ARCH COAL INC
10-Q, 1997-11-13
BITUMINOUS COAL & LIGNITE SURFACE MINING
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    Form 10-Q

            [ X ]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 1997

                                       OR

              [ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   For the transition period from ____ to ____
                         Commission file number 1-13105

                                 ARCH COAL, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


             Delaware                               43-0921172
  (State or other jurisdiction of                (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                Identification No.)

CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri          63141
(Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri          63141
         (Mailing Address)                          (Zip Code)


  Registrant's telephone number, including area code (314) 994-2700

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___

At November 11, 1997, there were 39,657,898 shares of registrant's  common stock
outstanding.


<PAGE>


                                      Index


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                           PAGE

    Item 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    Condensed  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets as of
      September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996.............3

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months
       Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the Nine Months Ended
       September 30, 1997 and 1996.........................4

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
        Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996......5

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements...6

    Item 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
              FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...10


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

    Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS...........................21

    Item 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K............21



<PAGE>



Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
                                         September 30, December 31,
                                            1997         1996
                                         -----------   -----------
Assets                                   (Unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents                $   17,301     $13,716
Trade accounts receivable                   139,660      75,657
Other receivables                             4,700       5,143
Inventories                                  69,645      35,234
Prepaid royalties                            17,772       2,624
Deferred income taxes                        15,825      14,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets             9,757       6,738
                                         ----------- ----------
          Total current assets              274,660     153,612
                                         ----------- ----------

Property, plant and equipment, net          1,131,008   567,067

Other assets
Prepaid royalties                            23,346       3,723
Coal supply agreements less accumulated
amortization                                194,665      83,369
Deferred income taxes                        49,122      67,207
Receivables and other assets                 13,183      10,543
                                         ----------- ----------
                                            280,316     164,842
                                         ----------- ----------
          Total assets                   $ 1,685,984  $ 885,521
                                         =========== ==========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable                         $   94,467   $  42,712
Accrued expenses                             83,969      58,734
Income taxes payable                         10,623      19,000
Current portion of long-term debt            26,000           -
                                         ----------- ----------
          Total current liabilities         215,059     120,446
                                         ----------- ----------
Long-term debt                              300,900     212,695
Accrued postretirement benefits other
than pensions                               291,141     228,843
Accrued reclamation and mine closure        126,206      97,595
Accrued workers' compensation               100,795      70,849
Accrued pension cost                         23,876      14,297
Other long-term liabilities                  33,496      10,170

Stockholders' equity
Common stock                                    397         209
Paid-in capital                             472,008       8,392
Retained earnings                           122,106     122,025
                                         ----------- ----------
          Total stockholders' equity        594,511     130,626
                                         ----------- ----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders'equity                      $1,685,984  $  885,521
                                         =========== ===========


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

                                 Three Months      Nine Months
                                     Ended            Ended
                                 September 30,    September 30,
                               -----------------------------------
                                1997     1996     1997     1996
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
Revenues
Coal sales                     $322,924 $184,193 $706,210 $554,807
Other revenues                    6,225   11,248   16,515   20,642
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
                                329,149  195,441  722,725  575,449

Costs and Expenses
Cost of coal sales              288,740  161,766  629,665  492,757
Selling, general and
administrative expenses          10,054    6,167   18,251   15,426
Amortization of coal supply
agreements                        6,504    2,792   10,704    8,626
Merger-related expenses          39,132        -   39,132        -
Other expenses                    5,187    8,003   12,832   15,869
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
                                349,617  178,728  710,584  532,678
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations   (20,468)  16,713   12,141   42,771

Interest expense, net:
Interest expense               (6,118)  (4,607)  (12,910) (14,425)
Interest income                   285      223       820      915 
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
                               (5,833)  (4,384)  (12,090) (13,510)
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income
taxes                          (26,301)  12,329       51   29,261 
Provision (benefit) for
income taxes                   (13,300)   1,400   (9,100)   5,500 
                               -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)             $(13,001) $10,929  $ 9,151  $23,761 
                               ======== ======== ======== ========

Earnings (loss) per share     $  (0.33) $   0.52 $   0.34 $   1.13
                               ======== ======== ======== ========

Weighted average shares
outstanding                     39,712   20,948   27,271   20,948
                               ======== ======== ======== ========

Dividends declared per share  $  0.115         - $ 0.33          -
                               ======== ======== ======== ========


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>





Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                Nine Months Ended
                                                  September 30,
                                              -----------------------
                                                 1997        1996
                                              ----------- -----------
Operating activities
Net income                                    $    9,151  $   23,761
Adjustments to reconcile to cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization       100,962      76,570
  Prepaid royalties expensed                       4,989       3,628
  Net gain on disposition of assets                (400)     (7,600)
  Merger-related expenses                         35,854           -
  Changes in:
      Receivables                                (9,367)     (1,865)
      Inventories                                (2,071)     (1,341)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses        5,893       1,905
      Income taxes                              (28,976)     (7,844)
      Accrued postretirement benefits              5,286       7,739
      Accrued workers' compensation benefits     (5,972)     (4,912)
      Accrued reclamation and mine closure         (134)     (2,050)
      Other                                        6,933       4,182
                                              ----------- ----------

    Cash provided by operating activities        122,148      92,173
                                              ----------- ----------
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment      (36,341)    (40,205)
Payments for acquisitions                       (16,990)    (14,200)
Proceeds from dispositions of property,
plant and equipment                                  792       3,515
Additions to prepaid royalties                   (4,767)     (4,573)
                                              ----------- ----------

    Cash used in investing activities           (57,306)    (55,463)
                                              ----------- ----------

Financing activities
Net proceeds from (payments on) revolver and
lines of credit                                  127,873    (20,466)
Payments on senior notes                       (181,110)    (18,000)
Dividends paid                                   (9,070)          - 
Proceeds from sale of common stock                1,050           - 
                                              ----------- ----------

    Cash used in financing activities           (61,257)    (38,466)
                                              ----------- ----------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents                                        3,585     (1,756)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period                                            13,716      17,502
                                              ----------- -----------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period      $   17,301  $   15,746
                                              =========== ==========

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>


Arch Coal, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 1997
(Unaudited)
Note A - GENERAL

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations,  but are
subject to any year-end  adjustments  which may be necessary.  In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Results of operations for
the periods ended September 30, 1997, are not necessarily  indicative of results
to be expected for the year ending December 31, 1997. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the combined Proxy Statement of Ashland Coal,
Inc./Form S-4 Prospectus of Arch Mineral  Corporation  dated May 30, 1997.  Arch
Mineral  Corporation  changed its name to Arch Coal,  Inc.  ("Arch  Coal" or the
"Company") effective June 30, 1997. The Company produces steam and metallurgical
coal from surface and deep mines in Illinois,  Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia
and Wyoming for sale to utility,  industrial and export markets. Some members of
the  Company's  workforce  are  represented  by  various  labor   organizations.
Significant  intercompany  transactions  and accounts  have been  eliminated  in
consolidation.

