Massey Energy (MEE) With Blow Out Earnings (ex - Charges)

Massey Energy (MEE) has also reported one heck of a number, but has a very big charge for a legal dispute which is marring the quarter. Again these are 2009 stories, not 2008 so anything now is "cake". Analysts were in at $716M revenue and $0.77 EPS. Both revenueand the bottom line was a smash hit. With the charge for accrual for litigation with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Company they lost a whole lot of money. Ex-charge the results came out like this...

• Massey Energy Company (NYSE: MEE - News) today reported a year over year increase of 38 percent in second quarter produced coal revenue and an 8 percent increase in produced coal tons sold, highlighting the strength of the Company's expanding operations in Central Appalachia.
  
• Produced coal revenue for the quarter was a record $710.3 million compared to $516.2 million in the second quarter of 2007. (total revenue $827M)
  
• Produced tons sold reached 10.8 million in the quarter compared to 10.0 million in the second quarter last year.
  
• In addition to the higher volume, the increased produced coal revenue was driven by an 83 percent increase in export shipments and a 36 percent increase in metallurgical coal sales.
  
• This combination resulted in average produced coal revenue per ton of $65.78, up 28 percent compared to the second quarter of last year.
• For the second quarter, net income excluding the WP litigation charge was $92.2 million or $1.15 per share compared to net income of $34.9 million or $0.43 per share in the second quarter of 2007.

• During the quarter the Company booked a pre-tax charge of $245.3 million related to the ongoing litigation with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Company ("WP litigation charge" - see note 2). This charge offset the strong operating results of the quarter. Including the WP litigation charge, Massey reported a net loss of $93.3 million or $1.16 per share for the second quarter of 2008.

• Eastern U.S. steam coal prices increased dramatically during the second quarter, driven by continued strong demand from the export market. Pricing for prompt delivery NYMEX spec coal increased approximately 85 percent from March 31 to June 30, ending the month and quarter at nearly $140.00 per ton.
• Bench mark prices for metallurgical coal have been established at $300.00 per metric tonne, FOB terminal. Massey has been able to sign supply agreements at this price. (nice)
• "During the quarter we made extensive visits to some of the world's most rapidly developing countries," Blankenship added. "Based on discussions with customers and potential customers, and visits to several power and coke construction projects, I came away convinced that the world's need for coal will continue to grow at a rapid rate. (hedge funds disagree - oil down $3, coal stocks must be sold)
• The high quality and diversity of the coal we produce as well as our leading market position in Central Appalachia will enable us to compete effectively to serve these growing export energy markets. We are particularly pleased to have reached agreements on several multi-year deals to supply coal to Asian customers."
• In spite of all-time high prices, Central Appalachian coal production declined by an estimated 0.7 percent in the first half of 2008 after being down 4.5 percent in 2007 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
• Total U.S. exports of metallurgical coal have increased 55.5 percent year-to-date with over half of the increase being shipped through Southeast Atlantic ports.

• Vertical integration by steel producers has and will continue to drive consolidation within global metallurgical coal production and could result in additional supply constraints. [Jul 18: Wilbur Ross Believes M&A Activity in Coal Will be Unprecedented in Next 12 Months]

• The Company continues to project 2008 produced coal shipments will be between 41.5 and 43.0 million tons, with average produced coal realization between $65.00 and $66.00 per ton. Excluding the WP litigation charge, average cash cost per ton for the full year 2008 is expected to be between $47.00 and $50.00. Other income is expected to be between $20 and $100 million. (doesn't matter - tell me about 2009)
• For 2009 Massey expects produced coal shipments to be in the range of 46.0 to 48.0 million tons, 13.0 to 14.0 million tons of which will be metallurgical coal. For the total tons shipped, the average price is expected to be in the range of $84.00 to $92.00 per ton. (so a 50% increase over 2008 levels)
• The Company currently has approximately 6 million unsold or unpriced tons for 2009, substantially all of which are of metallurgical quality. (so a bit under half your metallurgical coal is unpriced, and this product is selling for $300 I hear? Nice)
• Cash costs for 2009 are expected to be in the range of $52.00 to $60.00 per ton.
• Based on current coal market conditions and the Company's expansion plans, Massey expects to ship approximately 50.0 million tons in 2010, 15 million tons of which are expected to be metallurgical coal. (Thanks for the data but hedge fund computers don't think that far out)
• The Company has approximately 30 million unsold or unpriced tons for 2010, of which approximately 12 million tons are of metallurgical quality. (shiver me timbers - 60% of all production is unpriced and 80% of met coal is unpriced)
• While it is difficult to accurately project pricing 2 years in the future, the Company expects strong pricing for its remaining unsold 2010 tons. Current expectations are that 2010 average price realization will be in the range of $115.00 to $132.00 per ton. (so you're trying to sell me a fish tale that prices will be double 2008 levels? Nah, don't believe it - hedge funds say the story is over soon and it's time to sell commodities - it was a fun ride while it lasted - time to buy banks and retailers. Nice try Massey.)