CNX Resources Corp (CNX)
SIC breadcrumb: Mining > SIC Major Group 13 > SIC 1311 Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1070412. Latest filing source: 0001070412-26-000038.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read CNX's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read CNX's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,239,134,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-10 |
| Net income | 633,162,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-10 |
| Assets | 9,094,446,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-10 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-10. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001070412.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 759,968,000 | 1,455,131,000 | 1,730,434,000 | 1,922,449,000 | 1,257,978,000 | 756,792,000 | 1,261,211,000 | 3,434,948,000 | 1,266,786,000 | 2,239,134,000 |
| Net income | -848,102,000 | 380,747,000 | 796,533,000 | -80,730,000 | -483,775,000 | -498,643,000 | -142,077,000 | 1,720,716,000 | -90,494,000 | 633,162,000 |
| Diluted EPS | -3.70 | 1.65 | 3.71 | -0.42 | -2.43 | -2.31 | -0.75 | 8.99 | -0.60 | 3.98 |
| Operating cash flow | 464,258,000 | 648,687,000 | 885,823,000 | 980,560,000 | 795,071,000 | 926,357,000 | 1,235,014,000 | 814,588,000 | 815,779,000 | 1,028,957,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 172,739,000 | 632,846,000 | 1,116,397,000 | 1,192,599,000 | 487,291,000 | 465,861,000 | 565,754,000 | 679,404,000 | 540,332,000 | 494,988,000 |
| Share buybacks | 0.00 | 103,209,000 | 381,752,000 | 117,477,000 | 37,247,000 | 245,243,000 | 565,125,000 | 319,866,000 | 184,203,000 | 523,561,000 |
| Assets | 9,179,691,000 | 6,931,913,000 | 8,592,170,000 | 9,060,806,000 | 8,041,764,000 | 8,100,751,000 | 8,515,773,000 | 8,626,657,000 | 8,511,903,000 | 9,094,446,000 |
| Liabilities | 5,238,803,000 | 3,032,014,000 | 3,510,427,000 | 4,098,497,000 | 3,619,327,000 | 4,400,478,000 | 5,565,312,000 | 4,265,640,000 | 4,413,873,000 | 4,757,430,000 |
| Stockholders' equity | 3,798,395,000 | 3,899,899,000 | 4,329,958,000 | 4,160,546,000 | 4,422,437,000 | 3,700,273,000 | 2,950,461,000 | 4,361,017,000 | 4,098,030,000 | 4,337,016,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 46,299,000 | 509,167,000 | 17,198,000 | 16,283,000 | 15,617,000 | 3,565,000 | 21,321,000 | 443,000 | 17,198,000 | 779,000 |
| Free cash flow | 291,519,000 | 15,841,000 | -230,574,000 | -212,039,000 | 307,780,000 | 460,496,000 | 669,260,000 | 135,184,000 | 275,447,000 | 533,969,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -111.60% | 26.17% | 46.03% | -4.20% | -38.46% | -65.89% | -11.27% | 50.09% | -7.14% | 28.28% |
| Return on equity | -22.33% | 9.76% | 18.40% | -1.94% | -10.94% | -13.48% | -4.82% | 39.46% | -2.21% | 14.60% |
| Return on assets | -9.24% | 5.49% | 9.27% | -0.89% | -6.02% | -6.16% | -1.67% | 19.95% | -1.06% | 6.96% |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.38 | 0.78 | 0.81 | 0.99 | 0.82 | 1.19 | 1.89 | 0.98 | 1.08 | 1.10 |
| Current ratio | 0.67 | 1.93 | 0.96 | 0.94 | 0.62 | 0.48 | 0.44 | 0.51 | 0.33 | 0.44 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001070412-26-000038; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001070412-26-000038; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001070412-26-000038; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001070412-26-000038; filed 2026-02-10. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-30. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001070412.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 0.15 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | -2.28 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 3.61 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 839,700,000 | 474,955,000 | 2.47 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 350,506,000 | 21,381,000 | 0.12 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 968,767,000 | 513,985,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 384,553,000 | 6,851,000 | 0.04 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 321,443,000 | -18,261,000 | -0.12 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 424,213,000 | 65,540,000 | 0.37 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 136,578,000 | -144,624,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 82,388,000 | -197,715,000 | -1.34 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 962,422,000 | 432,521,000 | 2.53 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 583,840,000 | 202,103,000 | 1.21 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 610,484,000 | 196,252,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 786,654,000 | 348,147,000 | 2.18 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001070412-26-000047; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001070412-26-000047; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001070412-26-000047; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001070412-26-000047.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from any such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see "Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors" and the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" contained in the 2025 Form 10-K. CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
CNX continually monitors factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ from historical results or current expectations. Examples include global events such as heightened geopolitical developments, including in the Middle East, uncertainties in global financial markets, and announcements by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that impact oil production, all of which have contributed to increased volatility in global commodity prices. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to differ materially from those of prior periods. The results presented in this Form 10-Q are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Natural Gas, NGL, and Oil Pricing
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that CNX produces significantly impact revenue and cash flows. In the current economic environment, CNX expects that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce will remain volatile. In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length as well as financial hedges. However, this market volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Inflation
The inflationary environment over the last few years, primarily related to steel, diesel fuel and labor, continues to present risk for CNX and the broader natural gas industry. If inflation were to increase materially for any extended period of time, and CNX is unable to successfully mitigate the impact, our costs could increase further, thus having a greater impact on our financial position. CNX remains committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset any additional potential cost increases from inflation.
Hedging Update
Total hedged natural gas production for the second quarter of 2026 is 115.1 Bcf. CNX's annual gas hedge position is shown in the table below:
| 2026 | 2027 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volumes Hedged (Bcf), as of 4/10/26 | 459.2(1) | 402.2 |
1Includes actual settlements of 117.2 Bcf.
CNX's hedged gas volumes include a combination of NYMEX financial hedges, index (NYMEX and basis) financial hedges, and physical fixed price sales. In addition, to protect the NYMEX hedge volumes from basis exposure, CNX enters into basis-only financial hedges and physical sales with fixed basis at certain sales points. CNX has also entered into a nominal quantity of NGL hedges. See Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in Item 3 of this Form 10-Q for additional information.
29
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Net Income (Loss)
CNX had net income of $348 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.18, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to a net loss of $198 million, or loss per diluted share of $1.34, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Included in the earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $226 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $6 million. Included in the loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $418 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $10 million. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information related to the gain on asset sales and abandonments, net.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the Company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 787 | $ | 82 | ||
| (Deduct) Add: | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (13) | (11) | ||||
| Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments | (226) | 418 | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (48) | (48) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 500 | $ | 441 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 312 | $ | 319 | ||
| (Deduct) Add: | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (6) | (6) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (4) | (2) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (12) | (11) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (32) | (39) | ||||
| Other Operating Income (Expense) | 4 | (14) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 262 | $ | 247 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
30
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 152.4 | 147.8 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 722 | $ | 4.87 | $ | 551 | $ | 3.80 | $ | 171 | $ | 1.07 | ||||||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | (222) | (1.59) | (110) | (0.81) | (112) | (0.78) | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 500 | 3.28 | 441 | 2.99 | 59 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 22 | 0.14 | 23 | 0.16 | (1) | (0.02) | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 9 | 0.06 | 7 | 0.05 | 2 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 102 | 0.67 | 95 | 0.64 | 7 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 129 | 0.85 | 122 | 0.83 | 7 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 262 | 1.72 | 247 | 1.68 | 15 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 238 | $ | 1.56 | $ | 194 | $ | 1.31 | $ | 44 | $ | 0.25 |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The 4.6 Bcfe increase in sales volumes was primarily due to new wells turned-in-line throughout 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, including wells related to the APEX Transaction (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information). The increase in sales volumes was offset, in part, by normal production declines.
Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Lease operating expense decreased on a per unit basis primarily due to a decrease in water disposal costs as more water was reused in well completions, a decrease in well tending expense and the overall increase in total sales volumes.
•Production, ad valorem, and other fees increased on a per unit basis primarily due to the higher sales price in the period to period comparison.
•Transportation, gathering and compression expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to higher repairs and maintenance expense and increased utilization of firm transportation capacity as volumes in our central Pennsylvania operating area have increased. The per unit increases were offset, in part, by the overall increase in total sales volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward‑looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from any such forward‑looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the section entitled “Forward‑Looking Statements.” CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
CNX continually monitors factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ from historical results or current expectations. Examples include global events such as the current uncertainties in global financial markets, geopolitical tensions and announcements by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that impact oil production, all of which have had an impact on global commodity prices. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to not be comparable to those of the same period in previous years. The results presented in this Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Natural Gas, NGL, and Oil Pricing
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that CNX produces significantly impact revenue and cash flows. In the current economic environment, CNX expects that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce will remain volatile. In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length as well as financial hedges. However, this market volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Inflation
The inflationary environment over the last few years, primarily related to steel, diesel fuel and labor, continues to present risk for CNX and the broader natural gas industry. If inflation were to increase materially for any extended period of time, and CNX is unable to successfully mitigate the impact, our costs could increase further, thus having a greater impact on our financial position. CNX remains committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset any additional potential cost increases from inflation.
2025 Highlights:
•Proved developed reserves of 7.0 Tcfe as of December 31, 2025
•Total sales volumes of 629.0 Bcfe
•Shale sales volumes of 590.8 Bcfe
•Repurchased 16.9 million shares of CNX common stock for $528 million on the open market at an average price of $31.00 (see Note 5 – Stock Repurchase in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information).
•On January 27, 2025, CNX completed the acquisition of Apex Energy II, LLC, (“the Apex Transaction”) for cash consideration of approximately $518 million (see Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information).
2026 Outlook:
•Our 2026 annual sales volumes are expected to be approximately 605 - 620 Bcfe.
•Our 2026 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $556 - $586 million.
•CNX’s 2026 capital expenditures includes the first of three annual payments of $16 million associated with an agreement that grants CNX the right to acquire Utica Shale oil and gas rights that sit beneath the legacy Apex Energy footprint.
45
Results of Operations:
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2025 to the year ended December 31, 2024. A similar discussion and analysis that compares year ended December 31, 2024 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 is omitted from this Annual Report on Form 10-K and may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Net Income (Loss)
CNX reported net income of $633 million, or earnings per diluted share of $3.98, for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $90 million, or a loss per diluted share of $0.60, for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025 was an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $278 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $97 million. Included in the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $453 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $25 million. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the gain on asset sales and abandonments.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the Company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
46
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 2,239 | $ | 1,267 | ||
| (Deduct) Add: | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (45) | (59) | ||||
| (Gain) Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Unrealized | (278) | 453 | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (183) | (194) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 1,733 | $ | 1,467 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 1,348 | $ | 1,260 | ||
| Deduct: | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (20) | (16) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (11) | (8) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (43) | (57) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (140) | (146) | ||||
| Other Operating Expense | (69) | (83) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 1,065 | $ | 950 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 629.0 | 550.8 | 78.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,914 | $ | 3.06 | $ | 1,186 | $ | 2.09 | $ | 728 | $ | 0.97 | ||||||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | (181) | (0.31) | 281 | 0.57 | (462) | (0.88) | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,733 | 2.75 | 1,467 | 2.66 | 266 | 0.09 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 97 | 0.15 | 70 | 0.13 | 27 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 31 | 0.05 | 28 | 0.05 | 3 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 383 | 0.61 | 382 | 0.69 | 1 | (0.08) | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 554 | 0.88 | 470 | 0.85 | 84 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,065 | 1.69 | 950 | 1.72 | 115 | (0.03) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 668 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 517 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 151 | $ | 0.12 |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The 78.2 Bcfe increase in sales volumes was primarily due to the Apex Transaction that was completed in the first quarter of 2025 (see Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information) and the timing of when new wells were turned-in-line. The increase in volumes was offset, in part, by normal production declines.
47
Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Lease operating expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to an increase in water disposal costs as more water was taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions and an increase in well tending expense. The increases were offset, in part, by the overall increase in total sales volumes.
•Transportation, gathering and compression expense decreased on a per unit basis primarily due to the overall increase in total sales volumes, a decrease in processing costs due to the production mix of higher dry gas volumes and an increase in lower cost ethane volumes. The per unit decreases were offset, in part, by higher repairs and maintenance expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to a slightly higher annual depletion rate. The increases were offset, in part, by the overall increase in total sales volumes.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents a breakout of liquids and natural gas sales information and settled derivative information to assist in the understanding of the Company’s natural gas production and sales portfolio and information regarding settled commodity derivatives:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands (unless noted) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| LIQUIDS | |||||||||||||||
| NGL: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 47,440 | 52,949 | (5,509) | (10.4) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 7,907 | 8,825 | (918) | (10.4) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 21.30 | $ | 21.60 | $ | (0.30) | (1.4) | % | |||||||
| Gross NGL Revenue | $ | 168,574 | $ | 190,374 | $ | (21,800) | (11.5) | % | |||||||
| Oil/Condensate: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 919 | 943 | (24) | (2.5) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 153 | 157 | (4) | (2.5) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 55.26 | $ | 61.56 | $ | (6.30) | (10.2) | % | |||||||
| Gross Oil/Condensate Revenue | $ | 8,461 | $ | 9,675 | $ | (1,214) | (12.5) | % | |||||||
| NATURAL GAS | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcf) | 580,601 | 496,921 | 83,680 | 16.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Price ($/Mcf) | $ | 2.99 | $ | 1.98 | $ | 1.01 | 51.0 | % | |||||||
| Gross Gas Revenue | $ | 1,736,693 | $ | 986,028 | $ | 750,665 | 76.1 | % | |||||||
| Hedging Impact ($/Mcf) | $ | (0.31) | $ | 0.57 | $ | (0.88) | (154.4) | % | |||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | $ | (181,020) | $ | 281,195 | $ | (462,215) | (164.4) | % |
The increase in Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure, was primarily due to the 83.7 Bcf increase in natural gas sales volumes and the $1.01 per Mcf increase in natural gas sales price, when excluding the impact of hedging. These increases were offset, in-part, by the impact of the change in the (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlement related to the Company's hedging program, the 5.5 Bcfe decrease in NGL sales volumes and the $0.30 per barrel decrease in NGL prices.
48
SEGMENT ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024:
| For the Year Ended | Difference to Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,764 | $ | 148 | $ | 2 | $ | 1,914 | $ | 684 | $ | 43 | $ | 1 | $ | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments | (170) | (11) | 278 | 97 | (430) | (32) | 731 | 269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | — | — | 45 | 45 | — | — | (14) | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | 69 | — | 114 | 183 | 1 | — | (12) | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | 1,663 | 137 | 439 | 2,239 | 255 | 11 | 706 | 972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 73 | 24 | — | 97 | 25 | 2 | — | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 25 | 6 | — | 31 | 3 | — | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 317 | 64 | 2 | 383 | 1 | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 488 | 60 | 26 | 574 | 83 | — | 5 | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | — | — | 11 | 11 | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | — | — | 43 | 43 | — | — | (14) | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | — | — | 140 | 140 | — | — | (6) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expense | — | — | 69 | 69 | — | — | (14) | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Costs and Expenses | 903 | 154 | 291 | 1,348 | 112 | 2 | (26) | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense | — | — | 14 | 14 | — | — | 20 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net | — | — | (97) | (97) | — | — | (72) | (72) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | (6) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | — | — | 170 | 170 | — | — | 19 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | — | — | 88 | 88 | — | — | (39) | (39) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 903 | 154 | 379 | 1,436 | 112 | 2 | (65) | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 760 | $ | (17) | $ | 60 | $ | 803 | $ | 143 | $ | 9 | $ | 771 | $ | 923 |
49
SHALE SEGMENT
The Shale segment had earnings before income tax of $760 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to earnings before income tax of $617 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Shale Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 542.6 | 457.5 | 85.1 | 18.6 | % | |||||||||
| NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 47.4 | 53.0 | (5.6) | (10.6) | % | |||||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 0.8 | 0.9 | (0.1) | (11.1) | % | |||||||||
| Total Shale Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 590.8 | 511.4 | 79.4 | 15.5 | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 2.93 | $ | 1.92 | $ | 1.01 | 52.6 | % | ||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement (per Mcf) | $ | (0.31) | $ | 0.57 | $ | (0.88) | (154.4) | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - NGLs (per Mcfe)* | $ | 3.55 | $ | 3.60 | $ | (0.05) | (1.4) | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - Oil/Condensate (per Mcfe)* | $ | 9.03 | $ | 10.23 | $ | (1.20) | (11.7) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Sales Price (per Mcfe) | $ | 2.70 | $ | 2.62 | $ | 0.08 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
| Average Shale Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcfe) | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcfe) | 0.04 | 0.04 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.54 | 0.62 | (0.08) | (12.9) | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.83 | 0.80 | 0.03 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Costs (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.53 | $ | 1.55 | $ | (0.02) | (1.3) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Margin (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.17 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 0.10 | 9.3 | % |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The increase in total Shale sales volumes was primarily due to the Apex Transaction that was completed in the first quarter of 2025 (see Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information) and the timing of when new wells were turned-in-line. The increase in volumes was offset, in part, by normal production declines.
The Shale segment had natural gas, NGLs and oil/condensate revenue of $1,764 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $1,080 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The $684 million increase was due primarily to a 52.6% increase in the average sales price for natural gas and an 18.6% increase in Shale gas sales volumes. These increases were offset, in part, by a 10.6% decrease in NGLs sales volumes and a 1.4% decrease in the average sales price for NGLs.
The increase in total average Shale sales price was primarily due to a $1.01 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price. These increases were offset, in part, by a $0.88 per Mcf change in the (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlements and a $0.05 per Mcfe decrease in the average NGL sales price. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 452.6 Bcf of the Company's produced Shale gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2025 at an average loss of $0.38 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2024, these financial hedges represented approximately 389.7 Bcf at an average gain of $0.67 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the Shale segment were $903 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $791 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars and decrease in unit costs for the Shale segment were due to the following items:
•Shale lease operating expenses were $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars and unit costs was primarily related to an increase in water disposal costs as more water was taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions, higher well tending expense and higher repairs and maintenance expense. The increase in unit costs was offset, in part, by the increase in total Shale sales volumes.
50
•Shale production, ad valorem and other fees were $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars was primarily due to increased realized prices on natural gas and a change in production mix by state. Unit costs remained flat in the period-to-period comparison due to the overall increase in volumes.
•Shale transportation, gathering and compression costs were $317 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $316 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars was primarily due to higher repairs and maintenance and electrical compression expense offset, in part, by lower processing costs due to the production mix of higher dry gas volumes and an increase in lower cost ethane volumes. The decrease in unit costs was due to the increase in total Shale sales volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the Shale segment were $488 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $405 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.72 per Mcfe and $0.68 per Mcfe, respectively. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
Total Shale other revenue and operating income relates to natural gas gathering services provided to third parties. The Shale segment had other revenue and operating income of $69 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to an increase in third-party gathering volumes.
COALBED METHANE (CBM) SEGMENT
The CBM segment had a loss before income tax of $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a loss before income tax of $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 37.8 | 39.1 | (1.3) | (3.3) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 3.91 | $ | 2.69 | $ | 1.22 | 45.4 | % | ||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | (0.30) | $ | 0.53 | $ | (0.83) | (156.6) | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 3.61 | $ | 3.21 | $ | 0.40 | 12.5 | % | ||||||
| Average CBM Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcf) | 0.64 | 0.56 | 0.08 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcf) | 0.17 | 0.14 | 0.03 | 21.4 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcf) | 1.69 | 1.65 | 0.04 | 2.4 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcf) | 1.56 | 1.52 | 0.04 | 2.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Costs (per Mcf) | $ | 4.06 | $ | 3.87 | $ | 0.19 | 4.9 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Margin (per Mcf) | $ | (0.45) | $ | (0.66) | $ | 0.21 | 31.8 | % |
The CBM segment had natural gas revenue of $148 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The $43 million increase was primarily due to a 45.4% increase in the average sales price for natural gas in the current period offset, in part, by a 3.3% decrease in CBM sales volumes due to normal production declines.
The total average CBM sales price increased $0.40 per Mcf due to a $1.22 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price, offset, in part, by a $0.83 per Mcf change in the (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlements. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 29.5 Bcf of the Company's produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2025 at an average loss of $0.39 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2024, these financial hedges represented approximately 30.6 Bcf at an average gain of $0.67 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the CBM segment were $154 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $152 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following items:
51
•CBM lease operating expense was $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars and unit costs was primarily due to an increase in repair and maintenance and well tending expense. The increase in per unit costs was also due to the decrease in total CBM volumes.
•CBM production, ad valorem and other fees were $6 million for both the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. The increase in unit costs was primarily due to the decrease in total CBM volumes.
•CBM transportation, gathering and compression costs were $64 million for both the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. The increase in per unit costs was also due to the decrease in CBM gas sales volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $60 million for both the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. These amounts also included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.85 per Mcfe for both periods. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
OTHER SEGMENT
The Other Segment includes nominal shallow oil and gas production which is not significant to the Company. It also includes the Company's purchased gas activities, unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments, sales of environmental attributes, exploration and production related other costs, as well as various other expenses that are managed outside the Shale and CBM segments such as selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”), interest expense and income taxes.
The Other Segment had earnings before income tax of $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a loss before income tax of $711 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in total dollars is discussed below.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 0.3 | 0.3 | — | — | % | ||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 0.1 | — | 0.1 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Total Other Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 | % |
*Oil/Condensate is converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil and natural gas prices.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $278 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $453 million. The unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis.
