EX-99.1 2 a05-14500_1ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

NEWS

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

CONTACT: MICHAEL N. KENNEDY

1600 BROADWAY, SUITE 2200

 

MANAGER - INVESTOR RELATIONS

DENVER, COLORADO 80202

 

303.812.1739

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

FOREST OIL ANNOUNCES RECORD 2005 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS

 

Earnings, Production, EBITDA, Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow All Set Record Pace

 

DENVER, COLORADO – August 8, 2005 - Forest Oil Corporation (NYSE:FST) (Forest or the Company) today announced results for the second quarter and first six months of 2005.  In the second quarter of 2005 compared to the second quarter of 2004, the Company had the following highlights:

 

                  Net earnings were a record $52 million, an increase of 86%.

                  Sales volumes were a record 44.8 Bcfe, an increase of 10%.

                  EBITDA was a record $200 million, an increase of 37%.

                  Net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items, was a record $182 million, an increase of 39%.

                  Free cash flow was a record $77 million, an increase of 97%.

                  Lease operating expense was $1.02 per Mcfe, a decrease of 6%.

                  Net debt was $870 million, a decrease of 13%.

 

H. Craig Clark, President and CEO, stated, “Forest continues to execute on its free cash flow business model.  The company has generated over $155 million in free cash flow this year and we have invested only 55% of our cash flow in drilling activities to date.  This model should allow us to pay for our Buffalo Wallow acquisition with free cash flow by the end of the third quarter.  Our execution has resulted in year-over-year production growth of 10%, increased proved reserves and expansion of our drilling inventory, while decreasing net debt by $130 million.  So far this year we have made good on our expectations to hold per unit cash costs flat and we are seeing a decrease in our drillbit finding and development costs as we focus more capital onshore.  We believe our business model is working extremely well and provides for both growth and flexibility.”

 

SECOND QUARTER 2005 RESULTS

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Forest reported net earnings of $52.2 million or $.85 per basic share.  This amount compares to net earnings of $28.1 million or $.51 per basic share in the corresponding 2004 period.  Increased earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 as

 

1



 

compared to the corresponding period of 2004 were due primarily to increased sales volumes and higher oil and gas prices offset by higher depletion expense.

 

For the second quarter of 2005, Forest’s sales volumes were 492 MMcfe/d or an increase of 10% compared to the second quarter of 2004.  Natural gas volumes increased 9% and liquids volumes increased 12% in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.  Sales volumes decreased 27 MMcfe/d in offshore Gulf of Mexico during the quarter due to service delays in hooking up new discoveries and weather.  Also, unusually wet weather in Canada limited exploration and development activity in the second quarter and specifically limited pipeline activity in the Wild River area.  The Company’s EBITDA increased 37% compared to the second quarter of 2004 to $199.6 million, due to the 10% increase in production and higher per unit netbacks (oil and gas sales revenue less lease operating expenses, production and property taxes, and transportation costs).

 

At June 30, 2005, net debt (principal amount of long-term debt less cash on hand) decreased to $870 million compared to $1 billion at June 30, 2004.  The year-over-year decrease in net debt was primarily due to the internally generated free cash flow during this period.  The Company exited the second quarter of 2005 with a net debt to book capitalization rate of 36% compared to 43% at June 30, 2004.

 

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005 RESULTS

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, Forest reported net earnings of $91.1 million or $1.50 per basic share.  This amount compares to net earnings of $47.2 million or $.87 per basic share in the corresponding 2004 period.  Increased earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to the corresponding period of 2004 were due primarily to increased sales volumes and higher oil and gas prices offset by higher depletion expense.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, Forest’s sales volumes were 495 MMcfe/d or an increase of 12% compared to the corresponding period in 2004.  The Company’s EBITDA increased 39% compared to the corresponding period in 2004 to $384 million, due to the 12% increase in production and higher per unit netbacks (oil and gas sales revenue less lease operating expenses, production and property taxes, and transportation costs).

