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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
A summary of the significant accounting policies of CNX Resources Corporation and subsidiaries (“CNX” or “the Company”) is presented below. These, together with the other notes that follow, are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis of Consolidation:

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CNX Resources Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. Investments in business entities in which CNX does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in oil and natural gas producing entities are accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method.

On September 28, 2020, the Merger (as defined in Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions) of CNX Midstream Partners LP (CNXM) was completed. Prior to the Merger, public unitholders held a 46.9% equity interest in CNXM and CNX owned the remaining 53.1% equity interest. 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 to our ownership interest in CNXM during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included in, but not limited to, the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are related to long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill), accounts receivable credit losses, the values of natural gas, NGLs, condensate and oil (collectively “natural gas”) reserves, asset retirement obligations, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, contingencies, fair value of derivative instruments, the fair value of the liability and equity components of the convertible senior notes, stock-based compensation and salary retirement benefits.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash:
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term securities with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted cash at December 31, 2020 consisted of cash that the Company was contractually obligated to maintain in accordance with the terms of the Cardinal States Gathering LLC and CSG Holdings II LLC Credit Agreements, each dated March 13, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021 CNX, repaid in full the outstanding principal on both of these non-revolving credit facilities and terminated the Credit Agreements (See Note 12 - Long-Term Debt for more information).
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to amounts shown in the statement of cash flows:
December 31,
202120202019
Cash and Cash Equivalents$3,565 $15,617 $16,283 
Restricted Cash, Current Portion— 735 — 
Restricted Cash, Less Current Portion — 5,247 — 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$3,565 $21,599 $16,283 
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses:
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.
The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Management records an allowance for credit losses related to the collectability of third-party customers' receivables using the historical aging of the customer receivable balance. The collectability is determined based on past events, including historical experience, customer credit rating, as well as current market conditions. CNX monitors customer ratings and collectability on an on-going basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

There were no material financing receivables with a contractual maturity greater than one year at December 31, 2021 or 2020.

The following represents activity related to the allowance for credit losses for the years ended:
December 31,
20212020
Allowance for Credit Losses - Trade, Beginning of Year$84 $— 
Provision for Expected Credit Losses— 84 
Allowance for Credit Losses - Trade, End of Period$84 $84 
Allowance for Credit Losses - Other Receivables, Beginning of Year$3,248 $2,463 
Provision for Expected Credit Losses104 2,760 
Write-off of Uncollectible Accounts(30)(1,975)
Allowance for Credit Losses - Other Receivables, End of Period$3,322 $3,248 

Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of supplies inventory is determined by the average cost method and includes operating and maintenance supplies to be used in the Company's operations.

Property, Plant and Equipment:

CNX uses the successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas producing activities. Costs of property acquisitions, successful exploratory, development wells and related support equipment and facilities are capitalized. Periodic valuation provisions for impairment of capitalized costs of unproved mineral interests are expensed. Costs of unsuccessful exploratory wells are expensed when such wells are determined to be non-productive, or if the determination cannot be made after finding sufficient quantities of reserves to continue evaluating the viability of the project. The costs of producing properties and mineral interests are amortized using the units-of-production method. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is calculated based on the actual produced sales volumes multiplied by the applicable rate per unit, which is derived by dividing the net capitalized costs by the number of units expected to be produced over the life of the reserves. Wells and related equipment and intangible drilling costs are also amortized on a units-of-production method. Proved developed reserves, as estimated by petroleum engineers, are used to calculate amortization of wells and related equipment and facilities and amortization of intangible drilling costs. Total proved reserves, also estimated by petroleum engineers, are used to calculate depletion on property acquisitions. Proved oil and natural gas reserve estimates are based on geological and engineering evaluations of in-place hydrocarbon volumes. Units-of-production amortization rates are revised at least once per year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is necessary. Such revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates. The Company recorded depreciation, depletion and amortization expense related to proved gas properties using the units-of-production method of $415,069, $400,948, and $424,238 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are capitalized. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction
period. Planned major maintenance costs which do not extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or lease terms, generally as follows:
Years
Buildings and Improvements
10 to 45
Machinery and Equipment
3 to 25
Gathering and Transmission
30 to 40
Leasehold ImprovementsLife of Lease

Costs for purchased software are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life which does not exceed seven years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

Impairment of long-lived assets is recorded when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying value. The carrying value of the assets is then reduced to its estimated fair value which is usually measured based on an estimate of future discounted cash flows. Impairment of equity investments is recorded when indicators of impairment are present, and the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the assets' carrying value.

