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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ENERGEN CORPFinancial_Report.xls
EX-32 - ENERGEN CORPORATION 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION - ENERGEN CORPegn33115ex32.htm
EX-31.B - ENERGEN CORPORATION CERTIFICATION OF CFO - ENERGEN CORPegn33115ex31b.htm
EX-31.A - ENERGEN CORPORATION CERTIFICATION OF CEO - ENERGEN CORPegn33115ex31a.htm
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
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 MARCH 31, 2015
OR
o
 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 1-7810
Energen Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Alabama
 
63-0757759
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
605 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203-2707
 
35203-2707
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(205) 326-2700

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and 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) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO o
      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO x

Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of May 1, 2015.
Energen Corporation
 
 $0.01 par value
 
73,087,252

 
 
 
 
 




ENERGEN CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS









2



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ENERGEN CORPORATION
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014

ASSETS
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,530

$
1,852

Short-term investments
309,000


Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $681 and $688 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
137,720

157,678

Inventories
17,763

14,251

Assets held for sale

395,797

Derivative instruments
272,675

322,337

Prepayments and other
18,009

27,445

Total current assets
756,697

919,360

Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
Oil and natural gas properties, successful efforts method
 
 
Proved properties
7,263,661

6,903,514

Unproved properties
164,208

142,340

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,016,936

1,893,106

Oil and natural gas properties, net
5,410,933

5,152,748

Other property and equipment, net
46,248

46,389

Total property, plant and equipment, net
5,457,181

5,199,137

Other assets
14,865

19,761

TOTAL ASSETS
$
6,228,743

$
6,138,258


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 










3



ENERGEN CORPORATION
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
Accounts payable
$
97,563

$
101,453

Accrued taxes
17,199

5,530

Accrued wages and benefits
16,089

21,553

Accrued capital costs
159,026

207,461

Revenue and royalty payable
66,761

72,047

Liabilities related to assets held for sale

24,230

Pension liabilities
29,442

24,609

Deferred income taxes
53,867

79,164

Derivative instruments
12,870

988

Other
17,658

23,288

Total current liabilities
470,475

560,323

Long-term debt
1,238,569

1,038,563

Asset retirement obligations
97,315

94,060

Pension and other postretirement liabilities
534

15,935

Deferred income taxes
1,010,770

1,000,486

Noncurrent derivative instruments
1,018


Other long-term liabilities
10,885

14,287

Total liabilities
2,829,566

2,723,654

Commitments and Contingencies



Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
Preferred stock, cumulative, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized


Common shareholders’ equity
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 76,051,599 shares and 75,875,711 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
761

759

Premium on capital stock
568,395

564,438

Retained earnings
2,980,939

2,997,821

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
Pension and postretirement plans
(21,019
)
(22,870
)
Deferred compensation plan
2,953

2,862

Treasury stock, at cost; 3,046,233 shares and 2,980,598 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
(132,852
)
(128,406
)
Total shareholders’ equity
3,399,177

3,414,604

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
6,228,743

$
6,138,258


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4



ENERGEN CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
Revenues
 
 
Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas sales
$
187,822

$
350,822

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
34,036

(53,391
)
Total revenues
221,858

297,431

Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production
67,754

67,444

Production and ad valorem taxes
19,065

27,324

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
134,381

124,220

Asset impairment
6,583

1,246

Exploration
763

11,568

General and administrative
32,055

32,173

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations
2,010

1,843

(Gain) loss on sale of assets and other
(28,344
)
153

Total costs and expenses
234,267

265,971

Operating Income (Loss)
(12,409
)
31,460

Other Income (Expense)
 
 
Interest expense
(11,758
)
(7,888
)
Other income
46

323

Total other expense
(11,712
)
(7,565
)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
(24,121
)
23,895

Income tax expense (benefit)
(8,701
)
8,248

Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
(15,420
)
15,647

Discontinued Operations, net of tax
 
 
Income from discontinued operations

38,719

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

(1,050
)
Income From Discontinued Operations

37,669

Net Income (Loss)
$
(15,420
)
$
53,316

 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.21
)
$
0.21

Discontinued operations

0.52

Net Income (Loss)
$
(0.21
)
$
0.73

Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.21
)
$
0.21

Discontinued operations

0.52

Net Income (Loss)
$
(0.21
)
$
0.73

Dividends Per Common Share
$
0.02

$
0.15

Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
72,830

73,045

Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding
72,830

72,629


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5



ENERGEN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Net Income (Loss)
$
(15,420
)
$
53,316

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
Current period change in fair value of derivative commodity instruments, net of tax of $0 and $1, respectively

2

Reclassification adjustment for derivative commodity instruments, net of tax of $0 and ($1,541), respectively

(2,513
)
Current period change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax of $0 and ($62), respectively

(115
)
Reclassification adjustment for interest rate swap, net of tax of $0 and $157, respectively

289

Total cash flow hedges

(2,337
)
Pension and postretirement plans:
 
 
Amortization of net benefit obligation at transition, net of tax of $0 and $3, respectively

6

Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax of $0 and $26, respectively

48

Amortization of net loss, including settlement charges, net of tax of $996 and $2,994, respectively
1,851

5,559

Total pension and postretirement plans
1,851

5,613

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
(13,569
)
$
56,592


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.


6



ENERGEN CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)
2015
2014
Operating Activities
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(15,420
)
$
53,316

Income from discontinued operations

(37,669
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
134,381

124,220

Asset impairment
6,583

1,246

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations
2,010

1,843

Deferred income taxes
(16,009
)
10,958

Change in derivative fair value
30,987

39,555

Gain on sale of assets
(28,502
)
(60
)
Stock-based compensation expense
(61
)
5,041

Exploration, including dry holes
24

31

Discontinued operations

111,678

Other, net
(10,968
)
6,335

Net change in:
 
 
Accounts receivable
42,908

(32,463
)
Inventories
(3,512
)
247

Accounts payable
(11,814
)
24,161

Accrued taxes/income tax receivable
13,633

1,273

Pension and other postretirement benefit contributions
(10,872
)
(2,290
)
Other current assets and liabilities
9,634

(10,471
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
143,002

296,951

Investing Activities
 
 
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
(395,317
)
(266,869
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(30,767
)
(6,537
)
Proceeds from the sale of assets
392,802

7,313

Purchase of short-term investments
(649,000
)
(84,000
)
Sale of short-term investments
340,000

84,000

Discontinued operations

(14,731
)
Other, net

(150
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(342,282
)
(280,974
)
Financing Activities
 
 
Payment of dividends on common stock
(1,462
)
(10,907
)
Issuance of common stock
291

3,060

Reduction of long-term debt

(15,000
)
Net change in credit facility
200,000

86,000

Tax benefit on stock compensation
129

686

Discontinued operations

(50,028
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
198,958

13,811

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(322
)
29,788

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
1,852

5,555

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,530

$
35,343


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7



ENERGEN CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 

1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Energen Corporation (Energen or the Company) is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas liquids-rich properties and natural gas in the Permian Basin in west Texas and the San Juan Basin in New Mexico. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, our operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Energen Resources Corporation (Energen Resources). The unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, included in the 2014 Annual Report of Energen on Form 10-K.

Prior to September 2, 2014, Energen owned Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco), which was engaged in the purchase, distribution and sale of natural gas principally in central and north Alabama. On September 2, 2014, Energen completed the transaction to sell Alagasco to The Laclede Group, Inc. (Laclede) for $1.6 billion, less the assumption of $267 million in debt. The net pre-tax proceeds to Energen totaled approximately $1.32 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $726.5 million. This sale had an effective date of August 31, 2014. Energen used cash proceeds from the sale to reduce long-term and short-term indebtedness. During the second quarter of 2014, Energen classified Alagasco as held for sale and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations and Held For Sale Properties, for further information regarding the sale of Alagasco.

Our accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include Energen and its subsidiaries, principally Energen Resources, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required for complete financial statements. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods and as of the dates shown. Such adjustments consist of normal recurring items. In addition, and in connection with the sale of Alagasco, we have chosen to reformat our financial statements to reflect a presentation more closely aligned with our peers in the oil and natural gas industry. As part of the financial statement reformatting, certain reclassifications were made to conform prior periods’ financial statements to the current-quarter presentation. These reclassifications primarily included further detail under operating costs and expenses. We further reclassified all commodity hedges from oil and natural gas operating revenues to gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net, as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Open non-cash mark-to-market losses on derivative instruments
$
(59,651
)
$
(33,681
)
Closed gains (losses) on derivative instruments
93,687

(19,710
)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
$
34,036

$
(53,391
)

















8



We classified as discontinued operations interest on debt required to be extinguished, certain depreciation costs that ended at close of transaction, the related income tax impact of these items and the earnings of Alagasco. In addition, we reclassified from discontinued operations certain general and administrative costs, other income and the related tax impact from these items. The table below provides a detail of these items included in income (loss) from discontinued operations as follows:

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)
 
2014
Alagasco net income
 
$
43,028

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
(152
)
General and administrative
 
940

Interest expense
 
(5,787
)
Other income
 
(119
)
Income tax expense
 
1,935

Alagasco income from discontinued operations
 
39,845

Energen loss from discontinued operations
 
(1,126
)
Income from discontinued operations
 
$
38,719


2. DERIVATIVE COMMODITY INSTRUMENTS

We periodically enter into derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production. Such instruments may include over-the-counter (OTC) swaps and basis swaps typically executed with investment and commercial banks and energy-trading firms. Derivative transactions are pursuant to standing authorizations by the Board of Directors, which do not authorize speculative positions.

The following tables detail the offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities as well as the fair values of derivatives on the balance sheets:

(in thousands)
March 31, 2015

 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
 
Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets
Net Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral Received
Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$
288,062

$
(15,387
)
$
272,675

$

$

$
272,675

Noncurrent derivative instruments
9

(9
)




Total derivative assets
288,071

(15,396
)
272,675



272,675

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
28,257

(15,387
)
12,870



12,870

Noncurrent derivative instruments
982

(9
)
973



973

Total derivative liabilities
29,239

(15,396
)
13,843



13,843

Total derivatives
$
258,832

$

$
258,832

$

$

$
258,832


9



(in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheets
 

Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets
Net Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral Received
Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$
339,977

$
(17,640
)
$
322,337

$

$

$
322,337

Noncurrent derivative instruments






Total derivative assets
339,977

(17,640
)
322,337



322,337

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
18,628

(17,640
)
988



988

Noncurrent derivative instruments






Total derivative liabilities
18,628

(17,640
)
988



988

Total derivatives
$
321,349

$

$
321,349

$

$

$
321,349


Due to the volatility of commodity prices, the estimated fair value of our derivative instruments is subject to fluctuation from period to period, which could result in significant differences between the current estimated fair value and the ultimate settlement price. Additionally, Energen is at risk of economic loss based upon the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We were in a net gain position with ten of our active counterparties and in a net loss position with the remaining two at March 31, 2015. The largest counterparty net gain positions at March 31, 2015, J.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corporation, Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Barclay Bank PLC, Bank of Montreal and Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc., constituted approximately $52.6 million, $43.5 million, $33.3 million, $28.8 million, $28.7 million and $28.5 million, respectively, of Energen’s total gain on fair value of derivatives.