Purchased Gas Revenue and Costs
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of natural gas purchased at market prices from third parties and then resold in order to fulfill contracts with certain customers and to balance supply. Purchased gas revenue was $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $59 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Purchased gas costs were $43 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $57 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The period-to-period decrease in purchased gas revenue was due to a decrease in purchased gas sales volumes.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in Bcf) | 13.1 | 31.1 | (18.0) | (57.9) | % | |||||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 3.47 | $ | 1.91 | $ | 1.56 | 81.7 | % | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Cost (per Mcf) | $ | 3.27 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 1.43 | 77.7 | % |
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Other Revenue and Operating Income
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Sales of Environmental Attributes | $ | 78 | $ | 95 | $ | (17) | (17.9) | % | ||||||
| Excess Firm Transportation Income | 22 | 20 | 2 | 10.0 | % | |||||||||
| Water Income | 15 | 12 | 3 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||
| Equity Loss from Affiliates | (1) | (1) | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Revenue and Operating Income | $ | 114 | $ | 126 | $ | (12) | (9.5) | % |
•Sales of environmental attributes include items such as (but are not limited to): carbon credits, air quality credits, renewable or alternative energy credits, methane capture credits, methane performance certificates, emission reductions, offsets and/or allowances. The quantities and types of environmental attributes we sell and the associated revenue can vary depending on a number of factors, including the market for these credits, changes to the various voluntary or compliance programs under which the credits are generated and sold, and our ability to strictly comply with the programs under which the attributes can be sold. The decrease in the period-to-period comparison was due to a decrease in the amount of environmental attributes sold and a decrease in the price received.
•Excess firm transportation income represents revenue from the sale of excess firm transportation capacity to third parties. The Company obtains firm pipeline transportation capacity to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase. In order to minimize this unutilized firm transportation expense, CNX is able to release (sell) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue from released capacity helps offset the Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees in Total Other Operating Expense.
•Water income represents revenue generated when CNX accepts deliveries of produced water from third parties for reuse in the Company’s hydraulic fracturing operations, as well as from sales of freshwater to third parties. Water income increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in third-party sales in the current period.
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Seismic Activity | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 2 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Land Rentals | 4 | 3 | 1 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||
| Lease Expiration Costs | 3 | 4 | (1) | (25.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other Expense | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | $ | 11 | $ | 8 | $ | 3 | 37.5 | % |
•Seismic activity expense in the current period primarily relates to the acquisition of three-dimensional seismic data.
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SG&A
SG&A includes costs such as overhead, including employee labor and benefit costs, short-term incentive compensation, costs of maintaining our headquarters, audit and other professional fees, charitable contributions and legal compliance expenses. SG&A costs also include non-cash long-term equity-based compensation expense.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits | $ | 26 | $ | 30 | $ | (4) | (13.3) | % | ||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Compensation | 22 | 23 | (1) | (4.3) | % | |||||||||
| Contributions and Advertising | 6 | 5 | 1 | 20.0 | % | |||||||||
| Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation (Non-Cash) | 24 | 20 | 4 | 20.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 62 | 68 | (6) | (8.8) | % | |||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 140 | $ | 146 | $ | (6) | (4.1) | % |
•Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to a reduction in headcount that occurred at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
•Long-term equity-based compensation (non-cash) increased in the period-to-period comparison due to an increase in equity awards issued in the current year.
•Other decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to lower professional services and various other one-time items, none of which were individually material.
Other Operating Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees | $ | 38 | $ | 48 | $ | (10) | (20.8) | % | ||||||
| Environmental Attribute Fees | 11 | 15 | (4) | (26.7) | % | |||||||||
| Water Expense | 1 | 2 | (1) | (50.0) | % | |||||||||
| Idle Equipment and Service Charges | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Insurance Expense | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Inventory Adjustments | 2 | 2 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Virginia Flood Expense | — | (1) | 1 | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 9 | 9 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Expense | $ | 69 | $ | 83 | $ | (14) | (16.9) | % |
•Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for NGLs. In some instances, the Company may have the opportunity to realize more favorable net pricing by strategically choosing to sell natural gas into a market or to a customer that does not require the use of the Company’s own firm transportation capacity. Such sales would result in an increase in unutilized firm transportation expense. The Company attempts to minimize this expense by releasing (selling) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue received when this capacity is released (sold) is included in Excess Firm Transportation Income in Other Operating Income. The decrease in period-to-period comparison was primarily due to lower fees in the current period, resulting from capacity optimization driven by colder weather in the earlier part of the year.
•Environmental attribute fees represent costs related to the sale of environmental attributes that are included in Other Revenue and Operating Income. The decrease in fees in the period-to-period comparison relates to the decrease in sales above.
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Other Expense (Income)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||
| Litigation Recoveries | $ | 1 | $ | 20 | $ | (19) | (95.0) | % | ||||||
| Interest Income | 1 | 2 | (1) | (50.0) | % | |||||||||
| Right-of-Way Sales | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 7 | $ | 25 | $ | (18) | (72.0) | % | ||||||
| Other Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Other Land Rental Expense | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | — | — | % | ||||||
| Professional Services | 4 | 5 | (1) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||
| Bank Fees | 10 | 11 | (1) | (9.1) | % | |||||||||
| Other Corporate Expense | 4 | — | 4 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 21 | $ | 19 | $ | 2 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
| Total Other Expense (Income) | $ | 14 | $ | (6) | $ | 20 | 333.3 | % |
•CNX pursues legal recoveries when certain circumstances arise. The decrease in litigation recoveries in the period-to-period comparison was the result of various recoveries that occurred in the prior period.
•Other corporate expense primarily consists of severance expense related to the reduction in headcount that occurred at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net
A net gain on asset sales of $97 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net gain of $25 million in the year ended December 31, 2024. The net gain recognized during the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to the sale of approximately 7,500 acres of Marcellus Shale rights primarily located in Monroe County, Ohio, for net proceeds of $57 million. The remaining net gain during the period primarily relates to sale of various other non-core assets (primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-operated oil and gas interests and assets) none of which were individually material.
The net gain during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relates to a $51 million gain on the sale of various non-core assets (primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and the interest in various non-operated oil and gas assets), none of which were individually material. These gains were offset, in part, by a $26 million loss on the sale of a non-core pipeline to a third party.
See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $1 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2024. The loss recognized during the year ended December 31, 2025 was in connection with CNX’s issuance of common stock in exchange for $122 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.25% Convertible Notes due May 2026. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
The loss recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 was in connection with CNX’s repurchase of $350 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at an average price equal to 101.9% of their principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
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Interest Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | $ | 170 | $ | 151 | $ | 19 | 12.6 | % |
The $19 million increase in total interest expense was primarily due to higher borrowings on both the CNX and CNXM Credit Facilities and higher principal balances related to the long-term debt that was issued in 2025. The increase was offset, in part, by lower weighted average interest rates on both the CNX and CNXM Credit Facilities. See Note 10 – Revolving Credit Facilities and Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Income Taxes
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Company Income (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 803 | $ | (120) | $ | 923 | 769.2 | % | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ | 170 | $ | (30) | $ | 200 | 666.7 | % | ||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | 21.1 | % | 24.8 | % | (3.7) | % |
The effective income tax rate was 21.1% for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 24.8% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to federal tax credits, state income taxes including tax rate changes, equity compensation, and the impact of changes in certain state deferred tax asset valuation allowances. See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview, Sources and Uses
CNX generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CNX currently believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments, if any, and to provide required letters of credit for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future thereafter. Nevertheless, the ability of CNX to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the natural gas industry and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CNX’s control.
From time to time, CNX is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies' statutes and regulations. CNX sometimes uses letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce the Company's borrowing facility capacity.
CNX continuously reviews its liquidity and capital resources. If market conditions were to change, for instance due to a significant decline in commodity prices, and our revenue was reduced significantly or operating and capital costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced.
As of December 31, 2025, CNX was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. After considering the potential effect of a significant decline in commodity prices, CNX currently expects to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.
CNX frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CNX has historically funded acquisitions with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to CNX on terms which CNX finds acceptable, or at all.
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Factors that may Impact our Liquidity
•The Company’s cash on hand and access to additional liquidity. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $13 million as of December 31, 2025 and $55 million as of December 31, 2024.
•Accounts and notes receivable - trade as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were $265 million and $180 million, respectively. Our accounts and notes receivable balance may fluctuate as of any balance sheet date depending on the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs and the volumes sold.
•Capital expenditures are expected to range between $556 million to $586 million for the year ended December 31, 2026. For the year ended December 31, 2025, CNX had capital expenditures of $495.0 million.
•Production volumes are expected to range between 605 Bcfe and 620 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2026. For the year ended December 31, 2025, CNX had production volumes of 629.0 Bcfe.
•Prices for natural gas and NGLs are volatile, and an extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs will adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows.
•In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CNX also enters into various financial natural gas and NGL swap transactions to manage the market risk exposure to in-basin and out-of-basin pricing. The fair value of these contracts was a net liability of $296 million at December 31, 2025 and a net liability of $536 million at December 31, 2024. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. See Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of this Form 10-K for further discussion of our commodity risk management.
•CNX may from time to time seek to repurchase and retire outstanding debt, issue new debt, or repurchase a portion of its outstanding common stock through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, Rule 10b5-1 plans, accelerated stock repurchases, block trades, derivative contracts or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18. The amounts involved in any such transactions may be material. See Note 12: Long Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information for discussion related to CNX’s outstanding debt and Note 5 – Stock Repurchase in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information for discussion related to the repurchase of CNXs outstanding common stock.
Cash Flows (in millions)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | ||||||||
| Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 1,029 | $ | 816 | $ | 213 | ||||
| Cash Used in Investing Activities | $ | (901) | $ | (484) | $ | (417) | ||||
| Cash Used in Financing Activities | $ | (170) | $ | (277) | $ | 107 |
Cash provided by operating activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Net income increased $724 million in the period-to-period comparison.
•Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of a $721 million net change in commodity derivative instruments, a $195 million net increase in deferred income taxes, a $72 million change in the gain on asset sales and abandonments, net, and an $87 million net increase from various other changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Capital expenditures decreased $45 million primarily due to a decrease in drilling and completions activity in Marcellus Shale.
•Proceeds from asset sales increased $47 million primarily due to the sale of Marcellus Shale rights primarily located in Monroe County, Ohio to a third party during the year ended December 31, 2025 for cash proceeds of $57 million. The remaining variance includes the sale of various non-core assets, rights-of-way, surface acreage and other oil and gas royalty interest in both periods. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company completed the Apex Transaction for total cash consideration of approximately $518 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
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Cash used in financing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility increased $74 million and repayments under the CNXM Credit Facility decreased $32 million.
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility increased $793 million and repayments under the CNX Credit Facility increased $627 million.
•During the year ended December 31, 2025, CNX issued an additional $200 million aggregate principal amount of additional 7.25% senior notes due 2032 at a price of 100.5% of par. This issuance also included an underwriter discount and other issuance costs of $1.5 million, for net cash proceeds of $198.5 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX paid $357 million to repurchase $350 million aggregate principal amount of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at a price of 101.9% of their principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2032 at par. The issuance included an underwriter discount and other issuance costs of $5 million, for net cash proceeds of $395 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, CNX repurchased $524 million and $184 million, respectively, of its common stock on the open market.
•During the year ended December 31, 2025, debt issuance and financing fees decreased $14 million primarily due to amending both the CNX and CNXM Credit Facilities in 2024. See Note 10 – Revolving Credit Facilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Commitments and Significant Contractual and Other Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company's significant contractual and other obligations at December 31, 2025 (in thousands):
| Payments due by Year | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Order Firm Commitments | $ | 12,147 | $ | 6,442 | $ | 2,361 | $ | — | $ | 20,950 | ||||||||
| Gas Firm Transportation and Processing | 258,722 | 473,165 | 271,442 | 457,473 | 1,460,802 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | 208,131 | — | 1,130,250 | 1,091,040 | 2,429,421 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Long-Term Debt | 145,017 | 285,342 | 209,526 | 83,688 | 723,573 | |||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligations | 6,059 | 20,667 | 14,511 | 5,865 | 47,102 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Finance Lease Obligations | 2,773 | 4,404 | 1,995 | 407 | 9,579 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | 48,408 | 86,792 | 11,924 | 6,284 | 153,408 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Operating Lease Obligations | 7,991 | 7,497 | 1,320 | 941 | 17,749 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a) | 2,811 | 5,628 | 5,372 | 18,607 | 32,418 | |||||||||||||
| Other Long-Term Liabilities (b) | 262,360 | 47,000 | 22,400 | 139,051 | 470,811 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations (c) | $ | 954,419 | $ | 936,937 | $ | 1,671,101 | $ | 1,803,356 | $ | 5,365,813 |
_________________________
(a)Employee related long-term liabilities include salaried retirement contributions and work-related injuries and illnesses.
(b)Other long-term liabilities include royalties and other long-term liability costs.
(c)The table above does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
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Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CNX does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CNX uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure the Company's financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2025. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CNX.
Debt
At December 31, 2025, CNX had total long-term debt of $2,429 million, including the current portion of long-term debt of $208 million and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. This long-term debt consisted of:
•An aggregate principal amount of $600 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2032 less $5 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031, less $4 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX’s subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 issued by CNXM, less $3 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of these notes.
•An aggregate principal amount of $209 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased, or converted, less $1 million of unamortized discount and issuance costs. Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner). The Convertible Notes are classified as short-term debt at December 31, 2025.
•An aggregate principal amount of $200 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNX Credit Facility is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $33 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNXM Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of the CNXM Facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, CNX entered into a privately negotiated exchange agreement with a limited number of holders of its 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 to exchange approximately $122 million aggregate principal amount of Notes for consideration consisting of an aggregate of approximately $1 million in cash (including accrued interest) and 9,509,188 shares of common stock. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, CNX issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of additional 7.25% senior notes due 2032 (the "New Notes") at a price of 100.5% of par, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2024 to the date of closing less an underwriter discount and other issuance costs of $2 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
Total Equity and Dividends
CNX had total equity of $4,337 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $4,098 million at December 31, 2024. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
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The declaration and payment of dividends by CNX is subject to the discretion of CNX's Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CNX will pay dividends in the future. CNX has not paid dividends on its common stock since 2016. The determination to pay dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CNX's financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CNX, planned investments by CNX, and such other factors as CNX’s Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, CNX’s ability to pay dividends is limited by the covenants governing the CNX Credit Facility and the indentures governing certain of CNX’s Senior Notes.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical accounting estimates are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2025, prior to consideration of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, CNX had deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $825 million. At December 31, 2025, CNX had a valuation allowance of $32 million on deferred tax assets.
CNX evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation of the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, which are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s uncertain tax liabilities.
Natural Gas, NGL, Condensate and Oil Reserve (“Natural Gas Reserve”) Values
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable natural gas reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable natural gas reserves are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our natural gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•geological conditions;
•historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
•the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
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•assumptions governing future prices; and
•future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas attributable to a particular group of properties, and classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be material. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
The Company believes that the accounting estimate related to oil and gas reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because the Company must periodically reevaluate proved reserves along with estimates of future production rates, production costs and the estimated timing of development expenditures. Future results of operations and strength of the balance sheet for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions. See “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” below for additional information regarding the Company’s oil and gas reserves.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying values of the Company's proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. The Company groups its assets by geological and geographical characteristics. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using a market-specific weighted average cost of capital. There were no indicators of impairment related to the Company's proved oil and gas properties in the years ended December 31, 2025 or 2024.
CNX evaluates capitalized costs of unproved gas properties for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include, but are not limited to, changes brought about by economic factors, commodity price outlooks, our geologists’ evaluation of the property, favorable or unfavorable activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, potential shifts in business strategy employed by management and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. There were no indicators of impairment related to the Company’s unproved properties in the years ended December 31, 2025 or 2024.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of long-lived assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. In addition, when indicators are identified the Company must determine the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as well as the impact of commodity price outlooks. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates, such as different assumptions in projected revenues, future commodity prices or the weighted average costs of capital, could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of long-lived assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We may assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment, which considers specific factors, based on the weight of evidence, and the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. From time to time, we may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded, which is the difference between carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. The estimation of fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach and/or the market approach as described below.
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The income approach is a quantitative evaluation to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the income approach we determine the fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital plus a forecast risk, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The inputs used for the income approach were significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as described in the accounting fair value hierarchy. CNX determined the fair value based on estimated future cash flows and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure) and also included estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were derived from board approved budgeted amounts, a seven-year operating forecast and an estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent cash flows were developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.
The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through the analysis of recent transactions and/or financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
The determination of the fair value requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; discount rates; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation, depletion, and amortization and capital expenditures. The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.
For the Company’s annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company elected to perform a qualitative impairment test on its goodwill and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying value and goodwill was not impaired.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results as well as other assumptions such as movement in the Company's stock price, weighted-average cost of capital, terminal growth rates, changes in the business climate, unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, adverse legal or regulatory actions or developments, changes in capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditure levels, operating cash flows, or market capitalization and industry multiples. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about goodwill impairment which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001070412-25-000049.
ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward‑looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from any such forward‑looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the section entitled “Forward‑Looking Statements.” CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
CNX continually monitors factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ from historical results or current expectations. Examples include global events such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and announcements by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that impact oil production, both of which have had an impact on global commodity prices. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to not be comparable to those of the same period in previous years. The results presented in this Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Natural Gas, NGL, and Oil Pricing
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that CNX produces significantly impact revenue and cash flows. In the current economic environment, CNX expects that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce will remain volatile. In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length as well as financial hedges. However, this market volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Inflation
The inflationary environment over the last few years, primarily related to steel, diesel fuel and labor, continues to present risk for CNX and the broader natural gas industry. If inflation were to increase materially for any extended period of time, and CNX is unable to successfully mitigate the impact, our costs could increase further, thus having a greater impact on our financial position. CNX remains committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset any additional potential cost increases from inflation.
New Technologies Update
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, CNX recognized $95 million and $41 million of sales of environmental attributes which includes items such as (but is not limited to): carbon credits, air quality credits, renewable or alternative energy credits, methane capture credits, methane performance certificates, emission reductions, offsets and/or allowances. These sales are included as part of Other Revenue and Operating Income in the Other Segment. For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, CNX incurred $15 million and $7 million of environmental attribute fees which represent costs related to the sale of environmental attributes and are included in Other Operating Expense in the Other Segment.
On January 3, 2025, the Department of the Treasury issued final rules regarding the Inflation Reduction Act’s Section 45V Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. The Department of Treasury's recognition of captured waste coal mine methane (CMM) as a feedstock for hydrogen production is validation of its inherent environmental and economic benefits and an important step in continuing to monetize the value of this unique asset. The Company has now successfully validated the premium pricing that low-carbon intensity waste methane capture (CMM) blends enjoy in the manufacturing, hydrogen production, and power generation sectors. However, CNX believes that the final 45V implementation rules are overly restrictive across a range of feedstocks and do not currently appear to create sufficient economic incentives for the Company to expand its CMM capture operations for hydrogen end use. Notwithstanding the specifics of the 45V rule, the Company intends to utilize this important validation of the product to pursue other incentive pathways across these sectors, as well as establish similar markets in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, transportation, aviation, voluntary market platforms, and government/regulatory platforms arenas.
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2024 Highlights:
•Proved developed reserves of 6.1 Tcfe as of December 31, 2024
•Total sales volumes of 550.8 Bcfe
•Shale sales volumes of 511.4 Bcfe
•Repurchased 7.2 million shares of CNX common stock for $179 million on the open market at an average price of $24.68.
2025 Outlook:
•On January 21, 2025, the Company closed on a private offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of additional 7.25% senior notes due 2032 at a price of 100.5% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2024 to the date of closing. See Note 22 – Subsequent Event in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
•On January 27, 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of the natural gas upstream and associated midstream business of Apex Energy II, LLC (“the Apex Transaction") for total cash consideration of approximately $505 million, subject to certain adjustments. See Note 22 – Subsequent Event in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
•Our 2025 annual sales volumes are expected to be approximately 605-620 Bcfe.
•Our 2025 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $450-$500 million.
•Our 2025 sales of environmental attributes, net of corresponding fees, are expected to be approximately $75 million. However, our ability to sell environmental attributes can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K.
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Results of Operations:
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023. A similar discussion and analysis that compares year ended December 31, 2023 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 is omitted from this Form 10-K and may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Net (Loss) Income
CNX reported a net loss of $90 million, or a loss per diluted share of $0.60, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $1,721 million, or earnings per diluted share of $8.99, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Included in the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $453 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $25 million. Included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023 was an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $1,765 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $132 million. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the gain on asset sales and abandonments.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the Company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 1,267 | $ | 3,435 | ||
| (Deduct) Add: | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (59) | (75) | ||||
| Loss (Gain) on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Unrealized | 453 | (1,765) | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (194) | (130) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 1,467 | $ | 1,465 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 1,260 | $ | 1,192 | ||
| (Deduct): | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (16) | (14) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (8) | (10) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (57) | (70) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (146) | (125) | ||||
| Other Operating Expense | (83) | (80) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 950 | $ | 893 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 550.8 | 560.4 | (9.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,186 | $ | 2.09 | $ | 1,302 | $ | 2.29 | $ | (116) | $ | (0.20) | ||||||||||
| Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | 281 | 0.57 | 163 | 0.32 | 118 | 0.25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,467 | 2.66 | 1,465 | 2.61 | 2 | 0.05 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 70 | 0.13 | 63 | 0.11 | 7 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 28 | 0.05 | 28 | 0.05 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 382 | 0.69 | 382 | 0.68 | — | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 470 | 0.85 | 420 | 0.75 | 50 | 0.10 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 950 | 1.72 | 893 | 1.59 | 57 | 0.13 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 517 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 572 | $ | 1.02 | $ | (55) | $ | (0.08) |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The 9.6 Bcfe decrease in total sales volumes in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to a 17.7 Bcfe decrease in natural gas sales volumes resulting from normal production declines and the timing of when new wells were turned-in-line after the 2023 period. The decrease was offset, in part, by an 8.5 Bcfe increase in NGL sales volumes primarily due to an increase in ethane recoveries.