 

CAPITAL ACTIVITIES

 

In the second quarter of 2005, Forest spent $215 million on oil and gas property acquisitions, excluding the deferred tax step-up in booked fair value of the Buffalo Wallow assets, and $105 million in exploration and development activities.  Total costs incurred included a non-cash charge of $89 million relating to the deferred tax step-up in the booked fair value of the assets acquired in the Buffalo Wallow acquisition.  The following table summarizes capital expenditures incurred in the second quarter of 2005 for exploration, development and acquisition activities (in millions of dollars):

 

 

 

United
States

 

Canada

 

International

 

Consolidated
Total

 

Exploration (1)

 

$

29

 

4

 

1

 

34

 

Development

 

63

 

8

 

 

71

 

Acquisitions

 

215

 

 

 

215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

307

 

12

 

1

 

320

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step-up in booked fair value of Buffalo Wallow assets

 

89

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

$

396

 

12

 

1

 

409

 

 

2



 


(1)                                  Includes $5 million of land and seismic expenditures.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, Forest spent $223 million on acquisitions, excluding the deferred tax step-up in booked fair value of the Buffalo Wallow assets, and $194 million in exploration and development activities, and received $6 million from asset dispositions.  Total costs incurred included a non-cash charge of $89 million relating to the deferred tax step-up in the booked fair value of the assets acquired in the Buffalo Wallow acquisition.  The following table summarizes capital expenditures incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2005 for exploration, development and acquisition activities (in millions of dollars):

 

 

 

United
States

 

Canada

 

International

 

Consolidated
Total

 

Exploration (1)

 

$

54

 

17

 

1

 

72

 

Development

 

100

 

22

 

 

122

 

Acquisitions

 

216

 

7

 

 

223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

370

 

46

 

1

 

417

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step-up in booked fair value of Buffalo Wallow assets

 

89

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

$

459

 

46

 

1

 

506

 

 


(1)          Includes $13 million of land and seismic expenditures.

 

CERTAIN COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

 

The following table sets forth certain of Forest’s financial and operating data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Daily natural gas sales volumes (MMcf):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

254.1

 

241.5

 

256.4

 

237.6

 

Canada

 

48.9

 

35.8

 

48.9

 

35.2

 

Total

 

303.0

 

277.3

 

305.3

 

272.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily liquids sales volumes (MBbls):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

28.0

 

25.5

 

28.1

 

25.0

 

Canada

 

3.5

 

2.6

 

3.6

 

2.5

 

Total

 

31.5

 

28.1

 

31.7

 

27.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equivalent daily sales volumes (MMcfe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

422.0

 

394.5

 

424.6

 

387.6

 

Canada

 

69.8

 

51.4

 

70.5

 

50.2

 

Total

 

491.8

 

445.9

 

495.1

 

437.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equivalent sales volumes (Bcfe)

 

44.8

 

40.6

 

89.6

 

79.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales revenue (millions)  (1)

 

$

269.4

 

207.9

 

528.2

 

401.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average gas sales price (per Mcf)  (1)

 

$

5.81

 

5.20

 

5.69

 

5.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average liquids sales price (per Bbl)  (1)

 

$

38.17

 

30.00

 

37.33

 

29.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs (per $Mcfe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

1.02

 

1.08

 

1.05

 

1.16

 

Production and property taxes

 

.24

 

.17

 

.23

 

.18

 

Transportation costs

 

.10

 

.09

 

.11

 

.09

 

General and administrative expense

 

.25

 

.20

 

.24

 

.18

 

Interest expense

 

.36

 

.32

 

.34

 

.33

 

Current income tax expense

 

.01

 

 

.02

 

.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures (millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration and development

 

$

105

 

92

 

194

 

141

 

Acquisitions(2)

 

304

 

354

 

312

 

364

 

Total

 

$

409

 

446

 

506

 

505

 

 

3



 


(1)   Includes effects of hedging.

 

(2)  Includes a deferred tax gross up of approximately $89 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005 and $54 million for the same periods in 2004.

 

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS

 

For the three and six month period ended June 30, 2005, oil and gas sales volumes increased approximately 10% and 12%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2004 due primarily to acquisitions of producing properties made in April 2005 and June 2004 (net of approximately $100 million of property dispositions).  Increased sales volumes, coupled with increased net price realizations for oil and natural gas, respectively, increased oil and gas revenue 30% and 31% in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to the corresponding periods in 2004.

