Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - STONE ENERGY CORPd723348d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

STONE ENERGY CORPORATION

Announces First Quarter 2014 Results

LAFAYETTE, LA. May 5, 2014

Stone Energy Corporation (NYSE: SGY) today announced financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2014. Some of the highlights include:

 

    Net income of $25.9 million or $0.52 per share

 

    Production volumes at the upper end of first quarter guidance

 

    Development drilling success at the Cardona South and Cardona wells in the Pompano field

 

    Discovery at the Amethyst deep water exploration prospect

 

    Discovery at the Tomcat deep gas prospect

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer David Welch stated, “We have started the year with four successful discovery wells which provide us with short and intermediate term production visibility. We expect Tomcat to commence production this June, the Cardona and Cardona South volumes to commence production by the first quarter of 2015 and Amethyst to come on line in 2016. Separately, the Mica Deep exploration well has reached total depth without encountering commercial hydrocarbons. However, importantly, we have a multi-year inventory of deep water and deep gas prospects to provide us with future exploration exposure. In Appalachia, we look forward to spudding our first Utica shale exploration well later this June with testing expected later in the year. Finally, volumes from our Marcellus shale wells are expected to grow to over 100 MMcfe per day in the second half of the year. Overall, it has been an excellent start to 2014.”

Financial Results

For the first quarter of 2014, Stone reported net income of $25.9 million, or $0.52 per share, on oil and gas revenue of $222.6 million, compared to net income of $40.8 million, or $0.82 per share, on oil and gas revenue of $232.9 million in the first quarter of 2013. Discretionary cash flow totaled $138.0 million during the first quarter of 2014, as compared to $159.1 million during the first quarter of 2013. Please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the accompanying financial statements for a reconciliation of discretionary cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash flow provided by operating activities.

Net daily production during the first quarter of 2014 averaged 44.8 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (MBoe) per day (269 million cubic feet of gas equivalent (MMcfe) per day), compared with daily production of 50.0 MBoe (298 MMcfe) per day in the fourth quarter of 2013, and daily production of 40.1 MBoe (241 MMcfe) per day in the first quarter of 2013. First quarter of 2014 production was negatively impacted by the sale of some onshore properties in January 2014 and the fourth quarter 2013, weather-related logistical issues in Appalachia and extended downtime at Main Pass 288. First quarter of 2014 production mix was 35% oil, 13% natural gas liquids (NGL) and 52% natural gas.

Prices realized during the first quarter of 2014 averaged $97.52 per barrel of oil, $54.84 per barrel of NGLs and $4.46 per Mcf of natural gas. Average realized prices for the first quarter of 2013 were $112.13 per barrel of oil, $42.49 per barrel of NGLs and $3.55 per Mcf of natural gas. Effective hedging transactions decreased the average realized price of natural gas by $0.36 per Mcf and decreased the average realized price of oil by $1.75 per barrel in the first quarter of 2014. Effective hedging transactions increased the average realized price of natural gas by $0.38 per Mcf and increased the average realized price of oil by $2.72 per barrel in the first quarter of 2013.

Lease operating expenses during the first quarter of 2014 totaled $46.9 million ($11.62 per Boe or $1.94 per Mcfe), compared to $53.0 million ($14.70 per Boe or $2.45 per Mcfe), in the first quarter of 2013.

 

LOGO


Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) on oil and gas properties for the first quarter of 2014 totaled $81.8 million ($20.27 per Boe or $3.38 per Mcfe), compared to $74.5 million ($20.65 per Boe or $3.44 per Mcfe), in the first quarter of 2013.

Salaries, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2014 were $16.3 million ($4.05 per Boe or $0.67 per Mcfe), compared to $14.0 million ($3.87 per Boe or $0.64 per Mcfe), in the first quarter of 2013.

Capital expenditures before capitalized SG&A and interest during the first quarter of 2014 were approximately $254.1 million, which includes $9.8 million of plugging and abandonment expenditures. Additionally, $7.7 million of SG&A expenses and $12.8 million of interest were capitalized during the first quarter of 2014. In addition, in the first quarter of 2014, Stone received $54.5 million in proceeds from the sale of some onshore properties. This is compared to capital expenditures before capitalized SG&A and interest during the first quarter of 2013 of approximately $114.2 million, which includes $14.9 million of plugging and abandonment expenditures. Additionally, $6.6 million of SG&A expenses and $10.0 million of interest were capitalized during the first quarter of 2013.