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Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Lease operating expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to an increase in water disposal costs as more water was taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions and an increase in well tending expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to a higher annual depletion rate for 2024. The increase in rate is primarily attributable to downward reserve revisions due to adjustments to the five-year development plan that lowered proved undeveloped reserves, price changes, and the sale of various non-operated producing oil and gas assets.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents a breakout of liquids and natural gas sales information and settled derivative information to assist in the understanding of the Company’s natural gas production and sales portfolio and information regarding settled commodity derivatives:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands (unless noted) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| LIQUIDS | |||||||||||||||
| NGL: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 52,949 | 44,461 | 8,488 | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 8,825 | 7,410 | 1,415 | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 21.60 | $ | 21.24 | $ | 0.36 | 1.7 | % | |||||||
| Gross NGL Revenue | $ | 190,374 | $ | 157,573 | $ | 32,801 | 20.8 | % | |||||||
| Oil/Condensate: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 943 | 1,236 | (293) | (23.7) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 157 | 206 | (49) | (23.8) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 61.56 | $ | 65.88 | $ | (4.32) | (6.6) | % | |||||||
| Gross Oil/Condensate Revenue | $ | 9,675 | $ | 13,577 | $ | (3,902) | (28.7) | % | |||||||
| NATURAL GAS | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcf) | 496,921 | 514,669 | (17,748) | (3.4) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Price ($/Mcf) | $ | 1.98 | $ | 2.20 | $ | (0.22) | (10.0) | % | |||||||
| Gross Gas Revenue | $ | 986,028 | $ | 1,131,068 | $ | (145,040) | (12.8) | % | |||||||
| Hedging Impact ($/Mcf) | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.25 | (78.1) | % | |||||||
| Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | $ | 281,195 | $ | 163,026 | $ | 118,169 | (72.5) | % |
The increase in Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure, was primarily due to the impact of the change in the gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlement related to the Company's hedging program, the 8.5 Bcfe increase in NGL sales volumes and the $0.36 per barrel increase in NGL prices. These increases were offset, in-part, by the $0.22 per Mcf decrease in natural gas sales price, when excluding the impact of hedging, and the 17.7 Bcf decrease in natural gas sales volume.
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SEGMENT ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023:
| For the Year Ended | Difference to Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,080 | $ | 105 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,186 | $ | (90) | $ | (26) | $ | — | $ | (116) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments | 260 | 21 | (453) | (172) | 109 | 9 | (2,218) | (2,100) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | — | — | 59 | 59 | — | — | (16) | (16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | 68 | — | 126 | 194 | 1 | — | 63 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue (Loss) and Other Operating Income | 1,408 | 126 | (267) | 1,267 | 20 | (17) | (2,171) | (2,168) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 48 | 22 | — | 70 | 4 | 3 | — | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 22 | 6 | — | 28 | 1 | (1) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 316 | 64 | 2 | 382 | — | (2) | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 405 | 60 | 21 | 486 | 40 | 10 | 2 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | — | — | 8 | 8 | — | — | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | — | — | 57 | 57 | — | — | (13) | (13) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | — | — | 146 | 146 | — | — | 21 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expense | — | — | 83 | 83 | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Costs and Expenses | 791 | 152 | 317 | 1,260 | 45 | 10 | 13 | 68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (Income) Expense | — | — | (6) | (6) | — | — | (15) | (15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net | — | — | (25) | (25) | — | — | 107 | 107 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | 7 | 7 | — | — | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | — | — | 151 | 151 | — | — | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | — | — | 127 | 127 | — | — | 107 | 107 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 791 | 152 | 444 | 1,387 | 45 | 10 | 120 | 175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 617 | $ | (26) | $ | (711) | $ | (120) | $ | (25) | $ | (27) | $ | (2,291) | $ | (2,343) |
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SHALE SEGMENT
The Shale segment had earnings before income tax of $617 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to earnings before income tax of $642 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Shale Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 457.5 | 473.8 | (16.3) | (3.4) | % | |||||||||
| NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 53.0 | 44.5 | 8.5 | 19.1 | % | |||||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 0.9 | 1.2 | (0.3) | (25.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Shale Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 511.4 | 519.5 | (8.1) | (1.6) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 1.92 | $ | 2.11 | $ | (0.19) | (9.0) | % | ||||||
| Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement (per Mcf) | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.25 | 78.1 | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - NGLs (per Mcfe)* | $ | 3.60 | $ | 3.54 | $ | 0.06 | 1.7 | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - Oil/Condensate (per Mcfe)* | $ | 10.23 | $ | 10.95 | $ | (0.72) | (6.6) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Sales Price (per Mcfe) | $ | 2.62 | $ | 2.54 | $ | 0.08 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
| Average Shale Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcfe) | 0.09 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 12.5 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcfe) | 0.04 | 0.04 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.62 | 0.61 | 0.01 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.80 | 0.70 | 0.10 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Costs (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.55 | $ | 1.43 | $ | 0.12 | 8.4 | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Margin (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.11 | $ | (0.04) | (3.6) | % |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Shale segment had natural gas, NGLs and oil/condensate revenue of $1,080 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $1,170 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $90 million decrease was due primarily to a 9.0% decrease in the average sales price for natural gas and a 3.4% decrease in Shale gas sales volumes primarily due to normal production declines and the timing of when new wells were turned-in-line. The decrease was offset, in part, by a 19.1% increase in NGLs sales volumes due to an increase in ethane recoveries and a 1.7% increase in the average sales price for NGLs.
The increase in total average Shale sales price was primarily due to a $0.25 per Mcf change in the gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlement and a $0.06 per Mcfe increase in the average NGL sales price. These increases were offset in part by a $0.19 per Mcf decrease in average gas sales price. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 389.7 Bcf of the Company's produced Shale gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024 at an average gain of $0.67 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2023, these financial hedges represented approximately 399.2 Bcf at an average gain of $0.37 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the Shale segment were $791 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $746 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increases in total dollars and unit costs for the Shale segment were due to the following items:
•Shale lease operating expenses were $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $44 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in total dollars was primarily related to an increase in water disposal costs as more water was taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions and an increase in well tending expense.
•Shale transportation, gathering and compression costs were $316 million for both the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The increase in unit costs was due to the decrease in total Shale sales volumes.
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•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the Shale segment were $405 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $365 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.68 per Mcfe and $0.59 per Mcfe, respectively. The increase in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in the current period is primarily due to a higher annual depletion rate for 2024. The increase in rate is primarily attributable to downward reserve revisions due to adjustments to the five-year development plan that lowered proved undeveloped reserves, price changes, and the sale of various non-operated producing oil and gas assets The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
Total Shale other revenue and operating income relates to natural gas gathering services provided to third parties. The Shale segment had other revenue and operating income of $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to an increase in third-party gathering volumes.
COALBED METHANE (CBM) SEGMENT
The CBM segment had a loss before income tax of $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to earnings before income tax of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 39.1 | 40.6 | (1.5) | (3.7) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 2.69 | $ | 3.22 | $ | (0.53) | (16.5) | % | ||||||
| Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.25 | 89.3 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 3.21 | $ | 3.51 | $ | (0.30) | (8.5) | % | ||||||
| Average CBM Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcf) | 0.56 | 0.49 | 0.07 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcf) | 0.14 | 0.16 | (0.02) | (12.5) | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcf) | 1.65 | 1.61 | 0.04 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcf) | 1.52 | 1.23 | 0.29 | 23.6 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Costs (per Mcf) | $ | 3.87 | $ | 3.49 | $ | 0.38 | 10.9 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Margin (per Mcf) | $ | (0.66) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68) | (3,400.0) | % |
The CBM segment had natural gas revenue of $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $131 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $26 million decrease was primarily due to a 16.5% decrease in the average sales price for natural gas in the current period and a 3.7% decrease in CBM gas sales volumes due to normal production declines.
The total average CBM sales price decreased $0.30 per Mcf due to a $0.53 per Mcf decrease in average gas sales price, offset, in part, by a $0.25 per Mcf change in the gain on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlement resulting from the Company's hedging program. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 30.6 Bcf of the Company's produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024 at an average gain of $0.67 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2023, these financial hedges represented approximately 31.9 Bcf at an average gain of $0.36 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the CBM segment were $152 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following items:
•CBM lease operating expense was $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in total dollars and unit costs was primarily due to an increase in well tending expense and water disposal costs. The increase in per unit costs was also due to the decrease in total CBM volumes.
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•CBM production, ad valorem and other fees were $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decreases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to decreased realized prices on natural gas.
•CBM transportation, gathering and compression costs were $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in total dollars was primarily due to a decrease in repairs and maintenance expense offset, in part, by an increase in electrical compression expense. The increase in per unit costs was due to the decrease in CBM gas sales volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.85 per Mcfe and $0.64 per Mcfe, respectively. The increase in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in the current period is primarily the result of a higher 2024 annual depletion rate. The increase in rate is primarily attributable to downward reserve revisions due to higher operating costs and price changes. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
OTHER SEGMENT
The Other Segment includes nominal shallow oil and gas production which is not significant to the Company. It also includes the Company's purchased gas activities, unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments, New Technologies, exploration and production related other costs, as well as various other expenses that are managed outside the Shale and CBM segments such as selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”), interest expense and income taxes.
The Other Segment had a loss before income tax of $711 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to earnings before income tax of $1,580 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in total dollars is discussed below.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 0.3 | 0.3 | — | — | % |
(Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Unrealized
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $453 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $1,765 million. The unrealized loss or gain on commodity derivative instruments represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis.
Purchased Gas Revenue and Costs
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of natural gas purchased at market prices from third parties and then resold in order to fulfill contracts with certain customers and to balance supply. Purchased gas revenue was $59 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $75 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Purchased gas costs were $57 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The period-to-period decrease in purchased gas revenue was due to a decrease in average sales price.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in Bcf) | 31.1 | 31.1 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 1.91 | $ | 2.39 | $ | (0.48) | (20.1) | % | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Cost (per Mcf) | $ | 1.84 | $ | 2.25 | $ | (0.41) | (18.2) | % |
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Other Revenue and Operating Income
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Sales of Environmental Attributes | $ | 95 | $ | 41 | $ | 54 | 131.7 | % | ||||||
| Water Income | 12 | 3 | 9 | 300.0 | % | |||||||||
| Excess Firm Transportation Income | 20 | 16 | 4 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||
| (Loss) Equity Income from Affiliates | (1) | 3 | (4) | (133.3) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Revenue and Operating Income | $ | 126 | $ | 63 | $ | 63 | 100.0 | % |
•Sales of environmental attributes includes items such as (but are not limited to): carbon credits, air quality credits, renewable or alternative energy credits, methane capture credits, methane performance certificates, emission reductions, offsets and/or allowances. The quantities and types of environmental attributes we sell and the associated revenue can vary depending on a number of factors, including the market for these credits, changes to the various voluntary or compliance programs under which the credits are generated and sold, and our ability to strictly comply with the programs under which the attributes can be sold. The increase in the period-to-period comparison was due to an increase in the amount of environmental attributes sold.
•Water income increased in the period-to-period comparison due to higher third-party sales in the current period.
•Excess firm transportation income represents revenue from the sale of excess firm transportation capacity to third parties. The Company obtains firm pipeline transportation capacity to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase. In order to minimize this unutilized firm transportation expense, CNX is able to release (sell) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue from released capacity helps offset the Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees in Total Other Operating Expense.
•(Loss) equity income from affiliates represents CNX’s share of earnings and losses from various entities, including interests in various oilfield service companies and an interest in a gas-fired generation facility located within CNX’s CBM field.
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Lease Expiration Costs | $ | 4 | $ | 6 | $ | (2) | (33.3) | % | ||||||
| Land Rentals | 3 | 4 | (1) | (25.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other Expense | 1 | — | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | $ | 8 | $ | 10 | $ | (2) | (20.0) | % |
•Lease expiration costs relate to leases where the primary term expired or will expire within the next 12 months. The decrease in the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in the number of acres that were allowed to expire.
SG&A
SG&A includes costs such as overhead, including employee labor and benefit costs, short-term incentive compensation, costs of maintaining our headquarters, audit and other professional fees, charitable contributions and legal compliance expenses. SG&A costs also include non-cash long-term equity-based compensation expense.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Compensation | $ | 23 | $ | 11 | $ | 12 | 109.1 | % | ||||||
| Contributions and Advertising | 5 | 4 | 1 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||
| Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation (Non-Cash) | 20 | 20 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits | 30 | 31 | (1) | (3.2) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 68 | 59 | 9 | 15.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 146 | $ | 125 | $ | 21 | 16.8 | % |
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•Short-term incentive compensation increased $12 million due to higher projected payouts for the current period.
•Other increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to higher professional services and consulting fees, as well as increased software costs.
Other Operating Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Environmental Attribute Fees | $ | 15 | $ | 7 | $ | 8 | 114.3 | % | ||||||
| Water Expense | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Idle Equipment and Service Charges | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Insurance Expense | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Virginia Flood Expense | (1) | 2 | (3) | (150.0) | % | |||||||||
| Inventory Adjustments | 2 | 6 | (4) | (66.7) | % | |||||||||
| Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees | 48 | 53 | (5) | (9.4) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 9 | 3 | 6 | 200.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Expense | $ | 83 | $ | 80 | $ | 3 | 3.8 | % |
•Environmental attribute fees represent costs related to the sale of environmental attributes that are included in Other Revenue and Operating Income. The increase in fees in the period-to-period comparison relates to the increase in sales above.
•Idle equipment and service charges relate to the temporary idling of certain equipment and other services that may be needed in the natural gas drilling and completions process.
•Virginia flood expense includes costs to cleanup and repair areas that were impacted by flooding that occurred in Buchanan County, Virginia in July 2022. The income in the current period relates to an insurance reimbursement for prior expenses incurred.
•Inventory adjustments represent required adjustments made to record inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
•Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for NGLs. In some instances, the Company may have the opportunity to realize more favorable net pricing by strategically choosing to sell natural gas into a market or to a customer that does not require the use of the Company’s own firm transportation capacity. Such sales would result in an increase in unutilized firm transportation expense. The Company attempts to minimize this expense by releasing (selling) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue received when this capacity is released (sold) is included in Excess Firm Transportation Income in Other Operating Income. The decrease in the period-to-period comparison results primarily from lower unused processing costs due to the higher NGL volumes in the 2024 period.
•Other includes several one-time items in the period-to-period comparison, including $2 million of expenses for our previously announced radical transparency program and a $3 million charge related to a prior-year sales and use tax audit settlement that occurred in the current period. Both periods also include various other one-time items, none of which are individually material.
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Other (Income) Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||
| Litigation Recoveries | $ | 20 | $ | — | $ | 20 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Right-of-Way Sales | 1 | 5 | (4) | (80.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 25 | $ | 9 | $ | 16 | 177.8 | % | ||||||
| Other Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Professional Services | $ | 5 | $ | 2 | $ | 3 | 150.0 | % | ||||||
| Bank Fees | 11 | 11 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Land Rental Expense | 3 | 3 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Corporate Expense | — | 2 | (2) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 19 | $ | 18 | $ | 1 | 5.6 | % | ||||||
| Total Other (Income) Expense | $ | (6) | $ | 9 | $ | (15) | (166.7) | % |
•Right of way sales relate to additional revenue generated from the Company's extensive surface rights. The decrease of $4 million in the period-to-period comparison was due to fewer sales in the current period.
•Professional services increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to higher fees associated with various one-time items such as the Apex Transaction that closed on January 27, 2025 (See Note 22 – Subsequent Event in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information).
•CNX pursues legal recoveries when certain circumstances arise. The increase in litigation recoveries in the period-to-period comparison was the result of various recoveries that occurred in the current period. No such transactions occurred in the prior period.
Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net
A net gain on asset sales of $25 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a gain of $132 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. The net gain recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relates to a $51 million gain on the sales of various non-core assets (primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and the interest in various non-operated oil and gas assets), none of which were individually material. These gains were offset, in part, by a $26 million loss on the sale of a non-core pipeline to a third party.
The net gain during the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relates to a $100 million gain on the sale of various non-operated producing oil and gas assets primarily located in the Appalachian Basin to a third party (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). The remaining gain relates to the sale of various non-core assets (primarily rights-of-way and surface acreage), none of which were individually material.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $7 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2024 in connection with CNX’s repurchase of $350 million of the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at an average price equal to 101.9% of their principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information. No such transactions occurred in the prior period.
Interest Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | $ | 151 | $ | 143 | $ | 8 | 5.6 | % |
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The $8 million increase in total interest expense was primarily due to higher borrowings on the CNX Credit Facility at higher interest rates and higher principal balances related to the long-term debt that was issued in February 2024. The increase was offset, in part, by lower borrowings on the CNXM Credit Facility. See Note 10 – Revolving Credit Facilities and Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Income Taxes
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Company (Loss) Income Before Income Tax | $ | (120) | $ | 2,223 | $ | (2,343) | 105.4 | % | ||||||
| Income Tax (Benefit) Expense | $ | (30) | $ | 502 | $ | (532) | 106.0 | % | ||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | 24.8 | % | 22.6 | % | 2.2 | % |
The effective income tax rate was 24.8% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 22.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to federal tax credits, state income taxes including tax rate changes, equity compensation, and the impact of changes in certain state deferred tax asset valuation allowances.
See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview, Sources and Uses
CNX generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CNX currently believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments, if any, and to provide required letters of credit for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future thereafter. Nevertheless, the ability of CNX to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the natural gas industry and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CNX’s control.
From time to time, CNX is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies' statutes and regulations. CNX sometimes uses letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce the Company's borrowing facility capacity.
CNX continuously reviews its liquidity and capital resources. If market conditions were to change, for instance due to a significant decline in commodity prices, and our revenue was reduced significantly or operating and capital costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced.
As of December 31, 2024, CNX was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. After considering the potential effect of a significant decline in commodity prices, CNX currently expects to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.
CNX frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CNX has historically funded acquisitions with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to CNX on terms which CNX finds acceptable, or at all.
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Factors that may Impact our Liquidity
•The Company’s cash on hand and access to additional liquidity. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $55 million as of December 31, 2024 and nominal as of December 31, 2023.
•Accounts and notes receivable - trade as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $180 million and $116 million, respectively. Our accounts and notes receivable balance may fluctuate as of any balance sheet date depending on the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs and the volumes sold.
•Capital expenditures are expected to range between $450 million to $500 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. For the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX had capital expenditures of $540.3 million.
•On January 27, 2025, the Company completed the Apex Transaction for total cash consideration of approximately $505 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. See Note 22 – Subsequent Event in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
•Production volumes are expected to range between 605.0 Bcfe and 620.0 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2025. For the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX had production volumes of 550.8 Bcfe.
•Prices for natural gas and NGLs are volatile, and an extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs will adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows.
•In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CNX also enters into various financial natural gas and NGL swap transactions to manage the market risk exposure to in-basin and out-of-basin pricing. The fair value of these contracts was a net liability of $536 million at December 31, 2024 and a net liability of $56 million at December 31, 2023. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. See Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of this Form 10-K for further discussion of our commodity risk management.
Cash Flows (in millions)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||
| Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 816 | $ | 815 | $ | 1 | ||||
| Cash Used in Investing Activities | $ | (484) | $ | (509) | $ | 25 | ||||
| Cash Used in Financing Activities | $ | (277) | $ | (326) | $ | 49 |
Cash provided by operating activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Net income decreased $1,811 million in the period-to-period comparison.
•Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of a $2,329 million net change in commodity derivative instruments, a $531 million net decrease in deferred income taxes, a $108 million change in the gain on asset sales and abandonments, net, and a $94 million net decrease from various other changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Capital expenditures decreased $139 million primarily due to a decrease in drilling and completions activity in Marcellus Shale.
•Proceeds from asset sales decreased $109 million primarily due to the sale of various non-operated producing oil and gas assets primarily located in the Appalachian Basin to a third party in the year ended December 31, 2023 for cash proceeds of $125 million. The remaining variance includes the sale of various non-core assets in both periods. (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information).
Cash used in financing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility decreased $68 million and repayments under the CNXM Credit Facility decreased $28 million.
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility decreased $454 million and repayments under the CNX Credit Facility decreased $393 million.
•During the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX paid $357 million to repurchase $350 million of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at a price of 101.9% of their principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the
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Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2024, CNX issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2032 at par. The issuance included an underwriter discount and other issuance costs of $5 million, for net cash proceeds of $395 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, CNX repurchased $184 million and $320 million, respectively, of its common stock on the open market.
•During the year ended December 31, 2024, debt issuance and financing fees increased $15 million primarily due to amending both the CNX and CNXM Credit Facilities. See Note 10 – Revolving Credit Facilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Commitments and Significant Contractual and Other Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company's significant contractual and other obligations at December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Payments due by Year | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Order Firm Commitments | $ | 4,114 | $ | 7,810 | $ | 5,012 | $ | — | $ | 16,936 | ||||||||
| Gas Firm Transportation and Processing | 236,823 | 440,303 | 303,741 | 492,130 | 1,472,997 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | 327,996 | — | 559,500 | 1,287,890 | 2,175,386 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Long-Term Debt | 126,195 | 239,990 | 219,923 | 138,157 | 724,265 | |||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligations | 5,200 | 14,198 | 20,580 | 2,313 | 42,291 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Finance Lease Obligations | 2,526 | 4,237 | 1,984 | 153 | 8,900 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | 51,411 | 25,934 | 11,243 | 12,405 | 100,993 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Operating Lease Obligations | 3,838 | 3,243 | 1,936 | 1,445 | 10,462 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a) | 2,151 | 4,549 | 4,507 | 21,227 | 32,434 | |||||||||||||
| Other Long-Term Liabilities (b) | 196,066 | 63,500 | 30,400 | 99,689 | 389,655 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations (c) | $ | 956,320 | $ | 803,764 | $ | 1,158,826 | $ | 2,055,409 | $ | 4,974,319 |
_________________________
(a)Employee related long-term liabilities include salaried retirement contributions and work-related injuries and illnesses.