 

Oil and gas production expense increased on an absolute dollar basis but decreased on a per-unit basis in the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to the corresponding period of 2004.  The components of oil and gas production expense were as follows:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

Per
Mcfe

 

2004

 

Per
Mcfe

 

2005

 

Per
Mcfe

 

2004

 

Per
Mcfe

 

 

 

(In Thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Direct operating expense and overhead

 

$

38,336

 

.86

 

38,631

 

.95

 

79,147

 

.89

 

80,419

 

1.01

 

Workovers

 

7,447

 

.16

 

5,237

 

.13

 

14,496

 

.16

 

11,638

 

.15

 

Transportation costs

 

4,583

 

.10

 

3,728

 

.09

 

9,755

 

.11

 

7,420

 

.09

 

Production and property taxes

 

10,547

 

.24

 

7,095

 

.17

 

20,444

 

.23

 

14,543

 

.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total production expense

 

$

60,913

 

1.36

 

54,691

 

1.34

 

123,842

 

1.39

 

114,020

 

1.43

 

 

Lease operating expenses (LOE), which includes direct operating expense and overhead and workovers, increased to $45.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 or 4% from $43.9

 

4



 

million for the corresponding 2004.  On a per-unit basis, LOE decreased 6% from $1.08 per Mcfe in the second quarter of 2004 to $1.02 per Mcfe in the second quarter of 2005.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2005, LOE on a per-unit basis decreased 9% to $1.05 per Mcfe from $1.16 per Mcfe in the corresponding 2004 period.  The 6% and 9% decrease in LOE on an equivalent Mcfe basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, is primarily a result of cost control efforts as announced in the third quarter of 2004 which have more than offset increases in service and material costs.

 

Production and property taxes increased by $3.5 million or 49% during the second quarter 2005 compared to the prior year’s second quarter.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2005, production and property taxes increased by 41% compared to the prior year period.  The three and six month increases were attributable to higher commodity prices.  As a percentage of oil and natural gas revenue excluding hedging, production and property taxes for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005 were 3.5% and 3.5%, respectively, and in the comparable periods of 2004 were 3.0% and 3.2%, respectively.  The increase is caused by a greater percentage of our production from onshore U.S. fields.

 

General and administrative expense increased 36% to $11.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to $8.2 million for the corresponding period in 2004.  For the six months ended June 30, 2005, general and administrative expense increased 50% to $21.8 million compared to $14.5 million for the corresponding period in 2004.  The three and six month increases resulted primarily from increased headcount due to acquisition activities and a decrease in our overhead capitalization rate from 42% and 45% in 2004, respectively, to 36% and 37% in 2005, respectively.  Combined capitalized and expensed overhead costs increased by 23% for the comparable quarter and by 31% in the comparable six month period.

 

Depreciation and depletion expense increased to $97.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 from $83.5 million for the corresponding period in 2004.  On a per-unit basis, the depletion rate was $2.15 per Mcfe for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to $2.04 per Mcfe in the corresponding period in 2004.  For the six month period June 30, 2005, depreciation and depletion expense increased to $193.5 million from $163.1 million for the comparable period in 2004.  On a per-unit basis, the depletion rate was $2.14 per Mcfe for the first six months of 2005 compared to $2.03 per Mcfe in the corresponding period in 2004.  The three month and six month increases in depletion expense and in the per-unit depletion rate in 2005 compared to 2004 were due primarily to the effect of marginal properties sold in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2004.  The sales price received per unit was less than that cost pool’s depletion rate,  therefore, the depletion rate on the remaining reserves in Canada increased.

 

Other expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 includes a charge of $2.2 million representing our 40% share of a valuation allowance that our equity method investee recorded in June 2005 against a portion of its deferred tax assets.

 

The consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2005 includes the Buffalo Wallow acquisition. Pursuant to purchase accounting rules, Forest recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $88.7 million and an asset for goodwill of approximately $38.1 million.

 

HEDGING

 

Forest currently has hedges in place for the remainder of 2005 and 2006 covering the aggregate average daily volumes and weighted average prices shown below.  The majority of the volumes hedged for 2005 and 2006 are associated with Forest’s acquisition activities.

