EOG EOG Resources Inc

HOUSTON, Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• Introduces 50,000 Net Acre Woodford Oil Window Play with 210 MMBoe Estimated Net Resource Potential and 260 Net Premium Well Locations
• Adds First Bone Spring Play in Delaware Basin with 540 MMBoe Estimated Net Resource Potential and 540 Remaining Net Premium Well Locations
• Exceeds Revised Post-Harvey Crude Oil, NGL and Natural Gas Production Targets
• Delivers Per-Unit Lease and Well, Transportation and DD&A Expense Rates Below Targets
• Expects to Grow 2017 U.S. Oil Production 20 Percent Within Discretionary Cash Flow Including Dividends

EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE: EOG) (EOG) today reported third quarter 2017 net income of $100.5 million, or $0.17 per share. This compares to a third quarter 2016 net loss of $190.0 million, or $0.35 per share. 

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for the third quarter 2017 was $111.3 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to an adjusted non-GAAP net loss of $220.8 million, or $0.40 per share, for the same prior year period.  Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) is calculated by matching commodity derivative contract realizations to settlement months and making certain other adjustments in order to exclude non-recurring items.  (Please refer to the attached tables for the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.)

Increased crude oil volumes, higher crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas prices and lower transportation expense resulted in increases to discretionary cash flow and EBITDAX during the third quarter 2017 compared to the third quarter 2016.  In addition to the items listed above, lower impairment and depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses resulted in increased adjusted non-GAAP net income during the quarter.  (Please refer to the attached tables for the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.)

Operational Highlights
In the third quarter 2017, EOG expanded its premium inventory to approximately 8,000 net drilling locations from 7,200.  As a result, EOG's total premium net resource potential increased 12 percent to 7.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent.  The additional net premium locations include 540 in the Delaware Basin First Bone Spring and 260 in the Woodford Oil Window.  Premium inventory is defined by well locations that generate a minimum 30 percent direct after-tax rate of return assuming a $40 crude oil price.  

EOG grew third quarter total crude oil volumes 16 percent to 327,900 barrels of oil per day (Bopd).  Production curtailments and completion delays due to Hurricane Harvey reduced crude oil volumes approximately 15,000 Bopd during the quarter.  Natural gas and NGL production exceeded target midpoints, contributing to 8 percent total company production growth compared to the third quarter 2016.  

During the third quarter 2017, lease and well expenses on a per-unit basis increased 4 percent compared to the same prior-year period, primarily because of higher per-unit operating costs from properties acquired in the Yates transaction and increased operating and maintenance expenses in the United Kingdom.  Per-unit transportation costs decreased 15 percent year-over-year, due to the expiration of legacy transportation agreements and increased infrastructure to handle higher production volumes.  Per-unit depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses decreased 13 percent compared to the same prior-year period due to the addition of reserves from premium wells with lower finding and development costs.

EOG now expects to complete approximately 505 net wells in 2017, an increase from its original outlook of 480 net wells.  The company achieved lower completed well costs across its operations in 2017, as continued efficiencies and legacy service contract expirations offset service price increases.  EOG is targeting 20 percent U.S. crude oil growth and expects to fund capital expenditures and the dividend using discretionary cash flow.

"Since the start of the year, EOG has added 2,000 net premium locations to its inventory.  This is four times the number of wells we expect to complete for all of 2017," said William R. "Bill" Thomas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "EOG is an organic, exploration-driven machine.  We have amassed an enormous, high-quality portfolio of assets by capturing sweet-spot acreage in the best oil plays in the U.S.  Combined with our consistent operational proficiency and innovative technology, this gives us great confidence in the long-term sustainability of our unique premium growth and high-return model."