Note B - MERGER

On July 1, 1997,  Ashland Coal, Inc. ("Ashland Coal") merged with a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company and became a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of the Company.
Under the terms of the merger,  Ashland Coal's stockholders  received one common
share of Arch Coal for each  common  share of  Ashland  Coal and  20,500  common
shares of Arch Coal for each share of Ashland Coal  preferred  stock. A total of
18,660,052 shares of Company common stock was issued in the merger, resulting in
a total purchase price of approximately $464.8 million. The merger was accounted
for under the purchase  method of accounting.  Accordingly,  the cost to acquire
Ashland  Coal  has been  preliminarily  allocated  to the  assets  acquired  and
liabilities assumed according to their respective estimated fair values. Results
of  operations  of  Ashland  Coal are  included  in the  condensed  consolidated
statements of income effective July 1, 1997.

Summarized  below are the unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for
the nine  months  ended  September  30,  1997 and 1996 as though  the merger had
occurred on January 1, 1997 and 1996, respectively.


<PAGE>


Arch Coal, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements-Continued


Note B-MERGER (cont'd)

                                   Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                        1997                   1996
                                   -------------            -------------
                                 (In thousands, except earnings per share)
Revenues                              $1,045,395            $1,000,310
Income before income taxes            $   24,637            $   34,470
Net income                            $   30,714            $   29,948

Earnings per share                    $     0.77            $     0.76

These  unaudited pro forma results of operations do not reflect any cost savings
or other  synergies  that may  result  from the  merger.  In the  opinion of the
management  of the  Company,  all  adjustments  necessary  to present  pro forma
results  of  operations  have been  made.  The  unaudited  pro forma  results of
operations  do not  purport  to be  indicative  of the  results  that would have
occurred had the merger occurred at the beginning of these periods or results of
operations that may be achieved in the future.

In connection with the merger,  the Company  recorded a one-time charge of $39.1
million  (before tax) or $23.8  million  (after tax)  comprised  of  termination
benefits  and  relocation  costs  of $8.1  million  and  costs  of $3.1  million
associated  with the idling of duplicate  facilities,  including a  coal-loading
terminal  on  the  Big  Sandy  River  and  the  Pardee   surface   mine  on  the
Kentucky/Virginia   border.   The  terminal's   coal  loading   operations  were
consolidated  with the  operations of another dock formerly  operated by Ashland
Coal.  The surface  mine's  sales  commitments  are  expected to be sourced from
available  capacity at other,  lower-cost Arch Coal operations.  The termination
benefits and relocation costs relate principally to corporate employees.  During
the three months ended September 30, 1997, the Company paid  approximately  $3.2
million in termination and relocation benefits against the liability established
for such purposes.

Note C - INVENTORIES

Inventories are comprised of the following:
                             September 30, 1997        December 31, 1996
                                           (In thousands)
                                                             
Coal                          $43,521                       $21,866
Repair parts and supplies      26,124                        13,368
                             ========                       =======
                              $69,645                       $35,234


<PAGE>


Arch Coal, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements-Continued

Note D - DEBT

Debt consists of the following:
                                        September 30, 1997    December 31, 1996
                                                       (In thousands)

Indebtedness to banks under revolving
credit agreement, expiring in 2002            $240,000      $147,000
Indebtedness to banks under lines of credit     35,297             -
7.79% senior unsecured notes, payable
annually through January 31, 2003               42,860        50,000
9.85% senior unsecured notes, paid in 1997           -         8,000
Other                                            8,743         7,695
                                               -------       -------
                                               326,900       212,695
Less current portion                            26,000             -
                                              --------      --------
Long-term debt                                $300,900      $212,695
                                              ========      ========


The Company had an unsecured  revolving  credit  agreement with a group of banks
which  provided  for  borrowings  of  up to  $200  million.  On  July  1,  1997,
concurrently  with the Ashland Coal merger,  the Company entered into a new $500
million revolving credit agreement and, on July 2, 1997, the Company  terminated
the $200 million  facility.  The new revolving  credit agreement has a five year
term,  and the rate of interest on  borrowings  under this  agreement is, at the
Company's  option, a money-market  rate determined by a competitive bid process,
the PNC Bank  base rate or a rate  based on  LIBOR.  The  Company  is  currently
borrowing under the LIBOR option.

Note E - CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to numerous  claims and lawsuits  with respect to various
matters.  The Company  provides for costs  related to  contingencies,  including
environmental  matters,  when a loss is  probable  and the amount is  reasonably
determinable. The Company estimates that its probable aggregate loss as a result
of such claims is $4.8 million  (included in Other  Long-term  Liabilities)  and
believes that probable  insurance  recoveries of $1.1 million (included in Other
Assets) related to these claims will be realized. The Company estimates that its
reasonably  possible  aggregate  losses  from  all  material  currently  pending
litigation  could be as much as $2  million  (before  taxes)  in  excess  of the
probable loss previously  recognized.  After conferring with counsel,  it is the
opinion of  management  that the ultimate  resolution  of these  claims,  to the
extent not previously  provided for, will not have a material  adverse effect on
the consolidated financial position,  results of operations, or liquidity of the
Company.



<PAGE>



Note F - EARNINGS PER SHARE

In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 128,  Earnings per Share ("SFAS 128").  The
Company is required to adopt SFAS 128 on December  31,  1997,  and at that time,
will present  recomputed  earnings per share ("EPS") for all prior periods using
the  methodology  specified  by  SFAS  128.  Although  the  Company  has not yet
determined  the full effect of SFAS 128, it believes  that basic EPS as computed
under SFAS 128 will not be significantly  different from primary EPS as computed
under the prior accounting rules.