 

5



 

 

 

Remainder
of
2005

 

2006

 

Natural gas swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract volumes (BBtu/d)

 

106.7

(2)

50.0

(1)

Weighted average price (per MMBtu)

 

$

5.14

 

6.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas collars:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract volumes (BBtu/d)

 

46.7

(1)

30.0

 

Weighted average ceiling price (per MMBtu)

 

$

7.17

 

11.25

 

Weighted average floor price (per MMBtu)

 

$

5.89

 

6.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract volumes (MBbls/d)

 

8.5

(2)

4.0

(1)

Weighted average price (per Bbl)

 

$

35.42

 

31.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil collars:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract volumes (MBbls/d)

 

1.0

(1)

5.5

(2)

Weighted average ceiling price (per Bbl)

 

$

47.30

 

65.87

 

Weighted average floor price (per Bbl)

 

$

42.00

 

46.73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil three-way collars:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract volumes (MBbls/d)

 

1.5

 

 

Weighted average ceiling price (per Bbl)

 

$

32.00

 

 

Weighted average floor price (per Bbl)

 

$

28.00

 

 

Three-way weighted average floor price (per Bbl)

 

$

24.00

 

 

 


(1)          Represents hedged volumes associated with Forest’s acquisition activities.

(2)          100.0 of the 106.7 BBtu/d of hedged natural gas volumes and 6.5 of the 8.5 MBbls/d of hedged oil swap volumes in 2005 are associated with Forest’s acquisition activities. 1.0 of the 5.5 BBtu/d of hedged natural gas collar volumes in 2006 are associated with Forest’s acquisition activities.

 

OPERATIONAL PROJECT UPDATE

 

Western Business Unit

 

Buffalo Wallow Acquisition, Texas Panhandle (66-100% Working Interest) – As previously announced, Forest closed this acquisition on April 1, 2005 and took over operations with a four rig drilling program immediately following closing.  During the second quarter, Forest completed 8 wells with a 100% success rate and had 5 wells completing at June 30, 2005 including activity in offset areas.  Initial test rates have ranged from 1 to 4.5 MMcfe/d and have averaged 1.9 MMcfe/d.  Additional fracture treatments and additional Atoka pay have contributed to the higher than anticipated test rates.  Total net production has increased 45% since acquiring the properties from 20 to 29 MMcfe/d.

 

Delaware Basin, Winkler and Loving Counties, Texas (98-100% Working Interest) – Forest has 2 deep tests drilling and one completing in the Haley Atoka trend. Results from these wells should be known in the fourth quarter of 2005.  Additional wells are planned in 2005.

 

SE New Mexico Exploration/Exploitation Drilling Program (6-50% Working interest) – Activity has increased in the Morrow gas trend with 12 gross wells spud year to date 2005 with an 86% success rate.  Test rates have been as high as 5.5 MMcfe/d and have averaged 1.9 MMcfe/d.  Five wells are currently in progress.

 

6



 

Central Midland Basin, Texas Exploitation Activity (25-100% Working interest) -Forest has an active exploitation program on properties acquired over the last 2 years. Most of these projects are on wells located in the Dune, Fullerton, Martin, Spraberry, and Tex-Mex Fields. Production has increased on all of these acquisition projects, most notably on the Minihan acquisition, where production has increased 40% since the beginning of 2005.  Forest continues to utilize its company-owned rigs in these areas.

 

Gulf Coast Business Unit

 

Sabine Prospect, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (45% Working Interest) – The Kirby Jones #1 Well, the fourth exploration well, was completed at 3.8 MMcfe/d at 5,700 psi flowing tubing pressure.  The four wells in this field have been initially completed at an average of 4.4 MMcfe/d.  A fifth exploration well is currently drilling with 5 additional wells scheduled to be drilled in 2005 in this field and the Liberty/Dayton acreage in Southeast Texas.

 

South Texas, Vicksburg and Wilcox Trend (100% Working Interest) – Forest had two successful wells in the McAllen Ranch and Guerra Field in the second quarter of 2005.  The two wells tested at an average of 2.1 MMcfe/d with additional activity in these fields planned in 2005.

