EX-99.1 2 j1899401exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1
 

Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINN ENERGY ANNOUNCES 2005 FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS AND 2006 GUIDANCE
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 6, 2006 – Linn Energy, LLC (Nasdaq: LINE) today announced financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2005. Full-year 2005 highlights include:
    Total reserves up 61% to 193.2 Bcfe, from 119.8 Bcfe in 2004
 
    Total production up 54% to 4.8 Bcfe, from 3.1 Bcfe in 2004
 
    Total wells up 64% to 2,114, from 1,286 in 2004
 
    Annual wells drilled up 22% to 110, from 90 wells in 2004
“We are pleased to announce double-digit year-over-year growth in our reserve volumes, production volumes, total wells and drilling program,” said Michael C. Linn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Linn Energy. “We continued our acquisitions growth strategy by completing three acquisitions of natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin for over $125 million, which added 718 producing wells. In addition, we achieved a significant milestone in January 2006 with the completion of our initial public offering. We believe our competitive strengths and the execution of our business strategy will enable us to deliver value to our unitholders.”
Fourth Quarter 2005 Results
For the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company produced approximately 1.6 Bcfe, of which approximately 97% was natural gas, representing an increase of 57% from 1.0 Bcfe for the same period in 2004. Average daily production for the quarter was 17.4 MMcfe/d, up 57% from 11.1 MMcfe/d for the fourth quarter of 2004. The increase in production was attributable to the increased levels of drilling and the acquisitions of additional wells during 2005.
Natural gas and oil revenues were $20.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2005, up 189% from $7.0 million for the same period in 2004. Additionally, the Company incurred a realized loss on natural gas derivatives of $5.6 million and $1.3 million for the fourth quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in revenues was driven by higher production levels and higher realized natural gas and oil prices in the fourth quarter of 2005 relative to the fourth quarter of 2004.
The weighted average realized natural gas and oil price was $8.45/Mcfe, including effects of hedges, for the fourth quarter of 2005, as compared to $5.75/Mcfe for the same period in 2004. For the fourth quarters of 2005 and 2004, Linn Energy hedged approximately 84% and 75%, respectively, of the Company’s natural gas production at weighted average prices of $7.74/Mcf and $5.49/Mcf, respectively.
Operating expenses totaled $2.2 million, or $1.39/Mcfe, for the fourth quarter of 2005, as compared to $1.1 million, or $1.06/Mcfe, for the fourth quarter of 2004. The increase in operating expenses was attributable to the increased levels of drilling and the acquisitions of additional wells during 2005.
General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million, or $0.86/Mcfe, for the fourth quarter of 2005, as compared to $0.5 million, or $0.51/Mcfe, for the fourth quarter of 2004. The increase was attributable to the Company’s rapidly growing operations and increased staffing levels to manage the additional wells drilled and acquired, and to perform the functions associated with being a public company.
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $6.9 million, up 57% from $4.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004
Adjusted earnings before interest; income taxes; depreciation, depletion and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $11.6 million, up 176% from $4.2 million for the same period in 2004. “Distributable Cash Flow” for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $8.7 million, up 149% from $3.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2004. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures that are

