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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, 2011

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

141.0 million shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding at July 29, 2011.

 

 

 


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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

     1   

Consolidated Statements of Income
For the three months ended and six months ended June  30, 2011 and 2010

     2   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

     3   

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
For the six months ended June 30, 2011

     4   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     5   

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

     27   

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     39   

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

     40   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     41   

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

December December
           June 30,      
2011
       December 31,  
2010
 
ASSETS      

Current Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 5,331           $ 6,434     

Accounts receivable

     250,413           269,024     

Inventories

     27,166           24,406     

Deferred income taxes

     66,002           74,086     

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     27,412           28,937     
                 
     376,324           402,887     
                 

Property and Equipment, at cost

     

Oil and natural gas properties - full cost method

     

Subject to amortization

     10,844,515           9,975,056     

Not subject to amortization

     3,309,642           3,304,554     

Other property and equipment

     143,684           137,150     
                 
     14,297,841           13,416,760     

Less allowance for depreciation, depletion, amortization and
impairment

     (6,475,951)          (6,196,008)    
                 
     7,821,890           7,220,752     
                 

Goodwill

     535,142           535,144     
                 

Investment

     774,907           664,346     
                 

Other Assets

     76,179           71,808     
                 
     $ 9,584,442           $ 8,894,937     
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current Liabilities

     

Accounts payable

     $ 315,242           $ 284,628     

Commodity derivative contracts

     59,786           52,971     

Royalties and revenues payable

     82,818           70,990     

Interest payable

     58,446           49,127     

Other current liabilities

     74,338           75,973     
                 
     590,630           533,689     
                 

Long-Term Debt

     3,637,447           3,344,717     
                 

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     

Asset retirement obligation

     239,361           225,571     

Commodity derivative contracts

     20,400           24,740     

Other

     23,146           28,205     
                 
     282,907           278,516     
                 

Deferred Income Taxes

     1,480,598           1,355,050     
                 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)

     

Stockholders’ Equity

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250.0 million shares authorized,
143.9 million shares issued at June 30, 2011 and
December 31, 2010

     1,439           1,439     

Additional paid-in capital

     3,410,856           3,427,869     

Retained earnings

     328,624           148,620     

Treasury stock, at cost, 2.9 million shares and 3.8 million shares at
June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively

     (148,059)          (194,963)    
                 
     3,592,860           3,382,965     
                 
     $ 9,584,442           $ 8,894,937     
                 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

October October October October
         Three Months Ended    
June 30,
         Six Months Ended    
June 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

Revenues

           

Oil sales

     $ 399,306           $ 276,263           $ 731,149           $  552,267     

Gas sales

     113,670           87,678           210,472           195,417     

Other operating revenues

     1,809           652           3,478           959     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     514,785           364,593           945,099           748,643     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

           

Lease operating expenses

     82,142           57,536           154,393           120,039     

Steam gas costs

     16,865           15,357           32,626           35,020     

Electricity

     10,371           11,115           20,091           21,149     

Production and ad valorem taxes

     16,920           3,828           28,448           12,275     

Gathering and transportation expenses

     16,841           12,912           29,588           22,331     

General and administrative

     30,783           30,301           66,806           67,691     

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     150,757           123,810           285,300           246,203     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

     -               59,475           -               59,475     

Accretion

     4,314           4,407           8,571           8,818     

Legal recovery

     -               -               -               (8,423)    

Other operating income

     (303)          (3,945)          (607)          (4,514)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     328,690           314,796           625,216           580,064     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from Operations

     186,095           49,797           319,883           168,579     

Other (Expense) Income

           

Interest expense

     (37,242)          (28,039)          (69,646)          (49,092)    

Debt extinguishment costs

     -               -               -               (728)    

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

     18,912           57,984           (32,084)          65,840     

Gain on investment measured at fair value

     43,307           -               110,561           -         

Other income

     996           11,235           1,550           12,541     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

     212,068           90,977           330,264           197,140     

Income tax expense

           

Current

     (387)          (2,672)          (759)          (7,410)    

Deferred

     (86,789)          (42,930)          (133,634)          (85,827)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income