Note G - CHANGE IN ESTIMATE AND OTHER NON-RECURRING REVENUES
              AND EXPENSES

The Company's  operating  results for the nine month period ended  September 30,
1997,  reflect  a $4.2  million  reduction  in  workers'  compensation  reserves
(including  $3.5  million  in cost of coal  sales and $.7  million  in  selling,
general  and  administrative  expenses)  due to better than  anticipated  safety
performance.  This  favorable  adjustment was more than offset by a $4.6 million
charge to cost of coal sales for the impoundment failure in October 1996 at Lone
Mountain Processing and a $1.5 million charge to other expenses for a settlement
of a lawsuit  with the Utah  Division  of State Lands and  Forestry  (the "Trail
Mountain  lawsuit").  In  addition,  the  results  also  reflect a $3.3  million
decrease in the reclamation  and mine closure reserve at the Company's  Illinois
operation  due to a change in permit  requirements.  The third  quarter  of 1996
included a gain on sale of the Corbin preparation plant of $4.9 million included
in other  revenues,  and charges to other expenses of $1.7 million in connection
with  the  Trail  Mountain  lawsuit  and $1.4  million  in  connection  with the
redemption of debt.



<PAGE>





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

Reference is made to the  "Contingencies,"  "Certain  Risk Factors" and "Factors
Routinely  Affecting Results of Operations"  sections below in this Management's
Discussion  and Analysis for  discussion  of important  factors that could cause
actual  results  to  differ  from  the  projections,   expectations,  and  other
non-historical information contained herein.

Results of Operations

Merger With Ashland Coal

On July 1, 1997, Arch Coal, Inc. ("Arch Coal" or the "Company") acquired Ashland
Coal,  Inc.  ("Ashland  Coal") in a merger.  The merger was  accounted  for as a
purchase, and resulted in Ashland Coal becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.  A total of 18,660,052 shares of Company common stock was issued in the
merger.

At the time of the merger,  Ashland  Coal was engaged in the mining,  processing
and  marketing of low-sulfur  bituminous  coal  primarily in the eastern  United
States,  and  Ashland  Inc.  ("Ashland")  owned 50% of the  voting  stock of the
Company and stock representing  approximately 57% of the voting power of Ashland
Coal.  Ashland  currently owns  approximately  54% of the Company's  outstanding
common stock.

Period to period  comparisons  have been materially  affected by the addition of
the results of operations of Ashland Coal effective July 1, 1997.

Quarter Ended September 30, 1997, Compared
    to Quarter Ended September 30, 1996

For the third quarter ended  September 30, 1997,  Arch Coal lost $13.0  million.
This compares to net income of $10.9 million for the quarter ended September 30,
1996.  The current  quarter  includes a one-time  charge of $39.1 million ($23.8
million after tax) related to the Company's merger with Ashland Coal.  Excluding
this  charge,  the Company had net income of $10.8  million for the period.  The
merger-related  charge taken in the third  quarter is  principally  comprised of
termination  benefits,  relocation costs and costs associated with the idling of
duplicate  facilities,  including a coal-loading terminal on the eastern side of
the Big Sandy River and Pardee  surface  mine on the  Kentucky/Virginia  border.
Coal loading operations are now being conducted by Arch Coal Terminal, Inc. from
a terminal facility on the west side of the Big Sandy River that was operated by
Ashland Coal prior to the merger.  The Pardee surface  mine's sales  commitments
are expected to be sourced from  available  capacity at other,  lower-cost  Arch
Coal operations. The quarter ended September 30, 1996 included a gain on sale of
the Corbin  preparation  plant of $4.9  million and  charges of $1.7  million in
connection  with the  settlement  of a lawsuit  with the Utah  Division of State
Lands and Forestry (the "Trail Mountain lawsuit") and $1.4 million in connection
with the redemption of debt.

Gross profit on coal sales (selling price less cost of sales) on a per ton basis
decreased $.44 per ton from the third quarter of 1996. The average selling price
decreased  $.33 per ton from the same quarter a year ago  reflecting a favorable
sales contract  reopener  settlement in 1996 and lower average selling prices in
1997.  The  average  cost per ton  increased  $.11 per ton when  compared to the
quarter ended  September  30, 1996.  That increase in costs was primarily due to
higher operating costs at the Pardee surface mining operation.  The addition, as
a result of the merger,  of production from the Hobet 21 mining  complex,  which
production  was at high  cost in the  third  quarter  as a result  of  equipment
sequencing  problems,  as  well  as  lower  production  from  Arch  of  Illinois
operations,  also contributed to the increase in costs. Largely offsetting those
effects was the addition,  as a result of the merger,  low-cost  production from
the Mingo Logan and Dal-Tex mining  complexes and excellent  productivity at the
Ruffner Mine.

Other  revenues were $5.0 million lower in 1997 than in 1996.  The third quarter
of 1996 included a gain on sale of the Corbin preparation plant of $4.9 million.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses increased $3.9 million primarily
due to the effects of the Ashland Coal merger.

Amortization  of  coal  supply  agreements   increased  $3.7  million  from  the
comparable  period  in 1996.  That  increase  was  primarily  attributed  to the
amortization of the carrying value of the Ashland Coal sales contracts  acquired
in the merger.

Other expenses decreased $2.8 million from the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
This decrease resulted from charges of $1.7 million in connection with the Trail
Mountain  lawsuit and $1.4 million in  connection  with the  redemption of debt,
both recorded in the third quarter of 1996.

Earnings in the third quarter of 1997 were reduced by a $1.5 million increase in
interest  expense.  This increase is  attributable to higher average debt levels
resulting from the merger with Ashland Coal.

The income tax benefit recorded in the third quarter was primarily attributed to
the $15.3 million tax benefit associated with the one-time merger-related charge
discussed  above.  The  Company's  effective tax rate is sensitive to changes in
profitability because of the effects of percentage depletion.

EBITDA  (income  from  operations  before the  effects of changes in  accounting
principles  and  extraordinary  items,  net  interest  expense,   income  taxes,
depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization)  was $61.8  million for the quarter
ended  September  30, 1997 compared to $43.4 million for the same quarter a year
ago. The increase in EBITDA is primarily  attributable  to the additional  third
quarter  sales that  resulted  from the merger with  Ashland  Coal.  EBITDA is a
widely accepted financial  indicator of a company's ability to incur and service
debt,  but EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an  alternative to
net income, operating income, or cash flows from operations,  or as a measure of
a company's  profitability,  liquidity or performance  under generally  accepted
accounting principles.  The Company's method of computing EBITDA also may not be
the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies.