The following tables detail the effect of derivative commodity instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the financial statements:

(in thousands)
Location on Statements of Income
Three months
ended
March 31, 2014
Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income on derivatives (effective portion), net of tax of $1
$
2

Gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (effective portion)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
$
4,054


The following tables detail the effect of open and closed derivative commodity instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the income statement:

(in thousands)
Location on Statements of Income
Three months
ended
March 31, 2015
Three months
ended
March 31, 2014
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
$
34,036

$
(57,446
)





10



As of March 31, 2015, Energen had entered into the following transactions for the remainder of 2015 and subsequent years:

Production Period
Total Hedged Volumes
Average Contract
Price

Description
Oil
 
 
 
2015
6,210
 MBbl
$89.30 Bbl
NYMEX Swaps
Oil Basis Differential
 
 
 
2015
1,620
 MBbl
$(4.30) Bbl
WTS/WTI Basis Swaps
2016
720
 MBbl
$(2.00) Bbl
WTS/WTI Basis Swaps
2015
5,670
 MBbl
$(4.55) Bbl
WTI/WTI Basis Swaps
2016
2,520
 MBbl
$(2.27) Bbl
WTI/WTI Basis Swaps
Natural Gas
 
 
 
2015
15.3
 Bcf
$4.14 Mcf
Basin Specific Swaps - San Juan
2015
4.5
 Bcf
$4.20 Mcf
Basin Specific Swaps - Permian
WTS - West Texas Sour/Midland, WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Cushing
 
WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Midland, WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Cushing
 

As of March 31, 2015, the maximum term over which Energen has hedged exposures to the variability of cash flows is through December 31, 2016.

3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In determining fair value, we use various valuation approaches and classify all assets and liabilities based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources, whereas unobservable inputs reflect our own considerations about the assumptions other market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Assessing the significance of a particular input may require judgment considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the asset or liability and its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:
  
Level 1 -
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 -
Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable through correlation with market data as of the reporting date;
Level 3 -
Pricing that requires inputs that are both significant and unobservable to the calculation of the fair value measure. The fair value measure represents estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best available information and subject to cost-benefit constraints.

No transfers between fair value hierarchy levels occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
















11



Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Energen classifies the fair value of multiple derivative instruments executed under master netting arrangements as net derivative assets and liabilities. The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about Energen’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 
March 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$
256,419

$
16,256

$
272,675

Total assets
256,419

16,256

272,675

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Derivative instruments

(12,870
)
(12,870
)
Noncurrent derivative instruments

(973
)
(973
)
Total liabilities

(13,843
)
(13,843
)
Net derivative asset
$
256,419

$
2,413

$
258,832


 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$
294,865

$
27,472

$
322,337

Total assets
294,865

27,472

322,337

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
2,048

(3,036
)
(988
)
Total liabilities
2,048

(3,036
)
(988
)
Net derivative asset
$
296,913

$
24,436

$
321,349


Derivative Instruments: The fair value of Energen’s derivative commodity instruments is determined using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models and broker or dealer quotations. Our OTC derivative contracts trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information as compared to markets with actively traded, unadjusted quoted prices; accordingly, the determination of fair value is inherently more difficult. OTC derivatives for which we are able to substantiate fair value through directly observable market prices are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 2 fair values consist of swaps priced in reference to NYMEX oil and natural gas prices. OTC derivatives valued using unobservable market prices have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 3 fair values include basin specific, basis and natural gas liquids swaps. We consider the frequency of pricing and variability in pricing between sources in determining whether a market is considered active. While Energen does not have access to the specific assumptions used in its counterparties’ valuation models, Energen maintains communications with its counterparties and discusses pricing practices. Further, we corroborate the fair value of our transactions by comparison of market-based price sources.

Energen utilizes a discounted cash flow model in valuing its interest rate derivatives, which are comprised of interest rate swap agreements. The fair value attributable to Energen's interest rate derivative contracts is based on (i) the contracted notional amounts, (ii) active market-quoted London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) yield curves and (iii) the applicable credit-adjusted risk-free rate yield curve.
At March 31, 2015, Energen had interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $117 million. The interest rate swaps exchange a variable interest rate for a fixed interest rate of 1.0425 percent. The fair value of our interest rate swaps was a $0.7 million and a $0.8 million liability at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are classified as Level 2 fair value liabilities. The fair value of our interest rate swaps are recognized on a gross basis in accounts payable and derivative instruments on the balance sheets.




12



Level 3 Fair Value Instruments: Energen prepared a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the hypothetical effect that changes in the prices used to estimate fair value would have on the fair value of its Level 3 instruments. We estimate that a 10 percent increase or decrease in commodity prices would result in an approximate $4 million change in the fair value of open Level 3 derivative contracts and to the results of operations.

The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of Energen’s Level 3 derivative commodity instruments as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Balance at beginning of period
$
24,436

$
18,289

Realized gains (losses)
13,153

(3,019
)
Unrealized losses relating to instruments held at the reporting date*
(22,023
)
(16,835
)
Settlements during period
(13,153
)
2,943

Balance at end of period
$
2,413

$
1,378

*Includes $10.3 million and $13.2 million in mark-to-market losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The table below sets forth quantitative information about Energen’s Level 3 fair value measurements of derivative commodity instruments as follows:

(in thousands, except price data)
Fair Value as of March 31, 2015
Valuation Technique*
Unobservable Input*
Range
Oil Basis - WTS/WTI
 
 
 
 
2015
$
(6,401
)
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($0.33 - $0.39) Bbl
2016
$
(410
)
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($1.40) Bbl
Oil Basis - WTI/WTI
 
 
 
 
2015
$
(21,257
)
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($0.71 - $0.91) Bbl
2016
$
(1,162
)
Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($1.75 - $1.95) Bbl
Natural Gas Basis - San Juan
 
 
 
 
2015
$
24,223

Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($0.23 - $0.25) Mcf
Natural Gas Basis - Permian
 
 
 
 
2015
$
7,420

Discounted Cash Flow
Forward Basis
($0.24) Mcf
*Discounted cash flow represents an income approach in calculating fair value including the referenced unobservable input and a discount reflecting credit quality of the counterparty.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in Energen’s consolidated balance sheets. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values.

Asset retirement obligations: Energen’s asset retirement obligations (ARO) primarily relate to the future plugging, abandonment and reclamation of wells and facilities. We recognize a liability for the fair value of the ARO in the periods incurred. See Note 10, Asset Retirement Obligations, for further discussion related to these ARO’s. These assumptions are classified as Level 3 fair value.

Asset Impairments: Energen monitors our oil and natural gas properties as well as the market and business environments in which we operate and make assessments about events that could result in potential impairment issues. Such potential events may include, but are not limited to, commodity price declines, unanticipated increased operating costs, and lower than expected field production performance. If a material event occurs, Energen makes an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows to determine whether the asset is impaired. If the asset is impaired, we will record an impairment loss for the difference between the net book value of the properties and the fair value of the properties. The fair value of the properties typically is estimated using discounted cash flows. Cash flow and fair value estimates require Energen to make projections and assumptions for pricing, demand, competition, operating costs, legal and regulatory issues, discount rates and other factors for many years into the future.

These assumptions are classified as Level 3 fair value. See Note 12, Asset Impairment, for impairments recognized by Energen during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

13



Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
The stated value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable (net of allowance), and short-term debt approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments. Short-term investments purchased and sold during the first quarter of 2015 are not considered readily convertible into cash and accordingly are not classified in cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of Energen’s long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $1,211.5 million and $993.7 million and had a carrying value of $1,239.0 million and $1,039.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair values are based on market prices of similar debt issues having the same remaining maturities, redemption terms and credit rating. Short-term debt is classified as Level 1 fair value and long-term debt is classified as Level 2 fair value.

4. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Credit facility
$
685,000

$
485,000

7.40% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 24, 2017
2,000

2,000

7.36% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 24, 2017
15,000

15,000

7.23% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 28, 2017
2,000

2,000

7.32% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 28, 2022
20,000

20,000

7.60% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 26, 2027
5,000

5,000

7.35% Medium-term Notes, Series A, due July 28, 2027
10,000

10,000

7.125% Medium-term Notes, Series B, due February 15, 2028
100,000

100,000

4.625% Notes, due September 1, 2021
400,000

400,000

 
1,239,000

1,039,000

Less unamortized debt discount
431

437

Total Energen
$
1,238,569

$
1,038,563


The aggregate maturities of Energen’s long-term debt outstanding at March 31, 2015 are as follows:

(in thousands)
Remaining 2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and thereafter
$—
$—
$19,000
$—
$685,000
$535,000

The debt agreements of Energen contain financial and nonfinancial covenants including routine matters such as timely payment of principal and interest, maintenance of corporate existence and restrictions on liens. Although none of the agreements have events of default based on credit ratings, the interest rates applicable to the syndicated credit facility discussed below may adjust based on credit rating changes during certain periods.

Under Energen’s Indenture dated September 1, 1996 with The Bank of New York as Trustee, a cross default provision provides that any debt default of more than $10 million by Energen or Energen Resources will constitute an event of default by Energen. The Indenture does not include a restriction on the payment of dividends.

Credit Facility: On September 2, 2014, Energen entered into a five-year syndicated secured credit facility with domestic and foreign lenders. Originally, the credit facility had an initial borrowing base of $2.1 billion and aggregate commitments of $1.5 billion. On November 17, 2014, the credit facility was amended to provide for $2.0 billion in aggregate commitments. On April 16, 2015, the borrowing base and aggregate commitments were reduced to $1.6 billion in association with the semi-annual redetermination required under the agreement. Energen’s obligations under the $1.6 billion syndicated credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Energen Resources. Subject to release of collateral in certain periods upon the achievement of certain investment grade ratings from designated ratings agencies, the credit facility is collateralized by certain assets of Energen, including a pledge of equity interests in subsidiaries of Energen other than Energen Resources, and by mortgages on substantially all of Energen Resources’ oil and natural gas properties. The current credit facility qualifies for classification as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. The financial covenants of the credit facility require Energen to maintain a ratio of total debt to consolidated income before interest expense,

14



income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, exploration expense and other non-cash income and expenses (EBITDAX) less than or equal to 4.0 to 1.0; to maintain a ratio of consolidated current assets (adjusted to include amounts available for borrowings and exclude non-cash derivative instruments) to consolidated current liabilities (adjusted to exclude maturities under the credit facility and non-cash derivative instruments) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0; and, during certain periods, to maintain a ratio of the net present value of proved reserves of our oil and natural gas properties to consolidated total debt greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0. We are also bound by covenants which limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make certain distributions or alter our corporate structure. Energen may not pay dividends during an event of default, if the payment would result in an event of default or if availability is less than 10 percent of the loan limit under the credit facility. Our credit facility also limits our ability to enter into commodity hedges based on projected production volumes. In addition, the terms of our credit facility limit the amount we can borrow to a borrowing base amount which is determined by our lenders in their sole discretion based on their valuation of our proved reserves and their internal criteria including commodity price outlook. The borrowing base amount is subject to redetermination semi-annually and for event-driven unscheduled redeterminations. Our next scheduled redetermination is October 1, 2015.

Under the credit facility, a cross default provision provides that any debt default of more than $75 million by Energen or Energen Resources will constitute an event of default by Energen.

Upon an uncured event of default under the credit facility, all amounts owing under the credit facility, if any, depending on the nature of the event of default will automatically, or may upon notice by the administrative agent or the requisite lenders thereunder, become immediately due and payable and the lenders may terminate their commitments under the defaulted facility. Energen was in compliance with the terms of its credit facility as of March 31, 2015.

The following is a summary of information relating to Energen’s credit facilities:

(in thousands)
April 16, 2015
December 31, 2014
Credit facility outstanding
$
685,000

$
485,000

Available for borrowings*
915,000

1,515,000

Total borrowing commitments*
$
1,600,000

$
2,000,000

*Available for borrowings reflect the decrease in borrowing commitments to $1.6 billion effective April 16, 2015. Borrowing commitments available at March 31, 2015 were $2.0 billion.

