Press Releases
Company Posts Third Quarter Net Income of $65 Million, Cash Flow Of
$125 Million and Ebitda of $149 Million on Revenue of $239 Million And
Production of 41 Bcfe
Production Increases 21% Over 2000 Third Quarter and 4% Over 2001 Second
Quarter
Hedging Positions Currently Valued at More Than $225 Million -
Closed Positions Exceed $105 Million and Open Positions Exceed $120 Million
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Production for the third quarter of 2001 was 40.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (bcfe), comprised of 36.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas (bcf) and 705 thousand barrels of oil (mbo). The company's production increased 21% from the third quarter of 2000 and 4% from the second quarter of 2001. Average prices realized during the third quarter of 2001 were $27.37 per barrel of oil and $4.34 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) of natural gas, for a gas equivalent price of $4.36 per mcfe. Hedging activities during the third quarter increased oil revenue by $2.01 per barrel and increased gas revenue by $1.72 per mcf, for a total revenue increase from hedging of $64.4 million ($1.58 per mcfe).
The table below summarizes Chesapeake's key statistics during the quarter and compares them to the second quarter of 2001 and the third quarter of 2000:
Three Months Ended
9/30/01 6/30/01 9/30/00
Average daily production (in mmcfe) 443 430 366
Natural gas as a % of total
production 90 90 86
Natural gas production (in bcf) 36.6 35.0 29.1
Average natural gas sales price
($/mcf) 4.34 4.46 3.52
Oil production (in mbbls) 705 682 761
Average oil sales price ($/bbl) 27.37 27.70 28.25
Natural gas equivalent
production (in bcfe) 40.8 39.1 33.7
Natural gas equivalent sales
price ($/mcfe) 4.36 4.48 3.68
General and administrative
costs ($/mcfe) .08 .07 .10
Production taxes ($/mcfe) .17 .26 .18
Lease operating expenses ($/mcfe) .47 .48 .35
Interest expense ($/mcfe) .59 .59 .64
DD&A of oil and gas properties
($/mcfe) 1.15 1.02 .75
Operating cash flow
($ in millions) 125.1 122.3 83.2
Operating cash flow ($/mcfe) 3.07 3.13 2.47
Ebitda ($ in millions) 149.2 145.3 104.9
Ebitda ($/mcfe) 3.66 3.71 3.11
Net income ($ in millions) 65.0 39.5 54.7
Hedging Positions Currently Valued at More Than $225 Million -
Closed Positions Exceed $105 Million and
Open Positions Exceed $120 Million
For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, Chesapeake's hedging program has enhanced the company's oil and gas revenue by $41 million. Based upon futures prices as of October 23, the market value of Chesapeake's remaining 2001-03 hedges was $187 million. Of this amount, the company has already locked in $64 million through its October 2001 settlements and by lifting certain hedges early for future months of production. As discussed in Chesapeake's second quarter earnings release conference call on July 27, 2001, the company stated that it would begin to lift its hedges once it determined the risk of further near-term downside gas pricing pressure had largely abated. Management believes that a bottom in gas prices has likely occurred and anticipates stronger gas prices in 2002 and further strengthening in 2003 as the economy improves and producers remain unable to increase gas supplies by more than 1-2% annually. Accordingly, during the past few weeks Chesapeake has covered approximately 60% of its straight swap gas positions previously in place for 2002 and 2003.
Chesapeake has not covered any of its open straight swap gas positions for November or December of 2001 nor has it covered any of its capped swap or collared gas positions for 2002 and 2003. The capped swap gas positions are currently appreciating in value as gas futures prices for 2002 and 2003 have recently increased. The company will continue to monitor its capped swap and collared gas positions for favorable opportunities to maximize their value. The company's remaining open gas positions cover approximately 76% and 47% of expected gas production in 2002 and 2003 at prices of approximately $4.59 per mcf and $3.65 per mcf, respectively. In addition, the company has already locked in gains of $20 million and $16 million on its closed positions for 2002 and 2003.
Chesapeake's well-timed and well-executed risk management program has enabled it to lock in unusually high forward gas prices that have positioned the company to deliver more than $1.2 billion of cash flow and $350 million of net income during the three-year period of 2001-03. Management believes the combination of Chesapeake's successful hedging program, the company's commitment to maximizing high returns on its capital and the strength of its debt service coverage should enable investors to more easily differentiate the company from other E&P companies.