As of March 31, 2014 and May 5, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under our bank credit facility. Stone had letters of credit totaling $21.4 million, resulting in $378.6 million available for borrowing under our bank credit facility based on a borrowing base of $400 million.

Operational Update 

Mississippi Canyon 29 – Cardona South (Deep Water). The Cardona South well (MC 29 #5 well) encountered over 275 feet of net oil pay in three separate sections of the well. The Cardona South success extends the productive zone of the Mississippi Canyon 29 TB-9 well to the adjacent fault block to the south and sets up a potential second and third well in the fault block. Plans are to flow the Cardona South well and the previously announced Cardona discovery to the Stone owned and operated Pompano platform with first production expected in early 2015. Stone holds a 65% working interest in the project and is the operator.

Mississippi Canyon 29 – Cardona (Deep Water). The Cardona well (MC 29 #4 well) was estimated to have approximately 84 feet of net pay upon initial discovery. After further evaluation of the discovery, the estimated pay zone is now expected to be approximately 96 feet, although the deeper exploration target was deemed non-commercial. The Cardona success extends the productive zone in Stone’s Mississippi Canyon 29 TB-9 well to the adjacent fault block to the north. Plans are to flow the Cardona and the Cardona South wells to the Stone owned and operated Pompano platform with first production expected in early 2015. Stone holds a 65% working interest in the project and is the operator.

Mississippi Canyon 211 – Mica Deep (Deep Water). The Mica Deep exploration well has reached total depth without encountering commercial hydrocarbons. Stone holds a 50% working interest in the prospect.

Mississippi Canyon 26 – Amethyst (Deep Water). The Amethyst exploration well (100% working interest) encountered approximately 90 feet of net hydrocarbon pay in one interval which suggests a commercial discovery. Analysis of logging, coring and fluid data confirmed the existence of natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids in the pay zone (an estimated yield of 60-80 barrels of liquids per million cubic foot of natural gas). The interval has been placed safely behind pipe for a future completion. A full evaluation, including seismic and subsurface data integration, is needed before hydrocarbon quantities can be estimated and a specific development plan is sanctioned. A single or multi-well tie-back to Stone’s 100 percent owned and operated Pompano platform, located less than five miles from the discovery, is a likely development option.

Amberjack Development Drilling Program. Stone expects to secure a platform rig for its Amberjack (Mississippi Canyon 109) drill program. It is anticipated that the rig will become available in the fourth quarter of 2014. The program is expected to consist of four to six development wells.


Pompano Development Drilling Program. Stone expects to secure a platform rig for its Pompano (Viosca Knoll 989) drill program. It is anticipated that the rig will become available by mid-2015. The program is expected to consist of four to five development wells.

Walker Ridge 89 - Goodfellow (Deep Water). The Goodfellow exploration well targets the Lower Tertiary and is projected to spud in late 2014. Stone currently holds an approximate 13% working interest in the prospect, which is operated by Eni. The well is estimated to take five months to drill.

Mississippi Canyon 118 - Harrier (Deep Water). The Harrier exploration well targets the Miocene interval and is projected to spud in late 2014 or early 2015. Stone currently holds an approximate 37% working interest in the prospect, which is operated by ConocoPhillips. The well is estimated to take four months to drill.

West Cameron 176 - Tomcat (Deep Gas). The Tomcat exploration well (100% working interest) encountered approximately 30 feet of net hydrocarbon pay in the Camerina interval. Based on well log analysis, combined with offset Camerina production history, we believe that the zone may produce liquids rich natural gas with approximately 40-60 barrels of condensate per Mcf of natural gas as well as additional natural gas liquids volumes. The well is currently being tied back to the nearby Stone operated East Cameron 64 production platform with production estimated to commence in June 2014.

Cayenne (Deep Gas). The Cayenne exploration well, located in Iberia parish, is expected to spud in late 2014 or the first half of 2015. Stone holds a 50% working interest in the project and is also the operator. The well is estimated to take three months to drill.