(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
$
685,000

$
750,000

Average daily amount outstanding
$
569,589

$
482,166

Weighted average interest rates based on:
 
 
Average daily amount outstanding
1.60
%
1.46
%
Amount outstanding at period-end
1.68
%
1.67
%

Energen’s interest expense was $11.8 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Energen’s total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included capitalized interest expense of $32,000. Energen had no capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, Energen paid commitment fees on the unused portion of the available credit facilities at a current annual rate of 30 basis points. See Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, for further information regarding interest on debt required to be extinguished, associated with the sale of Alagasco, which was classified to discontinued operations.











15



5. RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 
Three months ended
Three months ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
March 31, 2015
March 31, 2014
 
Net
 
Per Share
Net
 
Per Share
 
Loss
Shares
Amount
Income
Shares
Amount
Basic EPS
$
(15,420
)
72,830

$
(0.21
)
$
53,316

72,629

$
0.73

Effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 

 
 
296

 
Non-vested restricted stock
 

 
 
44

 
Performance share awards
 

 
 
76

 
Diluted EPS
$
(15,420
)
72,830

$
(0.21
)
$
53,316

73,045

$
0.73


In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in diluted average common shares outstanding are excluded. The Company had 284,150 of excluded shares for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Energen had the following shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive:



Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Stock options

112

Performance share awards

68


6. STOCK COMPENSATION

Stock Incentive Plan
Stock Options: The Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to officers and key employees. Options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan provide for the purchase of Energen common stock at not less than the fair market value on the date the option was granted. The sale or transfer of the shares is limited during certain periods. All outstanding options vest within three years from date of grant and expire 10 years from the grant date.

Restricted Stock: Additionally, the Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock and restricted stock units. In February 2015, Energen awarded 99,814 restricted stock units with a grant-date fair value of $65.15. These awards have a three year vesting period and were valued based on the quoted market price of Energen’s common stock at the date of grant.

Performance Share Awards: The Stock Incentive Plan also provides for the grant of performance share awards to eligible employees based on predetermined Company performance criteria at the end of an award period. The Stock Incentive Plan provides that payment of earned performance share awards be made in the form of Energen common stock. Performance share awards are valued using the Monte Carlo model which uses historical volatility and other variables to estimate the probability of satisfying the market condition of the award. Energen granted 120,372 performance share awards during the first quarter of 2015 with a three year vesting period and a grant-date fair value of $83.94.

Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
The Stock Appreciation Rights Plan provides for the payment of cash incentives measured by the long-term appreciation of Energen common stock. These awards are liability awards which settle in cash and are remeasured each reporting period until settlement and have a three year vesting period.

Petrotech Incentive Plan
The Petrotech Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock equivalent units. These awards are liability awards which settle in cash and are remeasured each reporting period until settlement. During the first quarter of 2015, Energen awarded 59,288 Petrotech units with a fair value of $65.78 as of March 31, 2015, none of which included a market condition. Energen awarded 64,305 Petrotech units which included a market condition and had a fair value of $91.65 as of March 31, 2015. These awards have a three year vesting period. Also awarded were 1,472 Petrotech units with a sixteen month vesting period and a fair value of $65.92 as of March 31,

16



2015, and 265 Petrotech units with a twenty-four month vesting period and a fair value of $65.86 as of March 31, 2015, none of which included a market condition.

Stock Repurchase Program
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, Energen had non-cash purchases of approximately $4.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of Energen common stock in conjunction with tax withholdings on our non-qualified deferred compensation plan and other stock compensation. Energen utilized internally generated cash flows in payment of the related tax withholdings.

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

In October 2014, Energen’s Board of Directors elected to freeze and terminate its qualified defined benefit pension plan. A plan amendment adopted in October 2014 closed the plan to new entrants, effective November 1, 2014, and froze benefit accruals after December 31, 2014. Energen terminated the plan on January 31, 2015. We anticipate distributing benefits under the plan in late 2015 or early 2016 pending receipt of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and completion of certain administrative actions.

Energen’s non-qualified supplemental retirement plans were terminated effective December 31, 2014. Distributions under the plans are subject to certain payment restrictions under the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations and payments to plan participants were made in the first quarter of 2015 with the remainder to be made in the first quarter of 2016. In connection with the termination of these plans, the Company has also reclassified approximately $3.4 million as of March 31, 2015 of its investment in a Rabbi Trust from other long term assets to prepayments and other assets in the accompanying balance sheets to reflect its intent to utilize these assets to partially fund the estimated payments in the first quarter of 2016.

In October 2014, Energen’s Board of Directors amended and restated the Employee Savings Plan to make certain benefit design changes effective January 1, 2015. The benefit design changes include an increase in the percentage of Energen match and other contributions.

Effective April 30, 2014, Energen separated its defined benefit non-contributory pension plan and its postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefit plan into an Energen and an Alagasco plan reflecting the separation of assets and obligations in accordance with ERISA provisions. Energen remeasured the plans using current assumptions.

The components of net periodic benefit cost from continuing operations for Energen’s defined benefit non-contributory pension plan and certain nonqualified supplemental pension plans were as follows:



Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
Service cost
$

$
1,635

Interest cost
204

1,413

Expected long-term return on assets

(1,460
)
Actuarial loss
184

1,412

Prior service cost amortization

57

Settlement charge
2,662

3,558

Net periodic expense
$
3,050

$
6,615


During 2015, Energen anticipates an additional contribution of $13.7 million in order to complete the distribution of plan assets related to the plan terminations. The Company made benefit payments, which were funded by the Rabbi Trust, of approximately$10.9 million during the first quarter of 2015 with respect to the termination of the non-qualified supplemental retirement plans and expects to make additional benefit payments of $0.1 million through the remainder of 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, Energen incurred settlement charges of $0.2 million for the payment of lump sums from the qualified defined benefit pension plans. Also in the first quarter of 2015, Energen incurred a settlement charge of $2.5 million for the payment of lump sums from the non-qualified supplemental retirement plans. In the first quarter of 2014, Energen incurred settlement charges of $6.9 million for the payment of lump sums from the qualified defined benefit pension plans of which $3.7 million is included in discontinued operations. Also in

17



the first quarter of 2014, Energen incurred a settlement charge of $0.4 million for the payment of lump sums from the non-qualified supplemental retirement plans.

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit expense from continuing operations for Energen’s postretirement benefit plan were as follows:



Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
Service cost
$
98

$
60

Interest cost
117

226

Expected long-term return on assets
(114
)
(387
)
Actuarial gain

(212
)
Transition amortization

15

Net periodic (income) expense
$
101

$
(298
)

There are no required contributions to the postretirement benefit plan during 2015.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES    

Commitments and Agreements: Under various agreements for third-party gathering, treatment, transportation or other services, Energen is committed to deliver minimum production volumes or to pay certain costs in the event the minimum quantities are not delivered. These delivery commitments are approximately 5.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) through August 2017.

Legal Matters: Energen and its affiliates are, from time to time, parties to various pending or threatened legal proceedings and we have accrued a provision for our estimated liability. Certain of these lawsuits include claims for punitive damages in addition to other specified relief. We recognize a liability for contingencies when information available indicates both a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based upon information presently available, and in light of available legal and other defenses, contingent liabilities arising from threatened and pending litigation are not considered material in relation to the respective financial positions of Energen and its affiliates. It should be noted, however, that there is uncertainty in the valuation of pending claims and prediction of litigation results.

Environmental Matters: Various environmental laws and regulations apply to the operations of Energen and Energen Resources. Historically, the cost of environmental compliance has not materially affected our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. New regulations, enforcement policies, claims for damages or other events could result in significant unanticipated costs.

Under oversight of the Site Remediation Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas, Energen Resources is currently in the process of cleanup and remediation of oil and gas wastes in nine reserve pits in Mitchell County, Texas. We estimate that the cleanup, remediation and related costs will approximate $2.5 million of which $1.9 million has been incurred.
During January 2014, Energen Resources responded to a General Notice and Information Request from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Reef Environmental Site in Sylacauga, Talladega County, Alabama. The letter identifies Energen Resources as a potentially responsible party under The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act for the cleanup of the Site. In 2008, Energen hired a third party to transport approximately 3,000 gallons of non-hazardous wastewater to Reef Environmental for wastewater treatment. Reef Environmental ceased operating its wastewater treatment system in 2010. Due to its one time use of Reef Environmental for a small volume of non-hazardous wastewater, Energen Resources has not accrued a liability for cleanup of the Site.

New Mexico Audits: In 2011, Energen Resources received an Order to Perform Restructured Accounting and Pay Additional Royalties (the Order), following an audit performed by the Taxation and Revenue Department (the Department) of the State of New Mexico on behalf of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR), of federal oil and gas leases in New Mexico. The audit covered periods from January 2004 through December 2008 and included a review of the computation and payment of royalties due on minerals removed from specified U.S. federal leases. The Order addressed ONRR’s efforts to change accounting and reporting practices, and to unbundle fees charged by third parties that gather, compress and transport natural gas production. ONRR now maintains that all or some of such fees are not deductible.

18



Energen Resources appealed the Order in 2011 and in July 2012, on a motion from ONRR, the Order was remanded. In August 2014, ONRR issued its Revised Order that is now under appeal. In the Revised Order, ONRR has ordered that Energen pay additional royalties on production from certain federal leases in the amount of $129,700. Energen estimates that application of the Revised Order to all of the Company’s federal leases would result in ONRR claims up to approximately $24 million, plus interest and penalties from 2004 forward. ONRR began implementing its unbundling initiative in 2010, but seeks to implement its revisions retroactively, despite the fact that they conflict with previous audits, allowances and industry practice. Energen continues to vigorously contest the Revised Order and the findings. Management is unable, at this time, to determine a range of reasonably possible losses, and no amount has been accrued as of March 31, 2015.

9. EXPLORATORY COSTS

Energen capitalizes exploratory drilling costs until a determination is made that the well or project has either found proved reserves or is impaired. After an exploratory well has been drilled and found oil and natural gas reserves, a determination may be pending as to whether the oil and natural gas quantities can be classified as proved. In those circumstances, Energen continues to capitalize the drilling costs pending the determination of proved status if (i) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and (ii) Energen is making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. Capitalized exploratory drilling costs are presented in proved properties in the balance sheets. If the exploratory well is determined to be a dry hole, the costs are charged to exploration expense. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred.

The following table sets forth capitalized exploratory well costs and includes additions pending determination of proved reserves, reclassifications to proved reserves and costs charged to expense:

 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Capitalized exploratory well costs at beginning of period
$
119,439

$
57,600

Additions pending determination of proved reserves
230,061

164,842

Reclassifications due to determination of proved reserves
(234,291
)
(112,474
)
Capitalized exploratory well costs at end of period
$
115,209

$
109,968


The following table sets forth capitalized exploratory well costs:

(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Exploratory wells in progress (drilling rig not released)
$
13,063

$
18,781

Capitalized exploratory well costs capitalized for a period of one year or less
102,146

100,658

Total capitalized exploratory well costs
$
115,209

$
119,439


No wells were capitalized for a period greater than one year as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, Energen had 41 gross exploratory wells either drilling or waiting on results from completion and testing. These wells are located primarily in the Permian Basin.

10. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Energen’s asset retirement obligations (ARO) primarily relate to the future plugging, abandonment and reclamation of wells and facilities. We recognize a liability for the fair value of the ARO in the periods incurred. The ARO fair value liability is determined by calculating the present value of the estimated future cash outflows we expect to incur to plug, abandon and reclaim our producing properties at the end of their productive lives, and is recognized on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to Energen. Subsequent to initial measurement, liabilities are accreted to their present value and capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Upon settlement of the liability, Energen may recognize a gain or loss for differences between estimated and actual settlement costs.