<PAGE>



Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared
    to Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996

Net income was $9.2  million for the nine months  ended  September  30, 1997 and
$23.8  million  for the same  period in 1996.  The  current  nine  month  period
includes a one-time charge of $39.1 million ($23.8 million after tax) related to
the merger with Ashland Coal, as discussed  above.  Excluding  this charge,  the
Company had net income of $33.0  million for the first nine months of 1997.  The
nine month period ending  September 30, 1997 included  several  adjustments that
netted  to a  favorable  pre-tax  impact  to  earnings  of $1.4  million.  These
adjustments  included  a $4.2  million  decrease  to the  workers'  compensation
reserve  due to better  than  anticipated  safety  performance,  a $3.3  million
decrease  in the  accrual  for  reclamation  and mine  closure at the  Company's
Illinois  operations due to a change in permit  requirements,  largely offset by
non-recurring  charges of $4.6 million associated with the impoundment discharge
at Lone Mountain and $1.5 million  related to the Trail  Mountain  lawsuit.  Net
income for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996 included a gain on sale of
the Corbin preparation plant of $4.9 million.

Gross profit on coal sales (selling price less cost of sales) on a per ton basis
decreased  $.11 per ton from 1996 to 1997. The average  selling price  decreased
$.14 per ton while cost of coal sold  decreased  $.03 per ton. The  reduction in
costs was primarily  attributed to higher  production  from the Arch of Illinois
operations and the addition,  as a result of the merger, of low-cost  production
from the Mingo Logan and Dal-Tex  mining  complexes.  Largely  offsetting  those
effects  were  higher  operating  costs  at the  Pardee  surface  mine  and  the
merger-related addition of high cost production from the Hobet 21 surface mine.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased  $2.8  million in the
period primarily as a result of the merger with Ashland Coal.

Amortization of coal supply agreements increased $2.1 million.  This increase is
primarily  due to the  amortization  of the  carrying  value of the Ashland Coal
sales contracts  partially  offset by a decrease in amortization  resulting from
the completion of  amortization  on certain other sales  contracts at the end of
1996.

Interest  expense  in the  period  declined  $1.5  million  as a result of lower
average debt levels during 1997 and the payment of higher-cost fixed debt.

The income tax benefit  recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was
primarily  attributed  to the $15.3  million  tax  benefit  associated  with the
one-time merger-related charge discussed above. The Company's effective tax rate
is sensitive to changes in  profitability  because of the effects of  percentage
depletion.

EBITDA for the nine months  ended  September  30,  1997,  was $152.2  million as
compared to $119.3  million for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996.  This
increase  primarily  reflects the  additional  third  quarter  sales volume that
resulted  from the merger with Ashland Coal and lower costs in the first half of
1997 compared to the same period in 1996.


<PAGE>


Outlook

Several  anticipated  events,  together  with the  negative  effect on operating
income  resulting from the third quarter  depletion of the longwall  reserves at
Arch of  Kentucky's  Mine No.  37,  will  materially  and  adversely  affect the
Company's results in the fourth quarter of 1997 and in 1998.

The most significant  event is the expiration of one of the Company's  long-term
coal  supply  contracts  with  Georgia  Power in December  1997.  The Company is
currently  supplying  1.9 million  tons of  low-sulfur  coal per year under this
contract from its Lone Mountain and Cumberland  River  operations and from third
parties. The prices for coal shipped under this contract are significantly above
the current open market price of such coal. For the nine months ended  September
30, 1997, 5.6% of the Company's pro forma combined revenues and 16.9% of its pro
forma combined operating income (excluding the merger-related charge) related to
sales  under  this  contract,   and  the  impact  of  its  expiration   will  be
disproportionate  to the  percentage  of  total  production  represented  by the
tonnage  delivered  under the contract.  After  expiration of this Georgia Power
contract,  the Company  expects to continue  to supply a  significant  amount of
similar quality coal to Georgia Power at less favorable prices.

It is also expected that Arch of Wyoming's  operation  will  experience  reduced
sales  in  the  fourth   quarter  of  1997  and  early  1998  due  to  continued
transportation  problems.  Poor rail  service  from the Union  Pacific  Railroad
("Union Pacific"),  arising from integration problems associated with its merger
with the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad,  has resulted in reduced  shipments,  and
service problems are expected to continue in the immediate future.

The 45-day  maintenance  shutdown of the Hobet 21 dragline in the fourth quarter
of 1997 will result in lower production and higher per ton costs at the Hobet 21
complex in the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 1997, the last $2.7 million of the original $50 million
unrecognized  net gain  realized in 1993 upon changes in discount  rates,  black
lung benefit cost rates,  rebates and other  assumptions used in the calculation
of pneumoconiosis (black lung) liabilities will be credited against cost of coal
sales.

These negative  developments  will be mitigated to some degree by synergies from
the merger,  increased income from the Company's Ark Land  subsidiary's  ongoing
third-party  leasing  efforts  and sales of  surplus  property,  and by  reduced
interest expense as a result of lower debt levels in general and the refinancing
of long-term debt at more favorable rates. In addition, operational improvements
including  improving geology at the Huff Creek and Darby Fork mines,  deployment
of a second equipment  section at the Band Mill underground  mine, and improving
costs at the  Wylo  mine  and  Hobet  21  complex  are  expected  to  contribute
positively to 1998 results. There are a variety of factors, however, which could
cause  the  positive  effect of these  developments  not to be  realized.  These
factors are set forth in "Factors  Routinely  Affecting  Results of  Operations"
below. For example,  adverse geologic conditions could unexpectedly recur at the
Huff Creek and Darby Fork mines, or occur at other mines.



<PAGE>


The Company continues to evaluate possible  acquisitions of other coal producers
and  properties  in all the major U.S.  coal  producing  regions and abroad.  On
November 11, 1997,  Arch Coal,  Inc.  reached a definitive  agreement to acquire
low-sulfur coal reserves in Boone County, W.Va., from Oglebay Norton Company for
$6.0 million.  Consummation of the  transaction is subject to customary  closing
conditions, and is scheduled for November 24, 1997. The reserves lie on a 12,000
acre tract of land adjacent to Arch Coal's Hobet 21 mining complex. The Hobet 21
Camp  Creek  deep  mine is  currently  operating  on a portion  of the  acquired
property under a lease with Oglebay Norton.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The  following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated
types of activities during the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996:


                                              1997      1996
                                              ----      ----
                                              (In thousands)
      Cash provided by (used in):
      Operating activities                 $122,148   $ 92,173
      Investing activities                  (57,306)  (55,463)
      Financing activities                  (61,257)  (38,466)

Cash provided by operating activities increased in the first nine months of 1997
from the level in the same period of 1996 due primarily to the additional  third
quarter  merger-related  sales. An increase in the balance of trade  receivables
and tax  payments  related  to  prior  year  audits  partially  offset  the cash
generated by the additional third quarter sales.

