our benefit in the event of a failure to pay.

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Exchange Rate Risk

Almost all of our transactions are denominated in United States dollars, and as a result, we do not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks. However, because coal is sold internationally in United States dollars, general economic conditions in foreign markets and changes in foreign currency exchange rates may provide our foreign competitors with a competitive advantage. If our competitors' currencies decline against the United States dollar or against foreign purchasers' local currencies, those competitors may be able to offer lower prices for coal to these purchasers. Furthermore, if the currencies of overseas purchasers were to significantly decline in value in comparison to the United States dollar, those purchasers may seek decreased prices for the coal we sell to them. Consequently, currency fluctuations could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal in international markets.

Interest Rate Risk

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Securitization Facility are at variable rates and, as a result, we have interest rate exposure.  Historically, our earnings have not been materially affected by changes in interest rates and we have not utilized interest rate derivative instruments related to our outstanding debt.  We had $240.0 million in borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and $66.5 million in borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2019.  A one percentage point increase in the interest rates related to the Revolving Facility and Securitization Facility would result in an annualized increase in interest expense of $3.1 million, based on borrowing levels at September 30, 2019.  

There were no other changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 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 Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2019.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2019.

During the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019, other than the changes that have resulted or may result from the AllDale Acquisition and Wing Acquisition as discussed below, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On August 2, 2019, we closed on an agreement to acquire approximately 9,000 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin, (the “Wing Acquisition”).  On January 3, 2019 (the "AllDale Acquisition Date"), we acquired all of the limited partner interests in AllDale Minerals, LP and AllDale Minerals II, LP (collectively, "AllDale I & II") not owned by Cavalier Minerals JV, LLC and the general partner interests in AllDale I & II (the "AllDale Acquisition").  As of the AllDale Acquisition Date, we now own 100% of the general partner interests and, including the limited partner interests we hold indirectly through our ownership in Cavalier Minerals, approximately 97% of the limited partner interests in AllDale I & II.  In addition, we assumed control and began accounting for AllDale I & II on a consolidated basis. For more information on the Wing and AllDale Acquisitions, please see "Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Note 3. Acquisitions" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

At this time, we continue to evaluate the business and internal controls and processes around the mineral interests acquired in both the Wing and AllDale Acquisitions and are making various changes to their management and organizational structures based on our business plan.  We are in the process of implementing our internal control structure over the acquired businesses.  We expect to complete the evaluation and integration of the internal controls and processes of the mineral interests acquired in the AllDale and Wing Acquisitions in the first and third quarters of 2020, respectively.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements and information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute "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.  Without limiting the foregoing, all statements relating to our future outlook, anticipated capital expenditures, future cash flows and borrowings and sources of funding are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in these statements.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are:

changes in coal prices, which could affect our operating results and cash flows;
changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes;
legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, mining, miner health and safety and health care;
deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions;
risks associated with the expansion of our operations and properties;
our ability to identify and complete acquisitions;
dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration;
adjustments made in price, volume or terms to existing coal supply agreements;
changing global economic conditions or in industries in which our customers operate;
recent action and the possibility of future action on trade made by United States and foreign governments;
the effect of new tariffs and other trade measures;
liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing;
customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform;
customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments;
fluctuations in coal demand, prices and availability;
changes in oil & gas prices, which could, among other things, affect our investments in oil & gas mineral interests;
our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales;
decline in or change in the coal industry's share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion and the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity, such as natural gas, nuclear energy and renewable fuels;
changes in raw material costs;
changes in the availability of skilled labor;
our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees;
increases in labor costs including costs of health insurance and taxes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with post-mine reclamation and workers' compensation claims;
increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions;
operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather-related or other factors;
risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions;
results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted;
foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad;
difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers' compensation and black lung benefits;
difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits and other post-retirement benefit liabilities;
uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal reserves;
uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves;
uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties;

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a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits;
difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program;
difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control; and
other factors, including those discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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 "Item 1A. Risk Factors" below.  These 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 or considering any forward-looking statements contained in:

this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;
other reports filed by us with the SEC;
our press releases;
our website http://www.arlp.com; and
written or oral statements made by us or any of our officers or other authorized persons acting on our behalf.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information in Note 5. Contingencies to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in "Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q herein is hereby incorporated by reference. See also "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and in Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and on our prior Form 10-Qs are not our only risks.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial based on current knowledge and factual circumstances, if such knowledge or facts change, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results in the future.  

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

On May 31, 2018, ARLP announced that the MGP board of directors approved the establishment of a unit repurchase program authorizing ARLP to repurchase up to $100 million of its outstanding limited partner common units.  The unit repurchase program is intended to enhance ARLP’s ability to achieve its goal of creating long-term value for its unitholders and provides another means, along with quarterly cash distributions, of returning cash to unitholders. The program has no time limit and ARLP may repurchase units from time to time in the open market or in other privately negotiated transactions. The unit repurchase program authorization does not obligate ARLP to repurchase any dollar amount or number of units, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice.    

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we did not repurchase and retire any units.  Since inception of the program through September 30, 2019, we have repurchased and retired 3,985,010 units at an average unit price of $19.03 for an aggregate purchase price of $75.8 million with the remaining authorized amount for unit repurchases under this program being $24.2 million.

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Form

SEC
File No. and
Film No.

Exhibit

Filing Date

Filed
Herewith*

3.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

8-K

000-26823

17990766

3.2

07/28/2017

3.2

Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

10-K

000-26823

18634634

3.9

02/23/2018

3.3

Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

8-K

000-26823

18883834

3.3

06/06/2018

3.4

Amendment No. 3 to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

8-K

000-26823

18883834

3.4

06/06/2018

3.5

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.

10-K

000-26823

583595

3.2

03/29/2000

3.6

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.

8-K

000-26823

18883834

3.5

06/06/2018

3.7

Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

8-K

000-26823

17990766

3.6

07/28/2017

3.8

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.

S-1/A

333-78845

99669102

3.8

07/23/1999

3.9

Certificate of Formation of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC

S-1/A

333-78845

99669102

3.7

07/23/1999

3.10

Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC

8-K

000-26823

18883834

3.7

06/06/2018

3.11

Certificate of Formation of MGP II, LLC

8-K

000-26823

17990766

3.5

07/28/2017

3.12

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of MGP II, LLC

8-K

000-26823

17990766

3.4

07/28/2017

10.1

Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Wing Resources LLC, and Wing Resources II LLC, as sellers, and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., as buyer, dated as of June 21, 2019

10-Q

000-26823

19997858

10.1

08/05/2019

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Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Form

SEC
File No. and
Film No.

Exhibit

Filing Date

Filed
Herewith*

10.2

Eighth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2019

Checked box symbol

31.1

Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated November 5, 2019, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Checked box symbol

31.2

Certification of Brian L. Cantrell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated November 5, 2019, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Checked box symbol

32.1

Certification of Joseph W. Craft III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated November 5, 2019, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Checked box symbol

32.2

Certification of Brian L. Cantrell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the general partner of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., dated November 5, 2019, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Checked box symbol

95.1

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act Information

Checked box symbol

101

Interactive Data File (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 filed in Inline XBRL).

Checked box symbol

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

Checked box symbol

*    Or furnished, in the case of Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2.

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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 November 5, 2019.

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.

By:

Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC

its general partner

/s/ Joseph W. Craft, III

Joseph W. Craft, III

President, Chief Executive Officer

and Chairman, duly authorized to sign on behalf
of the registrant.

/s/ Robert J. Fouch

Robert J. Fouch

Vice President, Controller and

Chief Accounting Officer

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