19



The following table reflects the components of the change in Energen’s ARO balance:

(in thousands)
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
94,060

Liabilities incurred
455

Liabilities settled
(262
)
Accretion expense
2,010

Reclassification associated with held for sale properties*
1,052

Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
97,315

*Adjustment to the reclassification of the asset retirement obligation associated with certain San Juan Basin properties included as liabilities related to assets held for sale at December 31, 2014

11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table provides changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of the related income tax effects.

(in thousands)
 
Pension and Postretirement Plans
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
(22,870
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1,851

Balance as of March 31, 2015

$
(21,019
)

The following table provides details of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2015
2014
 
(in thousands)
Amounts Reclassified
Line Item Where Presented
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
Commodity contracts
$

$
4,054

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
Interest rate swap

(446
)
Interest expense
Total cash flow hedges

3,608

 
Income tax expense

(1,384
)
 
Net of tax

2,224

 
Pension and postretirement plans:
 
 
 
Transition obligation

(10
)
General and administrative
Prior service cost

(74
)
General and administrative
Actuarial losses
(2,847
)
(8,552
)
General and administrative
Total pension and postretirement plans
(2,847
)
(8,636
)
 
Income tax expense
996

3,023

 
Net of tax
(1,851
)
(5,613
)
 
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(1,851
)
$
(3,389
)
 






20



12. ASSET IMPAIRMENT

Impairments recognized by Energen during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below:



Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Continuing operations:
 
 
Permian Basin oil properties
$
4,330

$

Permian Basin unproved leasehold properties
2,005

1,247

San Juan Basin unproved leasehold properties
248

(1
)
Total asset impairments from continuing operations
6,583

1,246

Discontinued operations:
 
 
North Louisiana/East Texas oil and natural gas properties

1,667

Total asset impairments from discontinued operations

1,667

Total asset impairments
$
6,583

$
2,913


During the first quarter of 2015, Energen recognized a non-cash impairment writedown on certain properties in the Permian Basin of $4.3 million pre-tax to adjust the carrying amount of these properties to their fair value based on expected future discounted cash flows. This non-cash impairment writedown is reflected in asset impairment on the consolidated income statement.

Energen recognized unproved leasehold writedowns primarily on Permian properties in the Central Basin Platform of $2.3 million pre-tax during the first quarter of 2015. These non-cash writedowns are reflected in asset impairment on the consolidated income statement.

In March 2014, Energen completed the sale of its North Louisiana/East Texas natural gas and oil properties for $30.3 million. The sale had an effective date of December 1, 2013, and the proceeds from the sale were used to repay short-term obligations. During the third quarter of 2013, Energen classified these primarily natural gas properties as held for sale and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. Energen recognized a non-cash impairment writedown on these properties in the first quarter of 2014 of $1.7 million pre-tax to adjust the carrying amount of these properties to their fair value based on an estimate of the selling price of the properties. This non-cash impairment writedown is reflected in loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Significant assumptions in valuing the proved reserves included the reserve quantities, anticipated operating costs, anticipated production taxes, future expected natural gas prices and basis differentials, anticipated production declines, and a discount rate of 10 percent commensurate with the risk of the underlying cash flow estimates. The impairment writedowns are classified as Level 3 fair value. At December 31, 2013, proved reserves associated with Energen’s North Louisiana/East Texas properties totaled 23 Bcf of natural gas and 91 MBbl of oil.

13. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTIES

On March 31, 2015, Energen completed the sale of the majority of its natural gas assets in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado (effective as of January 1, 2015) to Southland Royalty Company, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $395 million. The sales proceeds were reduced by purchase price adjustments of approximately $11 million related to the operations of the San Juan Basin properties subsequent to December 31, 2014 and one-time adjustments related primarily to liabilities assumed by the buyer, which resulted in pre-tax proceeds to Energen of approximately $384 million before consideration of transaction costs of approximately $2.8 million. Energen recognized a pre-tax gain of $28.1 million on the sale. The purchase price is subject to further purchase price adjustments following closing. Energen used proceeds from the sale to reduce long-term indebtedness. At December 31, 2014, proved reserves associated with these San Juan Basin properties totaled 69,038 MBOE.









21




Summarized below are the consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, on an unaudited pro forma basis which gives effect to the sale as if it had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. The pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of results of operations that would have occurred had the transaction occurred on the basis assumed above nor are they indicative of results of the future operations of the enterprises.

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
Total revenues
$
198,213

$
243,090

Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(33,495
)
$
1,849

Net income (loss)
$
(33,495
)
$
39,518

Diluted earnings per average common share from continuing operations
$
(0.46
)
$
0.03

Diluted earnings per average common share
$
(0.46
)
$
0.54

Basic earnings per average common share from continuing operations
$
(0.46
)
$
0.03

Basic earnings per average common share
$
(0.46
)
$
0.54


Energen completed an estimated total of $30.7 million in various purchases of unproved leasehold during the three months ended March 31, 2015. During 2014, Energen completed a total of approximately $68.5 million in various purchases of unproved leasehold properties, including the October 2014, purchase of approximately 15,000 net acres of unproved leasehold in the Mancos formation oil play in the San Juan Basin for $22.8 million.

14. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND HELD FOR SALE PROPERTIES

On September 2, 2014, Energen completed the transaction to sell Alagasco to Laclede for $1.6 billion, less the assumption of $267 million in debt. The net pre-tax proceeds to Energen totaled approximately $1.32 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $726.5 million. This sale has an effective date of August 31, 2014. Energen used cash proceeds from the sale to reduce long-term and short-term indebtedness. During the second quarter of 2014, Energen classified Alagasco as held for sale with prior period comparable and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. Energen’s results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and our financial position as of December 31, 2014 presented in our unaudited consolidated financial statements and these notes reflect Alagasco as discontinued operations.

In March 2014, Energen completed the sale of its North Louisiana/East Texas natural gas and oil properties for $30.3 million. The sale had an effective date of December 1, 2013, and the proceeds from the sale were used to repay short-term obligations. During the third quarter of 2013, Energen classified these primarily natural gas properties as held for sale and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. Energen recognized a non-cash impairment writedown on these properties in the first quarter of 2014 of $1.7 million pre-tax to adjust the carrying amount of these properties to their fair value based on an estimate of the selling price of the properties. This non-cash impairment writedown is reflected in loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the three months ended March 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, proved reserves associated with Energen’s North Louisiana/East Texas properties totaled 23 Bcf of natural gas and 91 MBbl of oil.

As discussed in Note 13, Acquisition and Disposition of Properties, the following table details held for sale properties by major classes of assets and liabilities:

(in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan Basin*
Oil and natural gas properties
 
 
 
$
1,166,124

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
 
 
(770,327
)
Total assets held for sale
 
 
 
395,797

Other long-term liabilities
 
 
 
(24,230
)
Total liabilities held for sale
 
 
 
(24,230
)
Total net assets held for sale



$
371,567


22



*The San Juan Basin natural gas assets which were held for sale as of December 31, 2014, did not qualify for discontinued operations as we have ongoing operations in the San Juan Basin.

We recognized interest on debt required to be extinguished in connection with the sale of Alagasco as discontinued operations. See Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, for further information regarding adjustments associated with the sale of Alagasco.

(in thousands, except per share data)
Three months
ended
March 31, 2014
Natural gas distribution revenues
$
263,900

Oil and natural gas revenues
4,812

Total revenues
$
268,712

Pretax income from discontinued operations
$
62,316

Income tax expense
23,597

Income From Discontinued Operations
$
38,719

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
$
(1,667
)
Income tax benefit
(617
)
Loss on Disposal of Discontinued Operations
$
(1,050
)
Total Income From Discontinued Operations
$
37,669

Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
0.53

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
(0.01
)
Total Income From Discontinued Operations
$
0.52

Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
0.53

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
(0.01
)
Total Income From Discontinued Operations
$
0.52


15. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Energen does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This update defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or a group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendment was effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of Energen.



23



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS

Energen Corporation (Energen or the Company) is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas liquids-rich properties and natural gas in the Permian Basin in west Texas and in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico. Our operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Energen Resources Corporation (Energen Resources).

Energen is focused on increasing its oil and natural gas liquids production and proved reserves largely through development well drilling, exploration, and acquisitions of proved and unproved properties in and around our existing assets. All oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production is sold to third parties. Energen operates properties for its own interest and that of its joint interest owners. This role includes overall project management and day-to-day decision-making relative to project operations.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Overview of First Quarter 2015 Results and Activities
During the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year, we:
completed the sale of the majority of our natural gas assets in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado for an aggregate purchase price of $395 million on March 31, 2015;
expanded development and exploratory activities in the Permian Basin increased production by 497 MBOE and
experienced a significant decline in commodity prices.

Quarter ended March 31, 2015 vs quarter ended March 31, 2014
Energen had a net loss of $15.4 million ($0.21 per diluted share) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared with net income of $53.3 million ($0.73 per diluted share) for the same period in the prior year. In the first quarter of 2015, our loss from continuing operations totaled $15.4 million ($0.21 per diluted share) as compared with income from continuing operations of $15.6 million ($0.21 per diluted share) in the same period a year ago. Energen had no discontinued operations in the current quarter. Income from discontinued operations was $37.7 million ($0.52 per diluted share) from the prior-year first quarter largely due to the sale of Alagasco. This decrease in income from continuing operations was primarily the result of:

lower realized oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas commodity prices (approximately $134.9 million after-tax);
year-over-year after-tax $16.8 million loss on open derivatives (resulting from an after-tax $38.4 million non-cash loss on open derivatives for the first quarter of 2015 and an after-tax $21.5 million non-cash loss on open derivatives for the first quarter of 2014);
higher depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) expense (approximately $6.8 million after-tax);
decreased natural gas liquids and natural gas production volumes (approximately $3.6 million after-tax);
a non-cash impairment on certain oil properties in the Permian Basin (approximately $2.8 million after-tax) and
higher interest expense (approximately $2.6 million after-tax)

partially offset by:

gain on closed derivatives (approximately $75.6 million after-tax);
higher oil production volumes (approximately $29.8 million after-tax);
gain on sale of the majority of our natural gas assets in the San Juan Basin (approximately $18 million after tax);
lower exploration expense (approximately $7.2 million after-tax) and
lower production and ad valorem taxes (approximately $5.5 million after-tax).










24



2015 Outlook
2015 Capital Estimate: Energen plans to continue investing significant capital in oil and natural gas production operations. In the 2015 year-to-date, Energen has incurred approximately $375 million on its oil and natural gas capital program and expects the total for 2015 to approximate $1 billion, primarily all of which is for existing properties and exploration. Capital expenditures by area and targeted formation during 2015 are planned as follows:

(in thousands)
2015
Permian
 
Midland Basin
 
Wolfcamp
$
505,000

Spraberry
102,000

Wolfberry
22,000

SWD/Facilities
56,000

Non-operated/Other
10,000

Delaware Basin
 
Bone Spring
18,000

Wolfcamp
74,000

Wolfbone
19,000

SWD/Facilities
44,000

Non-operated/Other
5,000

Other Permian
10,000

San Juan Basin/Other
64,000

Net Carry-in/Carry Out
21,000

Acquisitions/Lease Extensions/Unproved Leasehold
45,000

Miscellaneous
5,000

Total
$
1,000,000


Energen also may allocate additional capital for other oil and natural gas activities such as property acquisitions and additional development of existing properties. Energen may evaluate acquisition opportunities which arise in the marketplace. Energen’s ability to invest in property acquisitions is subject to market conditions and industry trends. Property acquisitions, except as disclosed above, are not included in the aforementioned estimate of oil and natural gas investments and could result in capital expenditures different from those outlined above.