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reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measure under the heading “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.
Full-Year 2005 Results
Total reserves increased 61% to 193.2 Bcfe in 2005 from 119.8 Bcfe in 2004, with natural gas representing over 99% of reserves in both years. For the year 2005, the Company produced approximately 4.8 Bcfe, of which approximately 98% was natural gas, representing an increase of 54% from 3.1 Bcfe in 2004. The increases in reserves and production were attributable to the increased levels of drilling and the acquisitions of additional wells during 2005 and 2004.
Wells drilled increased by 22% to 110 wells in 2005 from 90 wells in 2004. The Company’s total drilling locations also increased to 905 (373 proved undeveloped locations and 532 other locations) from 696 (235 proved undeveloped locations and 461 other locations) in 2004. “We operate in the Appalachian Basin, where stable and relatively predictable geological formations allow us to increase our active drilling program while maintaining or increasing our inventory of drilling locations,” said Mr. Linn. “When we drill a proved undeveloped location, we are typically able to book additional proved undeveloped locations nearby.”
Natural gas and oil revenues were $44.6 million in 2005, up 110% from $21.2 million in 2004. Additionally, the Company incurred a realized loss on natural gas derivatives of $51.4 million and $2.2 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively, $38.3 million of which in 2005 was related to the cancellation of natural gas swaps as discussed below. The increase in revenues was driven by increased production as a result of a full year of operations from two acquisitions completed in 2004, three acquisitions completed in 2005, as well as the drilling of 110 wells during 2005 and 90 wells during 2004, and higher natural gas and oil prices during the year. During 2005, Linn Energy cancelled (before their original settlement date) a portion of out-of-the-money natural gas hedges and realized a loss of $38.3 million. The Company subsequently hedged similar volumes at higher prices. Unrealized losses on hedges were also recorded in the amounts of $24.8 million and $8.8 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The weighted average realized natural gas and oil price was $6.97/Mcfe, including effects of hedges, for 2005, as compared to $6.27/Mcfe for 2004. For 2005 and 2004, Linn Energy hedged approximately 84% and 72%, respectively, of the Company’s natural gas production at weighted average prices of $6.36/Mcf and $5.32/Mcf, respectively.
Operating expenses increased to $6.8 million, or $1.41/Mcfe, in 2005 from $5.5 million, or $1.74/Mcfe, in 2004, due to the increase in the number of wells as a result of the two acquisitions completed in 2004 and the three acquisitions completed in 2005, as well as the drilling of 110 wells during 2005 and 90 wells during 2004, and increased severance and ad valorem taxes resulting from higher natural gas and oil prices during the year.
General and administrative expenses increased to $3.7 million, or $0.76/Mcfe, in 2005 from $1.6 million, or $0.51/Mcfe, in 2004. The increase is attributable to the Company’s rapidly growing operations and increasing the staffing level to manage the active drilling program and to perform the functions associated with being a public company. At December 31, 2005, the Company had 104 employees, as compared to 45 employees at December 31, 2004.
Net loss in 2005 was $56.0 million, compared to a net loss of $4.0 million in 2004, principally due to the accounting for hedging transactions as described above.
Adjusted EBITDA for 2005 was $21.8 million, up 79% from $12.2 million in 2004. Distributable Cash Flow for 2005 was $15.3 million, up 49% from $10.3 million in 2004. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures that are reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measure under the heading “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

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Guidance for 2006
See the Guidance Table included in this press release for guidance estimates for 2006. These estimates, including capital expenditure plans, are meant to provide guidance only and are subject to revision as the Company’s operating environment changes.
Conference Call
As previously announced, a conference call and webcast, at which management will discuss 2005 results and the outlook for 2006, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. Prepared remarks by Michael C. Linn, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kolja Rockov, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be followed by a question and answer period. Further details concerning the call are available on the internet at www.linnenergy.com. A replay of the call will also be available on the Company’s website for a seven-day period following the call.
ABOUT LINN ENERGY
Linn Energy is an independent natural gas company focused on the development and acquisition of natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin, primarily in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Virginia. More information about Linn Energy is available on the internet at www.linnenergy.com.
CONTACT:   Kolja Rockov, EVP & CFO
Linn Energy, LLC
412-440-1479
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the Company, including as to the Company’s drilling program, production, hedging activities, capital expenditure levels and other guidance included in this press release. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks relating to financial performance and results, availability of sufficient cash flow to pay distributions and execute our business plan, prices and demand for natural gas, our ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop and exploit our current reserves and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(Financial Summary Follows)

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Linn Energy, LLC
Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release and the accompanying schedules include the non-generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) financial measures of “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Distributable Cash Flow.” The accompanying schedules provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to GAAP measures, such as net income, operating income or any other GAAP measure of liquidity or financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are significant performance metrics used by management to indicate (prior to the establishment of any reserves by the board of directors) the cash distributions the Company expects to pay unitholders. Specifically, these financial measures indicate to investors whether or not the Company is generating operating cash flow at a level that can sustain or support an increase in quarterly distribution rates. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are also quantitative standards used throughout the investment community with respect to publicly-traded partnerships and limited liability companies as metrics of core profitability or to assess the financial performance of assets.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus interest expense; depreciation, depletion and amortization; write-off of deferred financing fees; (gain) loss on sale of assets; (gain) loss from equity investment; accretion of asset retirement obligation; unrealized (gain) loss on natural gas derivatives; realized (gain) loss on cancelled natural gas derivatives; and income tax (benefit) provision. Distributable Cash Flow is defined as Adjusted EBITDA less cash interest expense.
                                 