Appalachian Basin - Marcellus Shale (Drilling Program Update). Stone drilled nine Marcellus shale wells and began completions on 14 wells during the first quarter of 2014. By year-end 2014, Stone expects to drill 28 to 32 wells and to complete 30 to 34 wells in the Marcellus shale.

Appalachian Basin - Marcellus Shale (Production Update). During the first quarter of 2014, Stone averaged approximately 87 MMcfe per day (62 MMcf per day of gas and 4,200 barrels per day of liquids) from Stone’s Marcellus shale position. During the first quarter of 2014, two wells in the Heather field were brought online. Stone expects to bring an additional four wells in the Heather field online during the second quarter of 2014. Additionally, it is projected that 18 new wells in the Mary field will be brought on production in third quarter of 2014.

Appalachian Basin – Utica Shale Test. Stone expects to spud a Utica shale test well late in the second quarter of 2014 on its existing acreage in the Mary Field in West Virginia with the completion and testing expected later in the year.

2014 Guidance

Guidance for the second quarter and full year 2014 is shown in the table below (updated guidance numbers are italicized and bolded). The guidance is subject to all the cautionary statements and limitations described below and under the caption “Forward Looking Statements.”


    Second Quarter     Full Year  

Production - MBoe per day

    43.5 - 45.5        43 - 47   

    (MMcfe per day)

    (261 - 273     (258 - 282

Lease operating expenses (in millions)

(excluding transportation/processing expenses)

    —        $ 195 - $210   

Transportation, processing and gathering (in millions)

    $ 56 - $68   

Salaries, General & Administrative expenses (in millions)

    —        $ 65 - $69   

(excluding incentive compensation)

   

Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization (per MBoe)

    —        $  21.00 - $22.50   

                                 (per Mcfe)

    $ 3.50 - $3.75   

Corporate Tax Rate (%)

    —          36% - 38

Capital Expenditure Budget (in millions)

(excluding acquisitions)

    —        $ 825   

Hedge Position

The following table illustrates our derivative positions for 2014, 2015 and 2016 as of May 5, 2014:

 

     Fixed-Price Swaps  
     NYMEX (except where noted)  
     Natural Gas      Oil  
     Daily
Volume
(MMBtus/d)
    SwapPrice      Daily
Volume
(Bbls/d)
    Swap
Price
 

2014

     10,000      $ 4.000         1,000      $ 90.06   

2014

     10,000        4.040         1,000 **      90.25   

2014

     10,000        4.105         1,000        92.25   

2014

     10,000        4.190         1,000        93.55   

2014

     10,000     4.250         1,000        94.00   

2014

     10,000        4.250         1,000        98.00   

2014

     10,000        4.350         1,000        98.30   

2014

          2,000 ***      98.85   

2014

          1,000        99.65   

2014

          1,000 †      103.30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2015

     10,000        4.005         1,000        89.00   

2015

     10,000        4.120         1,000        90.00   

2015

     10,000        4.150         1,000        90.25   

2015

     10,000        4.165         1,000        90.40   

2015

     10,000        4.220        

2015

     10,000        4.255        
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

2016

     10,000        4.110        

2016

     10,000        4.120        

 

* February - December
** October - December
*** January - June
Brent oil contract

Other Information

Stone Energy has planned a conference call for 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 to discuss the operational and financial results for the first quarter of 2014. Anyone wishing to participate should visit our website at www.StoneEnergy.com for a live web cast or dial 1-877-228-3598 and request the “Stone Energy Call.” If you are unable to participate in the original conference call, a replay will be available immediately following the completion of the call on Stone Energy’s website. The replay will be available for one month.

Separately, Stone Energy will host an analyst and investor day on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 for analysts and institutional investors at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, LA. The Stone management team will provide an update and information on Stone Energy’s core development and exploration projects, will discuss


growth plans and opportunities, and will review financial results from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on May 20th. The presentation will also be available via a live webcast. If you are an equity analyst or institutional investor and would like to attend the Stone Energy Investor Day please click on the following link and fill out the registration form http://www.stoneenergy.com/links/eventRegistration.aspx. For additional information please contact Sheri Bienvenue – Executive Assistant at (337) 521-0237 or BienvenueSL@StoneEnergy.com.