The increase in cash used for  investing  activities in 1997 from the 1996 level
principally  reflects  a higher  amount of  acquisition  expenditures  and lower
proceeds  from the sale of property,  plant,  and  equipment.  1997  acquisition
expenditures  include the $17 million Kayford James reserve  acquisition,  while
1996 expenditures include the $14.2 million Carbon Basin reserve acquisition.

Cash used in financing  activities  reflects a reduction in  borrowings of $53.2
million in 1997 and $38.5 million in 1996. The increase in debt  repayments is a
result of the higher amount of cash generated by operations in 1997. In addition
to the increased debt repayments,  dividend  payments  increased by $9.1 million
compared to the same period in 1996.

Certain mining  equipment that was sold and leased back under an operating lease
may be repurchased at the Company's option for approximately  $28.3 million when
the lease expires in January 1998. Arch Coal anticipates that such purchase,  if
it should occur, would be funded under the Company's  revolving credit agreement
or lines of credit.  The Company is also considering other lease alternatives to
the January 1998 repurchase.



<PAGE>


The Company's capital  expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
were $36.3  million.  Approximately  $4.8 million of the third  quarter's  $17.9
million  in  capital   expenditures  were  related  to  the  recently  completed
construction of improvements  and an extension to the Hobet 21 conveyor  system.
The total cost of this  project that began in late 1996 was $11.3  million.  The
Company estimates that during the remainder of 1997,  capital  expenditures will
be approximately $23 million.

The Company has  historically  satisfied its working capital  requirements,  its
capital   expenditures   (excluding  major   acquisitions)  and  scheduled  debt
repayments from its operating cash flow. Cash  requirements  for the acquisition
of new business  operations  have generally been funded through a combination of
cash generated from operating activities, utilization of the Company's revolving
credit facility and the issuance of long-term obligations.  The Company believes
that cash generated from  operations  will continue to be sufficient to meet its
working  capital  requirements,  planned  or  anticipated  capital  expenditures
(excluding major acquisitions) and scheduled debt repayments.  The Company has a
$500 million  revolving  credit  agreement with a five year term with a group of
banks.  At September 30, 1997,  the Company had borrowings of $240 million under
this agreement.

On August 1, 1997,  the  Company  redeemed  previously  issued  senior  notes by
Ashland  Coal with a  principal  balance of $152.9  million  for $170.7  million
including  accrued  interest.   The  redemption  amount  included  a  make-whole
provision  based upon current  market rates with  similar  maturities.  The note
redemptions  were  financed  with  proceeds  from  the  Company's  $500  million
revolving credit facility. The Company also has $42.9 million of indebtedness at
September 30, 1997 under senior unsecured notes payable annually through January
2003.

Arch Coal periodically establishes uncommitted lines of credit with banks. These
agreements  generally  provide for  short-term  borrowings at market  rates.  At
September  30, 1997,  there were $70 million of such  agreements  in effect with
borrowings outstanding of $35.3 million.

Contingencies

Reclamation

The Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state
statutes  require that mine  property be restored in accordance  with  specified
standards and an approved reclamation plan. The Company accrues for the costs of
final mine closure  reclamation  over the  estimated  useful  mining life of the
property.  These  costs  relate to  reclaiming  the pit and  support  acreage at
surface  mines and  sealing  portals at deep  mines.  Other  costs of final mine
closure  common to both types of mining are  related  to  reclaiming  refuse and
slurry ponds.  The Company also accrues for reclamation that is completed during
the mining process prior to final mine closure.  The  establishment of the final
mine closure reclamation  liability and the other ongoing reclamation  liability
is  based  upon  permit   requirements  and  requires   various   estimates  and
assumptions, principally associated with costs and productivities.



<PAGE>


The  Company  reviews  its entire  environmental  liability  annually  and makes
necessary  adjustments,  including  permit  changes and  revisions  to costs and
productivities to reflect current  experience.  These recosting  adjustments are
recorded to cost of coal sales.  Favorable  adjustments  total $3.3  million and
$4.5  million for the nine months  ended  September  30, 1997 and for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1996, respectively.  The Company's management believes
it is  making  adequate  provisions  for  all  expected  reclamation  and  other
associated costs.

Mine closing costs for  operations  as of September 30, 1997, in the  aggregate,
are  estimated to be  approximately  $131.9  million.  At September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996, the accrual for closing  costs,  which is included in accrued
reclamation and mine closure was $119.6 million and $90.3 million, respectively.

Legal Contingencies

The Company is a party to numerous  claims and lawsuits  with respect to various
matters.  The Company  provides for costs  related to  contingencies,  including
environmental  matters,  when a loss is  probable  and the amount is  reasonably
determinable.  The Company  estimates  that at  September  30, 1997 its probable
aggregate  loss as a result of such claims is $4.8  million  (included  in Other
Noncurrent  Liabilities) and believes that probable insurance recoveries of $1.1
million (included in Other Assets) related to these claims will be realized. The
Company  estimates  that  its  reasonably  possible  aggregate  losses  from all
material  currently  pending  litigation  could be as much as $2 million (before
taxes) in excess of the probable loss previously  recognized.  After  conferring
with counsel,  it is the opinion of management  that the ultimate  resolution of
these  claims,  to the  extent  not  previously  provided  for,  will not have a
material  adverse  effect on the  consolidated  financial  position,  results of
operations, or liquidity of the Company.

