10-Q 1 d363280d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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 June 30, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-31470

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   33-0430755

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

700 Milam Street, Suite 3100

Houston, Texas 77002

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(713) 579-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 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) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

  Yes x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

  Yes x    No  ¨

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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x

  

Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

  Yes ¨    No x

129.0 million shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding at July 27, 2012.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION       
ITEM 1.  Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements:       

Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     1   

Consolidated Statements of Income
For the three months ended and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     2   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     3   

Consolidated Statement of Equity
For the six months ended June 30, 2012

     4   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     5   

ITEM 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     33   

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     48   

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

     51   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     52   

 

(i)


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                                             
      June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS      

Current Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 302,157          $ 419,098    

Accounts receivable

     284,591          302,675    

Commodity derivative contracts

     99,458          50,964    

Inventories

     18,517          20,173    

Investment

     562,491          611,671    

Deferred income taxes

     53,300          20,723    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     14,323          16,073    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,334,837          1,441,377    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, at cost

     

Oil and natural gas properties - full cost method

     

Subject to amortization

     13,533,372          12,016,252    

Not subject to amortization

     1,747,325          2,409,449    

Other property and equipment

     152,385          145,959    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     15,433,082          14,571,660    

Less allowance for depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment

     (7,210,472)          (6,846,365)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,222,610          7,725,295    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill

     535,140          535,140    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commodity Derivative Contracts

     54,431          12,678    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Assets

     84,417          76,982    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 10,231,435          $ 9,791,472    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      

Current Liabilities

     

Accounts payable

     $ 439,718          $ 385,231    

Commodity derivative contracts

     -           3,761    

Royalties and revenues payable

     103,074          97,095    

Stock-based compensation

     14,586          21,676    

Interest payable

     66,005          39,342    

Other current liabilities

     67,525          79,081    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     690,908          626,186    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

     3,918,940          3,760,952    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     

Asset retirement obligation

     239,165          230,633    

Commodity derivative contracts

     454          823    

Other

     16,524          15,749    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     256,143          247,205    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Income Taxes

     1,601,934          1,461,897    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

     

Equity

     

Stockholders’ equity

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250.0 million shares authorized,
143.9 million shares issued at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     1,439          1,439    

Additional paid-in capital

     3,415,323          3,434,928    

Retained earnings

     471,903          337,991    

Treasury stock, at cost, 15.0 million shares and 13.3 million shares at
June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     (560,343)          (509,722)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,328,322          3,264,636    

Noncontrolling interest

     

Preferred stock of subsidiary

     435,188          430,596    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,763,510          3,695,232    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 10,231,435          $ 9,791,472    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

                                                                                   
     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues

       

Oil sales

    $ 519,508         $   399,306         $ 986,996         $ 731,149    

Gas sales

    45,959         113,670         99,483         210,472    

Other operating revenues

    1,257         1,809         4,520         3,478    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    566,724         514,785         1,090,999         945,099    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

       

Lease operating expenses

    87,662         82,142         170,668         154,393    

Steam gas costs

    9,711         16,865         20,835         32,626    

Electricity

    10,777         10,371         22,151         20,091    

Production and ad valorem taxes

    19,085         16,920         31,716         28,448    

Gathering and transportation expenses

    19,029         16,841         35,301         29,588    

General and administrative

    31,701         30,783         70,083         66,806    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    250,730         150,757         428,427         285,300    

Accretion

    3,750         4,314         7,503         8,571    

Other operating income

    (1,276)         (303)         (2,537)         (607)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    431,169         328,690         784,147         625,216    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations

    135,555         186,095         306,852         319,883    

Other (Expense) Income

       

Interest expense

    (52,977)         (37,242)         (98,230)         (69,646)    

Debt extinguishment costs

    (5,167)         -          (5,167)         -     

Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    221,783         18,912         112,733         (32,084)    

Gain (loss) on investment measured at fair value

    86,750         43,307         (49,180)         110,561    

Other income

    834         996         429         1,550    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

    386,778         212,068         267,437         330,264    

Income tax expense

       

Current

    (986)         (387)         (1,005)         (759)    

Deferred

    (153,517)         (86,789)         (107,460)         (133,634)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

    232,275         $ 124,892         158,972         $ 195,871    
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in
the form of preferred stock of subsidiary

    (9,076)           (18,092)      
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders

    $ 223,199           $ 140,880      
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Earnings per Common Share

       

Basic

    $ 1.72         $ 0.88         $ 1.09         $ 1.39    

Diluted

    $ 1.70         $ 0.87         $ 1.07         $ 1.37    

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

       

Basic

    130,019         141,797         129,683         141,335    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

    131,509         143,300         131,701         143,361    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                             
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     

Net income

     $ 158,972          $ 195,871    

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

     

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     428,427          285,300    

Accretion

     7,503          8,571    

Deferred income tax expense

     107,460          133,634    

Debt extinguishment costs

     939          -     

(Gain) loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts

     (112,733)          32,084    

Loss (gain) on investment measured at fair value

     49,180          (110,561)    

Non-cash compensation

     26,229          28,031    

Other non-cash items

     3,060          (302)    

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

     

Accounts receivable and other assets

     13,290          (21,470)    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (60,006)          (14,103)    

Income taxes receivable/payable

     8,635          40,370    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     630,956          577,425    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (824,280)          (800,170)    

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

     (20,141)          (32,456)    

Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties, net of costs
and expenses

     42,842          11,987    

Derivative settlements

     17,862          (30,039)    

Additions to other property and equipment

     (6,426)          (6,534)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (790,143)          (857,212)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     

Borrowings from revolving credit facilities

     4,334,675          2,679,200    

Repayments of revolving credit facilities

     (4,771,675)          (2,989,200)    

Principal payments of long-term debt

     (156,182)          -     

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

     750,000          600,000    

Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements

     (12,582)          (11,320)    

Purchase of treasury stock

     (88,490)          -     

Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest in
the form of preferred stock of subsidiary

     (13,500)          -     

Other

     -           4    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     42,246          278,684    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (116,941)          (1,103)    

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     419,098          6,434    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     $ 302,157          $ 5,331    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Unaudited)

(share and dollar amounts in thousands)

 

                                              Noncontrolling        
                                              Interest        
                                              in the        
                Additional                       Total     Form of        
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Retained     Treasury Stock     Stockholders’     Preferred Stock     Total  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Shares     Amount     Equity     of Subsidiary     Equity  

Balance at December 31, 2011

    143,924     $ 1,439     $  3,434,928      $  337,991        (13,302)      $ (509,722)      $  3,264,636      $  430,596      $  3,695,232   

Net income

    -        -               140,880                      140,880        18,092        158,972   

Restricted stock awards

    -        -        11,282                             11,282               11,282   

Treasury stock purchases

    -        -                      (2,390)        (88,490)        (88,490)               (88,490)   

Issuance of treasury stock for
restricted stock awards

    -        -        (30,887)        (6,964)        729            37,851                        

Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest in
the form of preferred stock
of subsidiary

    -        -                                           (13,500)        (13,500)   

Exercise of stock options and other

    -        -               (4)               18        14               14   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

    143,924     $ 1,439     $ 3,415,323      $ 471,903        (14,963)      $ (560,343)      $ 3,328,322      $ 435,188      $ 3,763,510   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Plains Exploration & Production Company, a Delaware corporation formed in 2002 (“PXP”, “us”, “our” or “we”), is an independent energy company engaged in the upstream oil and gas business. The upstream business acquires, develops, explores for and produces oil and gas. Our upstream activities are located in the United States.

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all our consolidated subsidiaries. We consolidate entities when we have the ability to control or direct the operating and financial decisions of the entity or when we have a significant interest in the entity that gives us the ability to direct the activities that are significant to that entity. The determination of our ability to control, direct or exert significant influence over an entity involves the use of judgment. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. All adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that in the opinion of management were necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods, have been reflected. The results of our operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Asset Retirement Obligation.    The following table reflects the changes in our asset retirement obligation during the six months ended June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

 

Asset retirement obligation - December 31, 2011

     $     238,381    

Settlements

     (2,694)    

Accretion expense

     7,503    

Asset retirement additions

     2,344    
  

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation - June 30, 2012 (1)

     $     245,534    
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

$6.4 million is included in other current liabilities.

Earnings Per Share. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted earnings per share were (in thousands):

 

    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

    130,019         141,797         129,683         141,335    

Unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options

    1,490         1,503         2,018         2,026    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

    131,509         143,300         131,701         143,361    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

5


Table of Contents

In the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, 0.9 million and 1.0 million restricted stock units, respectively, and in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, 0.5 million and 1.0 million restricted stock units, respectively, were excluded in computing diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive due to the impact of the unrecognized compensation cost on the calculation of assumed proceeds in the application of the treasury stock method.

In computing our earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we decreased our reported net income by $9.1 million and $18.1 million, respectively, for preferred stock dividends attributable to the noncontrolling interest associated with our consolidated subsidiary Plains Offshore Operations Inc., or Plains Offshore. We owned 100% of the common shares of Plains Offshore during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, and because Plains Offshore had a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we did not allocate any undistributed earnings to the noncontrolling interest preferred stock. In the event that Plains Offshore has net income in future periods, we will be required to allocate distributed and undistributed earnings between the common and preferred shares of Plains Offshore.

Inventories.    Oil inventories are carried at the lower of the cost to produce or market value, and materials and supplies inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on an average cost method. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                     
     June 30,      December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Oil

     $ 6,664          $ 7,075    

Materials and supplies

     11,853            13,098    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 18,517          $ 20,173    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Oil and Natural Gas Properties Not Subject to Amortization.    The cost of unproved oil and natural gas properties are excluded from amortization until the properties are evaluated. Costs are transferred into the amortization base on an ongoing basis as the properties are evaluated and proved reserves are established or impairment is determined. Unproved properties are assessed periodically, at least annually, to determine whether impairment has occurred. We assess properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. The assessment considers the following factors, among others: intent to drill, remaining lease term, geological and geophysical evaluations, drilling results and activity, the assignment of proved reserves and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. During any period in which these factors indicate an impairment, the cumulative drilling costs incurred to date for such property and all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and are then subject to amortization. The transfer of costs into the amortization base involves a significant amount of judgment and may be subject to changes over time based on our drilling plans and results, geological and geophysical evaluations, the assignment of proved reserves, availability of capital, and other factors. The timing of these transfers into our amortization base impacts our depreciation, depletion and amortization, or DD&A, rate and full cost ceiling test.

 

6


Table of Contents

During the first quarter of 2012, due to low natural gas prices, our assessment of the unproved property in the Haynesville Shale area indicated an impairment and accumulated costs of approximately $483 million were transferred to the full cost pool.

Stock-Based Compensation.    Stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was (in thousands):

 

         Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended      
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Stock-based compensation included in:

           

General and administrative expense

     $ 8,385          $ 9,522          $ 22,192          $ 23,365    

Lease operating expenses

     (388)          1,703          4,037          4,666    

Oil and natural gas properties

     2,257          2,976          7,527          7,495    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation

     $ 10,254          $ 14,201          $ 33,756          $ 35,526    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the first six months of 2012, we granted 877 thousand RSUs at an average fair value of $42.59 per share to be settled in shares of common stock, 1.2 million RSUs at an average fair value of $43.04 per share to be settled in cash and 478 thousand stock appreciation rights with an average exercise price of $42.88 per share.

Additionally, we issued 225 thousand RSUs to be settled in cash that are subject to a market condition in which the price performance of PXP common stock is compared to an average of two peer indices. Based on the performance, these units may settle upon vesting at 0% to 150% of the number of awards granted as determined by linear interpolation.

We used a Monte-Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of the cash-settled RSUs subject to the market condition. This model involves forecasting potential future stock price paths based on the expected return on our common stock and the indices and their volatility, then calculating the fair value of RSUs to be granted based on the results of the simulations. At June 30, 2012, we estimated that these units had a weighted average fair value of $28.68 per unit, an aggregate fair value of $6.5 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.8 years.

Stock Repurchase Program.    In January 2012, we repurchased 2.4 million common shares at an average cost of $37.02 per share, totaling $88.5 million. Subsequent to these repurchases, our Board of Directors reset the authorization to $1.0 billion of PXP common stock, all of which is available for repurchase, and extended the program until January 2016.

Noncontrolling Interest in the Form of Preferred Stock of Subsidiary.    Noncontrolling interest in the form of preferred stock of subsidiary represents the ownership interest held by third parties in the net assets of our consolidated subsidiary Plains Offshore, in the form of convertible perpetual preferred stock and associated non-detachable warrants.