Impairment of Proved Properties:

CNX performs a quantitative impairment test whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group's carrying amount may not be recoverable, over proved properties using the published NYMEX forward prices, timing, methods and other assumptions consistent with historical periods. When indicators of impairment are present, tests require that the Company first compare expected future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. 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 significant assumptions including projected revenues, future commodity prices and a market-specific weighted average cost of capital which are affected by expectations about future market and economic conditions. 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, CNX recognized certain indicators of impairments specific to our Southwest Pennsylvania Coalbed Methane 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 using level 3 inputs which consisted of 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 $61,849 was recognized and is included in Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impairment was related to an economic decision to temporarily idle certain wells and the related processing facility during the first quarter.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, CNX identified certain indicators of impairment specific to our Central Pennsylvania Marcellus 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 using level 3 inputs which consisted of 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 $327,400 was included in Impairment of Exploration and Production Properties in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This impairment was related to 56 operated wells and approximately 51,000 acres within our Central Pennsylvania Marcellus proved properties in Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson and Westmoreland counties. The majority of these properties were developed prior to 2013 and the last of these properties were developed in 2015.

Impairment of Unproved Properties:
Capitalized costs of unproved oil and gas properties are evaluated at least annually 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. The likelihood of an impairment of unproved oil and gas properties increases as the expiration of a lease term approaches if drilling activity has
not commenced. If it is determined that the Company does not intend to drill on the property prior to expiration or does not have the intent and ability to extend, renew, trade, or sell the lease prior to expiration, an impairment expense is recorded. Expense for lease expirations that were not previously impaired are recorded as the leases expire.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, CNX recorded an impairment related to unproved properties of $119,429 that was included in Impairment of Unproved Properties and Expirations in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These unproved properties are within CNX's Central Pennsylvania operating region and east of the acreage associated with the proved property impairment described above.

Exploration expense, which is associated primarily with lease expirations, was $20,626, $14,994 and $44,380 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in Exploration and Production Related Other Costs in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Impairment of Goodwill:

In connection with the Midstream Acquisition (as defined in Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions), CNX recorded $796,359 of goodwill through the application of purchase accounting (See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information). The goodwill recorded was allocated in its entirety to the Midstream reporting unit within the Shale segment.

Goodwill is the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquired business. 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. These indicators include, but are not limited to, overall financial performance, industry and market considerations, anticipated future cash flows and discount rates, changes in the stock price with regards to CNX, regulatory and legal developments, and other relevant factors.

In connection with the annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment or earlier if an impairment indicator is identified, CNX may first consider qualitative factors to assess whether there are indicators that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit may not exceed its carrying amount. If after assessing such factors or circumstances, CNX determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then a quantitative assessment is not required. If CNX chooses to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if it chooses to perform a qualitative assessment but is unable to qualitatively conclude that no impairment has occurred, then CNX will perform a quantitative assessment. In the case of a quantitative assessment, CNX estimates the fair value of the reporting unit with which the goodwill is associated using level 3 inputs and compares it to the carrying value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over its fair value. The Company uses a combination of the income approach (generally a discounted cash flow method) and market approach (which may include the guideline public company method and/or the guideline transaction method) to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit.

The income approach is used to estimate value based on the present value of future economic benefits that are expected to be produced by an asset or business entity. This approach generally involves two general steps:

(i) The first step involves establishing a forecast of the estimated future net cash flows expected to accrue directly or indirectly to the owner of the asset over its remaining useful life or to the owner of the business entity (including a reporting unit).
(ii) The second step involves discounting these estimated future net cash flows to their present value using a market rate of return.

CNX determines the fair value based on estimated future revenues and earnings before deducting net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) and income taxes (EBITDA - a non-GAAP financial measure), and also includes estimates for capital expenditures, discounted to present value using an industry rate adjusted for company-specific risk, which management feels reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit. These assumptions are affected by expectations about future market, industry and economic conditions. Cash flow projections are derived from board approved budgeted amounts and require us to make projections and assumptions for many years into the future for demand, competition and operating costs, among other variables. Subsequent cash flows are developed using growth or contraction rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur.

The estimates of future cash flows and EBITDA are subjective in nature and are subject to impacts from business risks as described in 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 CNX believes the estimates and assumptions used in estimating the fair value are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the estimated fair value. Future results could differ from our current estimates and assumptions.

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 master limited partnership (MLP) market space, an impairment indicator was identified. 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 exceeded its estimated fair value, and as a result, an impairment of $473,045 was included in Impairment of Goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In connection with our annual assessment of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2021, we 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, we concluded that the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value, and accordingly no adjustment to goodwill was necessary. Any 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 relating to the Midstream reporting unit.

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. Other intangible assets are comprised of customer relationships which are amortized on a straight-line basis over approximately 17 years.
Income Taxes:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year and the change in deferred taxes, excluding the effects of acquisitions during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax benefit will not be realized.
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 do not meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, the Company determines, on a cumulative probability basis, the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. 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 the Company believes 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 position liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.