Consistent with Chesapeake's commitment to high rates of return, the company became very concerned during the second and third quarters that the industry's finding costs and operating margins had been adversely impacted by much higher service costs. As a consequence, the company reduced its rig count by one-third during the third quarter to its present rate of 15-17 rigs. Other E&P companies have now started to make their own cap-ex reductions and consequently service costs have fallen and Chesapeake expects such costs to continue trending downward during the next few quarters. During this period of lower service costs, Chesapeake anticipates that it may increase its drilling activity.
Sale of Canadian Subsidiary Completed
On October 1, Chesapeake completed the sale of its Canadian subsidiary with its 175 bcfe of proved reserves (77% proved developed producing) for $143 million. The company used the proceeds to substantially reduce its bank debt. A gain of approximately $30 million from the sale will be reported in the fourth quarter of 2001. The company intends to re-deploy the sales proceeds into its core Mid-Continent operating area, where it receives much better gas prices, possesses greater operating efficiencies and generates significantly higher rates of return.
Chesapeake Updates 2001 and 2002 Forecasts
With each earnings announcement, the company updates its forecasts and estimates. The following forecasts and estimates revise and replace in their entirety previous projections last updated on July 26, 2001. The company's forecasts and estimates are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially due to the risks and uncertainties identified at the end of this release. Furthermore, these projections do not reflect the potential impact of unforeseen events that may occur subsequent to the issuance of this release.
Chesapeake's current full-year 2001 guidance is based on projected production of 154-158 bcfe (89% gas) and projected per mcfe lease operating expenses of $0.50-$0.55, production taxes of $0.23-$0.27, interest expense of $0.60-$0.65, general and administrative costs of $0.10-$0.11 and DD&A of oil and gas properties of $1.05-$1.15. In addition, Chesapeake expects its tax rate to average 40%, of which virtually all should be deferred.
If the mid-points of the forecasted ranges described above are achieved and if NYMEX oil and gas prices average $22.00 per bo and $2.50 per mcf in the fourth quarter of 2001, Chesapeake expects to realize oil and gas revenue for the year of $4.61 per mcfe and to generate ebitda of $575-600 million, operating cash flow of $475-500 million and net income of $175-200 million, which includes $57 million of risk management income (net of income tax) through September 30. If these assumptions are accurate, the company's 2001 cash flow and earnings per fully diluted share should range between $2.75-3.00 and $1.00-1.10, respectively.
Chesapeake's current 2002 guidance is based on projected production of 154-158 bcfe (86% gas) and projected per mcfe lease operating expenses of $0.45-0.50, production taxes of $0.18-0.22, interest expense of $0.55-0.60, general and administrative costs of $0.10-0.11 and DD&A of oil and gas properties of $1.15-1.25. The company expects its 2002 tax rate to average 40%, of which virtually all should be deferred.
If the mid-points of the forecasted ranges described above are achieved and if NYMEX prices average $3.25 per mcf and $22.00 per barrel in 2002, Chesapeake expects to realize oil and gas revenue for the year of $3.83 per mcfe and to generate ebitda of $450-475 million, operating cash flow of $375-400 million and net income of $100-125 million, which excludes any potential effect from risk management income or loss. If these assumptions are accurate, the company's 2002 cash flow and earnings per fully diluted share should range between $2.10-2.30 and $0.60-0.70, respectively.
Management Summary
Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased with our strong performance during the third quarter of 2001. Production was up 21% from last year and 4% sequentially from this year's second quarter. In addition, we believe our hedging program is the best in the industry and virtually ensures our company will generate more than $1.2 billion of cash flow and $350 million of net income during the three-year period of 2001-2003.
"Also during the quarter, independent oil and gas research firm J.S. Herold reported that in 2000 Chesapeake led the industry in return on average equity and capital employed and tied for third in return on average assets. We are very pleased with Herold's recognition and confirmation of Chesapeake's continuing goal of delivering the highest profit per unit of production in the independent oil and gas industry. Our unwavering focus on these important financial measures should generate ongoing and significant increases in future value for Chesapeake's shareholders."