 

Gulf of Mexico Deep Shelf Program (75% Working Interest) – The South Timbalier Block 72 #22 exploratory well was drilled to 17,625 feet and tested 14.2 MMcfe/d at 6,300 psi flowing tubing pressure.  First sales occurred at the beginning of the third quarter.

 

Gulf of Mexico Shallow Shelf Program (64 – 100% Working Interest) – Three significant wells were logged in the second quarter of 2005.  The Eugene Island 53 G-1 well logged 78 feet of net gas pay from 3 sands, the Brazos 491 #4 well logged 60 feet net gas pay in 12 sands and the Vermilion 102 A-3 ST well logged 48 feet net gas pay in two sands.  All three wells should be tied to sales in the third quarter when offshore construction barges are available.  Total net production from these wells is expected to be between 15 and 20 MMcfe/d. In addition, the recompletion program at South Timbalier 295 completed in the quarter yielded an increase in production of 8.5 MMcfe/d.

 

Canada Business Unit

 

Wild River Area, Alberta, Canada (24-89% Working Interest) - Wild River continues to be our most active area in Canada with a two rig drilling program.  Gross production has increased from 26 to 36 MMcfe/d since last quarter despite wet weather delaying drilling, completion and pipeline activity.  Suspended operations resumed in early June 2005 with 5 wells currently being completed and 2 additional wells awaiting pipeline connection.

 

Foothills Area, Alberta, Canada (40-100% Working Interest) - Three wells were drilled and cased during the first half of 2005 but testing and completion were delayed due to wet weather.  Operations are expected to commence to complete and tie these wells into sales in late third quarter 2005.

 

Alaska Business Unit

 

Onshore Cook Inlet Gas Exploration Program (30 – 100% Working Interest)  – Forest recently signed a two year gas sales agreement with a local consumer to sell the gas from previously announced discoveries at West Foreland on the west side of the Cook Inlet.  Gas sales of 5-15 MMcfe/d will commence late in the fourth quarter of 2005.  In addition, Forest and its partners performed further testing of the Three Mile Creek #1 discovery in the second quarter of 2005.

 

7



 

Construction of the 5 mile pipeline will allow first sales at an expected rate of 5 MMcfe/d in late third quarter 2005.  Two additional offset wells are planned at Three Mile Creek in 2005.  Additionally, Forest plans 3 deepenings/recompletions and 2 wildcat tests onshore by the end of 2005 depending on rig availability.

 

2005 GUIDANCE

 

There are no changes to the 2005 guidance provided in Forest’s press release dated April 4, 2005.

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

In addition to reporting earnings from continuing operations as defined under GAAP, Forest also presents EBITDA, which consists of net earnings from continuing operations plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and depletion, unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives, impairment of oil and gas properties and accretion of asset retirement obligations.  Management uses this measure to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash to fund exploration and development activities and to service debt.  Management interprets trends in this measure in a similar manner as trends in cash flow and liquidity.  EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings from continuing operations as defined by GAAP.  The following is a reconciliation of net earnings from continuing operations to EBITDA (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

52,201

 

28,130

 

91,072

 

47,767

 

Interest expense

 

16,061

 

13,084

 

30,560

 

26,031

 

Income tax expense

 

31,869

 

16,220

 

53,115

 

28,721

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

97,249

 

83,474

 

193,525

 

163,102

 

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

 

(4,310

)

(1,248

)

2,270

 

(217

)

Impairment of oil and gas properties

 

 

1,690

 

2,924

 

1,690

 

Change in deferred tax valuation allowance of equity investee

 

2,167

 

 

2,167

 

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

4,322

 

4,153

 

8,599

 

8,428

 

EBITDA

 

$

199,559

 

145,503

 

384,232

 

275,522

 

 

 

Forest also presents net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items, which consists of net cash provided by operating activities plus the period change in accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses.  Management uses this measure to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash to fund exploration and development activities.  Management interprets trends in this measure in a similar manner as trends in cash flow and liquidity.  Net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items should not be considered as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as defined by GAAP.  The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

189,340

 

145,418

 

325,423

 

243,195

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(26,988

)

14,859

 

(20,745

)

(24,251

)

Other current assets

 

(2,923

)

(5,943

)

(1,324

)

5,046

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

22,197

 

(23,604

)

45,755

 

22,420

 

