CONSOL Energy (CNX) posted a negative 18% return in the quarter. Over half of our appraisal is attributable to the company’s gas reserves in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. To monetize gas production value, Executive Chairman Brett Harvey and CEO Nick Deluliis successfully completed an initial public offering (IPO) of a midstream Master Limited Partnership (MLP) at metrics above both our appraisal and the projected price in the recent quarter. Approximately 40% of our appraisal is in CONSOL’s coal assets. As the low-cost producer in Appalachia due to its use of long wall mining methods, the company plans to shift more of its met coal sales to domestic customers — a competitive move that will pressure overleveraged, high cost producers. The company’s variety of assets, including the Baltimore port terminal, provides multiple options for gaining value recognition without reliance on commodity price increases.
From Mason Hawkins (Trades, Portfolio)’ Longleaf Partners Q3 2014 Management Discussion.