 

7


Table of Contents

The preferred stock of Plains Offshore is classified as permanent equity in our consolidated balance sheet since redemption for cash of the preferred interests is within our and Plains Offshore’s control. The non-detachable warrants are considered to be embedded instruments for accounting purposes as the instrument cannot be both legally detached and separately exercised from the host preferred stock, nor can the non-detachable warrants be transferred or sold without also transferring the ownership in the preferred stock.

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, Plains Offshore declared a quarterly dividend on the preferred stock of approximately $9.1 million, or $20.12 per share of preferred stock, $15.00 per share of which was paid in cash with the remaining deferred. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, Plains Offshore declared quarterly dividends on the preferred stock of approximately $18.1 million, or $40.14 per share of preferred stock, $30.00 per share of which was paid in cash with the remaining deferred. Deferred dividends accumulate and compound quarterly at 8% per year until paid.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.    In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued authoritative guidance requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position as well as financial instruments and transactions subject to agreements similar to master netting arrangements. The additional disclosures will enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and will primarily impact our disclosures associated with our commodity derivative instruments. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Note 2 — Long-Term Debt

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt consisted of (in thousands):

 

                                                     
     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Senior revolving credit facility

     $ 298,000        $ 735,000    

Plains Offshore senior credit facility

     -           -     

 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015

     -           79,281    

10% Senior Notes due 2016 (1)

       176,299          175,385    

7% Senior Notes due 2017

     -           76,901    

 5/8% Senior Notes due 2018

       400,000          400,000    

 1/8% Senior Notes due 2019

       750,000          -     

 5/8% Senior Notes due 2019 (2)

       394,641          394,385    

 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020

       300,000          300,000    

 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021

       600,000          600,000    

 3/4% Senior Notes due 2022

     1,000,000          1,000,000    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 3,918,940          $ 3,760,952    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The amount is net of unamortized discount of $8.6 million and $9.5 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

(2)

The amount is net of unamortized discount of $5.4 million and $5.6 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

8


Table of Contents

Senior Revolving Credit Facility.     In February 2012, our borrowing base was increased from $1.8 billion to approximately $2.3 billion until the next scheduled redetermination date on or before May 1, 2013. The commitments remained unchanged at $1.4 billion. The borrowing base will be redetermined on an annual basis, with us and the lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination, and adjusted based on our oil and gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other factors. We are required, among other things, to make a mandatory prepayment if the combined total borrowings under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility exceed the borrowing base. Additionally, our senior revolving credit facility contains a $250 million limit on letters of credit, a $50 million commitment for swingline loans and matures on May 4, 2016. At June 30, 2012, we had $1.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility.

Amounts borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility bear an interest rate, at our election, equal to either: (i) the Eurodollar rate, which is based on LIBOR, plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%; (ii) a variable amount ranging from 0.50% to 1.50% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, as determined by JPMorgan Chase Bank, (2) the federal funds rate, plus  1/2 of 1%, and (3) the adjusted LIBOR plus 1%; or (iii) the overnight federal funds rate plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50% for swingline loans. The additional variable amount of interest payable is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of (a) the total amount of funds borrowed under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility and (b) the borrowing base under our senior revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees under our senior revolving credit facility are based on the utilization rate and range from 1.50% to 2.50%. Commitment fees range from 0.375% to 0.50% of amounts available for borrowing.

Our senior revolving credit facility is secured by 100% of the shares of stock in certain of our domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the shares of stock in certain foreign subsidiaries and mortgages covering at least 75% of the total present value of our domestic proved oil and gas properties. Our senior revolving credit facility contains negative covenants that limit our ability, as well as the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional debt, pay dividends on stock, make distributions of cash or property, change the nature of our business or operations, redeem stock or redeem subordinated debt, make investments, create liens, enter into leases, sell assets, sell capital stock of subsidiaries, guarantee other indebtedness, enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries, enter into certain types of swap agreements, enter into take-or-pay or other prepayment arrangements, merge or consolidate and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of debt to EBITDAX (as defined) of no greater than 4.50 to 1.

Plains Offshore Senior Credit Facility.     The aggregate commitments of the lenders under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are $300 million. The Plains Offshore senior credit facility contains a $50 million limit on letters of credit and matures on November 18, 2016. At June 30, 2012, Plains Offshore had no letters of credit outstanding under its senior credit facility.

Amounts borrowed under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility bear an interest rate, at Plains Offshore’s election, equal to either: (i) the Eurodollar rate, which is based on LIBOR, plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%; or (ii) a variable amount ranging from 0.50% to 1.50% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, as determined by JPMorgan Chase Bank, (2) the federal funds rate, plus  1/2 of 1%, and (3) the adjusted LIBOR plus 1%. The additional variable amount of interest payable is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of (a) the total amount of funds borrowed under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility and (b) the borrowing base under our senior revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are based on the utilization rate and range from 1.50% to 2.50%. Commitment fees range from 0.375% to 0.50% of amounts available for borrowing.

 

9


Table of Contents

The borrowings under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are guaranteed on a senior basis by PXP and certain of our subsidiaries, and are secured on a pari passu basis by liens on the same collateral that secures PXP’s senior revolving credit facility. The Plains Offshore senior credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including limiting Plains Offshore’s ability, among other things, to create liens, incur other indebtedness, make dividends (excluding dividends on preferred stock) or other distributions, make investments, change the nature of Plains Offshore’s business and merge or consolidate, sell assets, enter into certain types of swap agreements and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, as well as other customary events of default, including a cross-default to PXP’s senior revolving credit facility. If an event of default (as defined in our senior revolving credit facility) has occurred and is continuing under our senior revolving credit facility that has not been cured or waived by the lenders thereunder then the Plains Offshore lenders could accelerate and demand repayment of the Plains Offshore senior credit facility.

Short-term Credit Facility.    We have an uncommitted short-term unsecured credit facility, or short-term facility, under which we may make borrowings from time to time until June 1, 2013, not to exceed at any time the maximum principal amount of $75.0 million. No advance under the short-term facility may have a term exceeding 14 days and all amounts outstanding are due and payable no later than June 1, 2013. Each advance under the short-term facility shall bear interest at a rate per annum mutually agreed on by the bank and us.

We borrow under our short-term facility to fund our working capital needs. The funding requirements are typically generated due to the timing differences between payments and receipts associated with our oil and gas production. We generally pay off the short-term facility with receipts from the sales of our oil and gas production or borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the short-term facility at June 30, 2012. The daily average outstanding balance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $48.8 million and $45.9 million, respectively.

6  1/8% Senior Notes. In April 2012, we issued $750 million of 6 1/8% Senior Notes due 2019, or the 6 1/8% Senior Notes, at par. We received approximately $737.5 million of net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including the redemption of $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015, or the 7 3/4% Senior Notes, and $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes due 2017, or the 7% Senior Notes. We may redeem all or part of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes on or after June 15, 2016 at specified redemption prices and prior to such date at a “make-whole” redemption price. In addition, prior to June 15, 2015 we may at our option, redeem up to 35% of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In the event of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the 6 1/8% Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

 

10


Table of Contents

The 6 1/8% Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations. They are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries. In the future, the guarantees may be released or terminated under the following circumstances: (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that subsidiary guarantor; (ii) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all the capital stock of a subsidiary guarantor; (iii) if designated to be an unrestricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; (v) upon the liquidation or dissolution of such subsidiary guarantor provided no default or event of default has occurred or is continuing; or (vi) at such time as such subsidiary guarantor does not have outstanding any guarantee of any of our or any of our subsidiary guarantor’s indebtedness (other than the notes) in excess of $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount. The 6 1/8% Senior Notes rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness; pari passu in right of payment with any of our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not by its terms subordinated to the 6 1/8% Senior Notes; effectively junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility, to the extent of our assets constituting collateral securing that indebtedness; and effectively subordinate to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (other than indebtedness and liabilities owed to us) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, including indebtedness under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility, which we guarantee, and the shares of preferred stock issued by Plains Offshore.

Redemption of 7 3/4% Senior Notes and 7% Senior Notes.    During the second quarter of 2012, we redeemed the remaining $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes at 101.938% of the principal amount and the remaining $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes at 103.500% of the principal amount. We made payments totaling $80.8 million and $79.6 million to retire the 7 3/4% Senior Notes and the 7% Senior Notes, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized $5.2 million of debt extinguishment costs, including $0.9 million of unamortized debt issue costs in connection with the retirement of these Senior Notes.

Note 3 — Commodity Derivative Contracts

General

We are exposed to various market risks, including volatility in oil and gas commodity prices and interest rates. The level of derivative activity we engage in depends on our view of market conditions, available derivative prices and operating strategy. A variety of derivative instruments, such as swaps, collars, put options, calls and various combinations of these instruments, may be utilized to manage our exposure to the volatility of oil and gas commodity prices. Currently, we do not use derivatives to manage our interest rate risk. The interest rate on our senior revolving credit facility and Plains Offshore’s senior credit facility is variable, while our senior notes are at fixed rates.

All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as a hedge or is not designated as a hedge, the changes in fair value, both realized and unrealized, are recognized in our income statement as a gain or loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts. Cash flows are only impacted to the extent the actual settlements under the contracts result in making a payment to or receiving a payment from the counterparty. The derivative instruments we have in place are not classified as hedges for accounting purposes.

 

11


Table of Contents

Cash settlements with respect to derivatives that are not accounted for under hedge accounting and do not have a significant financing element are reflected as investing activities in the statement of cash flows. Cash settlements with respect to derivatives that contain a significant financing element are reflected as financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

For put options, we typically pay a premium to the counterparty in exchange for the sale of the instrument. If the index price is below the floor price of the put option, we receive the difference between the floor price and the index price multiplied by the contract volumes less the option premium. If the index price settles at or above the floor price of the put option, we pay only the option premium.

In a typical collar transaction, if the floating price based on a market index is below the floor price in the derivative contract, we receive from the counterparty an amount equal to this difference multiplied by the specified volume. If the floating price exceeds the ceiling price, we must pay the counterparty an amount equal to the difference multiplied by the specified volume. We may pay a premium to the counterparty in exchange for a certain floor or ceiling. Any premium reduces amounts we would receive under the floor or increases amounts we would pay above the ceiling. If the floating price exceeds the floor price and is less than the ceiling price, then no payment, other than the premium, is required. If we have less production than the volumes specified under the collar transaction when the floating price exceeds the ceiling price, we must make payments against which there are no offsetting revenues from production.

Under a swap contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to us if the index price for any settlement period is less than the fixed price, and we are required to make a payment to the counterparty if the index price for any settlement period is greater than the fixed price. The amount we receive or pay is the difference between the index price and the fixed price multiplied by the contract volumes. If we have less production than the volumes specified under the swap transaction when the index price exceeds the fixed price, we must make payments against which there are no offsetting revenues from production.

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we entered into Brent crude oil put option spread contracts on 30,000 BOPD for 2014 with a floor price of $90 per barrel, a limit of $70 per barrel and weighted average deferred premium and interest of $5.594 per barrel. Additionally, we entered into natural gas swap contracts on 80,000 MMBtu per day for 2012 with an average price of $2.72 per MMBtu.

See Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities, for additional discussion on the fair value measurement of our derivative contracts.

 

12


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding commodity derivative contracts, all of which settle monthly:

 

Period

  

Instrument

Type

  

Daily

Volumes

  

Average

Price (1)

  

Average

Deferred

Premium

  

Index

Sales of Crude Oil Production

        

2012

              

Jul - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    40,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit    -    Brent
         $120.00 Ceiling      

2013

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    17,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit    $6.253 per Bbl    Brent

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    13,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit    $6.800 per Bbl    Brent

Jan - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    25,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit    -    Brent
         $124.29 Ceiling      

Jan - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    5,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit    -    Brent
         $126.08 Ceiling      

2014

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    50,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit    $5.979 per Bbl    Brent
              

Sales of Natural Gas Production

        

2012

              

Jul - Dec

   Put options (4)    120,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    $0.298 per MMBtu    Henry Hub

Jul - Dec

   Three-way collars (5)    40,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    -    Henry Hub
         $4.86 Ceiling      

Jul - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    80,000 MMBtu    $2.72    -    Henry Hub

2013

              

Jan - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    110,000 MMBtu    $4.27    -    Henry Hub
              

2014

              

Jan - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    100,000 MMBtu    $4.09    -    Henry Hub

 

(1)

The average strike prices do not reflect any premiums to purchase the put options.