Woodford Oil Window
EOG added to its growing roster of premium plays with the introduction of a 50,000 net acre position in the Woodford oil window of the Eastern Anadarko Basin.  Located primarily in McClain County, Oklahoma, EOG is targeting the black-oil window of the Woodford formation.  The contiguous acreage position was amassed through an organic leasing program conducted over the past four years at an average cost of $750 per acre.  EOG has completed three horizontal exploration wells in the play since June 2016.  The most recent well, the Curry 21X #1VH, was brought to sales in the third quarter with a treated lateral length of 10,500 feet and 30-day initial production rate of 1,730 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boed), or 1,460 Bopd, 165 barrels per day (Bpd) of NGLs and 0.6 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of natural gas.  Completed well costs are targeted at $7.8 million for a 9,500 foot lateral.  Benefiting from a shallow initial decline rate, EOG estimates reserves per well are 800 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (MBoe), net after royalty, with a 70 percent oil mix.  The company has identified 260 net drilling locations with estimated net resource potential of 210 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe).  EOG estimates all 260 of these locations are premium, and plans to ramp activity in the play in 2018.

Delaware Basin
EOG added to its inventory of prolific plays in the Delaware Basin with the introduction of the First Bone Spring.  Approximately 100,000 net acres in EOG's Northern Delaware Basin footprint are prospective for this high rate-of-return oil play.  The company identified an initial 555 net locations, with estimated net resource potential of 540 MMBoe.  EOG completed 15 net First Bone Spring wells in the past three years, with strong results and premium returns across a large portion of its acreage position.  All 540 net remaining drilling locations have premium rate of return potential.  Reserves per well are estimated to be 975 MBoe, net after royalty, with a 55 percent oil mix.  Targeted well cost is $7.3 million for a 7,000 foot lateral well.

EOG continues to deepen its technical knowledge of the Delaware Basin.  Drilling during the third quarter was aimed at further understanding development criteria for the large stacked-pay resource in the basin.  EOG conducted a number of spacing tests to optimize development, and continued to test additional zones for future premium potential.  EOG now expects to complete an additional 15 net wells in the Delaware Basin during 2017 for a total of 155 net wells, including 10 net wells in the First Bone Spring.

EOG completed 22 gross (20 net) wells in the Delaware Basin Wolfcamp in the third quarter with an average treated lateral length of 6,500 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 2,470 Boed, or 1,620 Bopd, 380 Bpd of NGLs and 2.8 MMcfd of natural gas.  In Lea County, NM, EOG completed a three-well pattern, the Antietam 9 Fed Com 701-703H, with an average treated lateral length of 7,000 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 4,145 Boed, or 2,725 Bopd, 640 Bpd of NGLs and 4.7 MMcfd of natural gas.

In the Delaware Basin Bone Spring plays, EOG completed nine gross (six net) wells in the third quarter with an average treated lateral length of 6,800 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 1,125 Boed, or 840 Bopd, 125 Bpd of NGLs and 0.9 MMcfd of natural gas.  In Lea County, NM, EOG completed the Righteous 6 State Com 601Y, with a treated lateral length of 7,100 feet and a 30-day initial production rate of 2,160 Boed, or 1,740 Bopd, 190 Bpd of NGLs and 1.4 MMcfd of natural gas.

In the Delaware Basin Leonard, EOG completed nine gross (nine net) wells in the third quarter with an average treated lateral length of 4,800 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 1,725 Boed, or 800 Bopd, 415 Bpd of NGLs and 3.0 MMcfd of natural gas. 

Bakken and Rockies
EOG completed 20 gross (19 net) wells in the Powder River Basin Turner during the third quarter, with an average treated lateral length of 7,600 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 1,630 Boed, or 1,040 Bopd, 185 Bpd of NGLs and 2.4 MMcfd of natural gas.  Encouraging tests of new targets and ongoing delineation of its 400,000 net acre position have prompted EOG to increase its activity, with five additional wells planned during 2017 for a total of 35 net wells.  The combination of low completed well costs, robust well productivity and moderate initial decline rates make the Powder River Basin competitive with the best performing assets at EOG.

In the DJ Basin, EOG completed seven gross (two net) wells targeting the Codell formation in the third quarter with an average treated lateral length of 9,400 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 790 Boed, or 665 Bopd, 75 Bpd of NGLs and 0.3 MMcfd of natural gas. 

