One of the noted energy holdings, CONSOL Energy (NYSE:CNX), the Fund’s largest performance detractor, fell 55% in the quarter after disappointing revenue and earnings on weaker-than-expected thermal coal production and negative natural gas differentials versus the New York Mercantile Exchange. Management is adjusting to lower commodity prices with cost controls and took steps to recognize the value of CONSOL’s coal assets by offering shares in the MLP CNX Coal, which generated $200 million in proceeds. We filed a 13-D during the quarter to discuss with third parties as well as management and the board a potential monetization or separation of the valuable Marcellus and Utica gas assets. We believe these assets alone are worth demonstrably more than CONSOL’s total equity capitalization. They are unique, low cost reserves given the company’s fee ownership of many acres. CONSOL is exploring monetization paths for all of its assets, including thermal coal, metallurgical coal, pipelines, and the Baltimore port terminal.
From Longleaf Partners' third quarter 2015 commentary.