(2)

If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel. We pay the difference between the index price and the per barrel ceiling if the index price is greater than the per barrel ceiling. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor but at or below the per barrel ceiling, no cash settlement is required.

(3)

If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor, we pay only the option premium.

(4)

If the index price is less than the per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.30 per MMBtu less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per MMBtu floor, we pay only the option premium.

(5)

If the index price is less than the per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.30 per MMBtu. We pay the difference between the index price and the per MMBtu ceiling if the index price is greater than the per MMBtu ceiling. If the index price is at or above the per MMBtu floor but at or below the per MMBtu ceiling, no cash settlement is required.

(6)

If the index price is less than the fixed price, we receive the difference between the fixed price and the index price. We pay the difference between the index price and the fixed price if the index price is greater than the fixed price.

 

13


Table of Contents

Balance Sheet

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had the following outstanding commodity derivative contracts recorded in our balance sheet (in thousands):

 

                                                                                
          Estimated Fair Value  

Instrument Type

  

Balance Sheet Classification

   June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

  Crude oil puts

     Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      $ 31,756         $ -     

  Crude oil collars

     Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      60,470         10,623   

  Natural gas puts

     Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      23,906         41,335   

  Natural gas collars

     Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      7,871         13,163   

  Natural gas swaps

     Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      12,050         -     

  Crude oil puts

     Commodity derivative contracts - non-current assets      157,159         48,306   

  Crude oil collars

     Commodity derivative contracts - non-current assets      22,019         -     

  Natural gas swaps

     Commodity derivative contracts - non-current assets      17,200         12,951   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative instruments

     $   332,431         $ 126,378   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides supplemental information to reconcile the fair value of our derivative contracts to our balance sheet at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, considering the deferred premiums, accrued interest and related settlement payable/receivable amounts which are not included in the fair value amounts disclosed in the table above (in thousands):

 

                                                     
     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Net fair value asset

     $ 332,431         $ 126,378   

Deferred premium and accrued interest on derivative contracts

     (184,001)         (62,430)   

Settlement payable

     -           (5,106)   

Settlement receivable

     5,005         216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net commodity derivative asset

     $ 153,435         $ 59,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts - current asset

     $ 99,458         $ 50,964   

Commodity derivative contracts - non-current asset

     54,431         12,678   

Commodity derivative contracts - current liability

     -           (3,761)   

Commodity derivative contracts - non-current liability

     (454)         (823)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 153,435         $ 59,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We present the fair value of our derivative contracts on a net basis where the right of offset is provided for in our counterparty agreements.

Income Statement

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, pre-tax amounts recognized in our income statements for derivative transactions were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                   
     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative contracts

     $  221,783        $  18,912        $  112,733        $  (32,084)   

 

14


Table of Contents

Cash Payments and Receipts

During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, cash (payments) receipts for derivatives were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                     
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011  

Oil derivatives

     $  (13,047)         $  (30,659)   

Natural gas derivatives

     30,909         620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 17,862         $ (30,039)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Risk

We generally do not require collateral or other security to support derivative instruments subject to credit risk. However, the agreements with each of the counterparties to our derivative instruments contain netting provisions within the agreements. If a default occurs under the agreements, the non-defaulting party can offset the amount payable to the defaulting party under the derivative contracts with the amount due from the defaulting party under the derivative contracts. As a result of the netting provisions under the agreements, our maximum amount of loss due to credit risk is limited to the net amounts due from the counterparties under the derivative contracts. The maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that we would have incurred if all the counterparties to our derivative contracts failed to perform according to the terms of the derivative contracts at June 30, 2012 was $155.0 million.

Contingent Features

As of June 30, 2012, the counterparties to our commodity derivative contracts consisted of nine financial institutions. Our counterparties or their affiliates are generally also lenders under our senior revolving credit facility. As a result, the counterparties to our derivative agreements share in the collateral supporting our senior revolving credit facility. Therefore, we are not generally required to post additional collateral under our derivative agreements.

Certain of our derivative agreements contain cross-default and acceleration provisions relative to our material debt agreements. If we were to default on any of our material debt agreements, it would be a violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to our derivative agreements could request immediate payment on derivative instruments that are in a net liability position at that time. As of June 30, 2012, we were in a net asset position with all of the counterparties to our derivative instruments.

 

15


Table of Contents

Note 4 — Investment

At June 30, 2012 and 2011, we owned 51.0 million shares of McMoRan Exploration Co. common stock, approximately 31.6% and 32.2%, respectively, of its common shares outstanding. In December 2010, we acquired the McMoRan common stock and other consideration in exchange for all of our interests in our U.S. Gulf of Mexico leasehold located in less than 500 feet of water. We entered into a stockholder agreement with McMoRan requiring us to refrain from certain activities that could be undertaken to acquire control of McMoRan. We may sell shares of McMoRan common stock pursuant to underwritten offerings, in periodic sales under the shelf registration statement filed by McMoRan (subject to certain volume limitations), pursuant to the exercise of piggyback registration rights or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.

We are deemed to exercise significant influence over the operating and investing policies of McMoRan but do not have control. We have elected to measure our equity investment in McMoRan at fair value, and the change in fair value of our investment is recognized as a gain or loss on investment measured at fair value in our income statement. We believe that using fair value as a measurement basis for our investment is useful to our investors because our earnings on the investment will be dependent on the fair value on the date we divest the shares. At June 30, 2012, the McMoRan shares were valued at approximately $562.5 million, based on McMoRan’s closing stock price of $12.67 on June 30, 2012, discounted to reflect certain limitations on the marketability of the McMoRan shares. During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we recorded unrealized gains of $86.8 million and $43.3 million, respectively, on our investment. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we recorded an unrealized loss of $49.2 million and an unrealized gain of $110.6 million, respectively, on our investment.

McMoRan follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and natural gas activities. Under this method of accounting, all costs associated with oil and gas lease acquisition, successful exploratory wells and all development wells are capitalized and amortized on a unit-of-production basis over the remaining life of proved developed reserves and proved reserves on a field basis. Unproved leasehold costs are capitalized pending the results of exploration efforts. Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical expenses, exploratory dry holes and delay rentals, are charged to expense when incurred. Below is summarized financial information of our proportionate share of McMoRan’s results of operations (in thousands):

 

                                     
     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,  
     2012 (1)      2011  

Results of Operations (2)

     

Revenues

   $ 63,498        $ 95,090   

Operating loss

     (17,435)         (14,380)   

Loss from continuing operations

     (17,297)         (16,873)   

Net loss applicable to common stock

     (25,391)         (25,035)   

 

(1)

Amounts are based on McMoRan’s Form 8-K dated July 17, 2012.

(2)

Amounts represent our 31.6% and 32.2% equity ownership in McMoRan as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

16


Table of Contents

Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and stipulates the related disclosure requirements. We follow a three-level hierarchy, prioritizing and defining the types of inputs used to measure fair value.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Our commodity derivative instruments and investment are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in our balance sheet with the changes in fair value recorded in our income statement. The following table presents, for each fair value hierarchy level, our commodity derivative assets and liabilities and our investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                           
            Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
            Quoted Prices      Significant         
            in Active      Other      Significant  
            Markets for      Observable      Unobservable  
            Identical Assets      Inputs      Inputs  
     Fair Value      (Level 1)      (Level 2)      (Level 3)  

June 30, 2012

           

Commodity derivative contracts (1)

           

Crude oil puts

     $ 188,915          $ -           $ 68,342          $ 120,573    

Crude oil collars

     82,488          -           -           82,488    

Natural gas puts

     23,906          -           -           23,906    

Natural gas collars

     7,871          -           -           7,871    

Natural gas swaps

     29,251          -           29,251          -     

Investment (2)

     562,491          -           -           562,491    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 894,922          $ -           $ 97,593          $ 797,329    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

           

Commodity derivative contracts (1)

           

Crude oil puts

     $ 48,306          $ -           $ -           $ 48,306    

Crude oil collars

     10,623          -           (669)          11,292    

Natural gas puts

     41,335          -           -           41,335    

Natural gas collars

     13,163          -           -           13,163    

Natural gas swaps

     12,951          -           12,951          -     

Investment (2)

     611,671          -           -           611,671    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 738,049          $ -           $ 12,282          $ 725,767    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Option premium and accrued interest of $184.0 million and $62.4 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, settlement payable of $5.1 million at December 31, 2011 and settlement receivable of $5.0 million and $0.2 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are not included in the fair value of derivatives.

(2)

Represents our equity investment in McMoRan which would otherwise be reported under the equity method of accounting.

 

17


Table of Contents

The fair value amounts of our put and collar derivative instruments are estimated using an option-pricing model, which uses various inputs including NYMEX and ICE price quotations, volatilities, interest rates and contract terms. The fair value of our swap derivative instruments are estimated using a pricing model which has various inputs including NYMEX price quotations, interest rates and contract terms. We adjust the valuations for credit quality, using the counterparties’ credit quality for asset balances and our credit quality for liability balances. For asset balances, we use the credit default swap value for counterparties when available or the spread between the risk-free interest rate and the yield on the counterparties’ publicly traded debt for similar maturities. We consider the impact of netting agreements on counterparty credit risk, including whether the position with the counterparty is a net asset or net liability.

We classify derivatives that have identical assets or liabilities with quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets as Level 1. We classify derivatives as Level 2 if the inputs used in the valuation model are directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the instrument; however, if the significant inputs are not observable for substantially the full term of the instrument, we classify those derivatives as Level 3. We determine whether the market for our derivative instruments is active or inactive based on transaction volume for such instruments and classify as Level 3 those instruments that are not actively traded. For these inputs, we utilize pricing and volatility information from other instruments with similar characteristics and extrapolate and/or interpolate data between data points for thinly traded instruments. As of June 30, 2012, our 2012, 2013 and 2014 natural gas swaps and 2013 crude oil puts are classified as Level 2 and our 2012 natural gas puts and collars, 2012 and 2013 crude oil collars and 2014 crude oil puts are classified as Level 3 instruments.

We determine the fair value of our investment by discounting for lack of marketability at the reporting date. The discount factor for lack of marketability is determined by utilizing both Protective put and Asian put option models. Both of these options are valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model which utilizes various inputs including the closing price of the McMoRan common stock, implied volatility of the instrument, number of shares being valued, length of time that would be necessary to dispose of our investment, expected dividend and risk-free interest rates. As of June 30, 2012, we have classified our investment as Level 3 since the fair value is determined by utilizing significant inputs that are unobservable.

We determine the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis and recognize any transfers at the beginning of the reporting period.

We adopted the guidance amending certain accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements on January 1, 2012. The guidance clarifies (i) the requirement that the highest and best use concept is only relevant for measuring nonfinancial assets, (ii) requirements to measure the fair value of instruments classified in shareholders’ equity and (iii) the requirement to disclose quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement that is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The guidance also (i) permits a reporting entity to measure the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities managed in a portfolio at the price that would be received to sell a net asset position or transfer a net liability position for a particular risk, (ii) eliminates premiums or discounts related to size as a characteristic of the reporting entity’s holding and (iii) expands disclosures for fair value measurement. The provisions of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

18


Table of Contents

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 inputs used in the fair value measurement of our commodity derivative contracts and our investment measured at fair value as of June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

 

      Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Fair Value     Valuation
Technique
   Unobservable
Input
   Range
(Weighted
Average)

June 30, 2012

          

Commodity derivative contracts (1)

          

Crude oil puts

     $     120,573       Option pricing model      Implied volatility      26% - 34% (30%)

Crude oil collars

     82,488       Option pricing model      Implied volatility      25% - 49% (32%)

Natural gas puts

     23,906       Option pricing model      Implied volatility      40% - 57% (51%)

Natural gas collars

     7,871       Option pricing model      Implied volatility      40% - 57% (51%)

Investment (2)

     562,491       Option pricing model      Discount for lack      10% - 16% (13%)
        of marketability     

 

(1)

Represents the range of implied volatility associated with the forward commodity prices used in the valuation of our derivative contracts. We have determined that a market participant would use a similar volatility curve when pricing similar commodity derivative contracts.

(2)

Represents the range of discount for lack of marketability associated with our investment in the common stock of McMoRan. The discount for lack of marketability is derived by an analysis of publicly traded option contracts of McMoRan common stock as of the valuation date. We have determined that a market participant would use a similar valuation methodology when pricing an investment with similar terms.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our commodity derivative contracts are implied volatilities. Significant increases (decreases) in implied volatilities in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Implied volatility associated with the common stock of McMoRan is a significant unobservable input used in the determination of the discount for lack of marketability of our investment measured at fair value. Significant increases (decreases) in volatility in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) discount factor for lack of marketability. Additionally, another significant unobservable input, the expected term of our investment, impacts the discount factor for lack of marketability. Significant increases (decreases) in the expected term in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) discount factor for lack of marketability. A higher discount factor would result in a lower fair value measurement of our investment.