    Three Months        
    Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2005     2004     2005  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
            (in thousands)          
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,380     $ 6,889     $ (3,978 )   $ (55,967 )
Plus:
                               
Interest expense
    594       3,758       3,530       7,040  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    1,341       3,322       3,749       7,058  
Write-off of deferred financing fees
                      364  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
    22       (4 )     33       39  
Loss from equity investment
    14             56       17  
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
    24       48       73       172  
Unrealized (gain) loss on natural gas derivatives
    (2,126 )     (2,013 )     8,765       24,776  
Realized loss on cancelled natural gas derivatives
                      38,281  
Income tax (benefit) provision
          (377 )           7  
 
     
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 4,249     $ 11,623     $ 12,228     $ 21,787  
 
     
Less:
                               
Cash interest expense
    (772 )     (2,914 )     (1,960 )     (6,510 )
 
     
Distributable Cash Flow
  $ 3,477     $ 8,709     $ 10,268     $ 15,277  
 
     

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Linn Energy, LLC
Operating Statistics
                                 
    Three Months        
    Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2005     2004     2005  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Net production
                               
Total (MMcfe)
    1,019       1,599       3,133       4,839  
Average daily production (MMcfe/d)
    11.1       17.4       8.6       13.3  
 
                               
Commodity prices
                               
Weighted average hedged natural gas price (Mcf)
  $ 5.49     $ 7.74     $ 5.32     $ 6.36  
Percent hedged (of total volumes)
    75 %     84 %     72 %     84 %
 
                               
Weighted average realized natural gas price (Mcf)
  $ 5.71     $ 8.42     $ 6.26     $ 6.92  
Weighted average realized oil price (Bbl)
    58.00       57.82       40.78       52.41  
 
                               
Weighted average realized price (Mcfe)
  $ 5.75     $ 8.45     $ 6.27     $ 6.97  
 
                               
Per unit of production data
                               
Revenue / Mcfe
  $ 5.75     $ 8.45     $ 6.27     $ 6.97  
 
                               
LOE and other / Mcfe
    0.94       1.22       1.59       1.25  
Production taxes / Mcfe
    0.12       0.17       0.15       0.16  
 
     
Operating expenses / Mcfe
    1.06       1.39       1.74       1.41  
 
                               
G&A / Mcfe
    0.51       0.86       0.51       0.76  
Adjusted EBITDA / Mcfe
    4.17       7.27       3.90       4.50  
Distributable Cash Flow / Mcfe
    3.41       5.45       3.28       3.16  
 
                               
Wells drilled
                               
Operated wells
    16       32       84       104  
Non-operated wells
                6       6  
 
     
Total wells
    16       32       90       110  
 
                               
Average capitalized cost per operated well (in thousands)
  $ 211     $ 227     $ 213     $ 227  

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Linn Energy, LLC
Reserve Summary
The following tables show estimated net proved reserves, based on reserve reports prepared by Schlumberger Data and Consulting Services, an independent engineering firm:
                 
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
    2004     2005  
Estimated net proved reserves
               
Natural gas (Bcf)
    118.9       191.9  
Oil (MMBbls)
    0.1       0.2  
 
     
Total (Bcfe)
    119.8       193.2  
 
     
 
               
Proved developed reserves (Bcfe)
    74.4       125.2  
Proved undeveloped reserves (Bcfe)
    45.4       68.0  
 
               
Proved developed as % of total proved reserves
    62.1 %     64.8 %
Natural gas as % of total proved reserves
    99.3 %     99.3 %
 
               
Standardized Measure (in millions)
  $ 215.0     $ 552.1  
 
               
Underlying NYMEX natural gas price (Mcf)
  $ 6.18     $ 10.08  
Underlying NYMEX oil price (Bbl)
    43.36       57.98  
 