     $ 124,892           $ 45,375           $ 195,871           $ 103,903     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per Share

           

Basic

     $ 0.88           $ 0.32           $ 1.39           $ 0.74     

Diluted

     $ 0.87           $ 0.32           $ 1.37           $ 0.73     

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

           

Basic

     141,797           140,560           141,335           140,153     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     143,300           141,557           143,361           141,752     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

June June
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2011     2010  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   

Net income

    $ 195,871          $ 103,903     

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    285,300          246,203     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -              59,475     

Accretion

    8,571          8,818     

Deferred income tax expense

    133,634          85,827     

Debt extinguishment costs

    -              728     

Loss (gain) on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    32,084          (65,840)    

Gain on investment measured at fair value

    (110,561)         -         

Non-cash compensation

    28,031          22,955     

Other non-cash items

    (302)         1,672     

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

   

Accounts receivable and other assets

    (21,470)         27,231     

Accounts payable and other liabilities

    (14,103)         (31,365)    

Income taxes receivable/payable

    40,370          14,825     
               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    577,425          474,432     
               

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   

Additions to oil and gas properties

    (800,170)         (558,386)    

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

    (32,456)         43,923     

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

    11,987          7,230     

Derivative settlements

    (30,039)         (16,153)    

Additions to other property and equipment

    (6,534)         (4,394)    
               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (857,212)         (527,780)    
               

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Borrowings from revolving credit facilities

    2,679,200          860,455     

Repayments of revolving credit facilities

    (2,989,200)         (1,090,455)    

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

    600,000          300,000     

Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements

    (11,320)         (5,932)    

Other

    4          -         
               

Net cash provided by financing activities

    278,684          64,068     
               

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,103)         10,720     

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    6,434          1,859     
               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

    $ 5,331          $ 12,579     
               

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(share and dollar amounts in thousands)

 

                Additional                        
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Retained    

Treasury Stock

       
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings    

Shares

  Amount     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2010

    143,924      $ 1,439      $   3,427,869       $  148,620       (3,764)     $  (194,963)      $   3,382,965   

Net income

    -            -            -             195,871       -          -             195,871   

Restricted stock awards

    -            -            14,008         -           -          -             14,008   

Issuance of treasury stock for restricted stock awards

    -            -            (31,021)        (15,843)      875      46,864         -       

Exercise of stock options and other

    -            -            -             (24)          40         16   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

    143,924      $ 1,439      $ 3,410,856       $ 328,624      

(2,888)

  $ (148,059)      $ 3,592,860   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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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 wholly owned subsidiaries. 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, 2011 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, 2010.

Asset Retirement Obligation . The following table reflects the changes in our asset retirement obligation during the six months ended June 30, 2011 (in thousands):

 

Asset retirement obligation - December 31, 2010

     $     239,432     

Settlements

     (3,969)    

Change in estimate

     5,253     

Accretion expense

     8,571     

Asset retirement additions

     2,888     
        

Asset retirement obligation - June 30, 2011 (1)

     $     252,175     
        

 

(1)

$12.8 million is included in other current liabilities.

Earnings Per Share. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 the weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted earnings per share were (in thousands):

 

         Three Months Ended    
June 30,
         Six Months Ended    
June 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     141,797           140,560           141,335           140,153     

Unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options

     1,503           997           2,026           1,599     
                                   

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     143,300           141,557           143,361           141,752     
                                   

In the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, 1.0 million and 2.9 million restricted stock units, respectively, and in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, 1.0 million and 1.4 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 earnings per share, no adjustments were made to reported net income.

 

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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, 2011 and December 31, 2010, inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31, December 31,
          June 30,      
  2011  
      December 31,  
  2010  
 

Oil

    $ 7,282          $ 6,744     

Materials and supplies

    19,884          17,662     
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 27,166          $ 24,406     
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was (in thousands):

 

         Three Months Ended    
June 30,
         Six Months Ended    
June 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

Stock-based compensation included in:

           

General and administrative expense

     $ 9,522           $ 8,305           $  23,365           $  22,921     

Lease operating expenses

     1,703           (2,250)          4,666           34     

Oil and natural gas properties

     2,976           2,120           7,495           6,963     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation

     $ 14,201           $ 8,175           $ 35,526           $ 29,918     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the first six months of 2011, we granted 1.6 million restricted stock units at an average fair value of $37.24 per share and 904 thousand stock appreciation rights with an average exercise price of $37.21 per share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement s. In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued authoritative guidance clarifying the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures when comparative financial statements are presented. The guidance also improves the usefulness of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosures by requiring a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combination. We adopted the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2011, and it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending the criteria for performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test for companies with reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The amended guidance requires performance of the second step if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. We adopted the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2011, and it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending certain accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. 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 guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

 

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In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (i) a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (ii) two separate but consecutive statements. The requirement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Prior to this guidance, we prepared a separate statement of comprehensive income. We will adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2011 and these provisions will require that we position this statement consecutively to the income statement.

Note 2 — Long-Term Debt

At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, long-term debt consisted of (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2011
       December 31,  
2010
 

Senior revolving credit facility

     $ 310,000           $ 620,000     

7  3 / 4 % Senior Notes due 2015

     600,000           600,000     

10% Senior Notes due 2016 (1)

     533,307           530,812     

7% Senior Notes due 2017

     500,000           500,000     

7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2018

     400,000           400,000     

8  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2019 (2)

     394,140           393,905     

7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2020

     300,000           300,000     

6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2021

     600,000           -         
                 
     $     3,637,447           $     3,344,717     
                 

 

(1)   The amount is net of unamortized discount of $31.7 million and $34.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

(2)   The amount is net of unamortized discount of $5.9 million and $6.1 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Senior Revolving Credit Facility. In April 2011, our borrowing base increased to $1.8 billion from $1.45 billion. The commitments remained unchanged at $1.4 billion. In May 2011, we entered into an amendment to our senior revolving credit facility. The amendment adjusted our borrowing rates and the maturity date was extended to May 4, 2016. 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 relevant factors. 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, 2011, we had $1.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under our senior revolving credit facility.

Amounts borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility, as amended, 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 on outstanding borrowings is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of the total amount of funds borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility to the borrowing base. 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.

 

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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.

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, 2012, 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, 2012. 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, 2011. The daily average outstanding balance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $61.1 million and $57.5 million, respectively.

6   5 / 8 % Senior Notes. In March 2011, we issued $600 million of 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes, or the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes, at par. We received approximately $590 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. We may redeem all or part of the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes on or after May 1, 2016 at specified redemption prices and prior to such date at a “make-whole” redemption price. In addition, prior to May 1, 2014 we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The 6   5 / 8 % Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations. They are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries. In the future, the guarantees may be released or terminated under certain circumstances. These 6  5 / 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  5 / 8 % Senior Notes; effectively junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our senior revolving 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.

 

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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, puts, 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 majority of our debt is at fixed interest rates, thereby reducing our floating interest rate risk exposure.

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.

Cash settlements with respect to derivatives that contain a significant financing element are reflected as financing activities in the statement of cash flows. 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.

For put options, we 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 or 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.

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

 

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As of June 30, 2011, 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

           

2011

              

July - Dec

   Put options  (2)    31,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $5.023 per Bbl    WTI

July - Dec

   Three-way collars  (3)    9,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $1.00 per Bbl    WTI
         $110.00 Ceiling      

2012

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options  (2)    40,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $6.087 per Bbl    WTI

Sales of Natural Gas Production

           

2011

              

July - Dec

   Three-way collars  (4)    200,000 MMBtu    $4.00 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    -    Henry Hub
         $4.92 Ceiling      

2012

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options  (5)    160,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    $0.294 per MMBtu    Henry Hub

 

(1)

The average strike prices do not reflect the cost to purchase the put options or collars.

(2)

If the index price is less than the $80 per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the $80 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 $80 per barrel, we pay only the option premium.

(3)

If the index price is less than the $80 per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the $80 per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. We pay the difference between the index price and $110 per barrel plus the option premium if the index price is greater than the $110 per barrel ceiling. If the index price is at or above $80 per barrel but at or below $110 per barrel, we pay only the option premium.