 

19


Table of Contents

The following table presents a reconciliation of changes in fair value of our financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                               
     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      2011  
     Commodity
Derivatives (1)
     Investment      Commodity
Derivatives (1)
     Investment  

Fair value at beginning of period

     $ 114,096           $ 611,671          $ 4,785           $ 664,346    

Transfers into Level 3 (2)

     (668)          -           -           -     

Transfers out of Level 3 (3)

     (48,306)          -           -           -     

Realized and unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings
(4)

     97,339           (49,180)          7,872           110,561    

Purchases

     106,477           -           -           -     

Settlements

     (34,100)          -           (620)          -     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value at end of period

     $ 234,838           $ 562,491          $ 12,037           $ 774,907    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held as of the end of the period (4)

     $ 101,799           $ (49,180)          $ 6,563           $ 110,561    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Deferred option premiums and interest are not included in the fair value of derivatives.

(2)

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the inputs used to value certain of our 2012 crude oil collars were significantly unobservable and those contracts were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3.

(3)

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the inputs used to value certain of our 2013 crude oil puts were directly or indirectly observable and those contracts were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2.

(4)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings for the period are reported as gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative contracts and gain (loss) on investment measured at fair value in our income statement for our commodity derivative contracts and our investment, respectively.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as goodwill and other property and equipment, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis upon impairment; however, we have no material assets or liabilities that are reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in our balance sheet.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

Authoritative guidance on financial instruments requires certain fair value disclosures, such as those on our long-term debt, to be presented in both interim and annual reports. The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described below.

The carrying values of items comprising current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Derivative financial instruments included in our balance sheet are stated at fair value; however, certain of our derivative financial instruments have a deferred premium, including our crude oil and natural gas put options. The deferred premium reduces the asset or increases the liability depending on the fair value of the derivative financial instrument.

 

20


Table of Contents

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Carrying             Carrying         
     Amount      Fair Value      Amount      Fair Value  

Current Asset (1)

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 302,157       

  $

302,157  

 

     $ 419,098          $ 419,098    

Current Liability (2)

           

Deferred premium and accrued interest on
derivative contracts

     41,600          41,600          13,029          13,029    

Non-Current Liability (2)

           

Deferred premium and accrued interest on
derivative contracts

     142,401          142,401          49,401          49,401    

Long-Term Debt (3)

           

Senior revolving credit facility

     298,000          298,000          735,000          735,000    

Plains Offshore senior credit facility

     -           -           -           -     

7 3/4% Senior Notes

     -           -           79,281          81,858    

10% Senior Notes

     176,299          192,166          175,385          194,239    

7% Senior Notes

     -           -           76,901          79,593    

7 5/8% Senior Notes

     400,000          425,000          400,000          424,000    

6 1/8% Senior Notes

     750,000          753,750          -           -     

8 5/8% Senior Notes

     394,641          435,585          394,385          433,331    

7 5/8% Senior Notes

     300,000          316,500          300,000          324,750    

6 5/8% Senior Notes

     600,000          606,000          600,000          630,000    

6 3/4% Senior Notes

     1,000,000          1,020,000          1,000,000          1,047,500    

 

(1)

Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market mutual funds and would have been classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy.

(2)

If our deferred premium and accrued interest payable on our commodity derivative contracts had been measured at fair value, it would have been classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.

(3)

The carrying value of our senior revolving credit facility approximates its fair value, as interest rates are variable, based on prevailing market rates. Our senior revolving credit facility would have been classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy. If our senior notes had been measured at fair value, we would have classified them as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy as the inputs utilized for the measurement would be quoted, unadjusted prices from over-the-counter markets for debt instruments.

Note 6 — Divestment

During the first quarter of 2012, we completed the divestment of our interests in approximately 2,000 gross leasehold acres in our Texas Panhandle properties. After the exercise of third party preferential rights and preliminary closing adjustments, we received approximately $43.4 million in cash. The transactions were effective November 1, 2011. The proceeds were recorded as a reduction to capitalized costs pursuant to full cost accounting rules.

At June 30, 2012, we continue to have interests in approximately 40,000 gross leasehold acres in the Texas Panhandle. We expect to receive additional proceeds from future closings, as may be further modified for additional post-closing adjustments.

 

21


Table of Contents

Note 7 — Income Taxes

Income tax expense during interim periods is based on the estimated annual effective income tax rate plus any significant unusual or infrequently occurring items which are recorded in the period that the specific item occurs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, our income tax expense was approximately 40% and 41% of the pre-tax income, respectively.

The variance in our estimated annual effective tax rate from the 35% federal statutory rate for both periods include the tax effects of estimated annual permanent differences, including (i) expenses that are not deductible because of IRS limitations and (ii) state income taxes.

Note 8 — Commitments, Contingencies and Industry Concentration

Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters.     As an owner or lessee and operator of oil and gas properties, we are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to discharge of materials into, and protection of, the environment. Often these regulations are more burdensome on older properties that were operated before the regulations came into effect such as some of our properties in California that have operated for over 100 years. We have established policies for continuing compliance with environmental laws and regulations. We also maintain insurance coverage for environmental matters, which we believe is customary in the industry, but we are not fully insured against all environmental risks. There can be no assurance that current or future local, state or federal rules and regulations will not require us to spend material amounts to comply with such rules and regulations.

Plugging, Abandonment and Remediation Obligations.     Consistent with normal industry practices, substantially all of our oil and gas leases require that, upon termination of economic production, the working interest owners plug and abandon non-producing wellbores, remove tanks, production equipment and flow lines and restore the wellsite. Typically, when producing oil and gas assets are purchased, the purchaser assumes the obligation to plug and abandon wells that are part of such assets. However, in some instances, we receive an indemnity with respect to those costs. We cannot be assured that we will be able to collect on these indemnities.

In connection with the sale of certain properties offshore California in December 2004, we retained the responsibility for certain abandonment costs, including removing, dismantling and disposing of the existing offshore platforms. The present value of such abandonment costs, $85.1 million ($145.2 million undiscounted), is included in our asset retirement obligation as reflected on our balance sheet. In addition, we agreed to guarantee the performance of the purchaser with respect to the remaining abandonment obligations related to the properties (approximately $84.3 million). To secure its abandonment obligations, the purchaser of the properties is required to periodically deposit funds into an escrow account. At June 30, 2012, the escrow account had a balance of $20.9 million. The fair value of our guarantee at June 30, 2012, $0.3 million, considers the payment/performance risk of the purchaser and is included in other long-term liabilities in our balance sheet.

 

22


Table of Contents

Operating Risks and Insurance Coverage.     Our operations are subject to all of the risks normally incident to the exploration for and the production of oil and gas, including well blowouts, cratering, explosions, oil spills, releases of gas or well fluids, fires, pollution and releases of toxic gas, each of which could result in damage to or destruction of oil and gas wells, production facilities or other property, or injury to persons. Our operations in California, including transportation of oil by pipelines within the city and county of Los Angeles, are especially susceptible to damage from earthquakes and involve increased risks of personal injury, property damage and marketing interruptions because of the population density of southern California. We maintain coverage for earthquake damages in California but this coverage may not provide for the full effect of damages that could occur and we may be subject to additional liabilities. Although we maintain insurance coverage considered to be customary in the industry, we are not fully insured against all risks, either because insurance is not available or because of high premium costs. We are self-insured for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully insured against could have a material adverse effect on our financial position. Our insurance does not cover every potential risk associated with operating our pipelines, including the potential loss of significant revenues. Consistent with insurance coverage generally available to the industry, our insurance policies provide limited coverage for losses or liabilities relating to pollution, with broader coverage for sudden and accidental occurrences.

In the event we make a claim under our insurance policies, we will be subject to the credit risk of the insurers. Volatility and disruption in the financial and credit markets may adversely affect the credit quality of our insurers and impact their ability to pay out claims.

Other Commitments and Contingencies.     As is common within the industry, we have entered into various commitments and operating agreements related to the exploration and development of and production from proved oil and gas properties and the marketing, transportation and storage of oil. It is management’s belief that these commitments will be met without a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Industry Concentration

Effective May 1, 2012, Phillips 66 was spun off from ConocoPhillips at which time we consented to the assignment of our Crude Oil Purchase Agreement from ConocoPhillips to Phillips 66. During 2011, sales to ConocoPhillips accounted for 41% of our total revenues.

 

23


Table of Contents

Note 9 — Consolidating Financial Statements

We are the issuer of $565 million 10% Senior Notes, of which $184.9 million aggregate principal amount remains outstanding, $400 million 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2018, $750 million 6 1/8% Senior Notes, $400 million 8 5/8% Senior Notes, $300 million 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020, $600 million 6 5/8% Senior Notes and $1 billion 6 3/4% Senior Notes as of June 30, 2012, which are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries (referred to as “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). In the future, the guarantees may be released or terminated under the following circumstances: (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that subsidiary guarantor; (ii) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all the capital stock of a subsidiary guarantor; (iii) if designated to be an unrestricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; (v) upon the liquidation or dissolution of such subsidiary guarantor provided no default or event of default has occurred or is continuing; or (vi) at such time as such subsidiary guarantor does not have outstanding any guarantee of any of our or any of our subsidiary guarantor’s indebtedness (other than the notes) in excess of $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount. Certain of our subsidiaries do not guarantee the Senior Notes (referred to as “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

Plains Offshore.     In October 2011, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with EIG Global Energy Partners for a 20% equity interest in Plains Offshore. As a result, the associated properties were transferred from PXP, which is reported as Issuer, to Plains Offshore, which is reported as a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary. We have retrospectively adjusted the Issuer, Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and Intercompany Eliminations columns of the consolidating statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 to reflect the transfer of these deepwater assets.

The following financial information presents consolidating financial statements, which include:

 

   

PXP (the “Issuer”);

 

   

the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis;

 

   

the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis;

 

   

elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Issuer, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries; and

 

   

PXP on a consolidated basis.

 

24


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)

JUNE 30, 2012

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  
ASSETS           

Current Assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ -          $ -          $ 302,157         $ -          $ 302,157    

Accounts receivable and other
current assets

     963,567         66,563         2,550         -          1,032,680    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     963,567         66,563         304,707         -          1,334,837    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, at cost

          

Oil and natural gas properties -
full cost method

     5,040,534         8,904,391         1,335,772         -          15,280,697    

Other property and equipment

     57,136         42,749         52,500         -          152,385    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,097,670         8,947,140         1,388,272         -          15,433,082    

Less allowance for depreciation,
depletion, amortization and
impairment

     (2,497,360)         (7,553,165)         (999,711)         3,839,764         (7,210,472)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,600,310         1,393,975         388,561         3,839,764         8,222,610    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment in and Advances to
Affiliates

     4,420,679         (1,286,634)         (75,979)         (3,058,066)         -     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Assets

     117,901         551,125         4,962         -          673,988    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ 8,102,457         $ 725,029         $ 622,251         $ 781,698         $ 10,231,435    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           

Current Liabilities

     $ 554,589         $ 65,533         $ 70,786         $ -          $ 690,908    

Long-Term Debt

     3,918,940         -          -          -          3,918,940    

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     219,482         35,835         826         -          256,143    

Deferred Income Taxes

     81,124         80,875         29,943         1,409,992         1,601,934    

Equity

          

Stockholders’ equity

     3,328,322         542,786         85,508         (628,294)         3,328,322    

Noncontrolling interest
Preferred stock of subsidiary

     -          -          435,188         -          435,188    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,328,322         542,786         520,696         (628,294)         3,763,510    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ 8,102,457         $ 725,029         $ 622,251         $ 781,698         $ 10,231,435    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                 Non-              
           Guarantor     Guarantor     Intercompany        
     Issuer     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
ASSETS           

Current Assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 3,189         $ 6         $ 415,903         $ -          $ 419,098    

Accounts receivable and other
current assets

     885,860         136,642         444         (667)         1,022,279    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     889,049         136,648         416,347         (667)         1,441,377    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, at cost

          

Oil and natural gas properties -
full cost method

     4,301,524         8,841,469         1,282,708         -          14,425,701    

Other property and equipment

     52,906         42,747         50,306         -          145,959    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,354,430         8,884,216         1,333,014         -          14,571,660    