Stone Energy will hold its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the Stone Energy New Orleans office at 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1050, New Orleans, Louisiana. The Company proposes to elect ten directors, to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014, to have a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers (say on pay), and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The close of business on March 26, 2014 has been fixed as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to receive notification of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, we refer to a non-GAAP financial measure we call “discretionary cash flow.” Management believes discretionary cash flow is a financial indicator of our company’s ability to internally fund capital expenditures and service debt. Management also believes this non-GAAP financial measure of cash flow is useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional research analysts in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. Discretionary cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities or net income, as defined by GAAP. Please see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure” for a reconciliation of discretionary cash flow to cash flow provided by operating activities.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and are based upon Stone’s current belief as to the outcome and timing of future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Stone plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates will, should or may occur in the future, including future production of oil and gas, future capital expenditures and drilling of wells and future financial or operating results are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements herein include the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for oil and gas, operating risks, liquidity risks, political and regulatory developments and legislation, including developments and legislation relating to our operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Appalachia, and other risk factors and known trends and uncertainties as described in Stone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, Stone’s actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Estimates for Stone’s future production volumes are based on assumptions of capital expenditure levels and the assumption that market demand and prices for oil and gas will continue at levels that allow for economic production of these products. The production, transportation and marketing of oil and gas are subject to disruption due to transportation and processing availability, mechanical failure, human error, hurricanes and numerous other factors. Stone’s estimates are based on certain other assumptions, such as well performance, which may vary significantly from those assumed. Delays experienced in well permitting could affect the timing of drilling and production. Lease operating expenses, which include major maintenance costs, vary in response to changes in prices of services and materials used in the operation of our properties and the amount of maintenance activity required. Estimates of DD&A rates can vary according to reserve additions, capital expenditures, future development costs, and other factors. Therefore, we can give no assurance that our future production volumes, lease operating expenses or DD&A rates will be as estimated.

Stone Energy is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana with additional offices in New Orleans, Houston and Morgantown, West Virginia. Stone is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties in the Deep Water Gulf of Mexico, Appalachia, and the onshore and offshore Gulf Coast. For additional information, contact Kenneth H. Beer, Chief Financial Officer, at 337-521-2210 phone, 337-521-9880 fax or via e-mail at CFO@StoneEnergy.com.


STONE ENERGY CORPORATION

SUMMARY STATISTICS

(In thousands, except per share/unit amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2014      2013  

FINANCIAL RESULTS

     

Net income

   $ 25,943       $ 40,758   

Net income per share

   $ 0.52       $ 0.82   

PRODUCTION QUANTITIES

     

Oil (MBbls)

     1,418         1,667   

Gas (MMcf)

     12,641         10,358   

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)

     510         216   

Oil, gas and NGLs (MBoe)

     4,035         3,609   

Oil, gas and NGLs (MMcfe)

     24,209         21,656   

AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

     

Oil (MBbls)

     15.8         18.5   

Gas (MMcf)

     140.5         115.1   

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)

     5.7         2.4   

Oil, gas and NGLs (MBoe)

     44.8         40.1   

Oil, gas and NGLs (MMcfe)

     269.0         240.6   

REVENUE DATA

     

Oil revenue

   $ 138,289       $ 186,925   

Gas revenue

     56,362         36,822   

Natural gas liquids revenue

     27,970         9,178   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total oil, gas and NGL revenue

   $ 222,621       $ 232,925   

AVERAGE PRICES

     

Prior to the cash settlement of effective hedging transactions:

     

Oil (per Bbl)

   $ 99.27       $ 109.41   

Gas (per Mcf)

     4.82         3.17   

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)

     54.84         42.49   

Oil, gas and NGLs (per Boe)

     56.93         62.18   

Oil, gas and NGLs (per Mcfe)

     9.49         10.36   

Including the cash settlement of effective hedging transactions:

     

Oil (per Bbl)

   $ 97.52       $ 112.13   

Gas (per Mcf)

     4.46         3.55   

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)

     54.84         42.49   

Oil, gas and NGLs (per Boe)