To finance capital spending, Energen expects to use internally generated cash flow supplemented by our existing credit facility. We also will use the $384 million ($395 million aggregate purchase price before purchase price adjustments) of pre-tax proceeds from the sale of certain San Juan Basin properties. Energen also may issue long-term debt and equity periodically to replace short-term obligations, enhance liquidity and provide for permanent financing. Access to capital is an integral part of Energen’s business plan. While we expect to have ongoing access to our credit facility and long-term capital markets, continued access could be adversely affected by current and future economic and business conditions and possible credit rating downgrades.














25



Results of Operations
The following table summarizes information regarding our production and operating data from continuing operations.


Three months ended

March 31,
(in thousands, except sales price and per unit data)
2015
2014
Operating and production data from continuing operations




Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas sales




Oil
$
142,028

$
253,759

Natural gas liquids
10,834

28,203

Natural gas
34,960

68,860

Total
$
187,822

$
350,822

Open non-cash mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative instruments
Oil
$
(51,769
)
$
(21,464
)
Natural gas liquids

287

Natural gas
(7,882
)
(12,504
)
Total
$
(59,651
)
$
(33,681
)
Closed gains (losses) on derivative instruments
Oil
$
77,483

$
(14,802
)
Natural gas liquids

196

Natural gas
16,204

(5,104
)
Total
$
93,687

$
(19,710
)
Total revenues
$
221,858

$
297,431

Production volumes
 
 
Oil (MBbl)
3,235

2,751

Natural gas liquids (MMgal)
36.2

37.9

Natural gas (MMcf)
13,278

14,124

Total production volumes (MBOE)
6,309

6,008

Average daily production volumes
 
 
Oil (MBbl/d)
35.9

30.6

Natural gas liquids (MMgal/d)
0.4

0.4

Natural gas (MMcf/d)
147.5

156.9

Total average daily production volumes (MBOE/d)
70.1

66.8

Average realized prices excluding effects of open non-cash mark-to-market derivative instruments
Oil (per barrel)
$
67.86

$
86.86

Natural gas liquids (per gallon)
$
0.30

$
0.75

Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
3.85

$
4.51

Average realized prices excluding effects of all derivatives instruments
Oil (per barrel)
$
43.90

$
92.24

Natural gas liquids (per gallon)
$
0.30

$
0.74

Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
2.63

$
4.88

Costs per BOE
 
 
Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expenses
$
10.74

$
11.23

Production and ad valorem taxes
$
3.02

$
4.55

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
$
21.30

$
20.68

Exploration expense
$
0.12

$
1.93

General and administrative
$
5.08

$
5.36

Net capital expenditures
$
375,827

$
271,696



26



Revenues: Our revenues fluctuate primarily as a result of realized commodity prices, production volumes and the value of our derivative contracts.
Our revenues are predominantly derived from the sale of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas. In the first quarter of 2015, commodity sales decreased $163 million or 46.5 percent from the same period of 2014. Particular factors impacting commodity sales include the following:
Oil volumes in the first quarter increased 17.6 percent to 3,235 thousand barrels (MBbl) as new drilling in the horizontal Wolfcamp in the Midland and Delaware basins more than offset declines in the Wolfberry in the Midland Basin, 3rd Bone Spring in the Delaware Basin and the Central Basin Platform.
Average realized oil prices fell 52.4 percent to $43.90 per barrel during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Natural gas liquids production for the current quarter declined 4.5 percent to 36.2 million gallons (MMgal) largely due to lower natural gas volumes.
Average realized natural gas liquids prices decreased 59.5 percent to an average price of $0.30 per gallon during the first quarter of 2015.
Natural gas production decreased 6 percent to 13.3 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in the first quarter due to normal declines in the San Juan Basin and pipeline curtailments in the Permian Basin partially offset by accelerated completions and new well performance in the Permian Basin.
Average realized natural gas prices declined 46.1 percent to $2.63 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Realized prices exclude the effects of derivative instruments.

Gains on derivative instruments were $34.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to losses of $53.4 million in the same period of 2014. Our earnings are significantly affected by the changes of our derivative instruments. Increases or decreases in the expected commodity price outlook generally result in the opposite effect on the fair value of our derivatives. However, these gains and losses are generally expected to be offset by the unhedged price on the related commodities.
Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expense: The following table provides the components of our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expenses:

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands, except per unit data)
2015
2014
Lease operating expenses
$
39,441

$
33,728

Workover and repair costs
19,251

22,942

Marketing and transportation
9,062

10,774

Total oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expense
$
67,754

$
67,444

Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expense per BOE
$
10.74

$
11.23


Energen had oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production expense of $67.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, as compared to $67.4 million during the same period in 2014. Lease operating expense generally reflects year-over-year increases in the number of active wells resulting from Energen’s ongoing development and exploratory activities. Lease operating expense increased $5.7 million for the quarter largely due to higher water disposal costs (approximately $2.4 million), higher labor costs (approximately $1.3 million), increased non-operated costs (approximately $1.1 million), increased gathering costs (approximately $0.8 million) and additional producing overhead costs (approximately $0.7 million) partially offset by lower other operations and maintenance expense (approximately $1.2 million). On a per unit basis, the average lease operating expense for the current quarter was $6.24 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) as compared to $5.61 per BOE in the same period a year ago.

Workover and repair costs decreased approximately $3.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily due to lower incidence of offset well stimulation interference and fewer downhole failures.

In the three months ended March 31, 2015, marketing and transportation costs decreased $1.7 million primarily due to lower gas volumes.


27



Production and ad valorem taxes: Production and ad valorem taxes were $19.1 million ($3.02 per BOE) during the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to $27.3 million ($4.55 per BOE) during the same period in 2014. In the current quarter, production-related taxes were $7.4 million lower as decreased commodity market prices contributed approximately $8.2 million. The lower commodity prices were partially offset by $0.8 million due to higher net production volumes. Commodity market prices exclude the effects of derivative instruments for purposes of determining production taxes. Increased ad valorem taxes in the quarter were primarily driven by the increase in the number of active wells.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization: Energen’s DD&A expense for the quarter rose $10.2 million. The average depletion rate for the current quarter was $21.30 per BOE as compared to $20.68 per BOE in the same period a year ago. The increase in the current quarter per unit depletion rate which contributed approximately $3.4 million to the increase in DD&A expense, was largely due to higher rates resulting from an increase in development costs. Higher production volumes contributed approximately $6.2 million to the increase in DD&A expense for the quarter.

Asset impairment: During the first quarter of 2015, Energen recognized a non-cash impairment writedown on certain properties in the Permian Basin of $4.3 million pre-tax to adjust the carrying amount of these properties to their fair value based on expected future discounted cash flows. This non-cash impairment writedown is reflected in asset impairment on the consolidated income statement.

Energen recognized unproved leasehold writedowns primarily on Permian properties in the Central Basin Platform of $2.3 million pre-tax during the first quarter of 2015. These non-cash writedowns are reflected in asset impairment on the consolidated income statement.

Exploration: The following table provides details of our exploration expense:

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands, except per unit data)
2015
2014
Geological and geophysical
$
478

$
2,106

Dry hole costs
58

31

Delay rentals and other
227

9,431

Total exploration expense
$
763

$
11,568

Total exploration expense per BOE
$
0.12

$
1.93


Exploration expense decreased $10.8 million in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to lower delay rentals and decreased seismic costs.

General and administrative: The following table provides details of our general and administrative (G&A) expense:

 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands, except per unit data)
2015
2014
General and administrative
$
7,187

$
5,536

Benefit and performance-based compensation costs
12,650

15,354

Labor costs
12,218

11,283

Total general and administrative expense
$
32,055

$
32,173

Total general and administrative expense per BOE
$
5.08

$
5.36


Total G&A expense decreased $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 largely due to decreased costs from Energen’s benefit and performance-based compensation plans partially offset by higher legal expenses and increased labor costs.

(Gain) loss on sale of assets and other: On March 31, 2015, Energen completed the sale of the majority of our natural gas assets in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado (effective as of January 1, 2015) to Southland Royalty Company, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $395 million. The sales proceeds were reduced by purchase price adjustments of approximately $11

28



million related to the operations of the San Juan Basin properties subsequent to December 31, 2014 and one-time adjustments related primarily to liabilities assumed by the buyer, which resulted in pre-tax proceeds to Energen of approximately $384 million before consideration of transaction costs of approximately $2.8 million. Energen recognized a pre-tax gain of $28.1 million on the sale. The purchase price is subject to further purchase price adjustments following closing. Energen used proceeds from the sale to reduce long-term indebtedness. At December 31, 2014, proved reserves associated with these San Juan Basin properties totaled 69,038 MBOE.

Interest expense: Interest expense increased $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2015. This increase was largely due to the interest expense from first quarter 2014 associated with the $600 million Senior Term Loans issued in December 2013 and the October 2012 syndicated credit facilities being reflected in discontinued operations partially offset by an increase in credit facility borrowings in the current quarter. In conjunction with the sale of Alagasco, the $600 million Senior Term Loans and the syndicated credit facilities were repaid in September 2014.

Income tax expense (benefit): Income tax expense decreased $16.9 million in the current quarter largely due to lower pre-tax income.

Discontinued operations, net of tax: On September 2, 2014, Energen completed the transaction to sell Alagasco to Laclede for $1.6 billion, less the assumption of $267 million in debt. The net pre-tax proceeds to Energen totaled approximately $1.32 billion. This sale has an effective date of August 31, 2014. Energen used cash proceeds from the sale to reduce long-term and short-term indebtedness. During the second quarter of 2014, Energen classified Alagasco as held for sale and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. Our results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and our financial position as of December 31, 2014 presented in our unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect Alagasco as discontinued operations.

In March 2014, Energen completed the sale of its North Louisiana/East Texas primarily natural gas properties for $30.3 million. The sale had an effective date of December 1, 2013, and the proceeds from the sale were used to repay short-term obligations. During the third quarter of 2013, Energen classified these primarily natural gas properties as held for sale and reflected the associated operating results in discontinued operations. Energen recognized a non-cash impairment writedown on these properties in the first quarter of 2014 of $1.7 million pre-tax to adjust the carrying amount of these properties to their fair value based on an estimate of the selling price of the properties. This non-cash impairment writedown is reflected in loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the three months ended March 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, proved reserves associated with Energen’s North Louisiana/East Texas properties totaled 23 Bcf of natural gas and 91,000 MBbl of oil.

See Note 14, Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Properties, in the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding discontinued operations.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY
 

Cash Flow
The key drivers impacting our cash flow from operations are our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production volumes and overall commodity market prices, net of the effects of settlements on our derivative commodity instruments. We rely on our cash flows from operations supplemented by borrowings under our syndicated credit facility to fund our capital spending plans and working capital requirements. We also will use the $384 million ($395 million aggregate purchase price before purchase price adjustments) of pre-tax proceeds from the sale of certain San Juan Basin properties.

Net cash provided by operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $143.0 million as compared to $297.0 million for the same period of 2014. The first quarter of 2014 included discontinued operations primarily associated with cash flows from Alagasco of $111.7 million. Energen’s working capital was influenced by commodity prices and the timing of payments and recoveries.