Less allowance for depreciation,
depletion, amortization and
impairment

     (2,327,063)         (6,392,068)         (1,059,186)         2,931,952         (6,846,365)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,027,367         2,492,148         273,828         2,931,952         7,725,295    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment in and Advances to
Affiliates

     4,583,550         (1,282,085)         (73,079)         (3,228,386)         -     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Assets

     73,832         548,615         2,353         -          624,800    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ 7,573,798         $ 1,895,326         $ 619,449         $ (297,101)         $ 9,791,472    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           

Current Liabilities

     $ 443,098         $ 135,681         $ 48,074         $ (667)         $ 626,186    

Long-Term Debt

     3,760,952         -          -          -          3,760,952    

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     211,106         35,296         803         -          247,205    

Deferred Income Taxes

     (105,994)         437,367         31,757         1,098,767         1,461,897    

Equity

          

Stockholders’ equity

     3,264,636         1,286,982         108,219         (1,395,201)         3,264,636    

Noncontrolling interest
Preferred stock of subsidiary

     -          -          430,596         -          430,596    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,264,636         1,286,982         538,815         (1,395,201)         3,695,232    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ 7,573,798         $ 1,895,326         $ 619,449         $ (297,101)         $ 9,791,472    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                                                                                                  
          Guarantor    

Non-

Guarantor

    Intercompany        
    Issuer     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

         

Oil sales

    $ 491,594         $ 27,914         $ -          $ -          $ 519,508    

Gas sales

    6,977         38,982         -          -          45,959    

Other operating revenues

    177         1,080         -          -          1,257    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    498,748         67,976         -          -          566,724    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    108,854         37,188         222         -          146,264    

General and administrative

    23,306         6,470         1,925         -          31,701    

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

    105,917         35,528         135         112,900         254,480    

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -          198,139         -          (198,139)         -     

Other operating expense (income)

    1,001         (2,277)         -          -          (1,276)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    239,078         275,048         2,282         (85,239)         431,169    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

    259,670         (207,072)         (2,282)         85,239         135,555    

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (121,031)         -          -          121,031         -     

Interest expense

    (8)         (51,597)         (1,372)         -          (52,977)    

Debt extinguishment costs

    (5,167)         -          -          -          (5,167)    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    221,783         -          -          -          221,783    

Gain on investment measured at fair value

    86,750         -          -          -          86,750    

Other income

    657         163         14         -          834    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    442,654         (258,506)         (3,640)         206,270         386,778    

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (219,455)         97,274         1,296         (33,618)         (154,503)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

    223,199         (161,232)         (2,344)         172,652         232,275    

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the form of preferred stock of subsidiary

    -          -          (9,076)         -          (9,076)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders

    $ 223,199         $ (161,232)         $ (11,420)         $ 172,652         $ 223,199    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                                                                                                  
    Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenues

         

Oil sales

    $ 327,501         $ 70,883         $ 922         $ -          $ 399,306    

Gas sales

    2,621         111,049         -          -          113,670    

Other operating revenues

    269         1,540         -          -          1,809    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    330,391         183,472         922         -          514,785    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    90,391         52,748         -          -          143,139    

General and administrative

    18,860         11,663         260         -          30,783    

Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion

    46,436         66,911         103         41,621         155,071    

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -          143,173         462,596         (605,769)         -     

Other operating income

    -          (303)         -          -          (303)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    155,687         274,192         462,959         (564,148)         328,690    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

    174,704         (90,720)         (462,037)         564,148         186,095    

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (19,628)         4         -          19,624         -     

Interest expense

    (393)         (36,159)         (690)         -          (37,242)    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative
contracts

    18,912         -          -          -          18,912    

Gain on investment measured
at fair value

    43,307         -          -          -          43,307    

Other income

    225         760         11         -          996    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    217,127         (126,115)         (462,716)         583,772         212,068    

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (92,235)         46,438         162,083         (203,462)         (87,176)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 124,892         $ (79,677)         $ (300,633)         $ 380,310         $ 124,892    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                                                                                                  
     Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenues

          

Oil sales

     $ 927,957         $ 59,039         $ -          $ -          $ 986,996    

Gas sales

     12,354         87,129         -          -          99,483    

Other operating revenues

     690         3,830         -          -          4,520    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     941,001         149,998         -          -          1,090,999    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

          

Production costs

     208,783         71,455         433         -          280,671    

General and administrative

     49,102         17,063         3,918         -          70,083    

Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion

     181,949         79,751         268         173,962         435,930    

Impairment of oil and gas properties

     -          1,081,774         -          (1,081,774)         -     

Other operating expense (income)

     1,001         (3,538)         -          -          (2,537)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     440,835         1,246,505         4,619         (907,812)         784,147    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

     500,166         (1,096,507)         (4,619)         907,812         306,852    

Other (Expense) Income

          

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (201,100)         -          -          201,100         -     

Interest expense

     (33)         (95,618)         (2,579)         -          (98,230)    

Debt extinguishment costs

     (5,167)         -          -          -          (5,167)    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative
contracts

     112,733         -          -          -          112,733    

Loss on investment measured
at fair value

     (49,180)         -          -          -          (49,180)    

Other income

     107         296         26         -          429    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     357,526         (1,191,829)         (7,172)         1,108,912         267,437    

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (216,646)         447,633         2,554         (342,006)         (108,465)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

     140,880         (744,196)         (4,618)         766,906         158,972    

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the form of preferred stock of subsidiary

     -          -          (18,092)         -          (18,092)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Common Stockholders

     $ 140,880         $ (744,196)         $ (22,710)         $ 766,906         $ 140,880    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

                                                                                                                  
          Guarantor    

Non-

Guarantor

    Intercompany        
    Issuer     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues

         

Oil sales

    $ 604,895         $ 125,332       $ 922         $ -          $ 731,149    

Gas sales

    5,990         204,482         -          -          210,472    

Other operating revenues

    505         2,973         -          -          3,478    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    611,390         332,787         922         -          945,099    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    168,736         96,410         -          -          265,146    

General and administrative

    41,377         24,790         639         -          66,806    

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

    89,631         125,229         146         78,865         293,871    

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -          313,167         475,990         (789,157)         -     

Other operating income

    -          (607)         -          -          (607)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    299,744         558,989         476,775         (710,292)         625,216    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

    311,646         (226,202)         (475,853)         710,292         319,883    

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (40,290)         (4)         -          40,294         -     

Interest expense

    (957)         (67,229)         (1,460)         -          (69,646)    

Loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    (32,084)         -          -          -          (32,084)    

Gain on investment measured at fair value

    110,561         -          -          -          110,561    

Other income (expense)

    695         956         (101)         -          1,550    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    349,571         (292,479)         (477,414)         750,586         330,264    

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (153,700)         108,434         167,140         (256,267)         (134,393)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 195,871         $ (184,045)         $ (310,274)         $ 494,319         $ 195,871    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 140,880     $ (744,196   $ (4,618   $ 766,906     $ 158,972  

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

          

Depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion and impairment

     181,949       1,161,525       268       (907,812     435,930  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     201,100       -        -        (201,100     -   

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     154,547       (356,498     (1,814     311,225       107,460  

Debt extinguishment costs

     939       -        -        -        939  

Gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts

     (112,733     -        -        -        (112,733

Loss on investment measured at fair value

     49,180       -        -        -        49,180  

Non-cash compensation

     21,485       4,744       -        -        26,229  

Other non-cash items

     2,542       518       -        -        3,060  

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

          

Accounts receivable and other assets

     (49,731     67,981       (4,960     -        13,290  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (26,166     (18,699     (15,141     -        (60,006

Income taxes receivable/payable

     8,635       -        -        -        8,635  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     572,627       115,375       (26,265     (30,781     630,956  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (606,657     (155,717     (61,906     -        (824,280

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

     (7,361     -        (12,780     -        (20,141

Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties, net of costs and expenses

     42,842       -        -        -        42,842  

Derivative settlements

     17,862       -        -        -        17,862  

Additions to other property and equipment

     (4,230     (1     (2,195     -        (6,426
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (557,544     (155,718     (76,881     -        (790,143
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Borrowings from revolving credit facilities

     4,334,675       -        -        -        4,334,675  

Repayments of revolving credit facilities

     (4,771,675     -        -        -        (4,771,675

Principal payments of long-term debt

     (156,182     -        -        -        (156,182

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

     750,000       -        -        -        750,000  

Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements

     (12,582     -        -        -        (12,582

Purchase of treasury stock

     (88,490     -        -        -        (88,490

Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest in the form of preferred stock of subsidiary

     -        -        (13,500     -        (13,500

Investment in and advances to affiliates

     (74,018     40,337       2,900       30,781       -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (18,272     40,337       (10,600     30,781       42,246  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,189     (6     (113,746     -        (116,941

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     3,189       6       415,903       -        419,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ -      $ -      $ 302,157     $ -      $ 302,157  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

31


Table of Contents

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 195,871     $ (184,045   $ (310,274   $ 494,319     $ 195,871  

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

          

Depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion and impairment

     89,631       438,396       476,136       (710,292     293,871  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     40,290       4       -        (40,294     -   

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

     (24,508     (44,787     (124,961     327,890       133,634  

Loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts

     32,084       -        -        -        32,084  

Gain on investment measured at fair value

     (110,561     -        -        -        (110,561

Non-cash compensation

     20,771       7,260       -        -        28,031  

Other non-cash items

     608       (977     67       -        (302

Change in assets and liabilities from operating
activities

          

Accounts receivable and other assets

     10,743       (33,567     1,354       -        (21,470

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (26,669     12,265       301       -        (14,103

Income taxes receivable/payable

     40,370       -        -        -        40,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     268,630       194,549       42,623       71,623       577,425  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (329,365     (403,651     (67,154     -        (800,170

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

     (7,086     (25,370     -        -        (32,456

Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties, net of costs and expenses

     11,987       -        -        -        11,987  

Derivative settlements

     (30,039     -        -        -        (30,039

Additions to other property and equipment

     (4,021     (443     (2,070     -        (6,534
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (358,524     (429,464     (69,224     -        (857,212
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Borrowings from revolving credit facilities

     2,679,200       -        -        -        2,679,200  

Repayments of revolving credit facilities

     (2,989,200     -        -        -        (2,989,200

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

     600,000       -        -        -        600,000  

Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements

     (11,320     -        -        -        (11,320

Investment in and advances to affiliates

     (190,011     234,914       26,720       (71,623     -   

Other

     4       -        -        -        4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     88,673       234,914       26,720       (71,623     278,684  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,221     (1     119       -        (1,103

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     6,020       8       406       -        6,434  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 4,799     $ 7     $ 525     $ -      $ 5,331  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following information should be read in connection with the information contained in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Company Overview

We are an independent energy company engaged in the upstream oil and gas business. The upstream business acquires, develops, explores for and produces oil and gas. Our upstream activities are located in the United States. We own oil and gas properties with principal operations in:

 

   

Onshore California;

 

   

Offshore California;

 

   

the Gulf Coast Region;

 

   

the Gulf of Mexico; and

 

   

the Rocky Mountains.

Assets in our principal focus areas include mature properties with long-lived reserves and significant development opportunities, as well as newer properties with development and exploration potential. We believe our balanced portfolio of assets and our ongoing risk management program position us well for both the current commodity price environment and future potential upside as we develop our attractive resource opportunities, including our California, Eagle Ford Shale, Haynesville Shale and Gulf of Mexico plays. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations, our senior revolving credit facility and periodic public offerings of debt and equity.

Our assets include 51.0 million shares of McMoRan common stock, approximately 31.6% of its common shares outstanding. We measure our equity investment at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on the investment are reported in our income statement and could result in volatility in our earnings. See Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Equity Price Risk.

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas, the success of our acquisition and drilling activities and the operational performance of our producing properties. We use various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk. This practice may prevent us from receiving the full advantage of increases in oil and gas prices above the maximum fixed amount specified in the derivative agreements and subjects us to the credit risk of the counterparties to such agreements. Since all of our derivative contracts are accounted for under mark-to-market accounting, we expect continued volatility in gains and losses on mark-to-market derivative contracts in our income statement as changes occur in the NYMEX and ICE price indices. The level of derivative activity depends on our view of market conditions, available derivative prices and our operating strategy. See Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Commodity Price Risk.

 

33


Table of Contents

Recent Developments

Debt Offering and Redemptions

In April 2012, we issued $750 million of 6 1/8% Senior Notes at par. We received approximately $737.5 million of net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including the redemption of $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes and $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes.