(b)Other long-term liabilities include royalties and other long-term liability costs.
(c)The table above does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CNX does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CNX uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure the Company's financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2024. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CNX.
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Debt
At December 31, 2024, CNX had total long-term debt of $2,175 million, including the current portion of long-term debt of $328 million and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. This long-term debt consisted of:
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031, less $5 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX’s subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 issued by CNXM, less $3 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of these notes.
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2032 less $4 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $331 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased, or converted, less $3 million of unamortized discount and issuance costs. Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner). The Convertible Notes are classified as short-term debt at December 31, 2024.
•An aggregate principal amount of $43 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNX Credit Facility is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $16 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNXM Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of the CNXM Facility.
On January 21, 2025, the Company closed on a private offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of additional 7.25% senior notes due 2032 at a price of 100.5% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2024 to the date of closing. See Note 22 – Subsequent Event in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
Total Equity and Dividends
CNX had total equity of $4,098 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $4,361 million at December 31, 2023. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
The declaration and payment of dividends by CNX is subject to the discretion of CNX's Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CNX will pay dividends in the future. CNX has not paid dividends on its common stock since 2016. The determination to pay dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CNX's financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CNX, planned investments by CNX, and such other factors as CNX’s Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, CNX’s ability to pay dividends is limited by the covenants governing the CNX Credit Facility and the indentures governing certain of CNX’s Senior Notes.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical
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accounting estimates are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2024, prior to consideration of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, CNX had deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $659 million. At December 31, 2024, CNX had a valuation allowance of $37 million on deferred tax assets.
CNX evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation of the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, which are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s uncertain tax liabilities.
Natural Gas, NGL, Condensate and Oil Reserve (“Natural Gas Reserve”) Values
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable natural gas reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable natural gas reserves are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our natural gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•geological conditions;
•historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
•the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
•assumptions governing future prices; and
•future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas attributable to a particular group of properties, and classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be material. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
The Company believes that the accounting estimate related to oil and gas reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because the Company must periodically reevaluate proved reserves along with estimates of future production rates, production costs and the estimated timing of development expenditures. Future results of operations and strength of the balance sheet for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions. See “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” below for additional information regarding the Company’s oil and gas reserves.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying values of the Company's proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. The Company groups its assets by geological and geographical characteristics. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using a market-specific weighted average cost of capital. There were no indicators of impairment related to the Company's proved oil and gas properties in the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
CNX evaluates capitalized costs of unproved gas properties for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include, but are not limited to, changes brought about by economic factors, commodity price outlooks, our geologists’ evaluation of the property, favorable or unfavorable activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, potential shifts in business strategy employed by management and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. There were no indicators of impairment related to the Company’s unproved properties in the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of long-lived assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. In addition, when indicators are identified the Company must determine the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as well as the impact of commodity price outlooks. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates, such as different assumptions in projected revenues, future commodity prices or the weighted average costs of capital, could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of long-lived assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We may assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment, which considers specific factors, based on the weight of evidence, and the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. From time to time, we may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded, which is the difference between carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. The estimation of fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach and/or the market approach as described below.
The income approach is a quantitative evaluation to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the income approach we determine the fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital plus a forecast risk, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The inputs used for the income approach were significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as described in the accounting fair value hierarchy. CNX determined the fair value based on estimated future cash flows and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure) and also included estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were derived from board approved budgeted amounts, a seven-year operating forecast and an estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent cash flows were developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.
The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through the analysis of recent transactions and/or financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
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The determination of the fair value requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; discount rates; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation, depletion, and amortization and capital expenditures. The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.
For the Company’s annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company elected to perform a qualitative impairment test on its goodwill and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying value and goodwill was not impaired.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results as well as other assumptions such as movement in the Company's stock price, weighted-average cost of capital, terminal growth rates, changes in the business climate, unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, adverse legal or regulatory actions or developments, changes in capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditure levels, operating cash flows, or market capitalization and industry multiples. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about goodwill impairment which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001070412-24-000015.
ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward‑looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward‑looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the section entitled “Forward‑Looking Statements.” CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
CNX continually monitors factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ from historical results or current expectations. Examples include global events such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the announcement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to extend production cuts through the first quarter of 2024, both of which have had an impact on global commodity prices. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to not be comparable to those of the same period in previous years. The results presented in this Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Natural Gas, NGL, and Oil Pricing
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that CNX produces significantly impact revenue and cash flows. In the current economic environment, CNX expects that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce will remain volatile. In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length as well as financial hedges. However, this market volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Inflation
Heightened levels of inflation, primarily related to steel, diesel fuel and labor, continue to present risk for CNX and the broader natural gas industry. If inflation continues at its current levels or increases further for any extended period of time, and CNX is unable to successfully mitigate the impact, our costs could increase further, thus having a greater impact on our financial position. Rising interest rates increased our costs on borrowings under our Credit Facility in 2023, but it is currently anticipated that the Federal Reserve will make cuts to relevant interest rates in 2024. CNX remains committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset any additional cost increases from inflation.
New Technologies Update
As previously disclosed, CNX continues to devote resources to the development of unique, proprietary technologies to further enable vertical and horizontal business growth. This includes the development and use of proprietary technology to enhance and alter manufacturing processes for the extraction and delivery of natural gas through the development and commercialization of emerging technologies, as well as the development and sale of environmental attributes from our operations. CNX is also focusing on forging strategic partnerships for the use of low carbon intensity feedstocks and creation of derivative products.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, CNX had $41 million of sales of environmental attributes which includes items such as (but is not limited to): carbon credits, air quality credits, renewable or alternative energy credits, methane capture credits, methane performance certificates, emission reductions, offsets and/or allowances. These sales are included as part of Other Revenue and Operating Income in the Other Segment. For the year ended December 31, 2023, CNX incurred $7 million of environmental attribute fees which represent costs related to the sale of environmental attributes and are included in Other Operating Expense in the Other Segment.
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On December 15, 2023, citing delays and increasing uncertainty over implementation rules guiding the use of the 45V hydrogen production tax credit provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and an inability to reach final commercial terms with project developers, CNX announced it had ended coordination with the Adams Fork project. The Company continues to evaluate several viable alternative sites in southern West Virginia for clean hydrogen projects.
The Company remains committed to supporting the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) via use of its local, low cost, low carbon intensity feedstock, which is ideal for affordable, clean hydrogen production in historically disadvantaged energy communities across Appalachia. CNX's final investment decision remains contingent upon the future issuance of tax credit guidance that unambiguously supports low carbon intensity feedstock projects that will facilitate development of the regional clean hydrogen hubs, including ARCH2.
2023 Highlights:
•Proved developed reserves of 6.0 Tcfe.
•Total sales volumes of 560.4 Bcfe.
•Shale sales volumes of 519.5 Bcfe.
•Repurchased 17.6 million shares of CNX common stock for $322 million on the open market.
2024 Outlook:
•Our 2024 annual sales volumes are expected to be approximately 570-590 Bcfe (This includes approximately 15-18 Bcfe of CMM. See New Technologies section in “Item 1. Business” of this Form 10-K for additional information).
•Our 2024 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $575-$625 million.
•Our 2024 sales of environmental attributes, net of corresponding fees, are expected to be approximately $75 million. However, our ability to sell environmental attributes can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K.
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Results of Operations:
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022. A similar discussion and analysis that compares year ended December 31, 2022 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 is omitted from this Form 10-K and may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Net Income (Loss)
CNX reported net income of $1,721 million, or earnings per diluted share of $8.99, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $142 million, or a loss per diluted share of $0.75, for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023 was an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $1,765 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $132 million. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $851 million and a net gain on asset sales and abandonments of $9 million. See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the gain on asset sales and abandonments.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the Company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations (See Note 21 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 3,435 | $ | 1,261 | ||
| (Deduct) Add: | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (75) | (186) | ||||
| (Gain) Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments | (1,765) | 851 | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (130) | (87) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 1,465 | $ | 1,839 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 1,192 | $ | 1,321 | ||
| (Deduct): | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (14) | (13) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (10) | (8) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (70) | (185) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (125) | (122) | ||||
| Other Operating Expense | (80) | (63) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 893 | $ | 930 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 560.4 | 580.2 | (19.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,302 | $ | 2.29 | $ | 3,652 | $ | 6.52 | $ | (2,350) | $ | (4.23) | ||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | 163 | 0.32 | (1,813) | (3.35) | 1,976 | 3.67 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,465 | 2.61 | 1,839 | 3.17 | (374) | (0.56) | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 63 | 0.11 | 67 | 0.11 | (4) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 28 | 0.05 | 45 | 0.08 | (17) | (0.03) | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 382 | 0.68 | 370 | 0.64 | 12 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 420 | 0.75 | 448 | 0.77 | (28) | (0.02) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 893 | 1.59 | 930 | 1.60 | (37) | (0.01) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 572 | $ | 1.02 | $ | 909 | $ | 1.57 | $ | (337) | $ | (0.55) |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The 19.8 Bcfe decrease in volumes in the period-to period comparison was primarily due to various operational delays and challenges that occurred in 2022 which impacted current period production due to the timing of wells being turned-in-line. The remaining variance is primarily due to normal production declines offset, in part, by an increase in NGL sales volume from new wells turned-in-line and an increase in ethane recoveries.
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Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Production, ad valorem and other fees decreased on a per unit basis primarily due to decreased realized prices on natural gas.
•Transportation, gathering and compression expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to increased processing fees, increased electrical compression expense, increased repairs and maintenance expense and lower volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased on a per unit basis due to a lower annual depletion rate primarily resulting from low-cost reserve additions from development during the 2022 period.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents a breakout of liquids and natural gas sales information and settled derivative information to assist in the understanding of the Company’s natural gas production and sales portfolio and information regarding settled commodity derivatives:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands (unless noted) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| LIQUIDS | |||||||||||||||
| NGL: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 44,461 | 37,997 | 6,464 | 17.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 7,410 | 6,333 | 1,077 | 17.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 21.24 | $ | 38.16 | $ | (16.92) | (44.3) | % | |||||||
| Gross NGL Revenue | $ | 157,573 | $ | 241,535 | $ | (83,962) | (34.8) | % | |||||||
| Oil/Condensate: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 1,236 | 1,476 | (240) | (16.3) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 206 | 246 | (40) | (16.3) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 65.88 | $ | 81.90 | $ | (16.02) | (19.6) | % | |||||||
| Gross Oil/Condensate Revenue | $ | 13,577 | $ | 20,155 | $ | (6,578) | (32.6) | % | |||||||
| GAS | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcf) | 514,669 | 540,696 | (26,027) | (4.8) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Price ($/Mcf) | $ | 2.20 | $ | 6.27 | $ | (4.07) | (64.9) | % | |||||||
| Gross Gas Revenue | $ | 1,131,068 | $ | 3,390,422 | $ | (2,259,354) | (66.6) | % | |||||||
| Hedging Impact ($/Mcf) | $ | 0.32 | $ | (3.35) | $ | 3.67 | 109.6 | % | |||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | $ | 163,026 | $ | (1,812,777) | $ | 1,975,803 | 109.0 | % |
The decrease in gross revenue was primarily the result of the $4.07 per Mcf decrease in natural gas prices, when excluding the impact of hedging, the $16.92 per Bbl decrease in NGL prices, and the 19.8 Bcfe decrease in sales volume. These decreases were offset, in-part, by the impact of the change in the gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments - cash settlement related to the Company's hedging program.
47
SEGMENT ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:
| For the Year Ended | Difference to Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,170 | $ | 131 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,302 | $ | (2,165) | $ | (184) | $ | (1) | $ | (2,350) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments | 151 | 12 | 1,765 | 1,928 | 1,824 | 151 | 2,617 | 4,592 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | — | — | 75 | 75 | — | — | (111) | (111) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | 67 | — | 63 | 130 | (2) | — | 45 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | 1,388 | 143 | 1,904 | 3,435 | (343) | (33) | 2,550 | 2,174 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 44 | 19 | — | 63 | (6) | 2 | — | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 21 | 7 | — | 28 | (12) | (5) | — | (17) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 316 | 66 | — | 382 | (3) | 17 | (2) | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 365 | 50 | 19 | 434 | (24) | (4) | 1 | (27) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | — | — | 10 | 10 | — | — | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | — | — | 70 | 70 | — | — | (115) | (115) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | — | — | 125 | 125 | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expense | — | — | 80 | 80 | — | — | 17 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Costs and Expenses | 746 | 142 | 304 | 1,192 | (45) | 10 | (94) | (129) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense | — | — | 9 | 9 | — | — | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net | — | — | (132) | (132) | — | — | (123) | (123) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | — | — | — | — | (23) | (23) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | — | — | 143 | 143 | — | — | 15 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | — | — | 20 | 20 | — | — | (132) | (132) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 746 | 142 | 324 | 1,212 | (45) | 10 | (226) | (261) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings Before Income Tax | $ | 642 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,580 | $ | 2,223 | $ | (298) | $ | (43) | $ | 2,776 | $ | 2,435 |
48
SHALE SEGMENT
The Shale segment had earnings before income tax of $642 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to earnings before income tax of $940 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Shale Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 473.8 | 496.7 | (22.9) | (4.6) | % | |||||||||
| NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 44.5 | 38.0 | 6.5 | 17.1 | % | |||||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 1.2 | 1.4 | (0.2) | (14.3) | % | |||||||||
| Total Shale Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 519.5 | 536.1 | (16.6) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 2.11 | $ | 6.19 | $ | (4.08) | (65.9) | % | ||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement (per Mcf) | $ | 0.32 | $ | (3.37) | $ | 3.69 | 109.5 | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - NGLs (per Mcfe)* | $ | 3.54 | $ | 6.36 | $ | (2.82) | (44.3) | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - Oil/Condensate (per Mcfe)* | $ | 10.95 | $ | 13.63 | $ | (2.68) | (19.7) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Sales Price (per Mcfe) | $ | 2.54 | $ | 3.10 | $ | (0.56) | (18.1) | % | ||||||
| Average Shale Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcfe) | 0.08 | 0.09 | (0.01) | (11.1) | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcfe) | 0.04 | 0.07 | (0.03) | (42.9) | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.61 | 0.60 | 0.01 | 1.7 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.70 | 0.72 | (0.02) | (2.8) | % | |||||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Costs (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.43 | $ | 1.48 | $ | (0.05) | (3.4) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Margin (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.11 | $ | 1.62 | $ | (0.51) | (31.5) | % |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Shale segment had natural gas, NGLs and oil/condensate revenue of $1,170 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $3,335 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $2,165 million decrease was due primarily to a 65.9% decrease in the average sales price for natural gas, a 44.3% decrease in the average sales price of NGLs, and a 3.1% decrease in total Shale gas sales volumes. The decrease in total Shale sales volumes was primarily due to various operational delays and challenges that occurred in 2022, which impacted current period production due to the timing of wells being turned-in-line. The remaining variance is primarily due to normal production declines offset, in part, by an increase in NGL sales volume from new wells turned-in-line and an increase in ethane recoveries.
The decrease in total average Shale sales price was primarily due to a $4.08 per Mcf decrease in average gas sales price and a $2.82 per Mcfe decrease in the average NGL sales price. These decreases were offset in part by a $3.69 per Mcf change in the realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 399.2 Bcf of the Company's produced Shale gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2023 at an average gain of $0.37 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2022, these financial hedges represented approximately 424.7 Bcf at an average loss of $3.94 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the Shale segment were $746 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $791 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases in total dollars and unit costs for the Shale segment were due to the following items:
•Shale lease operating expenses were $44 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in total dollars was primarily related to a decrease in water disposal costs as more water was able to be reused in well completions instead of being taken to disposal.
•Shale production, ad valorem and other fees were $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in total dollars was primarily due to decreased realized prices on natural gas.
49
•Shale transportation, gathering and compression costs were $316 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $319 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in total dollars was primarily related to a decrease in firm transportation expense due to the lower Shale sales volumes. The decrease was offset, in part, by an increase in repairs and maintenance expense and an increase in processing costs due to an increase in ethane extraction and processing rates. The increase in unit costs was due to the decrease in total Shale sales volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the Shale segment were $365 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $389 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.59 per Mcfe and $0.62 per Mcfe, respectively. The decrease in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in the current period is primarily the result of a lower annual depletion rate related to low-cost reserve additions from development in the 2022 period. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
Total Shale other revenue and operating income relates to natural gas gathering services provided to third parties. The Shale segment had other revenue and operating income of $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $69 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to lower third-party gathering volumes due to normal production declines.
COALBED METHANE (CBM) SEGMENT
The CBM segment had earnings before income tax of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to earnings before income tax of $44 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 40.6 | 43.7 | (3.1) | (7.1) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 3.22 | $ | 7.20 | $ | (3.98) | (55.3) | % | ||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 0.28 | $ | (3.18) | $ | 3.46 | 108.8 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 3.51 | $ | 4.01 | $ | (0.50) | (12.5) | % | ||||||
| Average CBM Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcf) | 0.49 | 0.40 | 0.09 | 22.5 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcf) | 0.16 | 0.27 | (0.11) | (40.7) | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcf) | 1.61 | 1.12 | 0.49 | 43.8 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcf) | 1.23 | 1.21 | 0.02 | 1.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Costs (per Mcf) | $ | 3.49 | $ | 3.00 | $ | 0.49 | 16.3 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Margin (per Mcf) | $ | 0.02 | $ | 1.01 | $ | (0.99) | (98.0) | % |
The CBM segment had natural gas revenue of $131 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $315 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $184 million decrease was primarily due to a 55.3% decrease in the average sales price for natural gas in the current period and a 7.1% decrease in CBM gas sales volumes due to normal production declines.
The total average CBM sales price decreased $0.50 per Mcf due to a $3.98 per Mcf decrease in average gas sales price, offset in part by a $3.46 per Mcf change in the realized gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments resulting from the Company's hedging program. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 31.9 Bcf of the Company's produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2023 at an average gain of $0.36 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2022, these financial hedges represented approximately 35.5 Bcf at an average loss of $3.92 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the CBM segment were $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $132 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following items:
50
•CBM lease operating expense was $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to increases in water disposal costs and repairs and maintenance expense.
•CBM production, ad valorem and other fees were $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to decreased realized prices on natural gas.
•CBM transportation, gathering and compression costs were $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases in total dollars and unit cost were primarily due to an increase in electrical compression expense and repairs and maintenance expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $54 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in total dollars and increase in unit costs was primarily due to the lower volumes in the current period. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.64 per Mcfe and $0.65 per Mcfe, respectively. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
OTHER SEGMENT
The Other Segment includes nominal shallow oil and gas production which is not significant to the Company. It also includes the Company's purchased gas activities, unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments, New Technologies, exploration and production related other costs, as well as various other expenses that are managed outside the Shale and CBM segments such as SG&A, interest expense and income taxes.
The Other Segment had earnings before income tax of $1,580 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a loss before income tax of $1,196 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in total dollars is discussed below.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 0.3 | 0.4 | (0.1) | (25.0) | % |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivative Instruments
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized gain on commodity derivative instruments of $1,765 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $851 million, as well as cash settlements paid of $1 million. The unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis. See Note 19 – Derivative Instruments in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the cash settlements.
Purchased Gas Revenue and Costs
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of natural gas purchased at market prices from third parties and then resold in order to fulfill contracts with certain customers and to balance supply. Purchased gas revenue was $75 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $186 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Purchased gas costs were $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $185 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The period-to-period decrease in purchased gas revenue was due to a decrease in average sales price, offset in part by an increase in purchased gas sales volumes.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in Bcf) | 31.1 | 30.7 | 0.4 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 2.39 | $ | 6.04 | $ | (3.65) | (60.4) | % | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Cost (per Mcf) | $ | 2.25 | $ | 6.03 | $ | (3.78) | (62.7) | % |
51
Other Operating Income
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Sales of Environmental Attributes | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 41 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Excess Firm Transportation Income | 16 | 12 | 4 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||
| Equity Income from Affiliates | 3 | 1 | 2 | 200.0 | % | |||||||||
| Water Income | 3 | 5 | (2) | (40.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Income | $ | 63 | $ | 18 | $ | 45 | 250.0 | % |
•Sales of environmental attributes includes items such as (but are not limited to): carbon credits, air quality credits, renewable or alternative energy credits, methane capture credits, methane performance certificates, emission reductions, offsets and/or allowances. The quantities and types of environmental attributes we sell and the associated revenue can vary depending on a number of factors, including the market for these credits, changes to the various voluntary or compliance programs under which the credits are generated and sold, and our ability to strictly comply with the programs under which the attributes can be sold.
•Excess firm transportation income represents revenue from the sale of excess firm transportation capacity to third parties. The Company obtains firm pipeline transportation capacity to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase. In order to minimize this unutilized firm transportation expense, CNX is able to release (sell) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue from released capacity helps offset the Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees in Total Other Operating Expense.
•Equity income from affiliates primarily represents CNX’s share of earnings from a 50% interest in a power plant located within CNX’s CBM field. Power generated from the facility is sold into wholesale electricity markets during times of peak energy consumption. Due to the plant consuming coal mine methane gas, the plant qualifies for Pennsylvania Tier I Renewable Energy Credits.
•Water income decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to fewer third-party sales in the current period.