Conference Call Information
Chesapeake's management invites your participation in a conference call tomorrow morning, Thursday, October 25 at 9:00 a.m. EDT to discuss the contents of this release and respond to questions. Please call 719-457-2666 between 8:50 and 9:00 am EDT tomorrow if you would like to participate in the call. For those unable to participate, the call will also be available over the Internet by visiting our home page at http://www.chkenergy.com/ and selecting "Shareholder Information". A replay of the call will also be available by calling 719-457-0820 between 12:00 noon EDT Thursday, October 25 through midnight Tuesday, November 6, 2001. The passcode for this call is 560058.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include estimates and give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. They are based on our historical operating trends, our existing commodity hedging position and our current estimate of proved reserves. Although we believe our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. For example, statements concerning the fair values of derivative contracts and their estimated contribution to our future results of operations are based upon market information as of a specific date. These market prices are subject to significant volatility. Factors that could cause actual operating and financial results to differ materially from expected results include the volatility of oil and gas prices, our substantial indebtedness, our commodity price risk management activities, the cost and availability of drilling and production services, our ability to replace reserves, the availability of capital, uncertainties inherent in evaluating our own reserves and the reserves we acquire, drilling and operating risks and other risk factors described in the company's 2000 annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation is among the 10 largest independent natural gas producers in the U.S. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company's operations are focused on exploratory and developmental drilling and producing property acquisitions in the Mid-Continent region of the United States. The company's Internet address is http://www.chkenergy.com/ .
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in 000's, except per share data)
(unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED: September 30, 2001 September 30, 2000
$ $/mcfe $ $/mcfe
REVENUES:
Oil and gas sales 177,746 4.36 123,971 3.68
Risk management income 32,260 0.7 --- ---
Oil and gas marketing
sales 28,905 0.71 44,211 1.31
Total revenues 238,911 5.86 168,182 4.99
OPERATING COSTS:
Production expenses 19,303 0.47 11,696 0.35
Production taxes 7,063 0.17 6,198 0.18
General and
administrative 3,240 0.08 3,377 0.10
Oil and gas marketing
expenses 27,946 0.69 42,917 1.27
Depreciation, depletion,
and amortization of
oil and gas properties 46,821 1.15 25,227 0.75
Depreciation and
amortization of other
assets 2,164 0.05 1,849 0.06
Total operating costs 106,537 2.61 91,264 2.71
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 132,374 3.25 76,918 2.28
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest and other
income 132 0.00 867 0.03
Interest expense (24,104) (0.59) (21,680) (0.64)
Total other income
(expense) (23,972) (0.59) (20,813) (0.61)
Income Before Income
Taxes and Extraordinary
Item 108,402 2.66 56,105 1.67
Income Tax Expense 43,394 1.06 1,416 0.04
INCOME BEFORE
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 65,008 1.60 54,689 1.63
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
Loss on early
extinguishment of
debt, net of
applicable income tax --- --- --- ---
NET INCOME 65,008 1.60 54,689 1.63
Preferred Stock Dividends --- --- (965) (0.03)
Gain (Loss) on Redemption
of Preferred Stock --- --- (5,321) (0.16)
Net Income Available to
Common Shareholders 65,008 1.60 48,403 1.44
Earnings Per Common
Share - Basic
Income Before
Extraordinary Item
and Risk Management
Income (4) 0.28 0.33
Risk Management
Income (4) 0.12 ---
Extraordinary Item --- ---
Net Income 0.40 0.33
Earnings Per Common
Share - Assuming
Dilution
Income Before
Extraordinary Item
and Risk Management
Income (4) 0.27 0.31
Risk Management
Income (4) 0.11 ---
Extraordinary Item --- ---
Net Income 0.38 0.31
Average Common Shares
and Common - Equivalent
Shares Outstanding
Basic 164,440 146,593
Diluted (1) 170,384 158,847
Operating Cash
Flow (2) 125,127 3.07 83,181 2.47
EBITDA (3) 149,231 3.66 104,861 3.11
Thousands of barrels
of oil (mbbl) 705 -7% 761
Millions of cubic
feet of gas (mmcf) 36,549 25% 29,141
Millions of cubic
feet of gas
equivalents (mmcfe) 40,779 21% 33,707
Mmcfe per day 443 21% 366
Average price/barrel $27.37 -3% $28.25
Average price/mcf $4.34 23% $3.52
Average gas equivalent
price/mcfe $4.36 18% $3.68
(1) Earnings per share assuming dilution for the three months ended
September 30, 2001, includes the effect of dilutive stock options and
dilutive warrants. Earnings per share assuming dilution for the
three months ended September 30, 2000, includes the effect of
dilutive stock options, as well as the assumed conversion of 624,037
shares of preferred stock outstanding throughout the period into
4.5 million shares of common stock, and the elimination of $546,000
in associated dividends, since the effect was dilutive. The
calculation does not include the effect of the assumed conversion at
the beginning of the period (through the date of actual conversion)
of any preferred shares exchanged for common shares during the
period, as the effect was antidilutive.
