CONSOL Energy Inc. (CNX): A Coal Stock That Offers Plenty of Upside

Most coal companies are struggling with their profitability due to the constrained industrial demand and weak macroeconomic conditions. But despite macroeconomic headwinds, shares of CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) have risen by nearly 20% over the last year. Although investing in the mining industry is not advisable at the moment, CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) being an exception, seems to offer a significant upside.

Growth Prospects

CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) is one of the largest coal producers in the U.S and generated around 74% of its total revenues from coal in Q1FY12. But the company is gradually shifting its focus towards natural gas production, which has been the reason behind its impressive financial performance. This has being done by ramping up natural gas production, instead of cutting down coal production. Naturally this move not only boosts its revenues, but also adds diversity and stability to its top line.

In order to do that, CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) expanded its presence in the Marcellus region last year, after which it became the largest driller in the region. This was followed by a 60% surge in its Q1FY13 natural gas production, which, coupled with rising gas prices, resulted in blockbuster results. Additionally, its management is expecting margin expansion in its natural gas segment due to “declining unit production costs and higher realizations.”

Even its coal segment is doing well. Due to the relatively colder winter, coal stockpiles declined last year, which meant that this year coal companies began restocking their supplies. During the earnings call, the management of CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) said that it had 2 million tonnes of met coal stockpiles, out of which around 1 million tonnes was yet to be priced. Since production costs have already been incurred in Q1, these accounts receivable would only contribute to a better Q2.

Besides that, it’s also worth noting that producing natural gas acts as a natural hedge for coal production. If natural gas continues to replace coal, CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) would benefit from rising natural gas volumes. As of April 13, the company had hedged out around 46% of its entire natural gas production at an average price of $4.69 / Mcf. This further reduces the market risks of volatile natural gas pricing, and limits the gains to its rising volumes.

Peer Talk

But not all coal producers are having a great time. BHP Billiton Limited (ADR) (NYSE:BHP) has been dragged down by its towering net debt of over $30 billion. Its long term debt of $28.33 billion has more than doubled over the last year. And to meet its debt maturities along with rising interest expenses, the company will be divesting 10 of its non core assets.