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Lease Expiration Costs | $ | 6 | $ | 1 | $ | 5 | 500.0 | % | ||||||
| Land Rentals | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Seismic Activity | — | 3 | (3) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | $ | 10 | $ | 8 | $ | 2 | 25.0 | % |
•Lease expiration costs relate to leases where the primary term expired or will expire within the next 12 months. The increase in the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in the number of leases that were allowed to expire.
•Seismic activity expense for the prior period primarily relates to the acquisition of three-dimensional seismic data.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
SG&A costs include costs such as overhead, including employee labor and benefit costs, short-term incentive compensation, costs of maintaining our headquarters, audit and other professional fees, charitable contributions and legal compliance expenses. SG&A costs also include non-cash long-term equity-based compensation expense.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation (Non-Cash) | $ | 20 | $ | 16 | $ | 4 | 25.0 | % | ||||||
| Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits | 31 | 31 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Contributions and Advertising | 4 | 5 | (1) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Compensation | 11 | 20 | (9) | (45.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 59 | 50 | 9 | 18.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 125 | $ | 122 | $ | 3 | 2.5 | % |
52
•Long-term equity-based compensation (non-cash) increased in the period-to-period comparison due to an increase in equity awards.
•Short-term incentive compensation decreased $9 million due to lower projected payouts for the current period.
•Other increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in professional services and consulting fees related to cyber security, legal matters and regulatory reporting.
Other Operating Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Environmental Attribute Fees | $ | 7 | $ | — | $ | 7 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Inventory Adjustments | 6 | — | 6 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Idle Equipment and Service Charges | 4 | — | 4 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees | 53 | 52 | 1 | 1.9 | % | |||||||||
| Insurance Expense | 4 | 3 | 1 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||
| Water Expense | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Virginia Flood Expense | 2 | 3 | (1) | (33.3) | % | |||||||||
| Litigation Settlements | — | 3 | (3) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 3 | 1 | 2 | 200.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Expense | $ | 80 | $ | 63 | $ | 17 | 27.0 | % |
•Environmental attribute fees represent costs related to the monetization of environmental attributes that are included in Other Operating Income.
•Inventory adjustments represent required adjustments made to record inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
•Idle equipment and service charges relate to the temporary idling of certain equipment and other services that may be needed in the natural gas drilling and completions process.
•Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for NGLs. In some instances, the Company may have the opportunity to realize more favorable net pricing by strategically choosing to sell natural gas into a market or to a customer that does not require the use of the Company’s own firm transportation capacity. Such sales would result in an increase in unutilized firm transportation expense. The Company attempts to minimize this expense by releasing (selling) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue received when this capacity is released (sold) is included in Excess Firm Transportation Income in Other Operating Income.
•Virginia flood expense includes the continuing cleanup and repair costs related to flooding that occurred in Buchanan County, Virginia in July 2022.
•CNX and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of business. CNX accrues the estimated loss for these lawsuits and claims as litigation settlements when the loss is probable and can be estimated. (See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). The decrease in litigation settlements in the period-to-period comparison was the result of various items, none of which were individually material.
53
Other Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-Way Sales | $ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 1 | 25.0 | % | ||||||
| Other | 4 | 5 | (1) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | — | — | % | ||||||
| Other Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Professional Services | $ | 2 | $ | 4 | $ | (2) | (50.0) | % | ||||||
| Bank Fees | 11 | 11 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Land Rental Expense | 3 | 3 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Corporate Expense | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 18 | $ | 19 | $ | (1) | (5.3) | % | ||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | $ | (1) | (10.0) | % |
•Professional services decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a decrease in legal fees.
Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net
A net gain on asset sales of $132 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a gain of $9 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The net gain during the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relates to the sale of various non-operated oil and gas assets (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company chose to plug and abandon a Shale wellbore. This well was originally part of future development plans, and in order to not delay other wells, CNX plugged the wellbore and planned to access the reserves at a future date. This loss was offset in part by sales of various non-core assets, primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-core oil and gas interests.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $23 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2022 following CNX’s purchase of a portion of the Convertible Notes due May 2026 and $350 million of the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at an average price equal to 102.5% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information. No such transactions occurred in the current period.
Interest Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | $ | 143 | $ | 128 | $ | 15 | 11.7 | % |
The $15 million increase in total interest expense was primarily due a $3 million unrealized loss on interest rate swaps in the current period compared to a $10 million unrealized gain in the prior period. The increase was also due to slightly higher interest paid on long-term debt that was issued in September 2022. These increases were offset in part by lower borrowings on the Credit Facility. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
54
Income Taxes
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Company Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 2,223 | $ | (212) | $ | 2,435 | 1,148.6 | % | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ | 502 | $ | (70) | $ | 572 | 817.1 | % | ||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | 22.6 | % | 33.0 | % | (10.4) | % |
The effective income tax rate was 22.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 33.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to federal tax credits, state income taxes including tax rate changes, equity compensation, and the impact of changes in certain state deferred tax asset valuation allowances. The unrealized gains and losses represent changes in the fair value of the Company’s existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis.
See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview, Sources and Uses
CNX generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CNX currently believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments, if any, and to provide required letters of credit for the current fiscal year. Nevertheless, the ability of CNX to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the natural gas industry and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CNX’s control.
From time to time, CNX is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies' statutes and regulations. CNX sometimes uses letters of credit to satisfy these requirements, and these letters of credit reduce the Company's borrowing facility capacity.
CNX continuously reviews its liquidity and capital resources. If market conditions were to change, for instance due to a significant decline in commodity prices, and our revenue was reduced significantly or operating costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced.
As of December 31, 2023, CNX was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. After considering the potential effect of a significant decline in commodity prices, CNX currently expects to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.
CNX frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CNX has historically funded acquisitions with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to CNX on terms which CNX finds acceptable, or at all.
Factors that may Impact our Liquidity
•The Company’s cash on hand and access to additional liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents were nominal as of December 31, 2023 and $21 million as of December 31, 2022.
•Accounts and notes receivable - trade as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $116 million and $348 million, respectively. Our accounts and notes receivable balance may fluctuate as of any balance sheet date depending on the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs and the volumes sold.
•Capital expenditures are expected to range between $575 million to $625 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, CNX had capital expenditures of $679.4 million. Accelerated levels of inflation may lead to price increases beyond CNX’s control that could lead to CNX incurring an increase in costs in the future.
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•Production volumes are expected to range between 570.0 Bcfe and 590.0 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, CNX had production volumes of 560.4 Bcfe.
•Prices for natural gas and NGLs are volatile, and an extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs will adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows.
•In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CNX also enters into various financial natural gas and NGL swap transactions to manage the market risk exposure to in-basin and out-of-basin pricing. The fair value of these contracts was a net liability of $56 million at December 31, 2023 and a net liability of $1,905 million at December 31, 2022. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. See Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion of our commodity risk management.
Cash Flows (in millions)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||||
| Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 815 | $ | 1,235 | $ | (420) | ||||
| Cash Used in Investing Activities | $ | (509) | $ | (528) | $ | 19 | ||||
| Cash Used in Financing Activities | $ | (326) | $ | (689) | $ | 363 |
Cash provided by operating activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Net income increased $1,863 million in the period-to-period comparison.
•Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of a $2,778 million net change in commodity derivative instruments, a $573 million benefit from the change in deferred income taxes, a $123 million increase in gain on asset sales and abandonments, net, and a $45 million net benefit from various other changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Capital expenditures increased $114 million primarily due to an increase in drilling and completions activity and an overall increase in costs related to inflation.
•Proceeds from asset sales increased $133 million primarily due to the sale of various non-operated oil and gas assets (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information).
Cash used in financing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility decreased $10 million and repayments under the CNXM Credit Facility increased $7 million.
•Proceeds from borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility decreased $1,745 million and repayments under the CNX Credit Facility decreased $1,989 million.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX closed on $500 million aggregate principal amount of CNX 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031 at a price of 98.8% for cash proceeds of $494 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX paid $359 million to repurchase $350 million of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at 102.5% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX paid $27 million to repurchase $14 million of the 2026 Convertible Notes at 188.0% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, CNX repurchased $320 million and $565 million, respectively, of its common stock on the open market.
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Commitments and Significant Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company's significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
| Payments due by Year | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Order Firm Commitments | $ | 400 | $ | 800 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,200 | ||||||||
| Gas Firm Transportation and Processing | 247,186 | 445,455 | 373,180 | 581,370 | 1,647,191 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | 326,068 | 157,200 | 351,728 | 1,391,038 | 2,226,034 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Long-Term Debt | 130,496 | 253,080 | 184,438 | 136,533 | 704,547 | |||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligations | 4,278 | 8,727 | 8,054 | 5,126 | 26,185 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Finance Lease Obligations | 1,383 | 2,747 | 1,648 | 59 | 5,837 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | 53,913 | 65,294 | 10,530 | 17,954 | 147,691 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Operating Lease Obligations | 5,832 | 5,291 | 2,489 | 2,141 | 15,753 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a) | 2,216 | 4,696 | 4,429 | 23,240 | 34,581 | |||||||||||||
| Other Long-Term Liabilities (b) | 175,513 | 29,246 | 15,553 | 88,916 | 309,228 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations (c) | $ | 947,285 | $ | 972,536 | $ | 952,049 | $ | 2,246,377 | $ | 5,118,247 |
_________________________
(a)Employee related long-term liabilities include salaried retirement contributions and work-related injuries and illnesses.
(b)Other long-term liabilities include royalties and other long-term liability costs.
(c)The table above does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CNX does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CNX uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure the Company's financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CNX.
Debt
At December 31, 2023, CNX had total long-term debt of $2,226 million, including the current portion of long-term debt of $326 million and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. This long-term debt consisted of:
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031, less $5 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX’s subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 issued by CNXM, less $4 million of unamortized discount. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of these notes.
•An aggregate principal amount of $350 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 plus $2 million of unamortized premium. Interest on the notes is payable March 14 and September 14 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $331 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased, or converted, less $5 million of unamortized discount and issuance costs. Interest on the notes
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is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner). At December 31, 2023, the conditions of allowing holders of the Convertible Notes to exercise their conversion right were met and as of December 31, 2023, the Convertible Notes were convertible. The Convertible Notes are therefore classified as short-term debt at December 31, 2023.
•An aggregate principal amount of $105 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNXM Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of the CNXM Facility.
•An aggregate principal amount of $52 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNX Credit Facility is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
Total Equity and Dividends
CNX had total equity of $4,361 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $2,950 million at December 31, 2022. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
The declaration and payment of dividends by CNX is subject to the discretion of CNX's Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CNX will pay dividends in the future. CNX has not paid dividends on its common stock since 2016. The determination to pay dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CNX's financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CNX, planned investments by CNX, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. CNX's Credit Facility limits its ability to pay dividends in excess of an annual rate of $0.10 per share when the Company's net leverage ratio exceeds 3.00 to 1.00 and is subject to availability under the Credit Facility of at least 20% of the aggregate commitments and there being no borrowing base deficiency. The Credit Facility does not permit such dividend payments when an event of default has occurred and is continuing. The indentures to the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027, the 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029, and the 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031 limit dividends to $0.50 per share annually unless several conditions are met. These conditions include no defaults, ability to incur additional debt and other payment limitations under the indentures. There were no defaults in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical accounting policies are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2023, prior to consideration of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, CNX had deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $690 million. At December 31, 2023, CNX had a valuation allowance of $39 million on deferred tax assets.
CNX evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation of the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other
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assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, which are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s uncertain tax liabilities.
The Company believes that accounting estimates related to income taxes are “critical accounting estimates” because the Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and exercise judgment regarding the amount of financial statement benefit to record for uncertain tax positions. When evaluating whether or not a valuation allowance must be established on deferred tax assets, the Company exercises judgment in determining whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation allowance is needed, including carrybacks, tax planning strategies and reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In making the determination related to uncertain tax positions, the Company considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement of an uncertain tax position using the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date to establish the appropriate amount of financial statement benefit. To the extent that an uncertain tax position or valuation allowance is established or increased or decreased during a period, the Company must include an expense or benefit within tax expense in the income statement. Future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions.
Natural Gas, NGL, Condensate and Oil Reserve (“Natural Gas Reserve”) Values
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable natural gas reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable natural gas reserves are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our natural gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•geological conditions;
•historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
•the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
•assumptions governing future prices; and
•future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas attributable to a particular group of properties, and classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be material. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
The Company believes that the accounting estimate related to oil and gas reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because the Company must periodically reevaluate proved reserves along with estimates of future production rates, production costs and the estimated timing of development expenditures. Future results of operations and strength of the balance sheet for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions. See “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” below for additional information regarding the Company’s oil and gas reserves.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying values of the Company's proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. The Company groups its assets by geological and geographical characteristics. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is
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determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using a market-specific weighted average cost of capital. There were no impairments related to proved properties in the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
CNX evaluates capitalized costs of unproved gas properties for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include, but are not limited to, changes brought about by economic factors, commodity price outlooks, our geologists’ evaluation of the property, favorable or unfavorable activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, potential shifts in business strategy employed by management and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. There were no impairments related to unproved properties in the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of long-lived assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. In addition, the Company must determine the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as well as the impact of commodity price outlooks. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates, such as different assumptions in projected revenues, future commodity prices or the weighted average costs of capital, could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of long-lived assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We may assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment, which considers specific factors, based on the weight of evidence, and the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. From time to time, we may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded, which is the difference between carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. The estimation of fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach and/or the market approach as described below.
The income approach is a quantitative evaluation to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the income approach we determine the fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital plus a forecast risk, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The inputs used for the income approach were significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as described in the accounting fair value hierarchy. CNX determined the fair value based on estimated future cash flows and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure) and also included estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were derived from board approved budgeted amounts, a seven-year operating forecast and an estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent cash flows were developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.
The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through the analysis of recent transactions and/or financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
The determination of the fair value requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; discount rates; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation, depletion, and amortization and capital expenditures. The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions
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could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.
For the Company’s annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company elected to perform a qualitative impairment test on its goodwill and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying value and goodwill was not impaired.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results as well as other assumptions such as movement in the Company's stock price, weighted-average cost of capital, terminal growth rates, changes in the business climate, unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, adverse legal or regulatory actions or developments, changes in capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditure levels, operating cash flows, or market capitalization and industry multiples. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about goodwill impairment which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives and they are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows to their respective carrying values. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value is required. There were no impairments related to definite-lived intangible assets in the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of definite-lived intangible assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of definite-lived intangible assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Derivative Instruments.
We enter into derivative commodity instrument contracts primarily to reduce exposure to commodity price risk associated with future sales of natural gas production. See Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the fair value hierarchy. The values reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements change as these estimates are revised to reflect actual results or as market conditions or other factors, many of which are beyond our control, change.
We believe derivative instruments are "critical accounting estimates" because our financial condition and results of operations can be significantly impacted by changes in the market value of our derivative instruments due to the volatility of both NYMEX natural gas prices and basis. Future results of operations for any quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions. Refer to Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" of this Form 10-K for discussion of a hypothetical increase or decrease of 10% in the market price of natural gas.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001070412-23-000015.
ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward‑looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward‑looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the section entitled “Forward‑Looking Statements.” CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
CNX continually monitors factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ from historical results or current expectations. Examples include the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has had an impact on global commodity prices. More information regarding these considerations is located in Item 1A Risk Factors. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to not be comparable to those of the same period in previous years. The results presented in this Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Natural gas, NGL, and Oil Pricing
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that CNX produces significantly impact revenue and cash flows. Natural gas, NGL and oil benchmark prices increased significantly during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. As a result, CNX experienced a significant increase in revenue and cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2022. In the current economic environment, CNX expects that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce will remain volatile. In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length as well as financial hedges. However, this market volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Inflation
Heightened levels of inflation, primarily related to steel, diesel fuel and labor, continue to present risk for CNX and the broader natural gas industry. CNX experienced higher capital costs from inflation during the year ended December 31, 2022. If inflation continues at its current levels or increases further for any extended period of time, and CNX is unable to successfully mitigate the impact, our costs could increase further, having a greater impact on our financial position. Rising interest rates could also increase our borrowing costs on new debt and our current revolver and could affect the fair value of our investments. CNX remains committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset cost increases from inflation.
2022 Highlights:
•Proved developed reserves of 6.2 Tcfe, 5% higher than 2021.
•Total gas production of 580.2 Bcfe.
•Shale production of 536.1 Bcfe.
•Repurchased $568 million or 33.5 million shares of CNX common stock on the open market.
•Reduced long-term debt by $8 million.
2023 Outlook:
•Our 2023 annual production is expected to be approximately 555-575 Bcfe.
•Our 2023 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $575-$675 million.
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Results of Operations:
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021. A similar discussion and analysis that compares year ended December 31, 2021 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 is omitted from this Form 10-K and may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Net Loss Attributable to CNX Resources Shareholders
CNX reported a net loss attributable to CNX Resources shareholders of $142 million, or a loss per diluted share of $0.75, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a net loss attributable to CNX Resources shareholders of $499 million, or a loss per diluted share of $2.31, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $851 million. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $1,094 million.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the Company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations (See Note 21 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 1,261 | $ | 757 | ||
| Add (Deduct): | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (186) | (100) | ||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments | 851 | 1,094 | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (87) | (106) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 1,839 | $ | 1,645 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 1,321 | $ | 1,235 | ||
| Add (Deduct): | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (13) | (11) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (8) | (21) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (185) | (94) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (122) | (113) | ||||
| Other Operating Expense | (63) | (68) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 930 | $ | 928 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 580.2 | 590.2 | (10.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 3,652 | $ | 6.52 | $ | 2,184 | $ | 3.77 | $ | 1,468 | $ | 2.75 | ||||||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas | (1,813) | (3.35) | (539) | (0.98) | (1,274) | (2.37) | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,839 | 3.17 | 1,645 | 2.79 | 194 | 0.38 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 67 | 0.11 | 46 | 0.08 | 21 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 45 | 0.08 | 34 | 0.06 | 11 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 370 | 0.64 | 344 | 0.58 | 26 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 448 | 0.77 | 504 | 0.85 | (56) | (0.08) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 930 | 1.60 | 928 | 1.57 | 2 | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 909 | $ | 1.57 | $ | 717 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 192 | $ | 0.35 |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The 10.0 Bcfe decrease in volumes in the period-to period comparison was primarily due to various operational delays and challenges, including a loss related to the abandonment of a Shale wellbore (see Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net for more information). The decrease was also due to normal production declines, offset in part by the turn-in-line of new
46
wells throughout 2022.
Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Lease operating expense increased on a per unit basis as a result of an increase in repairs and maintenance expense, including both routine and water storage system maintenance, and an increase in water disposal costs driven by more produced water being taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions.
•Production, ad valorem and other fees increased on a per unit basis as a result of increased realized prices on natural gas and NGLs.
•Transportation, gathering and compression expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to increased processing costs due to a wetter production mix, increased electrical compression expense, increased repairs and maintenance expense and lower volumes.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased on a per unit basis due to a lower annual depletion rate primarily resulting from low-cost reserve additions from development during the 2021 period.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents a breakout of liquids and natural gas sales information and settled derivative information to assist in the understanding of the Company’s natural gas production and sales portfolio and information regarding settled commodity derivatives:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands (unless noted) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| LIQUIDS | |||||||||||||||
| NGL: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 37,997 | 35,858 | 2,139 | 6.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 6,333 | 5,976 | 357 | 6.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 38.16 | $ | 33.90 | $ | 4.26 | 12.6 | % | |||||||
| Gross NGL Revenue | $ | 241,535 | $ | 202,670 | $ | 38,865 | 19.2 | % | |||||||
| Oil/Condensate: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 1,476 | 2,401 | (925) | (38.5) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 246 | 400 | (154) | (38.5) | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 81.90 | $ | 56.32 | $ | 25.58 | 45.4 | % | |||||||
| Gross Oil/Condensate Revenue | $ | 20,155 | $ | 22,541 | $ | (2,386) | (10.6) | % | |||||||
| GAS | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcf) | 540,696 | 551,989 | (11,293) | (2.0) | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Price ($/Mcf) | $ | 6.27 | $ | 3.55 | $ | 2.72 | 76.6 | % | |||||||
| Gross Gas Revenue | $ | 3,390,422 | $ | 1,958,718 | $ | 1,431,704 | 73.1 | % | |||||||
| Hedging Impact ($/Mcf) | $ | (3.35) | $ | (0.98) | $ | (2.37) | (241.8) | % | |||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement | $ | (1,812,777) | $ | (539,016) | $ | (1,273,761) | (236.3) | % |
The increase in gross revenue was primarily the result of the $2.72 per Mcf increase in natural gas prices, when excluding the impact of hedging, and the $4.26 per Bbl increase in NGL prices. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of the change in the realized loss on commodity derivative instruments related to the Company's hedging program and the 10.0 Bcfe decrease in sales volumes.