Asset Retirement Obligations:

CNX accrues the costs to dismantle and remove gas-related facilities upon exhaustion of mineral reserves and related surface reclamation using the accounting treatment prescribed by the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This topic requires 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. Estimates are regularly reviewed by management and are revised for changes in future estimated costs and regulatory requirements. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Amortization of the capitalized asset retirement cost is generally determined on a units-of-production basis. Accretion of the asset retirement obligation is recognized over time and generally will escalate over the life of the producing asset, typically as production declines. Accretion is included in Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investment Plan:

CNX has an investment plan that is available to most employees. Throughout the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company's matching contribution was 6% of eligible compensation contributed by eligible employees. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan ranging from 1% to 6% of eligible compensation for eligible employees (as defined by the Plan). There were no such discretionary contributions made by CNX for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Total matching contribution payments and costs were $2,937, $2,976 and $3,460 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are recognized when the recognition criteria of ASC 606 are met, which generally occurs at the point in which title passes to the customers. For natural gas, NGL and oil revenue, this occurs at the contractual point of delivery. For revenues generated from natural gas gathering services provided to third-parties, this occurs when obligations under the terms of the contract with the shipper are satisfied.
CNX sells a portion of its natural gas to accommodate the delivery points of its customers. In general, this gas is purchased at market price and re-sold on the same day at market price less a small transaction fee. These matching buy/sell transactions include a legal right of offset of obligations and have been simultaneously entered into with the counterparty. These transactions qualify for netting under the Nonmonetary Transactions Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and are, therefore, recorded net within the Consolidated Statements of Income in the Purchased Gas Revenue line.
CNX purchases natural gas produced by third-parties at market prices less a fee. The gas purchased from third-parties is then resold to end users or gas marketers at current market prices. These revenues and expenses are recorded gross as Purchased Gas Revenue and Purchase Gas Costs, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Purchased gas revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer. Purchased gas costs are recognized when title passes to CNX from the third-party.

Contingencies:

From time to time, CNX, or its subsidiaries, are subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations (including environmental remediation), employment and contract disputes and other claims and actions, arising out of the normal course of business. Liabilities are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense of these matters and are based upon the nature of the lawsuit, progress of the case in court, view of legal counsel, prior experience in similar matters and management's intended response. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced by possible recoveries from third-parties. Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation:
Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. CNX recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the award's vesting term. See Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation for more information.

Derivative Instruments:

CNX enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to interest rate volatility. These swaps change the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. The change in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis with the changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.
CNX enters into financial derivative instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price volatility. Natural gas commodity hedges are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.
None of the Company's counterparty master agreements currently require CNX to post collateral for any of its positions. However, as stated in the counterparty master agreements, if CNX's obligations with any of its counterparties cease to be secured on the same basis as similar obligations with the other lenders under the credit facility, CNX would be required to post collateral for instruments in a liability position in excess of defined thresholds. All of the Company's derivative instruments are
subject to master netting arrangements with the counterparties. CNX recognizes all financial derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis, generally measured based upon Level 2 inputs, which is further described in Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Each of the Company's counterparty master agreements allows, in the event of default, the ability to elect early termination of outstanding contracts. If early termination is elected, CNX and the applicable counterparty would net settle all open hedge positions.
CNX is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The creditworthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2021-04 - Issuer's Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. This ASU provides guidance on how an issuer would measure and recognize the effect of these transactions. Specifically, it provides a principles-based framework to determine whether an issuer should recognize the modification or exchange as an adjustment to equity or an expense. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the amendments prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the effect of adopting this guidance.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06 - Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. This ASU simplifies an entity's accounting for convertible instruments by eliminating two of the three models in ASC 470-20 that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features, simplifies the settlement assessment that entities are required to perform to determine whether a contract qualifies for equity classification, requires entities to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments in the diluted EPS calculation and include the effect of potential share settlement (if the effect is more dilutive) for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares, except for certain liability-classified share-based payment awards, requires new disclosures about events that occur during the reporting period and cause conversion contingencies to be met and about the fair value of an entity's convertible debt at the instrument level, among other things. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and will be applicable to the Convertible Senior Notes due May 2026 (“Convertible Notes”) that were issued in April 2020, for which the embedded conversion option was required to be separately accounted for as a component of stockholders’ equity. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and in conjunction therewith recorded adjustments to, among other things, increase long-term debt for the value of the embedded conversion that was previously classified in additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (Topic 848). This ASU provides optional expedient and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In response to the concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates (IBORs) and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), regulators in several jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. The ASU provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which clarifies that certain provisions in Topic 848, if elected by an entity, apply to derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment that is modified as a result of reference rate reform. The amendments in these ASUs are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications:
Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the report classifications of the year ended December 31, 2021, with no effect on previously reported net income, stockholders' equity or statement of cash flows.

Subsequent Events:

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. No material recognized or non-recognizable subsequent events were identified.