Net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items

 

$

181,626

 

130,730

 

349,109

 

246,410

 

 

8



 

In addition to total debt, Forest also presents net debt, which consists of principal amount of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of the period.  Management uses this measure to assess the Company’s indebtedness, based on actual principal amounts owed and cash on hand which has not been applied to reduce the amounts of the credit facility.  The following table sets forth the components of net debt as of June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 (in millions):

 

 

 

June 30, 2005

 

June 30, 2004

 

 

 

Principal

 

Book(1)

 

Principal

 

Book(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facilities and bank debt

 

$

184

 

184

 

352

 

352

 

8% Senior notes due 2008

 

265

 

271

 

265

 

274

 

8% Senior notes due 2011

 

285

 

299

 

160

 

166

 

7 ¾% Senior notes due 2014

 

150

 

164

 

150

 

165

 

9 ½% Senior notes assumed

 

 

 

125

 

127

 

Total long-term debt

 

884

 

918

 

1,052

 

1,084

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

14

 

14

 

52

 

52

 

Net debt

 

$

870

 

904

 

1,000

 

1,032

 

 


(1)  Book amounts include the principal amount of long-term debt adjusted for unamortized gains on interest rate swaps of $28.0 million and $34.9 million at June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively and an unamortized net premium (discount) on issuance of $6.0 million and $(2.7) million at June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Forest presents free cash flow, which consists of net cash from operations, exclusive of working capital items less exploration and development capital expenditures.  Management uses this measure to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash to repay debt and fund acquisitions.  Management interprets trends in this measure in a similar manner as trends in cash flow and liquidity.  Free cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as defined by GAAP.  The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

189,340

 

145,418

 

325,423

 

243,195

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(26,988

)

14,859

 

(20,745

)

(24,251

)

Other current assets

 

(2,923

)

(5,943

)

(1,324

)

5,046

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

22,197

 

(23,604

)

45,755

 

22,420

 

Net cash flow from operations, exclusive of working capital items

 

181,626

 

130,730

 

349,109

 

246,410

 

Exploration and development capital expenditures

 

104,661

 

91,748

 

193,502

 

141,048

 

Free cash flow

 

$

76,965

 

38,982

 

155,607

 

105,362

 

 

9



 

TELECONFERENCE CALL

 

Forest Oil Corporation management will hold a teleconference call on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at 12:00 pm MT to discuss the items described in this press release.  If you would like to participate please call 1.800.399.6298 (for U.S./Canada) and 1.706.634.0924 (for International) and request the Forest Oil teleconference (ID # 8227916).

 

A replay will be available from Tuesday, August 9 through August 16, 2005.  You may access the replay by dialing toll free 1.800.642.1687 (for U.S./Canada) and 1.706.645.9291 (for International), conference ID # 8227916.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Forest assumes, plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements provided in this press release are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events.  Forest cautions that its future natural gas and liquids production, revenues and expenses and other forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development and production and sale of oil and gas.  These risks include, but are not limited to, price volatility, inflation or lack of availability of goods and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks as described in Forest’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Also, the financial results of Forest’s foreign operations are subject to currency exchange rate risks.  Any of these factors could cause Forest’s actual results and plans to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

 

Forest Oil Corporation is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas and liquids in North America and selected international locations.  Forest’s principal reserves and producing properties are located in the United States in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming and Alaska, and in Canada.  Forest’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FST.  For more information about Forest, please visit our website at www.forestoil.com.

 

August 8, 2005

 

10



 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

14,048

 

55,251

 

Accounts receivable

 

146,138

 

151,927

 

Current deferred tax asset

 

66,457

 

38,321

 

Other current assets

 

30,019

 

37,969

 

Total current assets

 

256,662

 

283,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

 

3,028,635

 

2,721,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

99,897

 

68,560

 

Other assets

 

43,531

 

49,359

 

 

 

$

3,428,725

 

3,122,505

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

203,122

 

217,640

 

Derivative instruments

 

136,193

 

80,523

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

36,772

 

25,452

 

Total current liabilities

 

376,087

 

323,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

917,958

 

888,819

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

180,217

 

184,724

 

Derivative instruments

 

41,259

 

20,890

 

Other liabilities

 