47
SEGMENT ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021:
| For the Year Ended | Difference to Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Revenue | $ | 3,335 | $ | 315 | $ | 2 | $ | 3,652 | $ | 1,346 | $ | 121 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,468 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments | (1,673) | (139) | (852) | (2,664) | (1,181) | (92) | 242 | (1,031) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | — | — | 186 | 186 | — | — | 86 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | 69 | — | 18 | 87 | (12) | — | (7) | (19) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income (Loss) | 1,731 | 176 | (646) | 1,261 | 153 | 29 | 322 | 504 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 50 | 17 | — | 67 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 33 | 12 | — | 45 | 6 | 5 | — | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 319 | 49 | 2 | 370 | 16 | 9 | 1 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 389 | 54 | 18 | 461 | (51) | (4) | 1 | (54) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | — | — | 8 | 8 | — | — | (13) | (13) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | — | — | 185 | 185 | — | — | 91 | 91 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | — | — | 122 | 122 | — | — | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expense | — | — | 63 | 63 | — | — | (5) | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Costs and Expenses | 791 | 132 | 398 | 1,321 | (13) | 14 | 85 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense | — | — | 10 | 10 | — | — | (6) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net | — | — | (9) | (9) | — | — | 33 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | 23 | 23 | — | — | (11) | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | — | — | 128 | 128 | — | — | (23) | (23) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | — | — | 152 | 152 | — | — | (7) | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 791 | 132 | 550 | 1,473 | (13) | 14 | 78 | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 940 | $ | 44 | $ | (1,196) | $ | (212) | $ | 166 | $ | 15 | $ | 244 | $ | 425 |
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SHALE SEGMENT
The Shale segment had earnings before income tax of $940 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to earnings before income tax of $774 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Shale Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 496.7 | 502.2 | (5.5) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||
| NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 38.0 | 35.8 | 2.2 | 6.1 | % | |||||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 1.4 | 2.4 | (1.0) | (41.7) | % | |||||||||
| Total Shale Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 536.1 | 540.4 | (4.3) | (0.8) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 6.19 | $ | 3.51 | $ | 2.68 | 76.4 | % | ||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | (3.37) | $ | (0.98) | $ | (2.39) | (243.9) | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - NGLs (per Mcfe)* | $ | 6.36 | $ | 5.65 | $ | 0.71 | 12.6 | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - Oil/Condensate (per Mcfe)* | $ | 13.63 | $ | 9.38 | $ | 4.25 | 45.3 | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Sales Price (per Mcfe) | $ | 3.10 | $ | 2.77 | $ | 0.33 | 11.9 | % | ||||||
| Average Shale Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcfe) | 0.09 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 50.0 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcfe) | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.02 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.60 | 0.56 | 0.04 | 7.1 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.72 | 0.82 | (0.10) | (12.2) | % | |||||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Costs (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.48 | $ | 1.49 | $ | (0.01) | (0.7) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Margin (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.62 | $ | 1.28 | $ | 0.34 | 26.6 | % |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Shale segment had natural gas, NGLs and oil/condensate revenue of $3,335 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $1,989 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The $1,346 million increase was due primarily to a 76.4% increase in the average sales price for natural gas and a 12.6% increase in the average sales price of NGLs, offset in part by a 0.8% decrease in total Shale gas sales volumes. The decrease in total Shale gas sales volumes was primarily due to various operational delays and challenges including a loss related to the abandonment of a Shale wellbore (see Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net for more information). The decrease was also due to normal production declines, offset in part by the turn-in-line of new wells throughout 2022.
The increase in total average Shale sales price was primarily due to a $2.68 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price and a $0.71 per Mcfe increase in the average NGL sales price. These increases were offset in part by a $2.39 per Mcf change in the realized loss on commodity derivative instruments. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 424.7 Bcf of the Company's produced Shale gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2022 at an average loss of $3.94 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2021, these financial hedges represented approximately 429.4 Bcf at an average loss of $1.15 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the Shale segment were $791 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $804 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decreases in total dollars and unit costs for the Shale segment were due to the following items:
•Shale lease operating expenses were $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily related to an increase in repairs and maintenance expense, including both routine and water storage system maintenance, and an increase in water disposal costs as more water had to be taken to disposal instead of being reused in well completions.
•Shale production, ad valorem and other fees were $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to increased realized prices on natural gas and natural gas liquids.
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•Shale transportation, gathering and compression costs were $319 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $303 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily related to an increase in repairs and maintenance expense, an increase in processing costs due to a wetter production mix and increased electrical compression expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the Shale segment were $389 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $440 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.62 per Mcfe and $0.71 per Mcfe, respectively. The decrease in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in the current period is primarily the result of a lower annual depletion rate related to low-cost reserve additions from development in the 2021 period. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
Total Shale other revenue and operating income relates to natural gas gathering services provided to third parties. The Shale segment had other revenue and operating income of $69 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to lower third-party gathering volumes due to normal production declines.
COALBED METHANE (CBM) SEGMENT
The CBM segment had earnings before income tax of $44 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to earnings before income tax of $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 43.7 | 49.5 | (5.8) | (11.7) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 7.20 | $ | 3.91 | $ | 3.29 | 84.1 | % | ||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | (3.18) | $ | (0.93) | $ | (2.25) | (241.9) | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 4.01 | $ | 2.97 | $ | 1.04 | 35.0 | % | ||||||
| Average CBM Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcf) | 0.40 | 0.26 | 0.14 | 53.8 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcf) | 0.27 | 0.14 | 0.13 | 92.9 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcf) | 1.12 | 0.80 | 0.32 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcf) | 1.21 | 1.18 | 0.03 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Costs (per Mcf) | $ | 3.00 | $ | 2.38 | $ | 0.62 | 26.1 | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Margin (per Mcf) | $ | 1.01 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 0.42 | 71.2 | % |
The CBM segment had natural gas revenue of $315 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $194 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The $121 million increase was primarily due to an 84.1% increase in the average sales price for natural gas in the current period. The natural gas price increases were partially offset by the 11.7% decrease in CBM gas sales volumes due to normal production declines.
The total average CBM sales price increased $1.04 per Mcf due to a $3.29 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price, offset in part by a $2.25 per Mcf change in the realized loss on commodity derivative instruments resulting from the Company's hedging program. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 35.5 Bcf of the Company's produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2022 at an average loss of $3.92 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2021, these financial hedges represented approximately 40.4 Bcf at an average loss of $1.15 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the CBM segment were $132 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $118 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following items:
•CBM lease operating expense was $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to increases in repairs and maintenance expense.
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•CBM production, ad valorem and other fees were $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to increased realized prices on natural gas.
•CBM transportation, gathering and compression costs were $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to an increase in repairs and maintenance expense and electrical compression expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $54 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 due to lower volumes in the current period. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.65 per Mcfe and $0.66 per Mcfe, respectively. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
OTHER SEGMENT
The Other Segment includes nominal shallow oil and gas production which is not significant to the Company. It also includes the Company's purchased gas activities, unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments, new technologies, exploration and production related other costs, as well as various other expenses that are managed outside the Shale and CBM segments such as SG&A, interest expense and income taxes.
The Other Segment had a loss before income tax of $1,196 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a loss before income tax of $1,440 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in total dollars is discussed below.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 | % |
Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $851 million, as well as cash settlements paid of $1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $1,094 million. The unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis. See Note 19 – Derivative Instruments in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the cash settlements.
Purchased Gas Revenue and Costs
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of natural gas purchased at market prices from third parties and then resold in order to fulfill contracts with certain customers and to balance supply. Purchased gas revenue was $186 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Purchased gas costs were $185 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The period-to-period increase in purchased gas revenue was due to an increase in average sales price and an increase in purchased gas sales volumes.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in Bcf) | 30.7 | 26.6 | 4.1 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 6.04 | $ | 3.75 | $ | 2.29 | 61.1 | % | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Cost (per Mcf) | $ | 6.03 | $ | 3.53 | $ | 2.50 | 70.8 | % |
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Other Operating Income
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Equity Income from Affiliates | $ | 1 | $ | 6 | $ | (5) | (83.3) | % | ||||||
| Water Income | 5 | 7 | (2) | (28.6) | % | |||||||||
| Excess Firm Transportation Income | 12 | 12 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Income | $ | 18 | $ | 25 | $ | (7) | (28.0) | % |
•Equity income from affiliates primarily represents CNX’s share of earnings from a 50% interest in a power plant located within CNX’s CBM field. Power generated from the facility is sold into wholesale electricity markets during times of peak energy consumption. Due to the plant consuming coal mine methane gas, the plant qualifies for Pennsylvania Tier I Renewable Energy Credits.
•Water income decreased in the period-to-period comparison due to fewer third-party sales in the current period.
•Excess firm transportation income represents revenue from the sale of excess firm transportation capacity to third parties. The Company obtains firm pipeline transportation capacity to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase. In order to minimize this unutilized firm transportation expense, CNX is able to release (sell) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue from released capacity helps offset the Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees in Total Other Operating Expense.
Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Exploratory Well Costs | $ | — | $ | 9 | $ | (9) | (100.0) | % | ||||||
| Lease Expiration Costs | 1 | 8 | (7) | (87.5) | % | |||||||||
| Permitting Expense | — | 1 | (1) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Land Rentals | 4 | 3 | 1 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||
| Seismic Activity | 3 | — | 3 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | $ | 8 | $ | 21 | $ | (13) | (61.9) | % |
•Exploratory well costs relate to the write-off of an exploratory well that was still being evaluated at the end of 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company determined it would be more economical to access the underlying reserves from a different location.
•Lease expiration costs relate to leases where the primary term expired or will expire within the next 12 months.
•Seismic activity expense for the current period primarily relates to the acquisition of three-dimensional seismic data.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
SG&A costs include costs such as overhead, including employee labor and benefit costs, short-term incentive compensation, costs of maintaining our headquarters, audit and other professional fees, charitable contributions and legal compliance expenses. SG&A costs also include non-cash long-term equity-based compensation expense.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits | $ | 31 | $ | 27 | $ | 4 | 14.8 | % | ||||||
| Contributions and Advertising | 5 | 3 | 2 | 66.7 | % | |||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Compensation | 20 | 20 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation (Non-Cash) | 16 | 17 | (1) | (5.9) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 50 | 46 | 4 | 8.7 | % | |||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 122 | $ | 113 | $ | 9 | 8.0 | % |
•Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in wages and employee benefit expense.
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•Contributions and advertising increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in charitable contributions.
•Other increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in professional services and consulting fees related to cyber security, legal matters and regulatory reporting.
Other Operating Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Litigation Settlements | $ | 3 | $ | 10 | $ | (7) | (70.0) | % | ||||||
| Water Expense | 1 | 2 | (1) | (50.0) | % | |||||||||
| Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees | 52 | 53 | (1) | (1.9) | % | |||||||||
| Insurance Expense | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0 | % | |||||||||
| Virginia Flood Expense | 3 | — | 3 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Expense | $ | 63 | $ | 68 | $ | (5) | (7.4) | % |
•CNX and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of business. CNX accrues the estimated loss for these lawsuits and claims as litigation settlements when the loss is probable and can be estimated. (See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). The decrease in the period-to-period comparison was the result of various items, none of which were individually material.
•Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for NGLs. In some instances, the Company may have the opportunity to realize more favorable net pricing by strategically choosing to sell natural gas into a market or to a customer that does not require the use of the Company’s own firm transportation capacity. Such sales would result in an increase in unutilized firm transportation expense. The Company attempts to minimize this expense by releasing (selling) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue received when this capacity is released (sold) is included in Excess Firm Transportation Income in Total Other Operating Income.
•Virginia flood expense includes cleanup and repair costs related to flooding that occurred in Buchanan County, Virginia in July 2022.
Other Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-Way Sales | $ | 4 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Other | 5 | 7 | (2) | (28.6) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | — | — | % | ||||||
| Other Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Professional Services | $ | 4 | $ | 7 | $ | (3) | (42.9) | % | ||||||
| Bank Fees | 11 | 12 | (1) | (8.3) | % | |||||||||
| Other Land Rental Expense | 3 | 4 | (1) | (25.0) | % | |||||||||
| Other Corporate Expense | 1 | 2 | (1) | (50.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 19 | $ | 25 | $ | (6) | (24.0) | % | ||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 10 | $ | 16 | $ | (6) | (37.5) | % |
•Professional services decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a decrease in legal fees.
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Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net
A net gain on asset sales of $9 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a gain of $42 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold various non-core assets, primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-core oil and gas interests, the gains from which were partially offset by costs related to the plugging and abandonment of a Shale wellbore. This well was originally part of the 2023 development plan, and in order to not delay other wells, CNX plugged the wellbore and plans on accessing the reserves at a future date. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold various non-core assets, primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-core oil and gas interests.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $23 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a loss on debt extinguishment of $34 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX purchased a portion of the Convertible Notes due May 2026 and $350 million of the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at an average price equal to 102.5% of the principal amount. During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM purchased all of the 6.50% Senior Notes due March 2026 and CNX repaid in full and terminated the Cardinal States Gathering Company LLC and CSG Holdings II LLC non-revolving credit facilities. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Interest Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | $ | 128 | $ | 151 | $ | (23) | (15.2) | % |
The $23 million decrease in total interest expense was primarily due to the purchase of the $400 million 6.500% CNXM Senior Notes due March 2026 during the year ended December 31, 2021, the purchase of the $350 million 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 during the year ended December 31, 2022, and lower borrowings on the CNX Credit Facility, offset, in part, by the issuance of $400 million of 4.750% CNXM Senior Notes due April 2030 during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the issuance of $500 million 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031 during the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was also due to the Company adopting Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-06 - Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity on January 1, 2022. As part of the adoption, total interest expense no longer includes a non-cash interest expense component related to the Convertible Notes due May 2026. Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 also included $16 million that was amortized as additional non-cash interest expense related to the equity component of the Convertible Notes due May 2026. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Income Taxes
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Company Loss Before Income Tax | $ | (212) | $ | (637) | $ | 425 | 66.7 | % | ||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | $ | (70) | $ | (138) | $ | 68 | 49.3 | % | ||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | 33.0 | % | 21.7 | % | 11.3 | % |
The effective income tax rate was 33.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 21.7% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The effective rates for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to federal tax credits, state income taxes including tax rate changes, equity compensation, and the impact of certain state deferred tax asset valuation allowances as a result of the higher unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments during each of the periods presented. The unrealized losses represent changes in the fair value of the Company’s existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis.
See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview, Sources and Uses
CNX generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CNX currently believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments, if any, and to provide required letters of credit for the current fiscal year. Nevertheless, the ability of CNX to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the natural gas industry and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CNX’s control.
From time to time, CNX is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies' statutes and regulations. CNX sometimes uses letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce the Company's borrowing facility capacity.
CNX continuously reviews its liquidity and capital resources. If market conditions were to change, for instance due to a significant decline in commodity prices and our revenue was reduced significantly or operating costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced.
As of December 31, 2022, CNX was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. After considering the potential effect of a significant decline in commodity prices, CNX currently expects to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.
CNX frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CNX has historically funded acquisitions with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to CNX on terms which CNX finds acceptable, or at all.
Factors that may Impact our Liquidity
•The Company’s cash on hand and access to additional liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were $21.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
•Accounts and notes receivable - trade as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $348.5 million and $330.1 million, respectively. Our accounts and notes receivable balance may fluctuate as of any balance sheet date depending on the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs and the volumes sold.
•Capital expenditures are expected to range between $575 million to $675 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to capital expenditures of $565.8 million in fiscal year 2022. Accelerated levels of inflation may lead to price increases beyond CNX’s control that could lead to CNX incurring an increase in costs in the future.
•Production volumes are expected to range between 555.0 Bcfe and 575.0 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to production volumes of 580.2 Bcfe in fiscal year 2022.
•Prices for natural gas and NGLs are volatile, and an extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs will adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows.
•In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CNX also enters into various financial natural gas swap transactions to manage the market risk exposure to in-basin and out-of-basin pricing. The fair value of these contracts was a net liability of $1,905 million at December 31, 2022 and a net liability of $976 million at December 31, 2021. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. See Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion of our commodity risk management.
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Cash Flows (in millions)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||
| Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 1,235 | $ | 926 | $ | 309 | ||||
| Cash Used in Investing Activities | $ | (528) | $ | (421) | $ | (107) | ||||
| Cash Used in Financing Activities | $ | (689) | $ | (524) | $ | (165) |
Cash provided by operating activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Net loss decreased $357 million in the period-to-period comparison.
•Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of an $165 million net change in commodity derivative instruments, a $62 million change in deferred income taxes, a $54 million change in depreciation, depletion and amortization, a $33 million change in gain on asset sales and abandonments, net, and various other changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Capital expenditures increased $100 million primarily due to an increase in drilling and completions activity, midstream activity and an overall increase in costs related to inflation.
•Proceeds from asset sales decreased $8 million mainly due to decreased sales of non-core surface and oil and gas interests in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cash used in financing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX closed on $500 million aggregate principal amount of CNX 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031 at a price of 98.8% for cash proceeds of $494 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX paid $359 million to repurchase $350 million of CNX 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at 102.5% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, CNX paid 27 million to repurchase $14 million of the 2026 Convertible Notes at 188.0% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were $31 million of net payments on the CNXM Credit Facility compared to $106 million of net payments during the year ended December 31, 2021.
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were $192 million of net payments on the CNX Credit Facility compared to $31 million of net proceeds during the year ended December 31, 2021.
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM paid $421 million to purchase $400 million of CNXM 6.50% Senior Notes due in March 2026 at 105.3% of the principal amount. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM completed a private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of CNXM 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 at a price of 98.8% for cash proceeds of $395 million. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $161 million of net payments on the Cardinal States Facility and CSG Holdings Facility compared to $159 million of net proceeds in the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 12 – Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, CNX repurchased $565 million and $245 million, respectively, of its common stock on the open market.
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Commitments and Significant Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company's significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
| Payments due by Year | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Order Firm Commitments | $ | 400 | $ | 800 | $ | 400 | $ | — | $ | 1,600 | ||||||||
| Gas Firm Transportation and Processing | 253,470 | 444,545 | 370,188 | 738,189 | 1,806,392 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | — | — | 830,160 | 1,389,708 | 2,219,868 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Long-Term Debt | 121,105 | 256,756 | 219,559 | 222,407 | 819,827 | |||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligations | 2,367 | 6,052 | 6,229 | 1,034 | 15,682 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Finance Lease Obligations | 690 | 1,451 | 713 | 33 | 2,887 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | 48,982 | 95,673 | 22,668 | 19,699 | 187,022 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Operating Lease Obligations | 7,523 | 8,799 | 2,690 | 1,833 | 20,845 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a) | 2,106 | 4,368 | 4,649 | 22,363 | 33,486 | |||||||||||||
| Other Long-Term Liabilities (b) | 230,685 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 69,079 | 319,764 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations (c) | $ | 667,328 | $ | 828,444 | $ | 1,467,256 | $ | 2,464,345 | $ | 5,427,373 |
_________________________
(a)Employee related long-term liabilities include salaried retirement contributions and work-related injuries and illnesses.
(b)Other long-term liabilities include royalties and other long-term liability costs.
(c)The table above does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CNX does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CNX uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure the Company's financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CNX.
Debt
At December 31, 2022, CNX had total long-term debt of $2,220 million, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. This long-term debt consisted of:
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031, less $6 million of unamortized bond discount. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX’s subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 issued by CNXM, less $4 million of unamortized bond discount. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of these notes.
•An aggregate principal amount of $350 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 plus $2 million of unamortized bond premium. Interest on the notes is payable March 14 and September 14 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $331 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased, or converted, less $7 million of unamortized discount and issuance costs. Interest on the notes
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is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $154 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNXM Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of the CNXM Facility.
Total Equity and Dividends
CNX had total equity of $2,950 million at December 31, 2022 compared to $3,700 million at December 31, 2021. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
On September 28, 2020, the Merger of CNXM was completed (See Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). CNX accounted for the change in our ownership interest in CNXM as an equity transaction which was reflected as a reduction of noncontrolling interest with corresponding increases to common stock and capital in excess of par value.
The declaration and payment of dividends by CNX is subject to the discretion of CNX's Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CNX will pay dividends in the future. CNX has not paid dividends on its common stock since 2016. The determination to pay dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CNX's financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CNX, planned investments by CNX, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. CNX's Credit Facility limits its ability to pay dividends in excess of an annual rate of $0.10 per share when the Company's net leverage ratio exceeds 3.00 to 1.00 and is subject to availability under the Credit Facility of at least 20% of the aggregate commitments and there being no borrowing base deficiency. The Credit Facility does not permit such dividend payments when an event of default has occurred and is continuing. The indentures to the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027, the 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029, and the 7.375% Senior Notes due January 2031 limit dividends to $0.50 per share annually unless several conditions are met. These conditions include no defaults, ability to incur additional debt and other payment limitations under the indentures. There were no defaults in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical accounting policies are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of gas wells and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of gas reserves. Changes in the variables used to calculate the liabilities can have a significant effect on the gas well closing liability. The amounts of assets and liabilities recorded are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proved reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to asset retirement obligations are “critical accounting estimates” because the Company must assess the expected amount and timing of asset retirement obligations. In addition, the Company must determine the estimated present value of future liabilities. Future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions.
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Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2022, prior to consideration of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, CNX had deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $148 million. At December 31, 2022, CNX had a valuation allowance of $85 million on deferred tax assets.
CNX evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation of the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, which are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon the subsequent resolution of identified matters. See Note 6 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s uncertain tax liabilities.
The Company believes that accounting estimates related to income taxes are “critical accounting estimates” because the Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and exercise judgment regarding the amount of financial statement benefit to record for uncertain tax positions. When evaluating whether or not a valuation allowance must be established on deferred tax assets, the Company exercises judgment in determining whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation allowance is needed, including carrybacks, tax planning strategies and reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In making the determination related to uncertain tax positions, the Company considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement of an uncertain tax position using the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date to establish the appropriate amount of financial statement benefit. To the extent that an uncertain tax position or valuation allowance is established or increased or decreased during a period, the Company must include an expense or benefit within tax expense in the income statement. Future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions.