During the second quarter of 2012, we made payments totaling $80.8 million and $79.6 million to retire the 7 3/4% Senior Notes and the 7% Senior Notes, respectively. In connection with the retirement of the 7 3/4% Senior Notes and the 7% Senior Notes, we recorded $5.2 million of debt extinguishment costs.

Derivatives

During the second quarter of 2012, we entered into Brent crude oil put option spread contracts on 30,000 BOPD for 2014 with a floor price of $90 per barrel, a limit of $70 per barrel and weighted average deferred premium and interest of $5.594 per barrel. Additionally, we entered into natural gas swap contracts on 80,000 MMBtu per day for 2012 with an average price of $2.72 per MMBtu.

General

We follow the full cost method of accounting whereby all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized. Our revenues are derived from the sale of oil, gas and natural gas liquids. We recognize revenues when our production is sold and title is transferred. Our revenues are highly dependent upon the prices of, and demand for, oil and gas. The markets for oil and gas have historically been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. The prices we receive for our oil and gas and our levels of production are subject to wide fluctuations and depend on numerous factors beyond our control, including supply and demand, economic conditions, foreign imports, the actions of OPEC, political conditions in other oil-producing countries, and governmental regulation, legislation and policies. Under the SEC’s full cost accounting rules, we review the carrying value of our proved oil and gas properties each quarter. These rules generally require that we price our future oil and gas production at the twelve-month average first-day-of-the-month reference prices as adjusted for location and quality differentials to determine a ceiling value of our properties. These prices are utilized except where different prices are fixed and determinable from applicable contracts for the remaining term of those contracts, including derivative contracts that qualify and are designated for hedge accounting treatment. The derivative instruments we have in place are not classified as hedges for accounting purposes. The rules require an impairment if our capitalized costs exceed the allowed “ceiling”. At June 30, 2012, the ceiling with respect to our domestic oil and gas properties exceeded the net capitalized costs of those properties by approximately 28%.

 

34


Table of Contents

Given the volatility of oil and gas prices, it is likely that our estimate of discounted future net revenues from proved oil and gas reserves will change in the near term. If oil and gas prices decline in the future, impairments of our oil and gas properties could occur. Impairment charges required by these rules do not directly impact our cash flows from operating activities. As of July 2012, the twelve-month average of the first-day-of-the-month reference price for natural gas declined from $3.15 per MMBtu at June 30, 2012 to $3.02 per MMBtu and the comparable price for oil declined from $95.67 per Bbl at June 30, 2012 to $94.84 per Bbl.

Our oil and gas production expenses include salaries and benefits of personnel involved in production activities (including stock-based compensation), steam gas costs, electricity costs, maintenance costs, production, ad valorem and severance taxes, gathering and transportation costs and other costs necessary to operate our producing properties. DD&A for producing oil and gas properties is calculated using the units of production method based upon estimated proved reserves. For the purposes of computing DD&A, estimated proved reserves are redetermined as of the end of each year and on an interim basis when deemed necessary.

G&A consists primarily of salaries and related benefits of administrative personnel (including stock-based compensation), office rent, systems costs and other administrative costs.

Results Overview

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, we reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $140.9 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to net income of $195.9 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease primarily reflects a loss on our investment in McMoRan measured at fair value, increased DD&A and lower gas revenues partially offset by higher oil revenues and a gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts. Significant transactions that affect comparisons between the periods include the divestment of our Panhandle and South Texas properties in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

35


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following table reflects the components of our oil and gas production and sales prices and sets forth our operating revenues and costs and expenses on a BOE basis:

 

                                                                           
     Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Sales Volumes

           

Oil and liquids sales (MBbls)

     5,440        4,416        9,959        8,382  

Gas (MMcf)

           

Production

     21,398        27,405        42,692        51,635  

Used as fuel

     346        534        774        1,055  

Sales

     21,052        26,871        41,918        50,580  

MBOE

           

Production

     9,006        8,984        17,074        16,988  

Sales

     8,949        8,894        16,945        16,812  

Daily Average Volumes

           

Oil and liquids sales (Bbls)

     59,780        48,524        54,718        46,308  

Gas (Mcf)

           

Production

     235,142        301,162        234,572        285,280  

Used as fuel

     3,804        5,874        4,255        5,831  

Sales

     231,338        295,288        230,317        279,449  

BOE

           

Production

     98,970        98,718        93,814        93,855  

Sales

     98,336        97,739        93,105        92,883  

Unit Economics (in dollars)

           

Average Index Prices

           

ICE Brent Price per Bbl

   $ 108.73      $ 116.89      $ 113.57      $ 111.20  

NYMEX Price per Bbl

     93.35        102.34        98.15        98.50  

NYMEX Price per Mcf

     2.22        4.32        2.47        4.20  

Average Realized Sales Price

           

Before Derivative Transactions

           

Oil (per Bbl)

   $ 95.50      $ 90.42      $ 99.11      $ 87.23  

Gas (per Mcf)

     2.18        4.23        2.37        4.16  

Per BOE

     63.19        57.68        64.12        56.01  

Costs and Expenses per BOE

           

Production costs

           

Lease operating expenses

   $ 9.80      $ 9.23      $ 10.07      $ 9.19  

Steam gas costs

     1.09        1.90        1.23        1.94  

Electricity

     1.20        1.17        1.31        1.20  

Production and ad valorem taxes

     2.13        1.90        1.87        1.69  

Gathering and transportation

     2.13        1.89        2.08        1.76  

DD&A (oil and gas properties)

     27.21        16.28        24.58        16.28  

The following table reflects cash (payments) receipts made with respect to derivative contracts during the periods presented (in thousands):

 

                                                                           
     Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Oil derivatives

     $   (7,191)          $   (15,018)          $   (13,047)          $ (30,659)    

Natural gas derivatives

     15,732          -           30,909          620    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 8,541          $   (15,018)          $ 17,862          $   (30,039)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

Oil and gas revenues.     Oil and gas revenues increased $52.5 million, to $565.5 million for 2012 from $513.0 million for 2011, primarily due to higher oil sales volumes and average realized oil prices partially offset by lower average realized gas prices and gas sales volumes.

Oil revenues increased $120.2 million, to $519.5 million for 2012 from $399.3 million for 2011, reflecting higher sales volumes ($97.8 million) and higher average realized prices ($22.4 million). Oil sales volumes increased 11.3 MBbls per day to 59.8 MBbls per day in 2012 from 48.5 MBbls per day in 2011, primarily reflecting increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties, partially offset by a production decrease due to the divestment of our Panhandle properties in December 2011. Excluding the impact of our divestments, sales increased 17.2 MBbls per day in 2012. Our average realized price for oil increased $5.08 per Bbl to $95.50 per Bbl for 2012 from $90.42 per Bbl for 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to our new marketing contract effective January 1, 2012 for our California crude oil production that replaces the percent of NYMEX index pricing with a market based pricing approach. The average ICE Brent index price for 2012 was $108.73 per Bbl compared to the average NYMEX index price of $102.34 per Bbl for 2011.

Gas revenues decreased $67.7 million, to $46.0 million in 2012 from $113.7 million in 2011, primarily reflecting lower average realized prices ($55.0 million) and lower sales volumes ($12.7 million). Our average realized price for gas was $2.18 per Mcf in 2012 compared to $4.23 per Mcf in 2011. Gas sales volumes decreased 64.0 MMcf per day to 231.3 MMcf per day in 2012 from 295.3 MMcf per day in 2011, primarily reflecting our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011, partially offset by increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties. Excluding the impact of our divestments, sales increased 17.8 MMcf per day in 2012.

Lease operating expenses.     Lease operating expenses increased $5.6 million, to $87.7 million in 2012 from $82.1 million in 2011, reflecting increased production primarily at our Eagle Ford Shale properties and repairs and maintenance primarily at our California properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

Steam gas costs.     Steam gas costs decreased $7.2 million, to $9.7 million in 2012 from $16.9 million in 2011, primarily reflecting lower cost of gas used in steam generation. In 2012, we burned approximately 4.0 Bcf of natural gas at a cost of approximately $2.41 per MMBtu compared to 4.1 Bcf at a cost of approximately $4.13 per MMBtu in 2011.

Production and ad valorem taxes.     Production and ad valorem taxes increased $2.2 million, to $19.1 million in 2012 from $16.9 million in 2011, primarily reflecting increased production taxes due to increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

Gathering and transportation expense.     Gathering and transportation expenses increased $2.2 million, to $19.0 million in 2012 from $16.8 million in 2011, primarily reflecting an increase in production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

 

37


Table of Contents

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.     DD&A expense increased $99.9 million, to $250.7 million in 2012 from $150.8 million in 2011. The increase is attributable to our oil and gas depletion, primarily due to a higher per unit rate ($98.2 million). Our oil and gas unit of production rate increased to $27.21 per BOE in 2012 compared to $16.28 per BOE in 2011.

The increased DD&A rate is primarily due to the prolonged decrease in natural gas prices as some of our proved undeveloped reserves are no longer expected to be developed in the next five years. Additionally, the increase is due to impairment and transfer of certain unproved properties to cost subject to amortization.

Interest expense.     Interest expense increased $15.8 million, to $53.0 million in 2012 from $37.2 million in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in interest capitalized and greater average debt outstanding partially offset by lower average interest rates. Interest expense is net of interest capitalized on oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization but in the process of development. We capitalized $15.2 million and $33.5 million of interest in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decreased capitalized interest is primarily attributable to a lower unevaluated oil and gas property balance in 2012.

Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative contracts.     The derivative instruments we have in place are not classified as hedges for accounting purposes. Consequently, these derivative contracts are marked-to-market each quarter with fair value gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, recognized currently as a gain or loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts in our income statement. Cash flow is only impacted to the extent the actual settlements under the contracts result in making a payment to or receiving a payment from the counterparty.

We recognized a $221.8 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts in the second quarter of 2012, which was primarily associated with an increase in the fair value of our crude oil derivative contracts due to decreased forward prices. In the second quarter of 2011, we recognized a $18.9 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts.

Gain (loss) on investment measured at fair value.     At June 30, 2012, we owned 51.0 million shares of McMoRan common stock. We are deemed to exercise significant influence over the operating and investing policies of McMoRan but do not have control. We have elected to measure our equity investment in McMoRan at fair value, and the change in fair value of our investment is recognized as gain on investment measured at fair value in our income statement.

We recognized an $86.8 million gain in the second quarter of 2012 related to our McMoRan investment, which was primarily associated with an increase in McMoRan’s stock price. In the second quarter of 2011, we recognized a $43.3 million gain related to our McMoRan investment.

Income taxes.     For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, our income tax expense was approximately 40% and 41% of pre-tax income, respectively. The variance between these effective tax rates and the 35% federal statutory rate results from the tax effects of estimated annual permanent differences, including (i) expenses that are not deductible because of IRS limitations and (ii) state income taxes.

 

38


Table of Contents

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

Oil and gas revenues.     Oil and gas revenues increased $144.9 million, to $1.1 billion for 2012 from $941.6 million for 2011, primarily due to higher oil sales volumes and average realized oil prices partially offset by lower average realized gas prices and gas sales volumes.

Oil revenues increased $255.9 million, to $987.0 million for 2012 from $731.1 million for 2011, reflecting higher sales volumes ($156.3 million) and higher average realized prices ($99.6 million). Oil sales volumes increased 8.4 MBbls per day to 54.7 MBbls per day in 2012 from 46.3 MBbls per day in 2011, primarily reflecting increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties, partially offset by a production decrease due to the divestment of our Panhandle properties in December 2011. Excluding the impact of our divestments, sales increased 13.4 MBbls per day in 2012. Our average realized price for oil increased $11.88 per Bbl to $99.11 per Bbl for 2012 from $87.23 per Bbl for 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to our new marketing contract effective January 1, 2012 for our California crude oil production that replaces the percent of NYMEX index pricing with a market based pricing approach. The average ICE Brent index price for 2012 was $113.57 per Bbl compared to the average NYMEX index price of $98.50 per Bbl for 2011.

Gas revenues decreased $111.0 million, to $99.5 million in 2012 from $210.5 million in 2011, primarily reflecting lower average realized prices ($90.4 million) and lower sales volumes ($20.6 million). Our average realized price for gas was $2.37 per Mcf in 2012 compared to $4.16 per Mcf in 2011. Gas sales volumes decreased 49.1 MMcf per day to 230.3 MMcf per day in 2012 from 279.4 MMcf per day in 2011, primarily reflecting our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011, partially offset by increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties. Excluding the impact of our divestments, sales increased 23.1 MMcf per day in 2012.