37,492

 

35,785

 

Deferred income taxes

 

317,928

 

196,525

 

Total liabilities

 

1,870,941

 

1,650,358

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

6,386

 

6,159

 

Capital surplus

 

1,493,753

 

1,444,367

 

Retained earnings

 

157,066

 

66,007

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(48,518

)

6,780

 

Treasury stock, at cost

 

(50,903

)

(51,166

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,557,784

 

1,472,147

 

 

 

$

3,428,725

 

3,122,505

 

 

11



 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

$

160,115

 

131,153

 

314,641

 

255,215

 

Oil, condensate and natural gas liquids

 

109,240

 

76,735

 

213,584

 

146,510

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

269,355

 

207,888

 

528,225

 

401,725

 

Processing and marketing income, net

 

1,700

 

590

 

3,121

 

1,006

 

Total revenue

 

271,055

 

208,478

 

531,346

 

402,731

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

45,783

 

43,868

 

93,643

 

92,057

 

Production and property taxes

 

10,547

 

7,095

 

20,444

 

14,543

 

Transportation costs

 

4,583

 

3,728

 

9,755

 

7,420

 

General and administrative

 

11,091

 

8,169

 

21,847

 

14,529

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

97,249

 

83,474

 

193,525

 

163,102

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

4,322

 

4,153

 

8,599

 

8,428

 

Impairment of oil and gas properties

 

 

1,690

 

2,924

 

1,690

 

Total operating expenses

 

173,575

 

152,177

 

350,737

 

301,769

 

Earnings from operations

 

97,480

 

56,301

 

180,609

 

100,962

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

16,061

 

13,084

 

30,560

 

26,031

 

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments

 

(4,310

)

(1,248

)

2,270

 

(217

)

Other (income) expense, net

 

1,659

 

115

 

3,592

 

(1,340

)

Total other income and expense

 

13,410

 

11,951

 

36,422

 

24,474

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

84,070

 

44,350

 

144,187

 

76,488

 

Income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

617

 

157

 

2,174

 

868

 

Deferred

 

31,252

 

16,063

 

50,941

 

27,853

 

Total income tax expense

 

31,869

 

16,220

 

53,115

 

28,721

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

52,201

 

28,130

 

91,072

 

47,767

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(575

)

Net earnings

 

$

52,201

 

28,130

 

91,072

 

47,192

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

61,419

 

55,437

 

60,817

 

54,560

 

Diluted

 

62,727

 

56,437

 

62,433

 

55,594

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

.85

 

.51

 

1.50

 

.88

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(.01

)

Net earnings per common share

 

$

.85

 

.51

 

1.50

 

.87

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

.83

 

.50

 

1.46

 

.86

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(.01

)

Net earnings per common share

 

$

.83

 

.50

 

1.46

 

.85

 

 

12



 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

91,072

 

47,192

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

193,525

 

163,102

 

Impairment of oil and gas properties

 

2,924

 

1,690

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

8,599

 

8,428

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments

 

2,270

 

(217

)

Deferred income tax expense

 

50,941

 

28,574

 

Other, net

 

(222

)

(2,359

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

20,745

 

24,251

 

Other current assets

 

1,324

 

(5,046

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(45,755

)

(22,420

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

325,423

 

243,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of subsidiaries

 

(196,631

)

(167,968

)

Capital expenditures for property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration, development and other acquisition costs

 

(201,577

)

(163,603

)

Other fixed assets

 

(4,853

)

(1,229

)

Proceeds from sales of assets

 

6,437

 

8,510

 

Sale of goodwill and contract value

 

 

8,493

 

Other, net

 

(5,047

)

1,168

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(401,671

)

(314,629

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

1,157,953

 

493,490

 

Repayments of bank debt assumed in acquisitions

 

(35,000

)

(30,000

)

Repayments of bank borrowings

 

(1,126,000

)

(470,000

)

Proceeds of common stock offering, net of offering costs

 

 

117,143

 

Proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants

 

38,453

 

4,541

 

Other, net

 

322

 

(2,566

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

35,728

 

112,608

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(683

)

(495

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(41,203

)

40,679

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

55,251

 

11,509

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

14,048

 

52,188

 

 

13