(4)

If the index price is less than the $4.00 per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the $4.00 per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.00 per MMBtu. We pay the difference between the index price and $4.92 per MMBtu if the index price is greater than the $4.92 per MMBtu ceiling. If the index price is at or above $4.00 per MMBtu but at or below $4.92 per MMBtu, no cash settlement is required.

(5)

If the index price is less than the $4.30 per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the $4.30 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 $4.30 per MMBtu, we pay only the option premium.

Balance Sheet

At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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,      
2011
       December 31,  
2010
 

    Crude oil puts

   Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      $ 24,070           $ 23,910     

    Natural gas puts

   Commodity derivative contracts - current assets      6,535           -         

    Crude oil collars

   Commodity derivative contracts - current liability      (970)          (317)    

    Natural gas collars

   Commodity derivative contracts - current liability      (1,952)          (10,469)    

    Crude oil puts

   Commodity derivative contracts - non-current assets      24,814           64,266     

    Natural gas puts

   Commodity derivative contracts - non-current assets      7,454           15,254     
                    

Total derivative instruments

     $ 59,951           $ 92,644     
                    

 

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The following table provides supplemental information to reconcile the fair value of our derivative contracts to our balance sheet at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, considering the deferred premiums, accrued interest and related settlement payable amounts which are not included in the fair value amounts disclosed in the table above (in thousands):

 

                     June 30,      
2011
      December 31, 
2010
 

Net fair value asset

           $ 59,951           $ 92,644     

Deferred premium and accrued interest on derivative contracts

               (135,196)          (164,155)    

Settlement payable

           (4,941)          (6,200)    
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net commodity derivative liability

           $ (80,186)          $ (77,711)    
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts - current liability

           $ (59,786)          $ (52,971)    

Commodity derivative contracts - non-current liability

           (20,400)          (24,740)    
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
           $ (80,186)          $ (77,711)    
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2011 and 2010, 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,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

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

     $     18,912           $     57,984           $     (32,084)          $     65,840     

Cash Payments and Receipts

During the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, cash (payments) receipts for derivatives were as follows (in thousands):

 

                    Six Months Ended      
June 30,
 
              2011     2010  

Oil derivatives

          $     (30,659)         $     (32,403)    

Natural gas derivatives

          620          16,250     
       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $     (30,039)         $ (16,153)    
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 to and from the counterparties under the derivative contracts.

 

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Contingent Features

As of June 30, 2011, 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, 2011, we were in a net liability position with all nine of the counterparties to our derivative instruments, totaling $80.2 million.

Note 4 — Investment

At June 30, 2011, we owned 51.0 million shares of McMoRan Exploration Co. common stock, approximately 32.2% of their 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 and from transferring any McMoRan shares for one year after closing (subject to certain exceptions). After one year from the acquisition date, we may sell shares of McMoRan common stock pursuant to underwritten offerings, in periodic sales under a 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, 2011, the McMoRan shares were valued at approximately $774.9 million, based on McMoRan’s closing stock price of $18.48 on June 30, 2011, discounted to reflect certain restrictions on the marketability of the McMoRan shares. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded unrealized gains of $43.3 million and $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, 2011 (1)
 

Results of Operations

  

Revenues

     $ 95,090     

Operating loss

     (14,380)    

Loss from continuing operations

     (16,873)    

Net loss applicable to common stock

     (25,035)    

(1)    Amounts represent our 32.2% equity ownership in McMoRan.

 

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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, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

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

(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

June 30, 2011

       

Commodity derivative contracts  (1)

       

Crude oil puts

    $ 48,884          $ -                $ 48,884          $ -         

Crude oil collars

    (970)         -                (970)         -         

Natural gas collars

    (1,952)         -                -              (1,952)    

Natural gas puts

    13,989          -                -              13,989     

Investment (2)

    774,907          -                -              774,907     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 834,858          $ -                $ 47,914          $ 786,944     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

       

Commodity derivative contracts  (1)

       

Crude oil puts

    $ 88,176          $ -                $ 88,176          $ -         

Crude oil collars

    (317)         -                (317)         -         

Natural gas collars

    (10,469)         -                -              (10,469)    

Natural gas puts

    15,254          -                -              15,254     

Investment (2)

    664,346          -                -              664,346     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 756,990          $ -                $ 87,859          $ 669,131     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Option premium and accrued interest of $135.2 million and $164.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and settlement payable of $4.9 million and $6.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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.