On October 24, 1996, the rock strata  overlaying an old,  abandoned  underground
mine adjacent to the coal-refuse  impoundment used by an Arch Coal  subsidiary's
preparation plant failed,  resulting in an accidental discharge of approximately
6.3 million gallons of water and fine coal slurry into a tributary of the Powell
River in Lee County, Virginia. As a consequence, the Director of the State Water
Control  Board  and  the  Department  of  Mines,  Minerals  and  Energy  of  the
Commonwealth of Virginia filed suit in Lee County Virginia Circuit Court against
Arch Coal's Lone Mountain  Processing,  Inc.  subsidiary  alleging violations of
effluent  limitations and reporting  violations  under Lone Mountain's  National
Pollutant  Discharge  Elimination  System permits under the Clean Water Act. The
Commonwealth  of Virginia  agreed to vacate two notices of violation  and a show
cause order in  exchange  for Lone  Mountain's  payment to the  Commonwealth  of
approximately  $1.4 million.  A final order  effectuating  the settlement of all
claims of the Commonwealth in respect of the discharge was entered as a judgment
by the court on October  29,  1997.  At the  request  of the U.S.  Environmental
Protection  Agency and the U.S.  Fish &  Wildlife  Service,  the  United  States
Attorney  for the  Western  District  of  Virginia  also has  opened a  criminal
investigation of the 1996 incident.  The results of this  investigation  are not
expected until sometime in 1998.

On November 6, 1997, the Company's Apogee Coal Company ("Apogee") subsidiary was
identified as "potentially  responsible party" (a "PRP") under the Comprehensive
Environmental   Response  Compensation  and  Liability  Act  and  the  Superfund
Amendment  and  Reauthorization  Act  of  1996  (collectively   referred  to  as
"Superfund")  for  potential  joint and several  liability for clean up costs in
connection  with  alleged  releases  of  hazardous  chemicals   (polychlorinated
biphenyls)  at  commercial  waste  disposal  sites in Kansas City,  Missouri and
Kansas City,  Kansas  operated by a third party waste  disposal  company.  These
sites are  currently  subject to  ongoing  investigation,  overseen  by the U.S.
Environmental  Protection Agency.  Generally, the type of relief sought includes
remediation of contaminated soil and/or groundwater,  reimbursement for the cost
of  sight  cleanup  or  oversight  expended,   and/or  long-term  monitoring  of
environmental  conditions at the affected site.  Based on its  familiarity  with
current  environmental  laws  and  regulations,  its  analysis  of the  specific
environmental substance at issue, the existence of other financially viable PRPs
and the quantity of hazardous  chemicals  it shipped for  disposal,  the Company
believes  that any  liability  it may incur with respect to these sites will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or liquidity.

The Company's  federal income tax returns for periods ending  December 31, 1992,
December  31, 1993 and  December  31,  1994 are  currently  under  review by the
Internal   Revenue  Service   ("IRS").   The  IRS  has  completed  two  separate
examinations  of the  Company's  federal  income tax returns one for the periods
ending June 30, 1987,  June 30, 1988 and June 30, 1989, and a second one for the
periods ending June 30, 1990,  December 31, 1990 (short period) and December 31,
1991. The IRS has proposed  additional taxes of $50 million plus interest and $8
million plus interest,  respectively.  A partial agreement was reached regarding
the  latter  years for which  additional  tax of $4  million  plus $2 million in
interest  was  paid.  The  proposed  adjustments  remaining  in  dispute  relate
principally   to   business   acquisitions,   asset   dispositions,    corporate
reorganizations,  percentage  depletion and investment tax credits.  The Company
filed protests contesting all the disputed adjustments. In order to avoid future
potential interest charges, deposits were made totaling $16 million.  Management
believes  that the  Company has  adequately  provided  for any income  taxes and
related interest which may ultimately be paid.

Certain Risk Factors

Credit risk - The Company markets its coal principally to electric  utilities in
the United States. As a group,  electric  utilities  generally are stable,  well
capitalized entities with favorable credit ratings.  Credit is extended based on
an evaluation of each  customer's  financial  condition,  and  collateral is not
generally required. Credit losses have consistently been minimal.

Price  risk - Selling  prices  for the  Company's  products  are  determined  by
long-term contracts and the spot market. Selling prices in many of the Company's
long-term  contracts are subject to adjustment,  including for changes in market
conditions.  Falling  market prices raise the price risk under these  contracts.
Spot prices fluctuate  primarily  because of changes in demand for and supply of
coal. Demand for coal in the short term is primarily driven by changes in demand
for electricity in the areas serviced by the utilities  purchasing the Company's
coal.  Demand for electricity in turn depends on the level of economic  activity
and other factors such as prolonged temperature extremes.  The supply of coal in
the spot  market  has  historically  been most  affected  by  excess  productive
capacity in the industry and short-term  disruptions,  sometimes  labor-related.
The coal  industry is highly  competitive,  and Arch Coal  competes with a large
number of other  coal  producers.  Factors  such as the  availability  of sulfur
dioxide emissions  allowances issued by the EPA, utility  deregulation,  and new
clean air regulations have had, or will have, the effect of further intensifying
competition  between  producers in the eastern United  States,  and producers in
other regions,  including other  countries.  Producers in some of those regions,
because of geological  conditions,  local labor costs,  or access to inexpensive
transportation  modes, are able to produce and deliver coal into some markets at
a lower cost than the Company.  These competitive  factors have an impact on the
Company's pricing.

Arch Coal's operating  subsidiaries purchase substantial amounts of power, fuel,
and  supplies,  generally  under  purchase  orders at current  market  prices or
purchase agreements of relatively short duration.

The  employees  of  Apogee  and  the  Company's  Hobet  Mining,  Inc.  ("Hobet")
subsidiary  are covered by the National  Bituminous  Coal Wage Agreement of 1993
("Wage  Agreement"),  which  provides  for  certain  wage  rates  and  benefits.
Employees of two other operating  subsidiaries  are covered by other  collective
bargaining  organizations,  and  employees  at  the  Company's  other  operating
subsidiaries  are not covered by a union  contract but are  compensated at rates
representative  of  prevailing  wage  rates in the  local  area.  Among  factors
influencing such wage rates are the wage rates paid under the Wage Agreement.

Although the Company cannot predict  changes in its costs of production and coal
prices  with  certainty,  Arch  Coal  believes  that  in  the  current  economic
environment of low to moderate inflation, the price adjustment provisions in its
long-term  contracts  will largely offset changes in the costs of providing coal
under  those   contracts,   except  for  those  costs   related  to  changes  in
productivity.  Further,  because  levels of general price  inflation are closely
linked to levels of economic  activity,  it is expected that changes in costs of
producing coal for the spot market may be offset in part by changes in spot coal
prices.  The Company  attempts to limit exposure to depressed spot market prices
which result from industry over capacity by entering into  long-term coal supply
agreements, which ordinarily provide for prices in excess of spot market prices.
In the event of a  disruption  of supply,  the Company  might,  depending on the
level of its sales commitments, benefit from higher spot prices if its own mines
were not affected by the disruption.