               
Drilling locations
               
Proved undeveloped locations
    235       373  
Other locations
    461       532  
 
     
Total locations
    696       905  
 
     

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Linn Energy, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    As of  
    December 31,  
    2004     2005  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 2,188     $ 11,041  
Receivables
    4,890       16,939  
Prepaid and other current assets
    347       5,939  
 
     
Total current assets
    7,425       33,919  
 
     
Natural gas and oil properties
    101,682       251,379  
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (4,560 )     (11,102 )
 
     
 
    97,122       240,277  
 
     
Property, plant and equipment
    1,549       3,016  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (162 )     (491 )
 
     
 
    1,387       2,525  
 
     
Other assets
    577       3,427  
 
     
Total assets
  $ 106,511     $ 280,148  
 
     
 
               
Liabilities and Members’ Capital (Deficit)
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 3,027     $ 4,668  
Subordinated term loan
          59,501  
Accrued interest
    411       1,448  
Other liabilities
    6,615       19,424  
Current portion of notes payable
    58       113  
 
     
Total current liabilities
    10,111       85,154  
 
     
Long-term liabilities:
               
Long-term notes payable
    540       695  
Other long-term liabilities
    12,939       33,436  
Credit facility
    72,210       206,119  
 
     
Total long-term liabilities
    85,689       240,250  
 
     
Total liabilities
    95,800       325,404  
Members’ capital (deficit):
               
Members’ capital
    16,024       16,024  
Accumulated earnings (loss)
    (5,313 )     (61,280 )
 
     
 
    10,711       (45,256 )
 
     
Total liabilities and members’ capital (deficit)
  $ 106,511     $ 280,148  
 
     

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Linn Energy, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                 
    Three Months        
    Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2005     2004     2005  
    (unaudited)             (unaudited)  
            (in thousands)          
Revenues:
                               
Natural gas and oil revenues
  $ 7,026     $ 20,236     $ 21,232     $ 44,644  
Realized loss on natural gas derivatives (1)
    (1,314 )     (5,596 )     (2,239 )     (51,417 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on natural gas derivatives (2)
    2,126       2,013       (8,765 )     (24,776 )
Natural gas marketing income
    520       1,635       520       4,722  
Other income
    74       107       160       265  
 
     
Total revenues
    8,432       18,395       10,908       (26,562 )
 
     
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Operating expenses
    1,083       2,223       5,460       6,841  
Natural gas marketing expense
    482       1,238       482       4,400  
General and administrative expenses
    517       1,377       1,583       3,686  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    1,341       3,322       3,749       7,058  
 
     
Total expenses
    3,423       8,160       11,274       21,985  
 
     
 
                               
Other income and (expenses):
                               
Interest income
    1       31       7       47  
Interest and financing expenses
    (594 )     (3,758 )     (3,530 )     (7,040 )
Loss from equity investment
    (14 )           (56 )     (17 )
Write-off of deferred financing fees
                      (364 )
Gain (loss) on sale of assets
    (22 )     4       (33 )     (39 )
 
     
Total other income and (expenses)
    (629 )     (3,723 )     (3,612 )     (7,413 )
 
     
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    4,380       6,512       (3,978 )     (55,960 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
          377             (7 )
 
                               
 
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,380     $ 6,889     $ (3,978 )   $ (55,967 )
 
     
 
(1)   Includes for the year ended December 31, 2005, cancellation (before their original settlement date) of a portion of out-of-the-money natural gas swaps, resulting in a realized loss of $38.3 million.
 
(2)   In each period presented, the natural gas swaps were not specifically designated as hedges under SFAS No. 133, even though they reduce our exposure to changes in natural gas prices. Therefore, the mark-to-market of these instruments was recorded in current earnings for each period presented. These amounts represent non-cash charges.