Lease operating expenses.     Lease operating expenses increased $16.3 million, to $170.7 million in 2012 from $154.4 million in 2011, reflecting increased production primarily at our Eagle Ford Shale properties and higher well workovers and repairs and maintenance primarily at our California properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

Steam gas costs.     Steam gas costs decreased $11.8 million, to $20.8 million in 2012 from $32.6 million in 2011, primarily reflecting lower cost of gas used in steam generation. In 2012, we burned approximately 8.0 Bcf of natural gas at a cost of approximately $2.59 per MMBtu compared to 8.1 Bcf at a cost of approximately $4.01 per MMBtu in 2011.

Production and ad valorem taxes.     Production and ad valorem taxes increased $3.3 million, to $31.7 million in 2012 from $28.4 million in 2011, primarily reflecting increased production taxes due to increased production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

Gathering and transportation expenses.     Gathering and transportation expenses increased $5.7 million, to $35.3 million in 2012 from $29.6 million in 2011, primarily reflecting an increase in production from our Eagle Ford Shale properties and increased rates at our Haynesville Shale properties, partially offset by our Panhandle and South Texas properties divested in December 2011.

 

39


Table of Contents

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.     DD&A expense increased $143.1 million, to $428.4 million in 2012 from $285.3 million in 2011. The increase is attributable to our oil and gas depletion, primarily due to a higher per unit rate ($141.0 million). Our oil and gas unit of production rate was $24.58 per BOE in 2012 compared to $16.28 per BOE in 2011.

The increased DD&A rate is primarily due to the prolonged decrease in natural gas prices as some of our proved undeveloped reserves are no longer expected to be developed in the next five years. Additionally, the increase is due to impairment and transfer of certain unproved properties to cost subject to amortization.

Interest expense.     Interest expense increased $28.6 million, to $98.2 million in 2012 from $69.6 million in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in interest capitalized and greater average debt outstanding partially offset by lower average interest rates. Interest expense is net of interest capitalized on oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization but in the process of development. We capitalized $32.3 million and $64.6 million of interest in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decreased capitalized interest is primarily attributable to a lower unevaluated oil and gas property balance in 2012.

Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative contracts.     The derivative instruments we have in place are not classified as hedges for accounting purposes. Consequently, these derivative contracts are marked-to-market each quarter with fair value gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, recognized currently as a gain or loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts in our income statement. Cash flow is only impacted to the extent the actual settlements under the contracts result in making a payment to or receiving a payment from the counterparty.

We recognized a $112.7 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2012, which was primarily associated with an increase in the fair value of our crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts due to decreased forward prices. In the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized a $32.1 million loss related to mark-to-market derivative contracts.

Gain (loss) on investment measured at fair value.     At June 30, 2012, we owned 51.0 million shares of McMoRan common stock. We are deemed to exercise significant influence over the operating and investing policies of McMoRan but do not have control. We have elected to measure our equity investment in McMoRan at fair value, and the change in fair value of our investment is recognized as a gain or loss on investment measured at fair value in our income statement.

We recognized a $49.2 million loss in the six months ended June 30, 2012 related to our McMoRan investment, which was primarily associated with a decrease in McMoRan’s stock price. In the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized a $110.6 million gain related to our McMoRan investment.

Income taxes.     For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, our income tax expense was approximately 41% of pre-tax income. The variance between these effective tax rates and the 35% federal statutory rate results from the tax effects of estimated annual permanent differences, including (i) expenses that are not deductible because of IRS limitations and (ii) state income taxes.

 

40


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity may be affected by declines in oil and gas prices, an inability to access the capital and credit markets and the success of our commodity price risk management activities, which may subject us to the credit risk of the counterparties to these agreements. These situations may arise due to circumstances beyond our control, such as a general disruption of the financial markets and adverse economic conditions that cause substantial or extended declines in oil and gas prices. Volatility and disruption in the financial and credit markets may adversely affect the financial condition of lenders in our senior revolving credit facility, the counterparties to our commodity price risk management agreements, our insurers and our oil and natural gas purchasers, including those counterparties who may have exposure to certain European sovereign debt. These market conditions may adversely affect our liquidity by limiting our ability to access the capital and credit markets.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations, our senior revolving credit facility and periodic public offerings of debt and equity. At June 30, 2012, we had approximately $1.1 billion available for future secured borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility, which had commitments and a borrowing base of $1.4 billion and approximately $2.3 billion, respectively. At June 30, 2012, Plains Offshore had $300 million available for future secured borrowings under its senior credit facility.

Under the terms of our senior revolving credit facility, the borrowing base will be redetermined on an annual basis, with us and the lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination and adjusted based on our oil and gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other factors. Our next scheduled redetermination will be on or before May 1, 2013. Declines in oil and gas prices may adversely affect our liquidity by lowering the amount of the borrowing base that lenders are willing to extend.

The commitments of each lender to make loans to us are several and not joint under our senior revolving credit facility. Accordingly, if any lender fails to make loans to us, our available liquidity could be reduced by an amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitments under the credit facility. At June 30, 2012, the commitments are from a diverse syndicate of 21 lenders and no single lender’s commitment represents more than 9% of the total commitments.

In April 2012, we issued $750 million of 6 1/8% Senior Notes and received approximately $737.5 million of net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including the redemption of $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes and $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes. See Financing Activities.

 

41


Table of Contents

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas, the success of our acquisition and drilling activities and the operational performance of our producing properties. We use various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk. This practice may prevent us from receiving the full advantage of increases in oil and gas prices above the maximum fixed amount specified in the derivative agreements and subjects us to the credit risk of the counterparties to such agreements. The level of derivative activity depends on our view of market conditions, available derivative prices and our operating strategy. See Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Commodity Price Risk.

We have made and will continue to make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition, development and exploration of oil and gas. Our 2012 capital budget is approximately $1.6 billion, including capitalized interest and general and administrative expenses. We intend to fund our 2012 capital budget from internally generated funds and borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility, with the portion of our 2012 budget related to Plains Offshore being funded with cash on hand. In addition, we could curtail the portion of our capital expenditures that is discretionary if our cash flows decline from expected levels.

We believe that we have sufficient liquidity through our forecasted cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity under our senior revolving credit facility, cash on hand and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility to meet our short-term and long-term normal recurring operating needs, derivative obligations, debt service obligations, contingencies, anticipated capital expenditures and preferred stock dividends of Plains Offshore. We have no near-term debt maturities. Our senior revolving credit facility matures on May 4, 2016 and the earliest maturity of our senior notes will occur on March 1, 2016.

Working Capital

At June 30, 2012, we had working capital of approximately $643.9 million, primarily due to the current asset classification of our investment in the McMoRan common shares and cash on hand from the Plains Offshore preferred stock transaction in November 2011. Our working capital fluctuates for various reasons, including the fair value of our investment, commodity derivative instruments, deferred taxes and stock-based compensation.

Financing Activities

Senior Revolving Credit Facility.     In February 2012, our borrowing base was increased from $1.8 billion to approximately $2.3 billion until the next scheduled redetermination date on or before May 1, 2013. The commitments remained unchanged at $1.4 billion. The borrowing base will be redetermined on an annual basis, with us and the lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination, and adjusted based on our oil and gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other factors. We are required, among other things, to make a mandatory prepayment if the combined total borrowings under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility exceed the borrowing base. Additionally, our senior revolving credit facility contains a $250 million limit on letters of credit and a $50 million commitment for swingline loans. At June 30, 2012, we had $298.0 million in outstanding borrowings and $1.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility. The daily average outstanding balance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $389.3 million and $613.9 million, respectively.

 

42


Table of Contents

Amounts borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility bear an interest rate, at our election, equal to either: (i) the Eurodollar rate, which is based on LIBOR, plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%; (ii) a variable amount ranging from 0.50% to 1.50% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, as determined by JPMorgan Chase Bank, (2) the federal funds rate, plus   1/2 of 1%, and (3) the adjusted LIBOR plus 1%; or (iii) the overnight federal funds rate plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50% for swingline loans. The additional variable amount of interest payable is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of (a) the total amount of funds borrowed under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility and (b) the borrowing base under our senior revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees under our senior revolving credit facility are based on the utilization rate and range from 1.50% to 2.50%. Commitment fees range from 0.375% to 0.50% of amounts available for borrowing.

Our senior revolving credit facility is secured by 100% of the shares of stock in certain of our domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the shares of stock in certain foreign subsidiaries and mortgages covering at least 75% of the total present value of our domestic proved oil and gas properties. Our senior revolving credit facility contains negative covenants that limit our ability, as well as the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional debt, pay dividends on stock, make distributions of cash or property, change the nature of our business or operations, redeem stock or redeem subordinated debt, make investments, create liens, enter into leases, sell assets, sell capital stock of subsidiaries, guarantee other indebtedness, enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries, enter into certain types of swap agreements, enter into take-or-pay or other prepayment arrangements, merge or consolidate and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of debt to EBITDAX (as defined) of no greater than 4.50 to 1.

Plains Offshore Senior Credit Facility.     The aggregate commitments of the lenders under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are $300 million. The Plains Offshore senior credit facility contains a $50 million limit on letters of credit and matures on November 18, 2016. At June 30, 2012, Plains Offshore had no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under its senior credit facility.

Amounts borrowed under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility bear an interest rate, at Plains Offshore’s election, equal to either: (i) the Eurodollar rate, which is based on LIBOR, plus an additional variable amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%; or (ii) a variable amount ranging from 0.50% to 1.50% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, as determined by JPMorgan Chase Bank, (2) the federal funds rate, plus  1/2 of 1%, and (3) the adjusted LIBOR plus 1%. The additional variable amount of interest payable is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of (a) the total amount of funds borrowed under both our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility and (b) the borrowing base under our senior revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are based on the utilization rate and range from 1.50% to 2.50%. Commitment fees range from 0.375% to 0.50% of amounts available for borrowing.

The borrowings under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility are guaranteed on a senior basis by PXP and certain of our subsidiaries, and are secured on a pari passu basis by liens on the same collateral that secures PXP’s senior revolving credit facility. The Plains Offshore senior credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including limiting Plains Offshore’s ability, among other things, to create liens, incur other indebtedness, make dividends (excluding dividends on preferred stock) or other distributions, make investments, change the nature of Plains Offshore’s business and merge or consolidate, sell assets, enter into certain types of swap agreements and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, as well as other customary events of default, including a cross-default to PXP’s senior revolving credit facility. If an event of default (as defined in our senior revolving credit facility) has occurred and is continuing under our senior revolving credit facility that has not been cured or waived by the lenders thereunder then the Plains Offshore lenders could accelerate and demand repayment of the Plains Offshore senior credit facility.

 

43


Table of Contents

Short-term Credit Facility.     We have an uncommitted short-term unsecured credit facility, or short-term facility, under which we may make borrowings from time to time, until June 1, 2013, not to exceed at any time the maximum principal amount of $75.0 million. No advance under the short-term facility may have a term exceeding 14 days and all amounts outstanding are due and payable no later than June 1, 2013. Each advance under the short-term facility shall bear interest at a rate per annum mutually agreed on by the bank and us.

We borrow under our short-term facility to fund our working capital needs. The funding requirements are typically generated due to the timing differences between payments and receipts associated with our oil and gas production. We generally pay off the short-term facility with receipts from the sales of our oil and gas production or borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the short-term facility at June 30, 2012. The daily average outstanding balance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $48.8 million and $45.9 million, respectively.

6  1/8% Senior Notes.     In April 2012, we issued $750 million of 6 1/8% Senior Notes at par. We received approximately $737.5 million of net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including the redemption of $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes and $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes. We may redeem all or part of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes on or after June 15, 2016 at specified redemption prices and prior to such date at a “make-whole” redemption price. In addition, prior to June 15, 2015 we may at our option, redeem up to 35% of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In the event of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the 6 1/8% Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The 6 1/8% Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations. They are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries. In the future, the guarantees may be released or terminated under the following circumstances: (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that subsidiary guarantor; (ii) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all the capital stock of a subsidiary guarantor; (iii) if designated to be an unrestricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; (v) upon the liquidation or dissolution of such subsidiary guarantor provided no default or event of default has occurred or is continuing; or (vi) at such time as such subsidiary guarantor does not have outstanding any guarantee of any of our or any of our subsidiary guarantor’s indebtedness (other than the notes) in excess of $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount. The 6 1/8% Senior Notes rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness; pari passu in right of payment with any of our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not by its terms subordinated to the 6 1/8% Senior Notes; effectively junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our senior revolving credit facility and the Plains Offshore senior credit facility, to the extent of our assets constituting collateral securing that indebtedness; and effectively subordinate to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (other than indebtedness and liabilities owed to us) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, including indebtedness under the Plains Offshore senior credit facility, which we guarantee, and the shares of preferred stock issued by Plains Offshore.