Interest  rate  risk - Arch  Coal  has  significant  debt  which  is  linked  to
short-term interest rates. If interest rates rise, Arch Coal's costs relative to
those  obligations  would also rise.  Because an increase  in interest  rates is
usually  an  outgrowth  of a  higher  level of  economic  activity  and  because
increased economic activity would likely lead to a higher demand for electricity
and  consequently  to higher spot prices for coal,  Arch Coal  believes that the
negative  effects of higher  interest  rates on Arch  Coal's  earnings  could be
partially  offset,  depending on the level of its sales commitments at the time,
by higher spot prices.

The Company has  entered  into an  interest-rate  swap  agreement  to modify the
interest characteristics of outstanding Arch Coal debt. On November 3, 1997, the
Company entered into an interest-rate swap agreement with a total notional value
of $25  million.  This swap  amount  was used to convert  variable-rate  debt to
fixed-rate debt. Under this agreement, the Company pays a weighted average fixed
rate of 6.03% and is receiving a weighted  average  variable rate at November 3,
1997  of  5.64%.  The  remaining  life on the  swap at  November  3,  1997,  was
approximately 60 months. The variable rates are adjusted using one month LIBOR.


<PAGE>


Factors Routinely Affecting Results of Operations

The  Company  sells a  substantial  portion of its coal  production  pursuant to
long-term  coal  supply   agreements,   and  as  a  consequence  may  experience
fluctuations in operating results in the future, both on an annual and quarterly
basis,   as  a  result  of  expiration  or   termination   of,  or  sales  price
redeterminations   or  suspensions  of  deliveries   under,   such  coal  supply
agreements.  In addition, price adjustment provisions permit a periodic increase
or  decrease  in the  contract  price to  reflect  increases  and  decreases  in
production  costs,  changes in specified price indices or items such as taxes or
royalties.   Price  reopener  provisions  provide  for  an  upward  or  downward
adjustment in the contract price based on market factors,  and from time to time
the Company has  renegotiated  contracts after execution to extend contract term
or to  accommodate  changing  market  conditions.  The contracts  also typically
include stringent minimum and maximum coal quality specifications and penalty or
termination  provisions for failure to meet such  specifications,  force majeure
provisions  allowing  suspension of  performance  or  termination by the parties
during the duration of certain events beyond the control of the affected  party,
and some  long-term  contracts  contain  provisions  that  permit the utility to
terminate the contract if changes in the law make it illegal or  uneconomic  for
the utility to consume  the  Company's  coal.  Imposition  of new nitrous  oxide
emissions  limits in connection with Phase II of the Clean Air Act in 2000 could
result in price  adjustments,  or in affected  utilities seeking to terminate or
modify long-term  contracts in reliance on such termination  provisions.  If the
parties to any long-term  contracts with the Company were to modify,  suspend or
terminate those contracts, the Company could be adversely affected to the extent
that it is unable to find  alternative  customers at the same or better level of
profitability.

From time to time,  disputes with customers may arise under long-term  contracts
relating to, among other things, coal quality, pricing and quantity. The Company
may thus become  involved in  arbitration  and legal  proceedings  regarding its
long-term contracts.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
resolve such disputes in a satisfactory manner.

The Company's  customers  frequently combine various qualities of coal, nuclear,
natural  gas and other  energy  sources  in their  generating  operations,  and,
accordingly,  their demand for coal of the kind  produced by the Company  varies
depending on price and transportation, regulatory, and other factors.

The Company's coal production and sales are subject to a variety of operational,
geologic,  transportation,  and  weather-related  factors that  routinely  cause
production  to  fluctuate.  Operational  factors  affecting  production  include
anticipated and unanticipated  events. For example, at Mingo Logan's Mountaineer
Mine,  the longwall  equipment must be dismantled and moved to a new area of the
mine  whenever the coal reserves in a segment of the mine,  called a panel,  are
exhausted. The size of a panel varies, and therefore, the frequency of moves can
also  vary.  Unanticipated  events,  such  as the  unavailability  of  essential
equipment  because of  breakdown or  unscheduled  maintenance,  could  adversely
affect production.

Permits are sometimes delayed by unanticipated regulatory requests or processing
delays.  Timely  completion of improvement  projects and equipment  relocation's
depend to a large degree on availability of labor and equipment, timely issuance
of permits, and the weather.  Sales can be adversely affected by fluctuations in
production and by  transportation  delays arising from equipment  unavailability
and weather-related events, such as flooding.

Changes in  transportation  rates and service also  significantly  influence the
Company's  results.  CSX Corporation  ("CSX") and Norfolk  Southern  Corporation
("NS") are major railroads in the eastern United States which together transport
most of the coal sold by the Company.  CSX and NS agreed to acquire Conrail Inc.
("Conrail"),   another  major  railroad,  whose  primary  service  area  is  the
Northeastern  United  States,  and have divided  Conrail's  assets between them.
Costs of the  reconstituted  CSX and NS may be somewhat  lower than the costs of
those  railroads  prior to the  acquisition.  If lower  costs are  realized  and
freight rates are lowered as a  consequence,  the coal of some  producers  could
become less costly on a delivered basis and therefore gain competitive advantage
in some markets. It is not possible to predict with certainty the effects of the
division of Conrail on interregional competition and, specifically,  the effects
on the Company. Further,  continuing service disruptions from Union Pacific will
adversely  affect the operational  results from Arch Coal's western  operations,
although  such  problems  would  likely have a greater  effect on the  Company's
competitors  who  have a  greater  percentage  of  their  revenues  and  profits
dependent on western coal.

Geologic  conditions  within  mines are not  uniform.  Overburden  ratios at the
surface  mines  vary,  as do roof and floor  conditions  and seam  thickness  in
underground  mines.  These  variations  can be either  positive or negative  for
production.  Weather  conditions  can  also  have a  significant  effect  on the
Company's  production,  depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
For example,  extremely  cold weather  combined  with  substantial  snow and ice
accumulations  may  impede  surface  operations   directly  and  all  operations
indirectly  by making it difficult  for workers and  suppliers to reach the mine
sites.

The results of the third quarter of each year are normally adversely affected by
lower  production  and  resultant  higher costs  because of  scheduled  vacation
periods.  In addition,  costs are  typically  somewhat  higher  during  vacation
periods because of maintenance  activity carried on during those periods.  These
adverse  effects on the third quarter may make the third quarter not  comparable
to the other  quarters and not indicative of results to be expected for the full
year.