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Linn Energy, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 
    Three Months        
    Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2005     2004     2005  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
            (in thousands)          
Cash flow from operating activities:
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,380     $ 6,889     $ (3,978 )   $ (55,967 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
                               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    1,341       3,322       3,749       7,058  
Amortization of deferred financing fees
    41       306       123       455  
Write-off of deferred financing fees
                      364  
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
    22       (4 )     33       39  
Loss from equity investment
    14             56       17  
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
    24       48       73       172  
Unrealized loss on natural gas derivatives
    (2,126 )     (2,013 )     8,765       24,776  
Unrealized loss (gain) on interest rate swaps
    (212 )     (210 )     1,260       (986 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                               
(Increase) in accounts receivable
    (1,687 )     (8,914 )     (3,366 )     (12,049 )
(Increase) in other assets
    (64 )     (1,743 )     (30 )     (5,647 )
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    257       1,673       1,339       1,640  
Increase in other liabilities
    2,379       2,631       3,168       5,164  
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable
    (6 )     749       189       1,037  
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    4,363       2,734       11,381       (33,927 )
 
     
Cash flow from investing activities:
                               
(Decrease) in property acquisition payable
                (18,009 )      
Acquisition of natural gas and oil properties and related equipment
    (5,045 )     (121,322 )     (45,131 )     (148,420 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (633 )     (764 )     (1,519 )     (1,638 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    314       82       334       115  
(Increase) decrease in prepaid drilling cost
    (94 )     293       1,938       (73 )
Purchase of equity investment
    1             (15 )     (4 )
 
     
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (5,457 )     (121,711 )     (62,402 )     (150,020 )
 
     
Cash flow from financing activities:
                               
Proceeds from notes payable
    204       60,033       604       65,295  
Principal payments on notes payable
    (6 )     (27 )     (6 )     (5,085 )
Principal payment on credit facility
                      (75,605 )
Proceeds from credit facility
          68,000       30,805       210,000  
Deferred financing fees
    (121 )     (965 )     (236 )     (1,805 )
 
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
    77       127,041       31,167       192,800  
 
     
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (1,017 )     8,064       (19,854 )     8,853  
Cash and equivalents
Beginning
    3,205       2,977       22,042       2,188  
 
     
Ending
  $ 2,188     $ 11,041     $ 2,188     $ 11,041  
 
                                   
Cash payments for interest
  $ 772     $ 2,914     $ 1,960     $ 6,510  

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Linn Energy, LLC
Guidance Table
Linn Energy is providing the following guidance regarding financial and operating expectations for 2006.
                 
    Q1 2006     FY 2006  
Net production
               
Total (MMcfe)
    1,900 - 2,000       8,500 - 8,600  
Average daily production (MMcfe/d)
    20.8 - 21.9       23.3 - 23.6  
 
               
Percent hedged
               
Percent hedged (including puts) (1)
    101% - 106 %     95% - 96 %
Percent hedged (excluding puts)
    92% - 97 %     86% - 87 %
 
               
Expenses ($ in thousands)
               
Operating expenses:
               
LOE and other
  $ 1,600 - $1,800     $ 6,700 - $6,800  
Production taxes
    700 - 800       2,600 - 2,700  
 
           
Total operating expenses
    2,300 - 2,600       9,300 - 9,500  
 
               
General and administrative expenses (2)
    1,000 - 1,100       5,000 - 5,200  
 
               
Cash interest expense
    2,700 - 2,800       10,500 - 10,700  
 
               
Drilling ($ in thousands)
               
Wells drilled
    24       139  
 
               
Drilling capex
  $ 5,900 - $6,100     $ 33,000 - $34,000  
Average cost per operated well
    245 - 255       245 - 255  
 
               
Hedging summary
               
Swaps:
               
Volume (MMMBtu)
    1,839       7,412  
Price ($/MMMBtu)
  $ 9.27     $ 9.26  
 
               
Puts:
               
Volume (MMMBtu)
    180       730  
Price ($/MMMBtu)
  $ 8.83     $ 8.83  
 
               
Total:
               
Volume (MMMBtu)
    2,019       8,142  
Price ($/MMMBtu)
  $ 9.23     $ 9.22  
 
(1)   Linn Energy’s natural gas production has a high Btu content (positive 6%-11%), resulting in a premium to NYMEX natural gas prices. The Company hedges production based on Btu content.
 
(2)   Excludes one-time IPO success bonuses, which were paid out of net proceeds from the IPO.
These estimates are meant to provide guidance only and are subject to revision as the operating environment of the Company changes.

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