 

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The fair value amounts of our derivative instruments are estimated using an option-pricing model, which uses various inputs including NYMEX 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.

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 data between data points for thinly traded instruments. As of June 30, 2011, our crude oil put options and crude oil collars are classified as Level 2, and our natural gas put options and natural gas collars are classified as Level 3 instruments.

We determine the fair value of our investment by applying a discount 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, term of the restrictions, historical and 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, 2011, 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.

The following table presents a reconciliation of changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2011         2010  
    Commodity
Derivatives  (1)
    Investment         Commodity
Derivatives  (1)
 

Fair value at beginning of period

    $ 4,785          $ 664,346            $ 14,312     

Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings (2)

    7,872          110,561            19,072     

Settlements

    (620)         -                (16,765)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fair value at end of period (3)

    $ 12,037          $ 774,907            $ 16,619     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held as of the end of the period (2)

    $ 6,563          $ 110,561            $ 11,124     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(1)

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

(2)

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 on investment measured at fair value in our income statement for our commodity derivative contracts and our investment, respectively.

(3)

There were no transfers or purchases during the reported periods.

 

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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 put options, crude oil collars 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.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
      Carrying  
Amount
    Fair
Value
      Carrying  
Amount
    Fair
Value
 

Current Liability

       

Deferred premium and accrued interest on
derivative contracts

    $     82,528          $     82,528          $     59,895          $     59,895     

Non-Current Liability

       

Deferred premium and accrued interest on
derivative contracts

    52,668          52,668          104,260          104,260     

Long-Term Debt

       

Senior revolving credit facility

    310,000          310,000          620,000          620,000     

7  3 / 4 % Senior Notes

    600,000          621,750          600,000          625,500     

10% Senior Notes

    533,307          635,625          530,812          631,388     

7% Senior Notes

    500,000          515,000          500,000          513,750     

7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes

    400,000          420,000          400,000          421,000     

8  5 / 8 % Senior Notes

    394,140          436,000          393,905          438,000     

7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes

    300,000          315,000          300,000          316,125     

6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes

    600,000          600,000          -              -         

The carrying value of our senior revolving credit facility approximates its fair value, as interest rates are variable, based on prevailing market rates. The fair value of our Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices from trades of such debt.

 

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Note 6 — 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, 2011, income tax expense was approximately 41% of pre-tax income. The variance in our estimated annual effective tax rate from the 35% federal statutory rate primarily 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.

Note 7 — 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, $72.3 million ($144.1 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 $75.0 million). To secure its abandonment obligations, the purchaser of the properties is required to periodically deposit funds into an escrow account. At June 30, 2011, the escrow account had a balance of $17.8 million. The fair value of our guarantee at June 30, 2011, $0.4 million, considers the payment/performance risk of the purchaser and is included in other long-term liabilities in our balance sheet.

 

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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.

Through our ownership in Lucius, located in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico, we joined the Lucius and Hadrian working interest partners and executed a unit participation and unit operating agreement effective June 1, 2011. As part of the agreements, we have agreed to share in our portion of certain long lead equipment orders and detailed engineering work.

At our Arroyo Grande field in San Luis Obispo County, California, we have committed for the design and build of a produced water reclamation facility. Additionally, we have signed a ten-year operations agreement which will commence upon commercial operations.

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.

 

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Note 8 — Consolidating Financial Statements

We are the issuer of $600 million of 7  3 / 4 % Senior Notes, $565 million of 10% Senior Notes, $500 million of 7% Senior Notes, $400 million of 7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2018, $400 million of 8  5 / 8 % Senior Notes, $300 million of 7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2020 and $600 million of 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes as of June 30, 2011, which are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries (referred to as “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Certain of our subsidiaries do not guarantee the Senior Notes (referred to as “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

PXP Operations LLC. During the first half of 2011, the reverse like-kind exchange arrangements pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 were concluded prior to the completion of a like-kind exchange involving any disposition of PXP properties. As a result, the related Eagle Ford Shale properties were transferred from PXP Operations LLC, which was reported as a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, to PXP and the outstanding notes between PXP Operations LLC and PXP were settled. We have retrospectively adjusted the Issuer and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries columns of the condensed consolidating balance sheet at December 31, 2010 to reflect the unwind of the reverse like-kind exchange arrangement involving PXP Operations LLC.