Natural Gas, NGL, Condensate and Oil Reserve (“Natural Gas Reserve”) Values
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable natural gas reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable natural gas reserves are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our natural gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•geological conditions;
•historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
•the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
•assumptions governing future prices; and
•future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas attributable to a particular group of properties, and classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual production,
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revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be material. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
The Company believes that the accounting estimate related to oil and gas reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because the Company must periodically reevaluate proved reserves along with estimates of future production rates, production costs and the estimated timing of development expenditures. Future results of operations and strength of the balance sheet for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions. See “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” below for additional information regarding the Company’s oil and gas reserves.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying values of the Company's proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. The Company groups its assets by geological and geographical characteristics. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using a market-specific weighted average cost of capital. There were no impairments related to proved properties in the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
CNX evaluates capitalized costs of unproved gas properties for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include, but are not limited to, changes brought about by economic factors, commodity price outlooks, our geologists’ evaluation of the property, favorable or unfavorable activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, potential shifts in business strategy employed by management and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. There were no impairments related to unproved properties in the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of long-lived assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. In addition, the Company must determine the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as well as the impact of commodity price outlooks. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates, such as different assumptions in projected revenues, future commodity prices or the weighted average costs of capital, could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of long-lived assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Goodwill
In connection with the Midstream Acquisition that closed on January 3, 2018, CNX recorded $796 million of goodwill. See Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We may assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment, which considers specific factors, based on the weight of evidence, and the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. From time to time, we may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded, which is the difference between carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. The estimation of fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach and/or the market approach as described below.
The income approach is a quantitative evaluation to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the income approach we determine the fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital plus a forecast risk, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The inputs used for the income approach were significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3
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inputs, as described in the accounting fair value hierarchy. CNX determined the fair value based on estimated future cash flows and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure) and also included estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were derived from board approved budgeted amounts, a seven-year operating forecast and an estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent cash flows were developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.
The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through the analysis of recent transactions and/or financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
The determination of the fair value requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; discount rates; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation, depletion, and amortization and capital expenditures. The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.
For the Company’s annual impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company elected to perform a qualitative impairment test on its goodwill and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying value and goodwill was not impaired.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results as well as other assumptions such as movement in the Company's stock price, weighted-average cost of capital, terminal growth rates, changes in the business climate, unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, adverse legal or regulatory actions or developments, changes in capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditure levels, operating cash flows, or market capitalization and industry multiples. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about goodwill impairment which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives and they are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows to their respective carrying values. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value is required. There were no impairments related to definite-lived intangible assets in the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of definite-lived intangible assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of definite-lived intangible assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
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Derivative Instruments.
We enter into derivative commodity instrument contracts primarily to reduce exposure to commodity price risk associated with future sales of natural gas production. See Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the fair value hierarchy. The values reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements change as these estimates are revised to reflect actual results or as market conditions or other factors, many of which are beyond our control, change.
We believe derivative instruments are "critical accounting estimates" because our financial condition and results of operations can be significantly impacted by changes in the market value of our derivative instruments due to the volatility of both NYMEX natural gas prices and basis. Future results of operations for any quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions. Refer to Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" of this Form 10-K for discussion of a hypothetical increase or decrease of 10% in the market price of natural gas.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001070412-22-000011.
ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, CNX's financial statements. This discussion contains forward‑looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward‑looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact future operating performance or financial condition, please see “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the section entitled “Forward‑Looking Statements.” CNX does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
General
COVID-19 Update:
CNX continues to monitor the current and potential impacts of the coronavirus COVID-19 (“COVID-19”) pandemic on all aspects of our business and geographies, including how it has impacted, and may in the future impact, our operations, financial results, liquidity, contractors, customers, employees and vendors. More information regarding these considerations is located in Item 1A Risk Factors. These and other factors could affect the Company’s operations, earnings and cash flows for any period and could cause such results to not be comparable to those of the same period in previous years. The results presented in this Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
While CNX did not incur significant disruptions to operations during the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CNX is unable to predict the full extent of the future impact that the COVID-19 pandemic could have on the Company, including our financial position, operating results, liquidity and ability to obtain financing in future reporting periods, due to numerous uncertainties outside the Company’s control.
2021 Highlights:
•Increased proved developed reserves to 5.9 Tcfe, 13.5% higher than 2020.
•Total gas production of 590.2 Bcfe.
•Shale production of 540.4 Bcfe.
•Repurchased $241 million or 18.3 million shares of CNX common stock on the open market.
•Reduced Long-Term Debt by $187 million.
2022 Outlook:
•Our 2022 annual gas production is expected to be approximately 575-605 Bcfe.
•Our 2022 E&P capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $470-$500 million.
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Results of Operations:
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2020. A similar discussion and analysis that compares year ended December 31, 2020 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Net Loss Attributable to CNX Resources Shareholders
CNX reported a net loss attributable to CNX Resources shareholders of $499 million, or a loss per diluted share of $2.31, for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a net loss attributable to CNX Resources shareholders of $484 million, or a loss per diluted share of $2.43, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | |||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (498,643) | $ | (428,744) | $ | (69,899) | ||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | — | 55,031 | (55,031) | |||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to CNX Resources Shareholders | $ | (498,643) | $ | (483,775) | $ | (14,868) |
Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $1,094 million. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $288 million, a $62 million non-cash impairment charge related to exploration and production properties specific to our Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) CBM asset group (See Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K), and a $473 million non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill (See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K).
Prior to the effective time of the Merger on September 28, 2020 (See Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K), public unitholders held a 46.9% equity interest in CNXM and CNX owned the remaining 53.1% equity interest and following the Merger CNX owns 100% of the equity interests of CNXM. . The earnings of CNXM that were attributed to its common units held by the public prior to the Merger are reflected in Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no changes in our ownership interest in CNXM during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
CNX's management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, and believes that they are useful for investors in analyzing the company. Although these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), management believes that these financial measures are useful to an investor in evaluating CNX because these metrics are widely used to evaluate a natural gas company’s operating performance. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements excludes the impacts of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, which are often volatile, and only includes the impact of settled commodity derivative instruments. Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements also excludes purchased gas revenue and other revenue and operating income, which are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities. Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs excludes certain expenses that are not directly related to CNX’s natural gas producing activities and are managed outside our production operations (See Note 21 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). These expenses include, but are not limited to, interest expense, impairment of exploration and production properties, impairment of goodwill, other operating expense and other corporate expenses such as selling, general and administrative costs. We believe that Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements, Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs and Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin (which is derived by subtracting Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs from Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including cash settlements) provide useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. These metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because all companies do not calculate these measures identically, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income | $ | 757 | $ | 1,258 | ||
| Add (Deduct): | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | (100) | (106) | ||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments and Monetization | 1,094 | 204 | ||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | (106) | (82) | ||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 1,645 | $ | 1,274 | ||
| Total Operating Expense | $ | 1,235 | $ | 1,697 | ||
| Add (Deduct): | ||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) - Corporate | (11) | (10) | ||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | (21) | (15) | ||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | (94) | (101) | ||||
| Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties | — | (62) | ||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | — | (473) | ||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (113) | (109) | ||||
| Other Operating Expense | (68) | (85) | ||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure1 | $ | 928 | $ | 842 |
1 Natural Gas, NGL and Oil production costs consists primarily of lease operating expense, production ad valorem and other fees, transportation, gathering and compression and production related depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Selected Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Financial Data
The following table presents a summary of our total sales volumes, sales of natural gas, NGL and oil including cash settlements, natural gas, NGL and oil production costs and natural gas, NGL and oil production margin related to our production operations on a total company basis (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation above for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP):
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | in Millions | Per Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 590.2 | 511.1 | 79.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Revenue | $ | 2,184 | $ | 3.77 | $ | 897 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 1,287 | $ | 2.06 | ||||||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas** | (539) | (0.98) | 377 | 0.78 | (916) | (1.76) | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales of Natural Gas, NGL and Oil, including Cash Settlements, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 1,645 | 2.79 | 1,274 | 2.49 | 371 | 0.30 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 46 | 0.08 | 40 | 0.08 | 6 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 34 | 0.06 | 24 | 0.04 | 10 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 344 | 0.58 | 286 | 0.56 | 58 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) | 504 | 0.85 | 492 | 0.96 | 12 | (0.11) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Costs, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | 928 | 1.57 | 842 | 1.64 | 86 | (0.07) | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGL and Oil Production Margin, a Non-GAAP Financial Measure | $ | 717 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 432 | $ | 0.85 | $ | 285 | $ | 0.37 |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of NGL, condensate, and natural gas prices.
**Excluding hedge monetizations.
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The 79.1 Bcfe increase in volumes in the period-to period comparison was primarily due to the turn-in-line of new wells throughout 2020 and 2021. Additionally, in 2020 the Company temporarily shut-in new turn-in-line wells as a result of low natural gas and NGL pricing. The increases were offset in part by normal production declines.
Changes in the average costs per Mcfe were primarily related to the following items:
•Production, ad valorem and other fees increased on a per unit basis as a result of increased realized prices on natural gas and natural gas liquids as well as the change in production mix by state as new wells were turned-in-line.
•Transportation, gathering and compression expense increased on a per unit basis primarily due to increased processing costs due to a wetter production mix, and increased firm transportation costs.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased on a per unit basis as a result of low cost reserve additions from development during the 2020 period in SWPA, the addition of proved undeveloped Shale wells in the Central Pennsylvania (CPA), and an impairment recognized in CBM in the 2020 period.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents a breakout of liquids and natural gas sales information and settled derivative information to assist in the understanding of the Company’s natural gas production and sales portfolio and information regarding settled commodity derivatives:
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands (unless noted) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| LIQUIDS | |||||||||||||||
| NGL: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 35,858 | 28,062 | 7,796 | 27.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 5,976 | 4,677 | 1,299 | 27.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 33.90 | $ | 13.74 | $ | 20.16 | 146.7 | % | |||||||
| Gross NGL Revenue | $ | 202,670 | $ | 64,138 | $ | 138,532 | 216.0 | % | |||||||
| Oil/Condensate: | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcfe) | 2,401 | 1,584 | 817 | 51.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Mbbls) | 400 | 264 | 136 | 51.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 56.32 | $ | 35.91 | $ | 20.41 | 56.8 | % | |||||||
| Gross Oil/Condensate Revenue | $ | 22,541 | $ | 9,475 | $ | 13,066 | 137.9 | % | |||||||
| GAS | |||||||||||||||
| Sales Volume (MMcf) | 551,989 | 481,426 | 70,563 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Sales Price ($/Mcf) | $ | 3.55 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 1.84 | 107.6 | % | |||||||
| Gross Gas Revenue | $ | 1,958,718 | $ | 823,132 | $ | 1,135,586 | 138.0 | % | |||||||
| Hedging Impact ($/Mcf) | $ | (0.98) | $ | 0.78 | $ | (1.76) | (225.6) | % | |||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement* | $ | (539,016) | $ | 377,219 | $ | (916,235) | (242.9) | % |
*Excluding gains from hedge monetizations
The increase in gross revenue was primarily the result of the $1.84 per Mcf increase in natural gas prices, when excluding the impact of hedging, the 79.1 Bcfe increase in sales volumes and the $20.16 per Bbl increase in NGL prices. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of the change in the realized (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments related to the Company's hedging program.
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SEGMENT ANALYSIS for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020:
| For the Year Ended | Difference to Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | Shale | CBM | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas, NGLs and Oil Revenue | $ | 1,989 | $ | 194 | $ | 1 | $ | 2,184 | $ | 1,208 | $ | 80 | $ | (1) | $ | 1,287 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments | (492) | (47) | (1,094) | (1,633) | (829) | (87) | (890) | (1,806) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Revenue | — | — | 100 | 100 | — | — | (6) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Revenue and Operating Income | 81 | — | 25 | 106 | 16 | — | 8 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue and Other Operating Income (Loss) | 1,578 | 147 | (968) | 757 | 395 | (7) | (889) | (501) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Operating Expense | 34 | 13 | (1) | 46 | 8 | (1) | (1) | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production, Ad Valorem, and Other Fees | 27 | 7 | — | 34 | 8 | 2 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation, Gathering and Compression | 303 | 40 | 1 | 344 | 55 | 1 | 2 | 58 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 440 | 58 | 17 | 515 | 24 | (12) | 1 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties | — | — | — | — | — | — | (62) | (62) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of Goodwill | — | — | — | — | — | — | (473) | (473) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | — | — | 21 | 21 | — | — | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Costs | — | — | 94 | 94 | — | — | (7) | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Costs | — | — | 113 | 113 | — | — | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expense | — | — | 68 | 68 | — | — | (17) | (17) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Costs and Expenses | 804 | 118 | 313 | 1,235 | 95 | (10) | (547) | (462) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Expense | — | — | 16 | 16 | — | — | (8) | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net | — | — | (42) | (42) | — | — | (21) | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | 34 | 34 | — | — | 44 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | — | — | 151 | 151 | — | — | (20) | (20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expenses | — | — | 159 | 159 | — | — | (5) | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Costs and Expenses | 804 | 118 | 472 | 1,394 | 95 | (10) | (552) | (467) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax | $ | 774 | $ | 29 | $ | (1,440) | $ | (637) | $ | 300 | $ | 3 | $ | (337) | $ | (34) |
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SHALE SEGMENT
The Shale segment had earnings before income tax of $774 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to earnings before income tax of $474 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Shale Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 502.2 | 428.7 | 73.5 | 17.1 | % | |||||||||
| NGLs Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 35.8 | 28.1 | 7.7 | 27.4 | % | |||||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 2.4 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 60.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Shale Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 540.4 | 458.3 | 82.1 | 17.9 | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 3.51 | $ | 1.65 | $ | 1.86 | 112.7 | % | ||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | (0.98) | $ | 0.79 | $ | (1.77) | (224.1) | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - NGLs (per Mcfe)* | $ | 5.65 | $ | 2.29 | $ | 3.36 | 146.7 | % | ||||||
| Average Sales Price - Oil/Condensate (per Mcfe)* | $ | 9.38 | $ | 5.83 | $ | 3.55 | 60.9 | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Sales Price (per Mcfe) | $ | 2.77 | $ | 2.44 | $ | 0.33 | 13.5 | % | ||||||
| Average Shale Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcfe) | 0.06 | 0.06 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcfe) | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.56 | 0.54 | 0.02 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||
| Average Shale Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcfe) | 0.82 | 0.91 | (0.09) | (9.9) | % | |||||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Costs (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.49 | $ | 1.55 | $ | (0.06) | (3.9) | % | ||||||
| Total Average Shale Production Margin (per Mcfe) | $ | 1.28 | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.39 | 43.8 | % |
*NGLs and Oil/Condensate are converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil, NGLs, condensate, and natural gas prices.
The Shale segment had natural gas, NGLs and oil/condensate revenue of $1,989 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $781 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $1,208 million increase was due primarily to a 17.9% increase in total Shale gas sales volumes, and a 13.5% increase in the total average Shale sales price.
The increase in total Shale gas sales volumes was primarily due to the turn-in-line of new wells throughout 2020 and 2021. The increase was also due to the temporary shut-in of new turn-in-line wells in 2020 due to low natural gas prices, offset in part by normal production declines.
The increase in total average Shale sales price was primarily due to a $1.86 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price and a $3.36 per Mcfe increase in the average NGL sales price. These increases were offset in part by a $1.77 per Mcf change in the realized (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 429.4 Bcf of the Company's produced Shale gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2021 at an average loss of $1.15 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2020, these financial hedges represented approximately 412.1 Bcf at an average gain of $0.82 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the Shale segment were $804 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $709 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in total dollars and decrease in unit costs for the Shale segment were due to the following items:
•Shale lease operating expenses were $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in total dollars was primarily related to an increase in production volumes.
•Shale production, ad valorem and other fees were $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to increased realized prices on natural gas and natural gas liquids as well as the change in production mix by state as new wells were turned-in-line.
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•Shale transportation, gathering and compression costs were $303 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $248 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in total dollars was primarily related to the increase in total production volumes and increased processing costs due to a wetter production mix. The increase in unit costs was primarily due to increased processing costs due to a wetter production mix and an increase in firm transportation costs.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the Shale segment were $440 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $416 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in total dollars was due to the increase in production volumes. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.71 per Mcfe and $0.81 per Mcfe, respectively. The decrease in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in the current period is primarily the result of low-cost reserve additions from development in 2020 in SWPA as well as the addition of proved undeveloped Shale reserves in CPA. The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
Total Shale other revenue and operating income relates to natural gas gathering services provided to third-parties. The Shale segment had other revenue and operating income of $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $65 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to temporary production curtailments by third party customers that occurred in early 2020 due to low prices. Those curtailments were restored to full production in the latter half of 2020.
COALBED METHANE (CBM) SEGMENT
The CBM segment had earnings before income tax of $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to earnings before income tax of $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| CBM Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 49.5 | 52.6 | (3.1) | (5.9) | % | |||||||||
| Average Sales Price - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | 3.91 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 1.74 | 80.2 | % | ||||||
| (Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivative Instruments - Cash Settlement - Gas (per Mcf) | $ | (0.93) | $ | 0.76 | $ | (1.69) | (222.4) | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 2.97 | $ | 2.93 | $ | 0.04 | 1.4 | % | ||||||
| Average CBM Lease Operating Expenses (per Mcf) | 0.26 | 0.27 | (0.01) | (3.7) | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Production, Ad Valorem and Other Fees (per Mcf) | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0.04 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Transportation, Gathering and Compression Costs (per Mcf) | 0.80 | 0.73 | 0.07 | 9.6 | % | |||||||||
| Average CBM Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs (per Mcf) | 1.18 | 1.33 | (0.15) | (11.3) | % | |||||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Costs (per Mcf) | $ | 2.38 | $ | 2.43 | $ | (0.05) | (2.1) | % | ||||||
| Total Average CBM Production Margin (per Mcf) | $ | 0.59 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.09 | 18.0 | % |
The CBM segment had natural gas revenue of $194 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $114 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $80 million increase was primarily due to an 80.2% increase in the average sales price for natural gas in the current period. The natural gas price increases were partially offset by the 5.9% decrease in CBM gas sales volumes due to normal production declines.
The total average CBM sales price increased $0.04 per Mcf due to a $1.74 per Mcf increase in average gas sales price, offset in part by a $1.69 per Mcf change in the realized (loss) gain on commodity derivative instruments resulting from the Company's hedging program. The notional amounts associated with these financial hedges represented approximately 40.4 Bcf of the Company's produced CBM gas sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2021 at an average loss of $1.15 per Mcf hedged. For the year ended December 31, 2020, these financial hedges represented approximately 48.7 Bcf at an average gain of $0.82 per Mcf hedged.
Total operating costs and expenses for the CBM segment were $118 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $128 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in total dollars and unit costs for the CBM segment were due to the following items:
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•CBM lease operating expense was $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decreases in total dollars was primarily due to a decrease in water disposal costs.
•CBM transportation, gathering and compression costs were $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increases in total dollars and unit costs were primarily due to an increase in firm transportation expense.
•Depreciation, depletion and amortization costs attributable to the CBM segment were $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. These amounts included depletion on a unit of production basis of $0.66 per Mcfe and $0.68 per Mcfe, respectively. The decrease in the units of production depreciation, depletion and amortization rate was primarily due to an impairment in the 2020 period that reduced the carrying value of the underlying SWPA CBM asset group (See Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information. No such impairment occurred in the current period). The remaining depreciation, depletion and amortization costs were either recorded on a straight-line basis or related to asset retirement obligations.
OTHER SEGMENT
The Other Segment includes nominal shallow oil and gas production which is not significant to the Company. It also includes the Company's purchased gas activities, unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivative instruments, realized gain on commodity derivative instruments that were monetized prior to their contractual settlement dates, exploration and production related other costs, impairments, as well as various other expenses that are managed outside the Shale and CBM segments such as SG&A, interest expense and income taxes.
The Other Segment had a loss before income tax of $1,440 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a loss before income tax of $1,103 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in total dollars is discussed below.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Other Gas Sales Volumes (Bcf) | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 200.0 | % | ||||||
| Oil/Condensate Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | — | 0.1 | (0.1) | (100.0) | % | ||||||
| Total Other Sales Volumes (Bcfe)* | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 50.0 | % |
*Oil/Condensate is converted to Mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six Mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil and natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship of oil and natural gas prices.
Loss on Commodity Derivative Instruments and Monetization
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $1,094 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Other Segment recognized an unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments of $288 million as well as cash settlements received of $84 million related to natural gas hedges that were partially monetized prior to their settlement dates. The unrealized loss on commodity derivative instruments represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis. See Note 19 - Derivative Instruments in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the cash settlements.
Purchased Gas
Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of natural gas purchased at market prices from third-parties and then resold in order to fulfill contracts with certain customers and to balance supply. Purchased gas revenue was $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $106 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Purchased gas costs were $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The period-to-period decrease in purchased gas revenue was due to a decrease in purchased gas sales volumes, offset in part by an increase in average sales price.
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| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | |||||||||||
| Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in Bcf) | 26.6 | 66.6 | (40.0) | (60.1) | % | |||||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Sales Price (per Mcf) | $ | 3.75 | $ | 1.59 | $ | 2.16 | 135.8 | % | ||||||
| Purchased Gas Average Cost (per Mcf) | $ | 3.53 | $ | 1.52 | $ | 2.01 | 132.2 | % |
Other Operating Income
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Equity Income (Loss) from Affiliates | $ | 6 | $ | (1) | $ | 7 | 700.0 | % | ||||||
| Water Income | 7 | 6 | 1 | 16.7 | % | |||||||||
| Excess Firm Transportation Income | 12 | 12 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Income | $ | 25 | $ | 17 | $ | 8 | 47.1 | % |
•Equity income (loss) from affiliates primarily represents CNX’s share of earnings from a 50% interest in a power plant located within CNX’s CBM field. Power generated from the facility is sold into wholesale electricity markets during times of peak energy consumption. Due to the plant consuming coal mine methane gas, the plant qualifies for Pennsylvania Tier I Renewable Energy Credits.
•Excess firm transportation income represents revenue from the sale of excess firm transportation capacity to third-parties. The Company obtains firm pipeline transportation capacity to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase. In order to minimize this unutilized firm transportation expense, CNX is able to release (sell) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when possible and when beneficial. The revenue from released capacity helps offset the Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees in Total Other Operating Expense.
Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties
During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX recognized certain indicators of impairments specific to our SWPA CBM asset group and determined that the carrying value of that asset group was not recoverable. The fair value of the asset group was estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using discount rates and other assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. As a result, an impairment of $62 million was recognized and is included in Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2020. The impairment was related to an economic decision to temporarily idle certain wells and the related processing facility during the first quarter. See Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information. No such impairment occurred in the current period.
Impairment of Goodwill
In connection with the Midstream Acquisition that occurred in January 2018, CNX recorded $796 million of goodwill.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, a quantitative impairment test is performed. From time to time, CNX may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test.
In connection with CNX's assessment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2020 in relation to the deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, and the decline in the observable market value of CNXM securities both in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the overall decline in the MLP market space, CNX bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative test that utilized a combination of the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of the Midstream reporting unit. As a result of this assessment, CNX concluded that the carrying value exceed its estimated fair value, and as a result, an impairment of $473 million was included in Impairment of Goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information. No such impairment occurred in the current period.
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Exploration and Production Related Other Costs
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Exploratory Well Costs | $ | 9 | $ | — | $ | 9 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| Land Rentals | 3 | 3 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Permitting Expense | 1 | 2 | (1) | (50.0) | % | |||||||||
| Lease Expiration Costs | 8 | 10 | (2) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||
| Total Exploration and Production Related Other Costs | $ | 21 | $ | 15 | $ | 6 | 40.0 | % |
•Exploratory well costs relate to the write off of an exploratory well that was still being evaluated at the end of 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company determined it would be more economical to access the underlying reserves from a different location.
•Lease expiration costs relate to leases where the primary term expired or will expire within the next 12 months.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
SG&A costs include costs such as overhead, including employee labor and benefit costs, short-term incentive compensation, costs of maintaining our headquarters, audit and other professional fees, and legal compliance expenses. SG&A costs also include non-cash long-term equity-based compensation expense.
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation (Non-Cash) | $ | 17 | $ | 14 | $ | 3 | 21.4 | % | ||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Compensation | 20 | 20 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits | 27 | 31 | (4) | (12.9) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 49 | 44 | 5 | 11.4 | % | |||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 113 | $ | 109 | $ | 4 | 3.7 | % |
•Long-term equity-based compensation (non-cash) increased in the period-to-period comparison due to an increase in equity awards.
•Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a decrease in employees.
•Other increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in legal and consulting professional services.
Other Operating Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Unutilized Firm Transportation and Processing Fees | $ | 53 | $ | 70 | $ | (17) | (24.3) | % | ||||||
| Idle Equipment and Service Charges | — | 10 | (10) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Insurance Expense | 2 | 3 | (1) | (33.3) | % | |||||||||
| Water Expense | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Litigation Settlements | 10 | — | 10 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Other | 1 | 1 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Operating Expense | $ | 68 | $ | 85 | $ | (17) | (20.0) | % |
•Unutilized firm transportation and processing fees represent pipeline transportation capacity obtained to enable gas production to flow uninterrupted as sales volumes increase, as well as additional processing capacity for NGLs. In some instances, the Company may have the opportunity to realize more favorable net pricing by strategically choosing to sell natural gas into a market or to a customer that does not require the use of the Company’s own firm transportation capacity. Such sales would result in an increase in unutilized firm transportation expense. The Company attempts to minimize this expense by releasing (selling) unutilized firm transportation capacity to other parties when
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possible and when beneficial. The revenue received when this capacity is released (sold) is included in Excess Firm Transportation Income in Total Other Operating Income. The decrease in unutilized firm transportation and processing fees in the period-to-period comparison was primarily due to an increase in utilization of firm transportation capacity in the current year due to production increases in 2021 compared to 2020.
•Idle equipment and service charges relate to temporary idling of certain of the Company’s natural gas drilling rigs as well as related equipment and other services that may be needed in the natural gas drilling and completions process. The decrease in the period-to-period comparison was the result of two of CNX’s drilling rigs being idled in the prior period.
•CNX and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of business. CNX accrues the estimated loss for these lawsuits and claims as litigation settlements when the loss is probable and can be estimated. (See Note 20 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). The increase in the period-to-period comparison was the result of various items, none of which were individually material.
Other Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Income | $ | — | $ | 2 | $ | (2) | (100.0) | % | ||||||
| Right-of-Way Sales | 2 | 3 | (1) | (33.3) | % | |||||||||
| Other | 7 | 8 | (1) | (12.5) | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | 9 | $ | 13 | $ | (4) | (30.8) | % | ||||||
| Other Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Merger-Related Costs | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | (11) | (100.0) | % | ||||||
| Professional Services | 7 | 9 | (2) | (22.2) | % | |||||||||
| Bank Fees | 12 | 12 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Land Rental Expense | 4 | 4 | — | — | % | |||||||||
| Other Corporate Expense | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 25 | $ | 37 | $ | (12) | (32.4) | % | ||||||
| Total Other Expense | $ | 16 | $ | 24 | $ | (8) | (33.3) | % |
•Interest income decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the receipt of interest in the prior year in connection with a severance tax refund related to a prior period and additional interest income related to the alternative minimum tax credit refund CNX received in the prior year.
•Professional services decreased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the prior year containing fees related to the elimination of CNXM's incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) prior to the CNXM Merger discussed below.
•Merger-related costs in the prior period consisted of transaction costs, including financial advisory, legal service and other professional fees directly attributable to the CNXM Merger (See Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information), which were recorded to Other Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Gain on Asset Sales and Abandonments, net
A gain on asset sales of $42 million related to the sale of various non-core assets (primarily rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-core oil and gas interests) was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a gain of $21 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Loss (Gain) on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $34 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a gain on debt extinguishment of $10 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM purchased all of the 6.50% Senior Notes due March 2026 and CNX repaid in full and terminated the Cardinal States
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Gathering Company LLC and CSG Holdings II LLC non-revolving credit facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX purchased the remaining $894 million of its 5.875% Senior Notes due April 2022 at an average price equal to 98.6% of the principal amount. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Interest Expense
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Expense | $ | 151 | $ | 171 | $ | (20) | (11.7) | % |
•The $20 million decrease was primarily due to the purchase of the remaining $894 million of the 5.875% Senior Notes due April 2022 during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the purchase of the $400 million 6.500% CNXM Senior Notes due March 2026 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Lower borrowings on the CNX Credit Facility and higher unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements also contributed to the decrease. These decreases were offset in part by $400 million of 4.750% CNXM Senior Notes due 2030 issued in 2021, interest related to the addition in 2020 of $345 million of Convertible Notes due 2026, $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2029 issued in 2020, and an additional $200 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2027 issued in 2020. The amortization of debt discount in connection with the Convertible Notes also contributed to the offsetting increase. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Income Taxes
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Percent Change | ||||||||||
| Total Company Loss Before Income Tax | $ | (637) | $ | (603) | $ | (34) | (5.6) | % | ||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | $ | (138) | $ | (174) | $ | 36 | 20.7 | % | ||||||
| Effective Income Tax Rate | 21.7 | % | 28.9 | % | (7.2) | % |
The effective income tax rate was 21.7% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 28.9% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to federal tax credits, state income taxes, equity compensation and the increase in certain state valuation allowances as a result of higher-than-expected unrealized losses on commodity derivative instruments during the current period. The unrealized losses represents changes in the fair value of all the Company's existing commodity hedges on a mark-to-market basis. The effective rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, equity compensation and state valuation allowances, partially offset by the benefit from non-controlling interest.
See Note 6 - Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview, Sources and Uses
CNX generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. CNX currently believes that cash generated from operations, asset sales and the Company's borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments, if any, and to provide required letters of credit for the current fiscal year. Nevertheless, the ability of CNX to satisfy its working capital requirements, to service its debt obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures, or to pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the natural gas industry and other financial and business factors, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, some of which are beyond CNX’s control.
From time to time, CNX is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies' statutes and regulations. CNX sometimes uses letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce the
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Company's borrowing facility capacity.
CNX continuously reviews its liquidity and capital resources. If market conditions were to change, for instance due to a significant decline in commodity prices and our revenue was reduced significantly or operating costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced.
As of December 31, 2021, CNX was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. After considering the potential effect of a significant decline in commodity prices, CNX currently expects to remain in compliance with its debt covenants.
CNX frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CNX has historically funded acquisitions with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt and equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt and equity financing, will be available to CNX on terms which CNX finds acceptable, or at all.
Factors that may Impact our Liquidity
•The Company’s cash on hand and access to additional liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.6 million.
•Accounts and notes receivable - trade as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $330.1 million and $145.9 million, respectively. Our accounts and notes receivable balance may fluctuate as of any balance sheet date depending on the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs and the volumes sold.
•Capital expenditures are expected to range between $470 million to $500 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to capital expenditures of $465.9 million in fiscal year 2021. In addition, accelerated levels of inflation may lead to price increases beyond CNX’s control that could lead to CNX incurring an increase in costs in the future.
•Production volumes are expected to range between 575.0 Bcfe and 605.0 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to production volumes of 590.2 Bcfe in fiscal year 2021.
•Prices for natural gas and NGLs are volatile, and an extended decline in the prices we receive for our natural gas and NGLs will adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows.
•In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CNX enters into various physical natural gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CNX also enters into various financial natural gas swap transactions to manage the market risk exposure to in-basin and out-of-basin pricing. The fair value of these contracts was a net liability of $976 million at December 31, 2021 and a net asset of $118 million at December 31, 2020. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. See Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion of our commodity risk management.
Cash Flows (in millions)
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||
| Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 926 | $ | 795 | $ | 131 | ||||
| Cash Used in Investing Activities | $ | (421) | $ | (439) | $ | 18 | ||||
| Cash Used in Financing Activities | $ | (524) | $ | (351) | $ | (173) |
Cash provided by operating activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Net loss increased $70 million in the period-to-period comparison.
•Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of a $473 million impairment of goodwill and a $62 million impairment of exploration and production properties in the prior year, an $805 million net change in commodity derivative instruments, a $20 million change in deferred income taxes, a $44 million change in gain/loss on debt extinguishment, as well as various other changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•Capital expenditures decreased $21 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to decreased expenditures in the Shale segment resulting from decreased drilling and completions activity as well as decreased midstream activity.
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•Proceeds from asset sales decreased $3 million mainly due to decreased sales of rights-of-way, surface acreage and other non-core oil and gas interests in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Cash used in financing activities changed in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the following items:
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM paid $421 million to purchase $400 million of CNXM 6.50% Senior Notes due in March 2026 at 105.3% of the principal amount. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, CNXM completed a private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of CNXM 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 at a price of 98.8% for cash proceeds of $395 million. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•In the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $106 million of net payments on the CNXM Credit Facility compared to $21 million of net payments during the year ended December 31, 2020.
•In the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $31 million of net proceeds on the CNX Credit Facility compared to $500 million of net payments during the year ended December 31, 2020.
•During the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $161 million of net payments on the Cardinal States Facility and CSG Holdings Facility compared to $159 million of net proceeds in the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, CNX repurchased $245 million and $37 million, respectively, of its common stock on the open market.
•During the year ended December 30, 2020, CNX paid $882 million to purchase $894 million of Senior Notes due in 2022 at 98.6% of the principal amount. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX received proceeds of $500 million from the issuance of its 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX completed a private offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 at a price of 103.5% for cash proceeds of $207 million. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX received proceeds of $335 million from the issuance of Convertible Notes due 2026. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX paid $36 million for capped call transactions related to the issuance of the Convertible Notes as mentioned above. See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
•During the year ended December 31, 2020 there were $42 million of payments to CNXM noncontrolling interest holders compared to no payments during the year ended December 31, 2021 due to the Merger with CNXM. See Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
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Commitments and Significant Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company's significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Payments due by Year | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase Order Firm Commitments | $ | 777 | $ | 642 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,419 | ||||||||
| Gas Firm Transportation and Processing | 257,796 | 437,921 | 387,027 | 896,943 | 1,979,687 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | — | — | 630,716 | 1,600,801 | 2,231,517 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Long-Term Debt | 116,792 | 231,156 | 225,258 | 167,720 | 740,926 | |||||||||||||
| Finance Lease Obligations | 555 | 883 | 333 | 2 | 1,773 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Finance Lease Obligations | 30 | 51 | 25 | — | 106 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Lease Obligations | 23,460 | 9,395 | 9,116 | 24,591 | 66,562 | |||||||||||||
| Interest on Operating Lease Obligations | 2,366 | 4,015 | 3,056 | 2,988 | 12,425 | |||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities—Employee Related (a) | 2,039 | 4,296 | 4,580 | 33,504 | 44,419 | |||||||||||||
| Other Long-Term Liabilities (b) | 230,804 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 68,859 | 319,663 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations (c) | $ | 634,619 | $ | 698,359 | $ | 1,270,111 | $ | 2,795,408 | $ | 5,398,497 |
_________________________
(a)Employee related long-term liabilities include salaried retirement contributions and work-related injuries and illnesses.
(b)Other long-term liabilities include royalties and other long-term liability costs.
(c)The table above does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
CNX does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. CNX uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure the Company's financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, performance and various other items which are not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2021. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 20 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CNX.
Debt
At December 31, 2021, CNX had total long-term debt of $2,232 million, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. This long-term debt consisted of:
•An aggregate principal amount of $700 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 plus $6 million of unamortized bond premium. Interest on the notes is payable March 14 and September 14 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029. Interest on the notes is payable January 15 and July 15 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $400 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due April 2030 issued by CNXM, less $5 million of unamortized bond discount. Interest on the notes is payable April 15 and October 15 of each year. Payment on the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of these notes.
•An aggregate principal amount of $345 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased, or converted, less $91 million of unamortized bond discount and issuance costs. Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and interest on the notes is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $192 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNX Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNX Credit Facility is guaranteed by most of CNX's subsidiaries but does not include
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CNXM (or its subsidiaries or general partner).
•An aggregate principal amount of $185 million in outstanding borrowings under the CNXM Credit Facility. Payment of the principal and interest on the CNXM Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of CNXM's subsidiaries. CNX is not a guarantor of the CNXM Facility.
Total Equity and Dividends
CNX had total equity of $3,700 million at December 31, 2021 compared to $4,422 million at December 31, 2020. See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional details.
On September 28, 2020, the Merger of CNXM was completed (See Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). CNX accounted for the change in our ownership interest in CNXM as an equity transaction which was reflected as a reduction of noncontrolling interest with corresponding increases to common stock and capital in excess of par value.
The declaration and payment of dividends by CNX is subject to the discretion of CNX's Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CNX will pay dividends in the future. CNX has not paid dividends on its common stock since 2016. The determination to pay dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CNX's financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CNX, planned investments by CNX, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. CNX's Credit Facility limits its ability to pay dividends in excess of an annual rate of $0.10 per share when the Company's net leverage ratio exceeds 3.00 to 1.00 and is subject to availability under the Credit Facility of at least 20% of the aggregate commitments and there being no borrowing base deficiency. The Credit Facility does not permit such dividend payments when an event of default has occurred and is continuing. The indentures to the 7.25% Senior Notes due March 2027 and the 6.00% Senior Notes due January 2029 limit dividends to $0.50 per share annually unless several conditions are met. These conditions include no defaults, ability to incur additional debt and other payment limitations under the indentures. There were no defaults in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and at the date of the financial statements. See Note 1-Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. Management believes that the estimates utilized are reasonable. The following critical accounting policies are materially impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the closure of gas wells and the reclamation of land upon exhaustion of gas reserves. Changes in the variables used to calculate the liabilities can have a significant effect on the gas well closing liability. The amounts of assets and liabilities recorded are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proved reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to asset retirement obligations are “critical accounting estimates” because the Company must assess the expected amount and timing of asset retirement obligations. In addition, the Company must determine the estimated present value of future liabilities. Future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of temporary
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differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, must be considered in determining the need for a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2021, prior to consideration of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, CNX had deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets of approximately $177 million. At December 31, 2021, CNX had a valuation allowance of $152 million on deferred tax assets.
CNX evaluates all tax positions taken on the state and federal tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation of the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined. A previously recognized tax position is reversed when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates, that are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. See Note 6 - Income Taxes in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s uncertain tax liabilities.
The Company believes that accounting estimates related to income taxes are “critical accounting estimates” because the Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and exercise judgment regarding the amount of financial statement benefit to record for uncertain tax positions. When evaluating whether or not a valuation allowance must be established on deferred tax assets, the Company exercises judgment in determining whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation allowance is needed, including carrybacks, tax planning strategies and reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In making the determination related to uncertain tax positions, the Company considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement of an uncertain tax position using the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date to establish the appropriate amount of financial statement benefit. To the extent that an uncertain tax position or valuation allowance is established or increased or decreased during a period, the Company must include an expense or benefit within tax expense in the income statement. Future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions.
Natural Gas, NGL, Condensate and Oil Reserve (“Natural Gas Reserve”) Values
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of economically recoverable natural gas reserves, including many factors beyond our control. As a result, estimates of economically recoverable natural gas reserves are by their nature uncertain. Information about our reserves consists of estimates based on engineering, economic and geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff. Our natural gas reserves are reviewed by independent experts each year. Some of the factors and assumptions which impact economically recoverable reserve estimates include:
•geological conditions;
•historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas;
•the assumed effects of regulations and taxes by governmental agencies;
•assumptions governing future prices; and
•future operating costs.
Each of these factors may in fact vary considerably from the assumptions used in estimating reserves. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas attributable to a particular group of properties, and classifications of these reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows, may vary substantially. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variances may be material. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the uncertainties in estimating our reserves.
The Company believes that the accounting estimate related to oil and gas reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because the Company must periodically reevaluate proved reserves along with estimates of future production rates, production
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costs and the estimated timing of development expenditures. Future results of operations and strength of the balance sheet for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions. See “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” below for additional information regarding the Company’s oil and gas reserves.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying values of the Company's proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. The Company groups its assets by geological and geographical characteristics. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using a market-specific weighted average cost of capital. For the year ended December 31, 2020, an impairment of $62 million was included in Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This impairment was related to our Southwest Pennsylvania (SWPA) coalbed methane (CBM) asset group. See Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
There were no other impairments related to proved properties in the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020.
CNX evaluates capitalized costs of unproved gas properties for recoverability on a prospective basis. Indicators of potential impairment include, but are not limited to, changes brought about by economic factors, commodity price outlooks, our geologists’ evaluation of the property, favorable or unfavorable activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, potential shifts in business strategy employed by management and historical experience. If it is determined that the properties will not yield proved reserves, the related costs are expensed in the period the determination is made. There were no impairments related to unproved properties in the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of long-lived assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. In addition, the Company must determine the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as well as the impact of commodity price outlooks. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates, such as different assumptions in projected revenues, future commodity prices or the weighted average costs of capital, could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the impairment of long-lived assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Goodwill
In connection with the Midstream Acquisition that closed on January 3, 2018, CNX recorded $796 million of goodwill. See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is evaluated for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if recent events or prevailing conditions indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We may assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment, which considers specific factors, based on the weight of evidence, and the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. From time to time, we may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded, which is the difference between carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. The estimation of fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach and/or the market approach as described below.
The income approach is a quantitative evaluation to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the income approach we determine the fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital plus a forecast risk, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The inputs used for the income approach were significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3
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inputs, as described in the accounting fair value hierarchy. CNX determined the fair value based on estimated future cash flows and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure) and also included estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were derived from board approved budgeted amounts, a seven-year operating forecast and an estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent cash flows were developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.
The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through the analysis of recent transactions and/or financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
The determination of the fair value requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; discount rates; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures. The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. Although we believe our estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.
In connection with CNX's assessment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2020 in relation to the deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, and the decline in the observable market value of CNXM securities both in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the overall decline in the MLP market space, CNX bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative test that utilized a combination of the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of the Midstream reporting unit. As a result of this assessment, CNX concluded that the carrying value exceed its estimated fair value, and as a result, an impairment of $473 million was included in Impairment of Goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information. There were no other impairments related to goodwill in the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020. Any additional adverse changes in the future could reduce the underlying cash flows used to estimate fair values and could result in a decline in fair value that could trigger future impairment charges.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results as well as other assumptions such as movement in the Company's stock price, weighted-average cost of capital, terminal growth rates, changes in the business climate, unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, adverse legal or regulatory actions or developments, changes in capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditure levels, operating cash flows, or market capitalization and industry multiples. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about goodwill impairment which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Impairment of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives and they are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. Impairment tests require that the Company first compare future undiscounted cash flows to their respective carrying values. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value is required. There were no impairments related to definite-lived intangible assets in the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the impairment of definite-lived intangible assets are “critical accounting estimates” because the fair value estimation process requires considerable judgment and determining the fair value is sensitive to changes in assumptions impacting management’s estimates of future financial results. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting determinations about the
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impairment of definite-lived intangible assets which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Additionally, future estimates may differ materially from current estimates and assumptions.
Convertible Senior Notes
CNX accounted for its Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026 as separate liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component of the instrument was computed by estimating the fair value of a similar liability without the conversion option. The amount of the equity component was then calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the instrument. The difference between the principal amount and the liability component represents a debt discount that is amortized to interest expense over the respective term of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest rate method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the terms of the convertible senior notes transactions was required to determine existence of any derivatives that may require separate mark-to-market accounting under applicable accounting guidance.
The Company believes that the accounting estimates related to the Convertible Notes are “critical accounting estimates” because of the judgment required when determining the balance sheet classification of the elements of the Convertible Notes as well as the existence of any derivatives that may require separate presentation under the applicable accounting guidance. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate; however, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the calculated fair value and the resulting balance sheet classification.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.
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