Apogee and Hobet operations are parties to the Wage Agreement. From time to time
in the past,  strikes and work stoppages have adversely  affected  production at
Apogee's and Hobet's mining  complexes.  Any future strike or work stoppage that
affected  these  operations  for a  prolonged  period  would have a  significant
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

Any one or a combination of changing demand; fluctuating selling prices; routine
operational,  geologic,  transportation and weather-related factors;  unexpected
regulatory  changes;  changes in  transportation  rates and service;  results of
litigation;  or labor  disruptions may occur at times or in a manner that causes
current and  projected  results of operations  to deviate from  projections  and
expectations.  Any event disrupting  substantially  all production at any of the
Company's  principal  mines for a  prolonged  period  would  have a  significant
adverse  effect on the Company's  current and projected  results of  operations.
Decreases in production from anticipated levels usually lead to increased mining
costs and decreased net income.



<PAGE>


                        Part II - Other Information

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The second and third  paragraphs  of the Legal  Contingencies  subsection of the
Contingencies  section of  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial
Condition and Results of Operations  in this report are  incorporated  herein by
reference.

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)

     2.1  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger  dated as of April 4,  1997,  among the
          Company, Ashland Coal and AMC Merger Corporation  (incorporated herein
          by  reference  to Exhibit 2.1 to the  Registration  Statement  of Arch
          Mineral Corporation on Form S-4, registration 333-28149 ("S-4")).

     3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated
          herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the S-4).

     3.2  Restated and Amended By Laws of Arch Coal, Inc.  (incorporated  herein
          by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the S-4).

     4.1  Stockholders  Agreement,  dated  as of April 4,  1997,  among  Carboex
          International,   Ltd.,  Ashland  Inc.  and  Arch  Mineral  Corporation
          (incorporated herein as reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the S-4).

     4.2  Registration  Rights Agreement,  dated as of April 4, 1997, among Arch
          Mineral Corporation, Ashland Inc., Carboex International, Ltd. and the
          entities listed on Schedules I and II thereto  (incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the S-4).

     4.3  Agreement  Relating  to  Nonvoting  Observer,  executed as of April 4,
          1997, among Carboex  International,  Ltd., Ashland Inc., Ashland Coal,
          Inc. and Arch Mineral Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).

     4.4  Agreement  for  Termination  of the Arch  Mineral  Corporation  Voting
          Agreement and for Nomination of Directors,  dated as of April 4, 1997,
          among  Hunt  Coal  Corporation,  Petro-Hunt  Corporation,  each of the
          trusts  listed on Schedule I thereto,  Ashland  Inc.  and Arch Mineral
          Corporation  (incorporated  herein by  reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
          S-4).

     4.5  Credit  Agreement  dated as of July 1,  1997,  by and among Arch Coal,
          Inc.,  the banks party thereto,  PNC Bank,  National  Association,  as
          Administrative and Syndication Agent and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
          of New York, as  Documentation  and  Syndication  Agent  (incorporated
          herein by Reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of Arch Coal,
          Inc. on Form 8-K filed July 15, 1997).

    27   Financial Data Schedule


<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                          ARCH COAL, INC.
                                          (Registrant)

Date: November 13, 1997                       /s/ James P. Pye
                                          --------------------
                                          James P. Pye
                                          Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)


Date: November 13, 1997                        /s/ Jeffry N. Quinn
                                          ------------------------
                                          Jeffry N. Quinn
                                          Senior Vice President, General Counsel
                                          and Secretary



<PAGE>


                                 Arch Coal, Inc.
                 Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended September 30, 1997


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


     2.1  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger  dated as of April 4,  1997,  among the
          Company, Ashland Coal and AMC Merger Corporation  (incorporated herein
          by  reference  to Exhibit 2.1 to the  Registration  Statement  of Arch
          Mineral Corporation on Form S-4, registration 333-28149 ("S-4")).

     3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated
          herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the S-4).

     3.2  Restated and Amended By Laws of Arch Coal, Inc.  (incorporated  herein
          by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the S-4).

     4.1  Stockholders  Agreement,  dated  as of April 4,  1997,  among  Carboex
          International,   Ltd.,  Ashland  Inc.  and  Arch  Mineral  Corporation
          (incorporated herein as reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the S-4).

     4.2  Registration  Rights Agreement,  dated as of April 4, 1997, among Arch
          Mineral Corporation, Ashland Inc., Carboex International, Ltd. and the
          entities listed on Schedules I and II thereto  (incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the S-4).

     4.3  Agreement  Relating  to  Nonvoting  Observer,  executed as of April 4,
          1997, among Carboex  International,  Ltd., Ashland Inc., Ashland Coal,
          Inc. and Arch Mineral Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).

     4.4  Agreement  for  Termination  of the Arch  Mineral  Corporation  Voting
          Agreement and for Nomination of Directors,  dated as of April 4, 1997,
          among  Hunt  Coal  Corporation,  Petro-Hunt  Corporation,  each of the
          trusts  listed on Schedule I thereto,  Ashland  Inc.  and Arch Mineral
          Corporation  (incorporated  herein by  reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
          S-4).

     4.5  Credit  Agreement  dated as of July 1,  1997,  by and among Arch Coal,
          Inc.,  the banks party thereto,  PNC Bank,  National  Association,  as
          Administrative and Syndication Agent and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
          of New York, as  Documentation  and  Syndication  Agent  (incorporated
          herein by Reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of Arch Coal,
          Inc. on Form 8-K filed July 15, 1997).

     27   Financial Data Schedule

<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                        1,000
       
<S>                                 <C>  
<PERIOD-TYPE>                       9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                  SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                              17301
<SECURITIES>                            0
<RECEIVABLES>                      144360
<ALLOWANCES>                            0
<INVENTORY>                         69645
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                   274660
<PP&E>                            1821734
<DEPRECIATION>                     690726
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                    1685984
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>              215059
<BONDS>                                 0
                   0
                             0
<COMMON>                              397
<OTHER-SE>                         594114
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>      1685984
<SALES>                            706210
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                   722725
<CGS>                              629665
<TOTAL-COSTS>                      710584
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                        0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                  12910
<INCOME-PRETAX>                        51
<INCOME-TAX>                         9100
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                  9151
<DISCONTINUED>                          0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                         0
<CHANGES>                               0
<NET-INCOME>                         9151
<EPS-PRIMARY>                         .34
<EPS-DILUTED>                         .34
        


</TABLE>


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