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.

 

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)

JUNE 30, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  
ASSETS          

Current Assets

         

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Accounts receivable and other
current assets

    206,271          164,693          29          -              370,993     
                                       
    211,070          164,700          554          -              376,324     
                                       

Property and Equipment, at cost

         

Oil and natural gas properties - full cost method

    4,908,895          9,185,787          59,475          -              14,154,157     

Other property and equipment

    53,131          42,179          48,374          -              143,684     
                                       
    4,962,026          9,227,966          107,849          -              14,297,841     

Less allowance for depreciation,
depletion, amortization
and impairment

    (2,507,360)         (6,206,016)         (59,479)         2,296,904          (6,475,951)    
                                       
    2,454,666          3,021,950          48,370          2,296,904          7,821,890     
                                       

Investment in and Advances to Affiliates

    4,616,163          (1,796,808)         (69,615)         (2,749,740)         -          
                                       

Other Assets

    838,622          547,606          -              -              1,386,228     
                                       
    $ 8,120,521          $ 1,937,448          $ (20,691)         $ (452,836)         $ 9,584,442     
                                       

LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Current Liabilities

    $ 389,960          $ 198,490          $ 2,180          $ -              $ 590,630     

Long-Term Debt

    3,637,447          -              -              -              3,637,447     

Other Long-Term Liabilities

    215,832          67,075          -              -              282,907     

Deferred Income Taxes

    284,422          279,042          (1,257)         918,391          1,480,598     

Stockholders’ Equity

    3,592,860          1,392,841          (21,614)         (1,371,227)         3,592,860     
                                       
    $ 8,120,521          $ 1,937,448          $ (20,691)         $ (452,836)         $ 9,584,442     
                                       

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2010

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  
ASSETS          

Current Assets

         

Cash and cash equivalents

    $ 6,020          $ 8          $ 406          $ -              $ 6,434     

Accounts receivable and other
current assets

    262,193          133,761          499          -              396,453     
                                       
    268,213          133,769          905          -              402,887     
                                       

Property and Equipment, at cost

         

Oil and natural gas properties -
full cost method

    4,498,652          8,721,483          59,475          -              13,279,610     

Other property and equipment

    49,110          41,736          46,304          -              137,150     
                                       
    4,547,762          8,763,219          105,779          -              13,416,760     

Less allowance for depreciation,
depletion, amortization
and impairment

    (2,421,870)         (5,769,846)         (59,478)         2,055,186          (6,196,008)    
                                       
    2,125,892          2,993,373          46,301          2,055,186          7,220,752     
                                       

Investment in and Advances to Affiliates

    4,485,838          (1,562,441)         (66,116)         (2,857,281)         -         
                                       

Other Assets

    726,277          545,021          -              -              1,271,298     
                                       
    $ 7,606,220          $ 2,109,722          $ (18,910)         $ (802,095)         $ 8,894,937     
                                       

LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Current Liabilities

    $ 384,170          $ 147,246          $ 2,273          $ -              $ 533,689     

Long-Term Debt

    3,344,717          -              -              -              3,344,717     

Other Long-Term Liabilities

    216,755          61,761          -              -              278,516     

Deferred Income Taxes

    277,613          323,829          (710)         754,318          1,355,050     

Stockholders’ Equity

    3,382,965          1,576,886          (20,473)         (1,556,413)         3,382,965     
                                       
    $ 7,606,220          $ 2,109,722          $ (18,910)         $ (802,095)         $ 8,894,937     
                                       

 

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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

    $ 328,423          $ 70,883          $ -               $ -               $ 399,306     

Gas sales

    2,621          111,049          -               -               113,670     

Other operating revenues

    269          1,540          -               -               1,809     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    331,313          183,472          -               -                 514,785     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    90,391          52,748          -               -               143,139     