     55.17         64.54   

Oil, gas and NGLs (per Mcfe)

     9.20         10.76   

COST DATA

     

Lease operating expenses

   $ 46,903       $ 53,044   

Salaries, general and administrative expenses

     16,329         13,952   

DD&A expense on oil and gas properties

     81,788         74,532   

AVERAGE COSTS

     

Lease operating expenses (per Boe)

   $ 11.62       $ 14.70   

Lease operating expenses (per Mcfe)

     1.94         2.45   

Salaries, general and administrative expenses (per Boe)

     4.05         3.87   

Salaries, general and administrative expenses (per Mcfe)

     0.67         0.64   

DD&A expense on oil and gas properties (per Boe)

     20.27         20.65   

DD&A expense on oil and gas properties (per Mcfe)

     3.38         3.44   

AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING – Diluted

     49,062         48,657   


STONE ENERGY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2014     2013  

Operating revenue:

    

Oil production

   $ 138,289      $ 186,925   

Gas production

     56,362        36,822   

Natural gas liquids production

     27,970        9,178   

Other operational income

     1,209        807   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenue

     223,830        233,732   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

    

Lease operating expenses

     46,903        53,044   

Transportation, processing and gathering

     14,626        5,397   

Other operational expense

     424        72   

Production taxes

     3,062        2,089   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     82,646        75,435   

Accretion expense

     7,555        8,263   

Salaries, general and administrative expenses

     16,329        13,952   

Incentive compensation expense

     3,134        1,431   

Derivative expenses, net

     599        1,221   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     175,278        160,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     48,552        72,828   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other (income) expenses:

    

Interest expense

     8,357        9,635   

Interest income

     (143     (117

Other income

     (707     (726
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expenses

     7,507        8,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     41,045        64,036   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes:

    

Current

     —          (3,746

Deferred

     15,102        27,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income taxes

     15,102        23,278   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 25,943      $ 40,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


STONE ENERGY CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2014     2013  

Net income as reported

   $ 25,943      $ 40,758   

Reconciling items:

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     82,646        75,435   

Deferred income tax provision

     15,102        27,024   

Accretion expense

     7,555        8,263   

Stock compensation expense

     2,247        2,296   

Non-cash interest expense

     4,070        4,041   

Other

     448        1,281   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discretionary cash flow

     138,011        159,098   

Changes in income taxes payable

     —          (9,402

Settlement of asset retirement obligations

     (9,842     (14,880

Other working capital changes

     (12,697     11,950   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 115,472      $ 146,766   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


STONE ENERGY CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,     December 31,  
     2014     2013  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 202,761      $ 331,224   

Accounts receivable

     190,573        171,971   

Fair value of hedging contracts

     745        4,549   

Current income tax receivable

     7,366        7,366   

Deferred taxes

     36,098        31,710   

Inventory

     4,651        3,723   

Other current assets

     1,774        1,874   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     443,968        552,417   

Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting:

    

Proved

     7,898,668        7,804,117   

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (6,052,894     (5,908,760
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net proved oil and gas properties

     1,845,774        1,895,357   

Unevaluated

     906,043        724,339   

Other property and equipment, net

     26,975        26,178   

Fair value of hedging contracts

     1,867        1,378   

Other assets, net

     37,154        48,887   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,261,781      $ 3,248,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable to vendors

   $ 165,973      $ 195,677   

Undistributed oil and gas proceeds

     55,676        37,029   

Accrued interest

     22,247        9,022   

Fair value of hedging contracts

     15,277        7,753   

Asset retirement obligations

     87,927        67,161   

Other current liabilities

     28,467        54,520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     375,567        371,162   

7 12% Senior Notes due 2022

     775,000        775,000   

1 34% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017

     255,466        252,084   

Deferred taxes

     406,477        390,693   

Asset retirement obligations

     416,171        435,352   

Fair value of hedging contracts

     376        470   

Other long-term liabilities

     46,772        53,509   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,275,829        2,278,270   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common stock

     491        488   

Treasury stock

     (860     (860

Additional paid-in capital

     1,394,694        1,397,885   

Accumulated deficit

     (399,222     (425,165

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (9,151     (2,062
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     985,952        970,286   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,261,781      $ 3,248,556