Net cash used in investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $342.3 million as compared to $281.0 million for the same period of 2014. Energen incurred on a cash basis $426 million in capital expenditures largely related to the development of oil and natural gas properties and $31 million primarily related to unproved leasehold acquisitions. Included in the proceeds from the sale of assets are cash proceeds of $383.7 million from the sale of certain San Juan Basin assets and $8.6 million from the sale of Alagasco. Discontinued operations in the prior quarter is largely related to Alagasco capital expenditures through the date of sale.


29



Net cash provided by financing activities: Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $199.0 million as compared $13.8 million for the same period of 2014. Net cash provided by financing activities in the year-to-date 2015 was primarily due to the increase in credit facility borrowings. Net cash provided by financing activities in the year-to-date 2014 was largely due to an increase in borrowings from the credit facility largely offset by discontinued operations primarily related to the sale of Alagasco and the reduction of long-term debt for current maturities. For each of the periods, net cash used in financing activities also reflected dividends paid to common shareholders which were partially offset by the issuance of common stock through the Company’s stock-based compensation plan.

Inflation and Changes in Prices
Realized commodity prices and production levels by commodity type are the two primary drivers of our liquidity. Recent price declines in the outlook for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas indicate a significant risk for lower revenues and related operating cash flows. Historically, prices received for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production have been volatile because of supply and demand factors, general economic conditions and seasonal weather patterns. Crude oil prices also are affected by quality differentials, worldwide political developments and actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Basis differentials, like the underlying commodity prices, can be volatile because of regional supply and demand factors, including seasonal variations and the availability and price of transportation to consuming areas.

Commodity hedges in place for 2015 will help mitigate some of the commodity price volatility and recent declines. We currently have approximately 6,210 MBbl of oil and 19.8 Bcf of natural gas hedged for the remainder of 2015. Except for certain oil basis contracts, we are fully exposed to commodity price volatility beginning in 2016. See Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, for a full detail of our hedged volumes.

Derivative Commodity Instruments
We periodically enter into derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production. Such instruments may include over-the-counter swaps and basis swaps typically executed with investment and commercial banks and energy-trading firms. Derivative transactions are pursuant to standing authorizations by the Board of Directors, which do not authorize speculative positions.

Due to the volatility of commodity prices, the estimated fair value of our derivative instruments is subject to fluctuation from period to period, which could result in significant differences between the current estimated fair value and the ultimate settlement price. Additionally, Energen is at risk of economic loss based upon the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We were in a net gain position with ten of our active counterparties and in a net loss position with the remaining two at March 31, 2015. Energen has policies in place to limit hedging to not more than 80 percent of our estimated annual production; however, Energen’s credit facility contains a covenant which operates to limit hedging at a lower threshold in certain circumstances.

See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, in the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our policies on fair value measurement.

Credit Facility and Working Capital
Access to capital is an integral part of Energen’s business plan. While we expect to have ongoing access to our credit facility and long-term capital markets, continued access could be adversely affected by current and future economic and business conditions and possible credit rating downgrades. On September 2, 2014, Energen entered into a five-year syndicated secured credit facility with domestic and foreign lenders. Originally, the credit facility had an initial borrowing base of $2.1 billion and aggregate commitments of $1.5 billion. On November 17, 2014, the credit facility was amended to provide for $2.0 billion in aggregate commitments. On April 16, 2015, the borrowing base and aggregate commitments were reduced to $1.6 billion in association with the semi-annual redetermination required under the agreement. Energen’s obligations under the $1.6 billion syndicated credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Energen Resources. The financial covenants of the credit facility require Energen to maintain a ratio of total debt to consolidated income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, exploration expense and other non-cash income and expenses (EBITDAX) less than or equal to 4.0 to 1.0; to maintain a ratio of consolidated current assets (adjusted to include amounts available for borrowings and exclude non-cash derivative instruments) to consolidated current liabilities (adjusted to exclude maturities under the credit facility and non-cash derivative instruments) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0; and, during certain periods, to maintain a ratio of the net present value of proved reserves of our oil and natural gas properties to consolidated total debt greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0. We are also bound by covenants which limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make certain distributions or alter our corporate structure. Energen may not pay dividends during an event of default, if the payment would result in an event of default or if availability is less than 10 percent of the loan limit under the credit facility. Our credit facility also limits our ability to enter into commodity hedges based on projected production volumes. In addition, the terms of our credit facility limit the amount we can borrow to a borrowing base amount which is determined by our lenders in their sole discretion based on their valuation of our proved reserves and their internal criteria including commodity price outlook. The

30



borrowing base amount is subject to redetermination semi-annually and for event-driven unscheduled redeterminations. Our next scheduled redetermination is October 1, 2015.

At March 31, 2015, Energen reported unadjusted working capital of $286.2 million arising from current assets $756.7 million exceeding current liabilities of $470.5 million. Working capital at Energen is influenced by the fair value of derivative financial instruments associated with future production. Energen has $272.7 million in current assets and $12.9 million in current liabilities, respectively, associated with its derivative instruments at March 31, 2015. Energen relies upon cash flows from operations supplemented by our credit facility to fund working capital needs.

Dividends
We expect to pay annual cash dividends of $0.08 per share on Energen common stock in 2015. The amount and timing of all dividend payments is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based upon business conditions, results of operations, financial conditions and other factors. Energen’s credit facility prohibits payment of dividends during an event of default, if the payment would result in an event of default or if availability is less than 10 percent of the loan limit under the credit facility.

Employee Benefit Plans
In October 2014, Energen’s Board of Directors elected to freeze and terminate its qualified defined benefit pension plan. A plan amendment adopted in October 2014 closed the plan to new entrants, effective November 1, 2014, and froze benefit accruals after December 31, 2014. Energen terminated the plan on January 31, 2015. We anticipate distributing benefits under the plan in late 2015 or early 2016 pending receipt of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and completion of certain administrative actions.

Energen’s non-qualified supplemental retirement plans were terminated effective December 31, 2014. Distributions under the plans are subject to certain payment restrictions under the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations and payments to plan participants were made in the first quarter of 2015 with the remainder to be made in the first quarter of 2016. In connection with the termination of these plans, the Company has also reclassified approximately $3.4 million as of March 31, 2015 of its investment in a Rabbi Trust from other long term assets to prepayments and other assets in the accompanying balance sheets to reflect its intent to utilize these assets to partially fund the estimated payments in the first quarter of 2016.

In October 2014, Energen’s Board of Directors amended and restated the Employee Saving Plan to make certain benefit design changes effective January 1, 2015. The benefit design changes are expected to include an increase in the percentage of Company match and other contributions.

Stock Repurchase Authorization
From time to time, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock through open market or negotiated purchases. Such repurchases would be pursuant to a 3.6 million share repurchase authorization approved by the Board of Directors on October 22, 2014. The timing and amounts of any repurchases are subject to changes in market conditions and other business considerations. We would expect to finance any share repurchases under our existing credit facility.

Contractual Cash Obligations
In the course of ordinary business activities, Energen enters into a variety of contractual cash obligations and other commitments. There have been no material changes to the contractual cash obligations of the Company since December 31, 2014.

Other Commitments
New Mexico Audits: In 2011, Energen Resources received an Order to Perform Restructured Accounting and Pay Additional Royalties (the Order), following an audit performed by the Taxation and Revenue Department (the Department) of the State of New Mexico on behalf of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR), of federal oil and gas leases in New Mexico. The audit covered periods from January 2004 through December 2008 and included a review of the computation and payment of royalties due on minerals removed from specified U.S. federal leases. The Order addressed ONRR’s efforts to change accounting and reporting practices, and to unbundle fees charged by third parties that gather, compress and transport natural gas production. ONRR now maintains that all or some of such fees are not deductible.

Energen Resources appealed the Order in 2011 and in July 2012, on a motion from ONRR, the Order was remanded. In August 2014, ONRR issued its Revised Order that is now under appeal. In the Revised Order, ONRR has ordered that Energen pay additional royalties on production from certain federal leases in the amount of $129,700. Energen estimates that application of the Revised Order to all of the Company’s federal leases would result in ONRR claims up to approximately $24 million, plus interest and penalties from 2004 forward. ONRR began implementing its unbundling initiative in 2010, but seeks to implement its revisions retroactively, despite the fact that they conflict with previous audits, allowances and industry practice. Energen continues to vigorously contest

31



the Revised Order and the findings. Management is unable, at this time, to determine a range of reasonably possible losses, and no amount has been accrued as of March 31, 2015.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates
See Note 15, Recently Issued Accounting Standards, in the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
 
 
 
 
 

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, appearing in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are included in Energen’s disclosure and analysis as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or business strategies for the future, statements concerning our outlook with regard to timing and amount of future production of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas, price realizations, nature and timing of capital expenditures for exploration and development, plans for funding operations and drilling program capital expenditures, timing and success of specific projects, operating costs and other expenses, proved oil and natural gas reserves, liquidity and capital resources, outcomes and effects of litigation, claims and disputes and derivative activities. In particular, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “seek”, “will” or other words or expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this filing.

The future success and continued viability of our business, like any venture, is subject to many recognized and unrecognized risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this report and presented elsewhere by management. The following list identifies and briefly summarizes certain risk factors. The list should not be viewed as complete or comprehensive, as the risks below are not the only risks facing Energen. Energen could also be affected by additional risks and uncertainties we currently deem to be immaterial or risks that are currently not known or have yet to be identified by us. If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected; and such events could impair our ability to implement business plans or complete development activities as scheduled. In such a case, the trading price of our shares could decline; and shareholders could lose part or all of their investment.

Except as otherwise disclosed, the forward-looking statements do not reflect the impact of possible or pending acquisitions, investments, divestitures or restructurings. The absence of errors in input data, calculations and formulas used in estimates, assumptions and forecasts cannot be guaranteed. We base our forward-looking statements on information currently available to us, and we undertake no obligation to correct or update these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas are volatile, and a substantial reduction in commodity prices could adversely affect our financial results and operations.

Our business is significantly impacted by commodity prices, and historical markets for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas have been volatile. Energen’s revenues, operating results, profitability and cash flows depend primarily upon the prices realized for our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production.

We have more oil proved reserves than natural gas proved reserves, so oil prices are more likely to have an impact on our business than natural gas prices. Approximately 49 percent of our December 31, 2014 proved reserves are oil. Commodity prices for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas are reflections of supply and demand and are subject to many factors that are beyond our control, including:
the domestic and foreign supply of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas, including the ability of the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporting countries to agree on and maintain oil price and production controls;
the level of consumer demand for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas;
global oil and natural gas inventory levels;
the availability, proximity and capacity of transportation facilities and processing facilities;
worldwide economic conditions;
commodity price disparities between delivery points and applicable index prices;

32



the supply, demand and pricing of alternative sources of energy or fuels and the effects of energy conservation efforts or technological advances in energy consumption;
weather conditions;
changes in political conditions in major oil and natural gas producing regions and
domestic, local and foreign governmental regulations and taxes.

Substantial reductions in oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices would reduce our revenue and cash flows and potentially reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can economically produce resulting in a reduction in the proved oil and natural gas reserves we could recognize. Thus, significant and sustained commodity price reductions could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations which could impact our ability to maintain or increase our current levels of borrowing, our ability to repay current or future indebtedness, our ability to refinance our current indebtedness or obtain additional capital on attractive terms.