EOG completed its planned 35 net well program in the North Dakota Bakken in the first half of 2017, and limited drilling activity is scheduled for the remainder of 2017.

South Texas Eagle Ford
EOG's South Texas Eagle Ford remained resilient during the third quarter, as robust infrastructure and comprehensive technology and communication assets enabled EOG to manage operations in a safe and efficient manner during Hurricane Harvey. Ongoing efficiency improvements have enabled EOG to add five net wells to its planned 2017 completions, for a total of 200 net wells.

In the third quarter, EOG completed 44 gross (39 net) wells in the Eagle Ford with an average treated lateral length of 6,500 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 1,685 Boed, or 1,340 Bopd, 175 Bpd of NGLs and 1.0 MMcfd of natural gas.  In Gonzales County, EOG completed a four-well pattern, the Angus Unit 6H-9H, with an average treated lateral length of 5,700 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 3,945 Boed, or 2,995 Bopd, 480 Bpd of NGLs and 2.8 MMcfd of natural gas. 

South Texas Austin Chalk
In the third quarter, EOG continued to delineate the South Texas Austin Chalk.  EOG completed eight gross (eight net) wells in Karnes County with an average treated lateral length of 6,000 feet per well and average 30-day initial production rates per well of 4,440 Boed, or 3,195 Bopd, 630 Bpd of NGLs and 3.7 MMcfd of natural gas.  Notably, EOG completed the Elbrus Unit 103H with a lateral length of 3,700 feet and 30-day initial production rate of 7,760 Boed, or 5,425 Bopd, 1,185 Bpd of NGLs and 6.9 MMcfd of natural gas. 

Hedging Activity
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, EOG did not enter into any additional crude oil or natural gas derivative contracts.

A comprehensive summary of EOG's crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts is provided in the attached tables.  

Capital Structure and Asset Sales
At September 30, 2017, EOG's total debt outstanding was $6.4 billion for a debt-to-total capitalization ratio of 31 percent.  Considering cash on the balance sheet at the end of the third quarter, EOG's net debt was $5.5 billion for a net debt-to-total capitalization ratio of 28 percent.  For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures, please refer to the attached tables.

Proceeds from asset sales in the first nine months of 2017 totaled $192 million.

Conference Call November 3, 2017
EOG's third quarter 2017 results conference call will be available via live audio webcast at 9 a.m. Central time (10 a.m. Eastern time) on Friday, November 3, 2017.  To listen, log on to the Investors Overview page on the EOG website at http://investors.eogresources.com/overview.  The webcast will be archived on EOG's website for one year.

EOG Resources, Inc. is one of the largest independent (non-integrated) crude oil and natural gas companies in the United States with proved reserves in the United States, Trinidad, the United Kingdom and China.  EOG Resources, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the ticker symbol "EOG."

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, among others, statements and projections regarding EOG's future financial position, operations, performance, business strategy, returns, budgets, reserves, levels of production and costs, statements regarding future commodity prices and statements regarding the plans and objectives of EOG's management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.  EOG typically uses words such as "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "strategy," "intend," "plan," "target," "goal," "may," "will," "should" and "believe" or the negative of those terms or other variations or comparable terminology to identify its forward-looking statements.  In particular, statements, express or implied, concerning EOG's future operating results and returns or EOG's ability to replace or increase reserves, increase production, reduce or otherwise control operating and capital costs, generate income or cash flows or pay dividends are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance.  Although EOG believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable and are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these assumptions are accurate or that any of these expectations will be achieved (in full or at all) or will prove to have been correct.  Moreover, EOG's forward-looking statements may be affected by known, unknown or currently unforeseen risks, events or circumstances that may be outside EOG's control.  Important factors that could cause EOG's actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in EOG's forward-looking statements include, among others:

• the timing, extent and duration of changes in prices for, supplies of, and demand for, crude oil and condensate, natural gas liquids, natural gas and related commodities;
• the extent to which EOG is successful in its efforts to acquire or discover additional reserves;
• the extent to which EOG is successful in its efforts to economically develop its acreage in, produce reserves and achieve anticipated production levels from, and maximize reserve recovery from, its existing and future crude oil and natural gas exploration and development projects;
• the extent to which EOG is successful in its efforts to market its crude oil and condensate, natural gas liquids, natural gas and related commodity production;
• the availability, proximity and capacity of, and costs associated with, appropriate gathering, processing, compression, transportation and refining facilities;
• the availability, cost, terms and timing of issuance or execution of, and competition for, mineral licenses and leases and governmental and other permits and rights-of-way, and EOG's ability to retain mineral licenses and leases;
• the impact of, and changes in, government policies, laws and regulations, including tax laws and regulations; environmental, health and safety laws and regulations relating to air emissions, disposal of produced water, drilling fluids and other wastes, hydraulic fracturing and access to and use of water; laws and regulations imposing conditions or restrictions on drilling and completion operations and on the transportation of crude oil and natural gas; laws and regulations with respect to derivatives and hedging activities; and laws and regulations with respect to the import and export of crude oil, natural gas and related commodities;
• EOG's ability to effectively integrate acquired crude oil and natural gas properties into its operations, fully identify existing and potential problems with respect to such properties and accurately estimate reserves, production and costs with respect to such properties;
• the extent to which EOG's third-party-operated crude oil and natural gas properties are operated successfully and economically;
• competition in the oil and gas exploration and production industry for the acquisition of licenses, leases and properties, employees and other personnel, facilities, equipment, materials and services;
• the availability and cost of employees and other personnel, facilities, equipment, materials (such as water) and services;
• the accuracy of reserve estimates, which by their nature involve the exercise of professional judgment and may therefore be imprecise;
• weather, including its impact on crude oil and natural gas demand, and weather-related delays in drilling and in the installation and operation (by EOG or third parties) of production, gathering, processing, refining, compression and transportation facilities;
• the ability of EOG's customers and other contractual counterparties to satisfy their obligations to EOG and, related thereto, to access the credit and capital markets to obtain financing needed to satisfy their obligations to EOG;
• EOG's ability to access the commercial paper market and other credit and capital markets to obtain financing on terms it deems acceptable, if at all, and to otherwise satisfy its capital expenditure requirements;
• the extent to which EOG is successful in its completion of planned asset dispositions;
• the extent and effect of any hedging activities engaged in by EOG;
• the timing and extent of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates, global and domestic financial market conditions and global and domestic general economic conditions;
• political conditions and developments around the world (such as political instability and armed conflict), including in the areas in which EOG operates;
• the use of competing energy sources and the development of alternative energy sources;
• the extent to which EOG incurs uninsured losses and liabilities or losses and liabilities in excess of its insurance coverage;
• acts of war and terrorism and responses to these acts;
• physical, electronic and cyber security breaches; and
• the other factors described under ITEM 1A, Risk Factors, on pages 13 through 22 of EOG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and any updates to those factors set forth in EOG's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events anticipated by EOG's forward-looking statements may not occur, and, if any of such events do, we may not have anticipated the timing of their occurrence or the duration and extent of their impact on our actual results.  Accordingly, you should not place any undue reliance on any of EOG's forward-looking statements. EOG's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and EOG undertakes no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose not only "proved" reserves (i.e., quantities of oil and gas that are estimated to be recoverable with a high degree of confidence), but also "probable" reserves (i.e., quantities of oil and gas that are as likely as not to be recovered) as well as "possible" reserves (i.e., additional quantities of oil and gas that might be recovered, but with a lower probability than probable reserves).  Statements of reserves are only estimates and may not correspond to the ultimate quantities of oil and gas recovered. Any reserve estimates provided in this press release that are not specifically designated as being estimates of proved reserves may include "potential" reserves and/or other estimated reserves not necessarily calculated in accordance with, or contemplated by, the SEC's latest reserve reporting guidelines.  Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in EOG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, available from EOG at P.O. Box 4362, Houston, Texas 77210-4362 (Attn: Investor Relations). You can also obtain this report from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330 or from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.  In addition, reconciliation and calculation schedules for non-GAAP financial measures can be found on the EOG website at www.eogresources.com.