(2) Income before income taxes and extraordinary item, depreciation,
depletion and amortization and risk management income.
(3) Earnings before income taxes and extraordinary item, interest
expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization and risk management
income.
(4) Risk management income is shown on an after-tax basis.
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in 000's, except per share data)
(unaudited)
NINE MONTHS ENDED: September 30, 2001 September 30, 2000
$ $/mcfe $ $/mcfe
REVENUES:
Oil and gas sales 574,190 4.78 311,485 3.06
Risk management
income 94,715 0.79 --- ---
Oil and gas
marketing sales 123,071 1.02 105,821 1.04
Total revenues 791,976 6.59 417,306 4.10
OPERATING COSTS:
Production expenses 55,933 0.47 36,822 0.36
Production taxes 31,349 0.26 17,131 0.17
General and
administrative 10,114 0.08 9,597 0.09
Oil and gas
marketing expenses 119,337 0.99 102,583 1.01
Depreciation,
depletion, and
amortization of oil
and gas properties 124,904 1.04 74,587 0.73
Depreciation and
amortization of
other assets 5,954 0.05 5,551 0.06
Total operating costs 347,591 2.89 246,271 2.42
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 444,385 3.70 171,035 1.68
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest and other
income 1,384 0.01 3,726 0.04
Interest expense (72,977) (0.60) (64,357) (0.63)
Gothic standby
credit facility
cost (3,392) (0.03) --- ---
Total other
income (expense) (74,985) (0.62) (60,631) (0.59)
Income Before Income
Taxes and Extraordinary
Item 369,400 3.08 110,404 1.09
Income Tax Expense 148,619 1.24 2,879 0.03
INCOME BEFORE
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 220,781 1.84 107,525 1.06
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
Loss on early
extinguishment of
debt, net of
applicable income
tax (46,000) (0.38) --- ---
NET INCOME 174,781 1.46 107,525 1.06
Preferred Stock
Dividends (728) (.01) (7,914) (0.08)
Gain on Redemption of
Preferred Stock --- --- 6,574 0.06
Net Income Available to
Common Shareholders 174,053 1.45 106,185 1.04
Earnings Per Common
Share - Basic
Income Before
Extraordinary Item
and Risk Management
Income (4) 1.01 0.88
Risk Management
Income (4) .35 ---
Extraordinary Item (0.28) ---
Net Income 1.08 0.88
Earnings Per Common
Share - Assuming
Dilution
Income Before
Extraordinary Item
and Risk Management
Income (4) 0.96 0.73
Risk Management
Income (4) 0.33 ---
Extraordinary Item (0.27) ---
Net Income 1.02 0.73
Average Common Shares
and Common - Equivalent
Shares Outstanding
Basic 161,603 121,089
Diluted (1) 170,937 147,428
Operating Cash
Flow (2) 408,935 3.41 190,542 1.87
EBITDA (3) 481,912 4.01 254,899 2.51
Thousands of barrels
of oil (mbbl) 2,073 -14% 2,416
Millions of cubic
feet of gas (mmcf) 107,634 23% 87,227
Millions of cubic
feet of gas
equivalents (mmcfe) 120,072 18% 101,723
Mmcfe per day 440 19% 371
Average price/barrel $28.03 9% $25.70
Average price/mcf $4.79 67% $2.86
Average gas equivalent
price/mcfe $4.78 56% $3.06
(1) Earnings per share assuming dilution for the nine months ended
September 30, 2001 and 2000, includes the effect of dilutive stock
options, the effect of the assumed conversion of all preferred stock
as of the beginning of the period, and 2001 also includes the effect
of dilutive warrants.
(2) Income before income taxes and extraordinary item, Gothic standby
credit facility cost, depreciation, depletion and amortization and
risk management income.
(3) Earnings before income taxes and extraordinary item, interest
expense, Gothic standby credit facility cost, depreciation, depletion
and amortization and risk management income.
(4) Risk management income is shown on an after-tax basis.
SOURCE: Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Contact: Marc Rowland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, +1-405-879-9232, or Tom Price, Jr., Senior Vice President Corporate
Development, +1-405-879-9257, both of Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Website: http://www.chkenergy.com/
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/138877.html