Our oil and natural gas proved reserves are estimates, and actual future production may vary significantly and may also be negatively impacted by our inability to invest in production on planned timelines.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures. Reserve estimation is a subjective process involving the estimation of volumes to be recovered from underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that are unable to be measured in an exact manner. The reserve estimation process is dependent upon and subject to multiple variables and assumptions, including:
oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices;
timing of development expenditures;
the quality, quantity and interpretation of available geological, geophysical and engineering data;
the geologic characteristics of the reservoirs;
future operating costs, property, severance, excise and other taxes and costs and
the effects of compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Additionally, in the event we are unable to fully invest or must alter the timing of our planned investment expenditures, our future revenues, production and proved reserves could be negatively affected.
Drilling for and producing oil and natural gas are high-risk activities with many uncertainties that could impact our expenses or our production volumes.

Drilling involves many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be located or economically developed. Our future drilling activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition. Anticipated drilling plans and capital expenditures may also be delayed, curtailed or canceled which could result in actual drilling and capital expenditures being substantially different than currently planned, due to:
delays resulting from compliance with regulatory or contractual requirements, which may include limitations on hydraulic
fracturing or the emission of greenhouse gases;
unexpected or unusual pressure or irregularities in geological formations;
unexpected drilling conditions;
declines in oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas prices;
adverse weather conditions, such as tornadoes, snow and ice storms;
delays in, limited availability of, or cost to obtain personnel and equipment necessary to complete our drilling,
completion and operating activities;
equipment or facility failures and accidents or malfunctions resulting in blowouts, fires, explosions, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids, surface cratering and other events;     
title related issues;
fracture stimulation failures;
restricted access to land for drilling;
reductions in availability of financing at acceptable rates;
strategic changes implemented by management and
limitations in the market for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids.


33



While all drilling, whether developmental, extension or exploratory, involves these risks, exploratory and extension drilling involve greater risks of dry holes or failure to find and exploit commercially productive quantities of oil and natural gas. We expect to continue to experience exploration and abandonment expense in 2015 and future years.

Our concentration of producing properties in the Permian Basin of west Texas and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico makes us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in limited geographic areas.

At March 31, 2015, approximately 93 percent and 7 percent of our total estimated proved reserves were attributable to properties located in the Permian Basin of west Texas and San Juan Basin of New Mexico, respectively. As a result of this geographic concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors, delays or interruptions of production from wells in these areas caused by:
governmental regulation;
state politics;
processing or transportation capacity constraints;
market limitations;
water shortages, including restrictions on water usage or other drought related conditions or
interruption of the processing or transportation of oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas.

Our industry is highly competitive which makes it challenging for us to acquire properties to replace our proved oil and natural gas reserves, market oil and natural gas and locate and secure qualified personnel.

We operate in a highly competitive environment for acquiring properties to replace our proved oil and natural gas reserves, marketing oil and natural gas and locating and securing qualified personnel. Many of our current and potential competitors possess greater financial, technical and personnel resources than we do. Those competitors may be willing to pay more for exploratory prospects and productive oil and natural gas properties, as well as for trained personnel. Our ability to acquire properties and to find and develop proved reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to execute transactions in an intensely competitive environment. Our failure to acquire properties, market oil and natural gas and secure trained personnel could have a material adverse effect on our production, revenues and results of operations.

Our business is capital intensive, and we may not be able to obtain the needed capital, financing, or to refinance our current indebtedness on satisfactory terms or at all.

Our exploration, development and acquisition activities are capital intensive and constitute the primary use of our capital resources. We make and expect to continue to make significant capital expenditures for the exploration, development and acquisition of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves. We have historically funded our capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, our credit facility and other borrowings.

If our borrowing capacity decreases, for any reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to support our future operations. If we are unable to obtain necessary financing with appropriate terms, we could experience a decline in our operations. Specifically, a failure to secure additional financing, or necessary refinancing, could result in a reduction of our operations relating to the development of future prospects, which in turn could lead to a decline in our proved oil and natural gas reserves and could adversely affect our future production, revenues and results of operations. The borrowing base of our credit facility is subject to periodic redetermination and is based in part on oil and natural gas prices. A lowering of our borrowing base because of lower oil and natural gas prices or for other reasons could require us to repay indebtedness in excess of the borrowing base, or we might need to further secure the lenders with additional collateral.

The nature of our operations involves many operational risks including the risk of personal injury, property damage and environmental damage, and our insurance policies do not cover all such risks.

Inherent in our oil and natural gas production activities are a variety of hazards and operational risks, including, but not limited to:
pipeline and storage leaks, ruptures and spills;
equipment malfunctions and mechanical failures;
fires and explosions;
well blowouts, explosions and cratering;
uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids;
vandalism;
pollution;

34



releases of toxic gases;
adverse weather conditions or natural disasters and
soil, surface and water or groundwater contamination from petroleum constituents, hydraulic fracturing fluid, or produced water.

Such events could result in loss of human life, significant damage to or destruction of property, environmental pollution or other damage, impairment or suspension of our operations, repair and remediation costs, regulatory investigations and penalties or lawsuits and other substantial financial losses. Furthermore, our oil and natural gas exploration and production activities are subject to all of the operating risks associated with drilling for and producing oil and natural gas, including those noted above. Additionally, the location of certain of our pipeline and storage facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks.

In accordance with customary industry practices, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses; and the insurance coverages are subject to retention levels and coverage limits. We may elect not to obtain insurance if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Furthermore, we could be subject to the credit risk of our insurers if we make a claim under our insurance policies. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain our insurance in the future at rates we deem economical and that the insurance we may desire will be offered by insurers. Losses and liabilities arising from uninsured or under-insured events or insurer insolvency, in the event of a claim, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, including numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as legislation and regulations restricting the emissions of “greenhouse gases” that may require significant expenditures or impose significant restrictions on our operations.

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation which significantly influences our operations. Federal, state and local legislative bodies and agencies frequently exercise their respective authority to adopt new laws and regulations and to amend, modify and interpret existing laws and regulations. Such changes can subject us to significant tax or increased expenditures and can impose significant restrictions and limitations on our operations. Noncompliance with these laws and regulations may subject us to administrative, civil or criminal penalties, remedial cleanups, and natural resource damages or other liabilities. Furthermore, we may incur significant costs to remain in compliance with or to return to compliance with applicable regulations if they are revised or reinterpreted or if governmental policies or laws change related to our operations.
The subject of climate change is receiving increasing attention from many parties including legislators and governmental agencies. Debate over whether the climate is changing, possible causes and other possible impacts has been ongoing for several years.

If additional legislation or regulatory programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are adopted, it could require us to incur increased operating costs, such as those for purchasing and operating emissions control systems, acquiring emissions allowances or complying with new regulatory or reporting requirements. Any such legislation or regulatory programs could also increase the cost of consuming and using oil and natural gas, and thereby negatively impact the demand for the oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas we produce. Consequently, legislation and regulatory programs related to greenhouse gases could adversely affect our production, revenues and results of operations.

Federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, as well as governmental reviews of such activities, could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays and adversely affect our production.

Energen regularly utilizes hydraulic fracturing in its drilling and completion activities, and hydraulic fracturing is a common practice that is used in the oil and gas industry to stimulate production of hydrocarbons from tight (low permeability) formations. After a well has been drilled, hydraulic fracturing is used during the completion process to form small fractures in the target formation through which the oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas can flow. The fractures are created when a water-based fluid is pumped at a calculated rate and pressure into the crude oil- or natural gas-bearing rock. The fracture fluid is a mixture composed primarily of water and sand or inert ceramic, sand-like grains; it also contains a small percentage of special purpose chemical additives (which are highly diluted-typically less than one percent by volume) that can vary by project. The millimeter-thick cracks or fractures in the target formation are propped open by the sand, thereby allowing the crude oil or natural gas to flow from tight reservoirs into the well bore.

The hydraulic fracturing process is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions. However, under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control Program, the EPA has assumed regulatory authority of hydraulic fracturing involving diesel additives and issued revised permitting guidance in February 2014 requiring facilities to obtain permits to use diesel additives in

35



hydraulic fracturing activities. Legislation intended to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and require disclosure of the chemicals used has been introduced and considered by the U.S. Congress. In addition, Texas and New Mexico, two states in which we operate, have adopted, and other states are considering adopting, regulations that could impose new or stricter permitting, disclosure and well construction requirements on companies that perform hydraulic fracturing. Consideration and efforts to regulate hydraulic fracturing by local, state and federal authorities are increasing; and local land use restrictions, such as county and city ordinances, may restrict or prohibit any type of drilling or hydraulic fracturing. If additional federal, state or local restrictions are adopted in the areas we operate or plan to operate, we may incur significant costs to comply with the requirements, experience delays or have to curtail our exploration, development, or production activities. Additionally, such restrictions could reduce the amount of oil and gas that we are able to recover from our proved reserves.

Our operations are dependent on the availability, use and disposal of water; and restrictions on our ability to acquire or dispose of water could cause us to incur substantial costs in the acquisition, usage and disposal of water.

Water is a key component of both the drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes. Historically, we have been able to obtain water from various local sources for use in our operations. Texas is experiencing severe drought conditions that have persisted for the last several years. Several local water districts may begin restricting the use of water subject to their jurisdiction for drilling and hydraulic fracturing in order to protect the local water supply during the drought conditions. If we are unable to obtain water to use in our operations from local sources, we may have to incur substantial costs to produce oil and natural gas and it may make it uneconomical to produce in that area. Our drilling procedures produce water of which we must dispose. We could be unable to dispose of our wastewater or face increased costs and procedures for disposal as a result of changes in federal or local legislation governing the disposal of drilling wastewater.

We periodically evaluate our proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties for impairment and could be required to recognize non-cash charges in our statements of income in future periods. If commodity prices for oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas decline or our drilling efforts are unsuccessful, we may be required to writedown the carrying values of certain oil and natural gas properties.

We periodically review the carrying value of our proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment on a field-by-field basis. We monitor our oil and natural gas properties as well as the market and business environments in which we operate and make assessments about events that could result in potential impairment issues, which include, but are not limited to, downward commodity price trends, unanticipated increased operating costs and lower than expected production performance. If a material event occurs, we perform an evaluation to determine whether the asset is impaired. If the quantity of potential reserves determined by such evaluations is insufficient to fully recover the cost invested in the respective project, we will record an impairment loss in our statements of income.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk as a result of our concentrated customer base.

Revenues and related accounts receivable from oil and natural gas operations primarily are generated from the sale of produced oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas to a small number of energy marketing companies. Such sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. This concentration of sales to a limited number of customers in the energy marketing industry has the potential to affect our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, based on changes in economic, industry or other conditions specific to a single customer or to the energy marketing industry generally. We consider the credit quality of our customers and, in certain instances, may require credit assurances such as a deposit, letter of credit or parent company guarantee.

We are subject to financing and interest rate exposure risks. Volatility in global financial markets, negative operating results, certain strategic business decisions, or other matters resulting in a downgrade in, or a negative outlook with respect to, our credit ratings could negatively impact our cost of and our ability to access capital for future development and working capital needs.

We rely on access to credit markets, and turmoil or volatility in the global financial markets could lead to a contraction in credit availability and negatively impact our ability to finance our operations. Global financial market turmoil, as has been experienced in last decade, could materially affect our operations, liquidity and financial condition through the adverse impacts such turmoil can have on the debt and equity capital markets. Market volatility and credit market disruption may severely limit credit availability, and issuer credit ratings can change rapidly. A significant reduction in cash flows from operations or the availability of credit could limit our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities or reduce cash flow used for drilling which could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve our planned growth and operating results.


36



The availability and cost of credit market access is significantly influenced by market events and rating agency evaluations for lenders and Energen. In addition to operating results, business decisions relating to recapitalization, refinancing, restructuring, acquisition and disposition transactions involving Energen may negatively impact market and rating agency considerations regarding the credit of Energen, and management periodically considers these types of transactions.