 

44


Table of Contents

Redemption of 7 3/4% Senior Notes and 7% Senior Notes.    During the second quarter of 2012, we redeemed the remaining $79.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes at 101.938% of the principal amount and the remaining $76.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7% Senior Notes at 103.500% of the principal amount. We made payments totaling $80.8 million and $79.6 million to retire the 7 3/4% Senior Notes and the 7% Senior Notes, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized $5.2 million of debt extinguishment costs, including $0.9 million of unamortized debt issue costs in connection with the retirement of these Senior Notes.

Cash Flows

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011  
     (in millions)  

Cash provided by (used in):

     

Operating activities

   $     631.0       $     577.4   

Investing activities

     (790.1)         (857.2)   

Financing activities

     42.2         278.7   

Net cash provided by operating activities was $631.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $577.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase primarily reflects higher oil sales volumes and average realized oil prices.

Net cash used in investing activities of $790.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 primarily reflects additions to oil and gas properties of approximately $824.3 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our Panhandle properties of approximately $43.4 million. Net cash used in investing activities of $857.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 primarily reflects additions to oil and gas properties of $800.2 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities of $42.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 primarily reflects proceeds from the $750 million offering of 6 1/8% Senior Notes partially offset by the net reduction in borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility of $437.0 million, the redemption of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes and our 7% Senior Notes and $88.5 million of treasury stock repurchases. Net cash provided by financing activities of $278.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 primarily reflects proceeds from the $600 million offering of 6 5/8% Senior Notes partially offset by the net reduction in borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility of $310.0 million.

Stock Repurchase Program

Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of our common stock. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. In January 2012, we repurchased 2.4 million common shares at an average cost of $37.02 per share, totaling $88.5 million. Subsequent to these repurchases, our Board of Directors reset the authorization to $1.0 billion of PXP common stock, all of which is available for repurchase, and extended the program until January 2016.

 

45


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Oil and Natural Gas Properties Not Subject to Amortization.     The cost of unproved oil and natural gas properties are excluded from amortization until the properties are evaluated. Costs are transferred into the amortization base on an ongoing basis as the properties are evaluated and proved reserves are established or impairment is determined. Unproved properties are assessed periodically, at least annually, to determine whether impairment has occurred. We assess properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. The assessment considers the following factors, among others: intent to drill, remaining lease term, geological and geophysical evaluations, drilling results and activity, the assignment of proved reserves and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. During any period in which these factors indicate an impairment, the cumulative drilling costs incurred to date for such property and all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and are then subject to amortization. The transfer of costs into the amortization base involves a significant amount of judgment and may be subject to changes over time based on our drilling plans and results, geological and geophysical evaluations, the assignment of proved reserves, availability of capital, and other factors. The timing of these transfers into our amortization base impacts our DD&A rate and full cost ceiling test.

During the first quarter of 2012, due to low natural gas prices, our assessment of the unproved property in the Haynesville Shale area indicated an impairment and accumulated costs of approximately $483 million were transferred to the full cost pool.

Management makes many estimates and assumptions in the application of generally accepted accounting principles that may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and on the comparability of such information over different reporting periods. All such estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions are based on information available prior to the issuance of the financial statements. Changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new information may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ from these estimates. Critical accounting policies related to oil and gas reserves, impairments of oil and gas properties, DD&A, commodity pricing and risk management activities, investment, stock-based compensation, allocation of purchase price in business combinations, goodwill and income taxes are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position as well as financial instruments and transactions subject to agreements similar to master netting arrangements. The additional disclosures will enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and will primarily impact our disclosures associated with our commodity derivative instruments. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

 

46


Table of Contents

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking information regarding Plains Exploration & Production Company that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “plans”, “likely”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “believes”, “estimates”, “thinks”, “may”, and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, there are risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:

 

   

uncertainties inherent in the development and production of oil and gas and in estimating reserves;

 

   

unexpected difficulties in integrating our operations as a result of any significant acquisitions;

 

   

unexpected future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof);

 

   

impact of oil and gas price fluctuations, including the impact on our reserve volumes and values and on our earnings;

 

   

the effects of our indebtedness, which could adversely restrict our ability to operate, could make us vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt, and could have other adverse consequences;

 

   

the success of our derivative activities;

 

   

the success of our risk management activities;

 

   

the effects of competition;

 

   

the availability (or lack thereof) of acquisition, disposition or combination opportunities;

 

   

the availability (or lack thereof) of capital to fund our business strategy and/or operations;

 

   

the impact of current and future laws and governmental regulations, including those related to climate change and hydraulic fracturing;

 

   

the effects of future laws and governmental regulation that result from the Macondo accident and oil spill in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico;

 

   

the value of the common stock of McMoRan and our ability to dispose of those shares;

 

   

liabilities that are not covered by an effective indemnity or insurance;

 

   

the ability and willingness of our current or potential counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us or to enter into transactions with us in the future; and

 

   

general economic, market, industry or business conditions.

All forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, and you should not place undue reliance on these statements without also considering the risks and uncertainties associated with these statements and our business that are discussed in this report and our other filings with the SEC. Moreover, although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that we will attain these expectations or that any deviations will not be material. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements and information except as required by law. See our filings with the SEC, including Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

47


Table of Contents
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Commodity Price Risk

Our primary market risk is oil and gas commodity prices. The markets for oil and gas have historically been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. We use various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk on sales of oil and gas production. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as a hedge or is not designated as a hedge, the changes in fair value, both realized and unrealized, are recognized currently in our income statement as a gain or loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts. Cash flows are only impacted to the extent the actual settlements under the contracts result in making a payment to or receiving a payment from the counterparty. The derivative instruments we have in place are not classified as hedges for accounting purposes.

The fair value amounts of our put and collar derivative instruments are estimated using an option-pricing model, which uses various inputs including NYMEX and ICE price quotations, volatilities, interest rates and contract terms. We adjust the valuations from the model for credit quality, using the counterparties’ credit quality for asset balances and our credit quality for liability balances. For asset balances, we use the credit default swap value for counterparties when available or the spread between the risk-free interest rate and the yield on the counterparties’ publicly traded debt for similar maturities. We consider the impact of netting agreements on counterparty credit risk, including whether the position with the counterparty is a net asset or net liability. Our Level 3 commodity derivative contracts represent 71% of the total commodity derivative contracts assets and liabilities’ fair value.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our commodity derivative contracts are implied volatilities. Significant increases (decreases) in implied volatilities in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

See Note 3 – Commodity Derivative Contracts and Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities in the accompanying financial statements for a discussion of our derivative activities and fair value measurements.

 

48


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding commodity derivative contracts, all of which settle monthly:

 

                   Average    
     Instrument    Daily    Average   Deferred    

Period

  

Type

  

Volumes

  

Price (1)

 

Premium

 

Index

Sales of Crude Oil Production

      

2012

            

Jul - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    40,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit   -   Brent
         $120.00 Ceiling    

2013

            

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    17,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit   $6.253 per Bbl   Brent

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    13,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit   $6.800 per Bbl   Brent

Jan - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    25,000 Bbls    $100.00 Floor with an $80.00 Limit   -   Brent
         $124.29 Ceiling    

Jan - Dec

   Three-way collars (2)    5,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit   -   Brent
         $126.08 Ceiling    

2014

            

Jan - Dec

   Put options (3)    50,000 Bbls    $90.00 Floor with a $70.00 Limit   $5.979 per Bbl   Brent
            

Sales of Natural Gas Production

      

2012

            

Jul - Dec

   Put options (4)    120,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit   $0.298 per MMBtu   Henry Hub

Jul - Dec

   Three-way collars (5)    40,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit   -   Henry Hub
         $4.86 Ceiling    

Jul - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    80,000 MMBtu    $2.72   -   Henry Hub

2013

            

Jan - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    110,000 MMBtu    $4.27   -   Henry Hub

2014

            

Jan - Dec

   Swap contracts (6)    100,000 MMBtu    $4.09   -   Henry Hub

 

(1)

The average strike prices do not reflect any premiums to purchase the put options.

(2)

If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel. We pay the difference between the index price and the per barrel ceiling if the index price is greater than the per barrel ceiling. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor but at or below the per barrel ceiling, no cash settlement is required.

(3)

If the index price is less than the per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per barrel floor, we pay only the option premium.

(4)

If the index price is less than the per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.30 per MMBtu less the option premium. If the index price is at or above the per MMBtu floor, we pay only the option premium.

(5)

If the index price is less than the per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.30 per MMBtu. We pay the difference between the index price and the per MMBtu ceiling if the index price is greater than the per MMBtu ceiling. If the index price is at or above the per MMBtu floor but at or below the per MMBtu ceiling, no cash settlement is required.

(6)

If the index price is less than the fixed price, we receive the difference between the fixed price and the index price. We pay the difference between the index price and the fixed price if the index price is greater than the fixed price.

 

49


Table of Contents

The fair value of outstanding crude oil and natural gas commodity derivative instruments at June 30, 2012 and the change in fair value that would be expected from a 10% price increase or decrease is shown below (in millions):

 

            Effect of 10%  
       Fair Value        Price      Price  
     Asset        Increase          Decrease    

Crude oil puts

     $           189           $       (165)           $       (51)     

Crude oil collars

     82           (85)           89     

Natural gas puts

     24           (9)           (5)     

Natural gas collars

     8           (1)           1     

Natural gas swaps

     29           (32)           32     
     $ 332           $      (292)           $ 66     

None of our offsetting physical positions are included in the above table. Price risk sensitivities were calculated by assuming an across-the-board 10% increase or decrease in price regardless of term or historical relationships between the contractual price of the instruments and the underlying commodity price.

Our management intends to continue to maintain derivative arrangements for a portion of our production. These contracts may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances. Our derivative arrangements provide us protection on the volumes if prices decline below the prices at which these derivatives are set, but ceiling prices in our derivatives may cause us to receive less revenue on the volumes than we would receive in the absence of derivatives.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk because we own an equity investment in McMoRan common stock. See Note 4 – Investment and Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities in the accompanying financial statements for a discussion of our equity investment. At June 30, 2012, the investment, comprised of 51.0 million shares of McMoRan common stock, was valued at approximately $562.5 million. A 10% change in the underlying equity market price per share would result in a $56.3 million increase or decrease in the fair value of our investment, recognized in the income statement.

We determine the fair value of our investment by discounting for lack of marketability at the reporting date. The discount factor for lack of marketability is determined by utilizing both Protective put and Asian put option models. Both of these options are valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model which utilizes various inputs including the closing price of the McMoRan common stock, implied volatility of the instrument, number of shares being valued, length of time that would be necessary to dispose of our investment, expected dividend and risk-free interest rates. As of June 30, 2012, we classified our investment as Level 3 since the fair value is determined by utilizing significant inputs that are unobservable.

Implied volatility associated with the common stock of McMoRan is a significant unobservable input used in the determination of the discount for lack of marketability of our investment measured at fair value. Significant increases (decreases) in volatility in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) discount factor for lack of marketability. Additionally, another significant unobservable input, the expected term of our investment, impacts the discount factor for lack of marketability. Significant increases (decreases) in the expected term in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) discount factor for lack of marketability. A higher discount factor would result in a lower fair value measurement of our investment.

 

50


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer believe that the disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2012 were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

51


Table of Contents

PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

      4.1  

Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 27, 2012, to the Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2007, among Plains Exploration & Production Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors parties thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (including form of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 27, 2012, File No. 1-31470).

      31.1*   Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer.
      31.2*   Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer.
      32.1**   Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer.
      32.2**   Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer.
      101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
      101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
      101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
      101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
      101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
      101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

      *

Filed herewith

      **

Furnished herewith

Items 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

 

52


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

 

 

  PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY
Date: August 2, 2012   By:  

 

 

/s/ Winston M. Talbert

    Winston M. Talbert
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

53


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

      4.1  

Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 27, 2012, to the Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2007, among Plains Exploration & Production Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors parties thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (including form of the 6 1/8% Senior Notes) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 27, 2012, File No. 1-31470).

      31.1*   Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer.
      31.2*   Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer.
      32.1**   Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer.
      32.2**   Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer.
      101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
      101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
      101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
      101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
      101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
      101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

      *   Filed herewith
      **   Furnished herewith

 

54