Our derivative risk management activities may limit our potential gains and involve other risks that could result in financial losses.

Although we make use of futures, swaps, options, collars and fixed-price contracts to mitigate price risk, fluctuations in future oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, such risk mitigation activities may cause our financial position and results of operations to be materially different from results that would have been obtained had such risk mitigation activities not been implemented. The changes in the fair market value of our derivative contracts as reported in our consolidated statements of income may result in significant non-cash gains or losses.

The effectiveness of such risk mitigation assumes that counterparties maintain satisfactory credit quality and that actual sales volumes will generally meet or exceed the volumes subject to the futures, swaps, options, collars and fixed-price contracts. A substantial failure to meet sales volume targets, whether caused by miscalculations, weather events, natural disaster, accident, mechanical failure, criminal act or otherwise, could leave us financially exposed to our counterparties and result in material adverse financial consequences to Energen. The adverse effect could be increased if the adverse event was widespread enough to move market prices against our position.

Derivatives reform legislation which has been adopted by the U.S. Congress, or additions to or changes in the legislation, could negatively impact our ability to use derivative instruments as part of our risk management activities.

In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was signed into law. Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act establishes federal oversight and regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives markets and participants in such markets and requires the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the SEC to promulgate implementing rules and regulations. These rules and regulations will cover, among other transactions, transactions linked to crude oil and natural gas prices.  We believe Energen’s derivative transactions qualify for the end-user exception which exempts them from certain Dodd-Frank Act margin and exchange clearing requirements pursuant to final regulations adopted by the CFTC and SEC and published in the Federal Register on July 19, 2012. 

The CFTC has designated certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps for mandatory clearing and the associated rules also will require Energen, in connection with covered derivative activities, to comply with clearing and trade-execution requirements or take steps to qualify for an exemption to such requirements. Although we believe we qualify for the end-user exception from the mandatory clearing requirements for swaps entered to mitigate our commercial risks, the application of the mandatory clearing and trade execution requirements to other market participants, such as dealers, may change the cost and availability of our future derivative arrangements. The changes in the regulation of swaps may result in certain market participants deciding to curtail or stop engaging in derivative activities. If we reduce our use of derivatives as a result of the Dodd Frank Act and regulations, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures and our results of operations.

Our operations depend on the use of third-party facilities, and an interruption of our ability to utilize these facilities may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Energen delivers to third-party facilities. These facilities include third-party oil and natural gas gathering, transportation, processing and storage facilities. Energen relies on such facilities for access to market for our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production. Such facilities are typically limited in number and geographically concentrated. A lack of available capacity on these facilities could result in the shut-in of producing wells or the delay or discontinuance of development plans for properties for Energen. An extended interruption of access to or service from these facilities, whether caused by weather events, natural disaster, accident, mechanical failure, criminal act, maintenance or otherwise could have an adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations.







37



The success of our future operations is dependent on our future drilling activities and our ability to economically develop our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves; and our expectations regarding future drilling and development activities are subject to uncertainties that could significantly alter the occurrence or timing of such activities, as they are expected to be realized over multiple years.

We have identified drilling locations and prospects for future drilling, including development and exploratory drilling activities. Our ability to successfully and economically drill and develop these locations depends on a number of factors, including:
prices of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas;
current laws or regulations or changes in the laws or regulations in the identified and prospective locations;
the availability and cost of capital;
seasonal and other weather conditions;
regulatory approvals;
negotiation of agreements with third parties;
access to and availability of required equipment, supplies and personnel and
drilling results.

Because of the factors noted above, we cannot provide any guarantee regarding the timing or success of future drilling activities; and our actual drilling activities may materially differ from our current expectations.

Energen has limited control over activities on properties which we do not operate, which could materially reduce our production and revenues.

Energen operates in certain instances through joint ventures under joint operating agreements. Typically, the operator under a joint operating agreement enters into contracts, such as drilling contracts, for the benefit of all joint venture partners. Through the joint operating agreement, the non-operators reimburse, and in some cases advance, the funds necessary to meet the contractual obligations entered into by the operator. For properties we do not operate, we have limited ability to control the operation or future development of the properties or the amount of capital expenditures that we are required to fund with respect to them. An operator’s failure to adequately perform operations, an operator’s breach of the applicable agreements or an operator’s failure to act in our best interest could reduce our production and revenues. The success and timing of our drilling and development activities on properties operated by others is dependent on a number of factors, including the operator's timing and amount of capital expenditures, expertise and financial resources, inclusion of other participants in drilling wells and use of technology. Our dependence on the operator and other working interest owners for these projects and our limited ability to control the operation and future development of these properties could negatively affect the realization of our expected returns on capital in drilling or acquisition activities and could lead to unexpected costs in the future.

Our business could be negatively impacted by security threats, including cybersecurity threats and related disruptions.

We face a variety of security threats, including cybersecurity threats to access sensitive information or render data or systems unusable, threats to the security of our facilities and infrastructure or those of third parties, including processing plants and pipelines, and threats from terrorist acts. Current procedures and controls may not be sufficient to prevent security breaches from occurring, and we could have to implement additional procedures and controls to mitigate the effects of potential breaches and monitor for potential security threats resulting in increased capital and operating costs. In the event of a security breach, losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure or capabilities essential to our operations could occur and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, operations, financial position and results of operations. Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and systems, other electronic security breaches that could cause disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential information and data corruption. Furthermore, some experts claim that cybersecurity attacks have become a weapon of war and espionage. As we rely on our information technology infrastructure to process, transmit and store electronic information critical for the efficient operation of our business and day-to-day operations, such attacks could lead to a material disruption in our business, including the theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release of confidential data or other business information, financial losses, loss of business, potential liability and damage our reputation.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 
 
 
 

The following quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are supplementary to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the information contained herein should be read in conjunction with the related disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We are exposed to various market risks including commodity price risk, counterparty credit risk and interest rate risk. We seek to manage these risks through our risk management program which often includes the use of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Commodity price risk: Energen’s major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its oil and gas production. Historically, prices received for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production have been volatile due to seasonal weather patterns, world and national supply-and-demand factors and general economic conditions. Crude oil prices also are affected by quality differentials, by worldwide political developments and by actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Basis differentials, like the underlying commodity prices, can be volatile because of regional supply-and-demand factors, including seasonal factors and the availability and price of transportation to consuming areas.

We periodically enter into derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production. Such instruments may include over-the-counter swaps and basis swaps typically executed with investment and commercial banks and energy-trading firms.

As of March 31, 2015, Energen had entered into the following transactions for the remainder of 2015 and subsequent years:

Production Period
Total Hedged Volumes
Average Contract
Price

Description
Fair Value (in thousands)
Oil
 
 
 
 
2015
6,210
 MBbl
$89.30 Bbl
NYMEX Swaps
$
227,755

Oil Basis Differential
 
 
 
 
2015
1,620
 MBbl
$(4.30) Bbl
WTS/WTI Basis Swaps
(6,401
)
2016
720
 MBbl
$(2.00) Bbl
WTS/WTI Basis Swaps
(410
)
2016
1,397
 MBbl
$(1.45) Bbl
WTS/WTI Basis Swaps
*

2015
5,670
 MBbl
$(4.55) Bbl
WTI/WTI Basis Swaps
(21,257
)
2016
2,520
 MBbl
$(2.27) Bbl
WTI/WTI Basis Swaps
(1,162
)
2016
5,004
 MBbl
$(1.74) Bbl
WTI/WTI Basis Swaps
*

Natural Gas
 
 
 
 
2015
15.3
 Bcf
$4.14 Mcf
Basin Specific Swaps - San Juan
24,223

2015
4.5
 Bcf
$4.20 Mcf
Basin Specific Swaps - Permian
7,420

March 2015 contracts (closed but not cash settled)
28,664

Total
$
258,832

WTS - West Texas Sour/Midland, WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Cushing
 
WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Midland, WTI - West Texas Intermediate/Cushing
 
*Contracts entered into subsequent to March 31, 2015

Realized prices are anticipated to be lower than New York Mercantile Exchange prices primarily due to basis differences and other factors.

Additionally, we have entered into certain sales volume and supply target arrangements with certain customers. A failure to meet sales volume targets at Energen due to miscalculations, weather events, natural disasters, accidents, mechanical failures, criminal acts or otherwise could leave us exposed to our counterparties in commodity hedging contracts and result in material adverse financial losses.


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Counterparty credit risk: Our principal exposure to credit risk is through the sale of our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production, which we market to energy marketing companies. Such sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. This concentration of sales to the energy marketing industry has the potential to affect our overall exposure to credit risk. We consider the credit quality of our purchasers and, in certain instances, may require credit assurances such as a deposit, letter of credit or parent guarantee.

We are also at risk for economic loss based upon the credit worthiness of our derivative instrument counterparties. The counterparties to the commodity instruments are investment banks and energy-trading firms and are believed to be creditworthy by Energen. All hedge transactions are subject to Energen’s risk management policy, approved by the Board of Directors, which does not permit speculative positions. Energen formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items at the inception of the hedge, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.

Interest rate risk: Our interest rate exposure as of March 31, 2015 primarily relates to our syndicated credit facility with variable interest rates. At March 31, 2015, we had interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $117 million. The interest rate swaps exchange a variable interest rate for a fixed interest rate of 1.0425 percent. The fair value of our interest rate swaps was a $0.7 million liability at March 31, 2015. The weighted average interest rate for amounts outstanding at March 31, 2015 was 1.68 percent. All long-term debt obligations, other than our credit facility, were at fixed rates at March 31, 2015.


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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

(b)
Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.




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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Energen and its affiliates are, from time to time, parties to various pending or threatened legal proceedings. Certain of these lawsuits include claims for punitive damages in addition to other specified relief. Various pending or threatened legal proceedings are in progress currently. See Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion with respect to legal proceedings.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS




Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
 Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans**
January 1, 2015 - January 31, 2015

 
$


3,373,161

February 1, 2015 - February 28, 2015
64,860

*
66.06


3,373,161

March 1, 2015 - March 31, 2015
1,081

*
63.92


3,373,161

Total
65,941

 
$
66.03


3,373,161

*Acquired in connection with tax withholdings and payment of exercise price on stock compensation plans.
**By resolution adopted October 22, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized Energen to repurchase up to 3.6 million shares of Energen common stock, replacing and superseding its prior stock repurchase authorizations. The resolution does not have an expiration date and does not limit Energen’s authorization to acquire shares in connection with tax withholdings and payment of exercise price on stock compensation plans.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

*10
-
Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2015, by and among Energen Corporation, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Energen Resources Corporation, as guarantor, and the institutions named therein as lenders which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Energen’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 15, 2015.
31(a)
-
Section 302 Energen Corporation Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(b)
-
Section 302 Energen Corporation Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32
-
Section 906 Energen Corporation Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101
-
The financial statements and notes thereto from Energen Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
 
 
ended March 31, 2015 are formatted in XBRL
 
 
 
*Incorporated by reference



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SIGNATURES

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

 
 
 
ENERGEN CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
May 8, 2015
 
By
/s/ J. T. McManus, II       
 
 
 
J. T. McManus, II Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Energen Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 8, 2015
 
By
/s/ Charles W. Porter, Jr.             
 
 
 
Charles W. Porter, Jr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Energen Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 8, 2015
 
By
/s/ Russell E. Lynch, Jr.                    
 
 
 
Russell E. Lynch, Jr. Vice President and Controller of Energen Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 













 




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