General and administrative

    19,047          11,663          73          -               30,783     

Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion

    50,397          66,911          -               37,763          155,071     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -              143,173          -               (143,173)         -          

Other operating income

    -              (303)         -               -               (303)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    159,835          274,192          73          (105,410)         328,690     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

      171,478          (90,720)         (73)         105,410          186,095     

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (17,627)         4          -               17,623          -          

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

    215,902          (126,115)         (752)         123,033          212,068     

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (91,010)         46,438          395          (42,999)         (87,176)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 124,892          $ (79,677)         $   (357)         $ 80,034          $ 124,892    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenues

         

Oil sales

    $ 229,592          $ 46,671          $ -               $ -               $ 276,263     

Gas sales

    15,476          72,202          -               -               87,678     

Other operating revenues

    410          242          -               -               652     
                                       
    245,478          119,115          -               -               364,593     
                                       

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    70,399          30,349          -               -               100,748     

General and administrative

    21,504          8,707          90          -               30,301     

Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion

    56,184          32,895          -               39,138          128,217     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -              -                 59,475          -               59,475     

Other operating income

    -              (3,945)         -               -               (3,945)    
                                       
      148,087          68,006          59,565          39,138            314,796     
                                       

Income (Loss) from Operations

    97,391          51,109          (59,565)         (39,138)         49,797     

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (43,497)         (139)         -               43,636          -          

Interest expense

    (17)         (27,510)         (512)         -               (28,039)    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    57,984          -               -               -               57,984     

Other income (expense)

    8          11,469          (242)         -               11,235     
                                       

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    111,869          34,929          (60,319)         4,498          90,977     

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (66,494)         (13,462)         2,740          31,614          (45,602)    
                                       

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 45,375          $ 21,467          $ (57,579)         $ 36,112          $ 45,375     
                                       

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer      Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Intercompany
Eliminations
     Consolidated  

Revenues

              

Oil sales

     $ 605,817           $ 125,332           $ -               $ -               $ 731,149     

Gas sales

     5,990           204,482           -               -               210,472     

Other operating revenues

     505           2,973           -               -               3,478     
                                            
     612,312           332,787           -               -               945,099     
                                            

Costs and Expenses

              

Production costs

     168,736           96,410           -               -               265,146     

General and administrative

     41,751           24,790           265           -               66,806     

Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion

     97,193           125,229           -               71,449           293,871     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

     -               313,167           -               (313,167)          -         

Other operating income

     -               (607)          -               -               (607)    
                                            
     307,680           558,989           265           (241,718)          625,216     
                                            

Income (Loss) from Operations

       304,632             (226,202)          (265)          241,718           319,883     

Other (Expense) Income

              

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (35,915)          (4)          -               35,919           -         

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

     346,932           (292,479)          (1,826)          277,637           330,264     

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (151,061)          108,434           684           (92,450)          (134,393)    
                                            

Net Income (Loss)

     $ 195,871           $ (184,045)          $   (1,142)          $ 185,187           $ 195,871     
                                            

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

(in thousands of dollars)

 

        Issuer         Guarantor
  Subsidiaries  
    Non- Guarantor
  Subsidiaries  
      Intercompany  
Eliminations
      Consolidated    

Revenues

         

Oil sales

    $ 463,767          $ 88,500          $ -               $ -               $ 552,267     

Gas sales

    40,990          154,427          -               -               195,417     

Other operating revenues

    516          443          -               -               959     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    505,273          243,370          -               -               748,643     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses

         

Production costs

    145,859          64,955          -               -               210,814     

General and administrative

    46,362          21,234          95          -               67,691     

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

    115,318          62,962          -              76,741          255,021     

Impairment of oil and gas properties

    -              -              59,475          -               59,475     

Legal recovery

    -              (8,423)         -               -               (8,423)    

Other operating income

    -              (4,514)         -               -               (4,514)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    307,539          136,214          59,570          76,741          580,064     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

    197,734          107,156          (59,570)         (76,741)         168,579     

Other (Expense) Income

         

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (43,883)         (10)         -               43,893          -          

Interest expense

    (30)         (48,019)         (1,043)         -               (49,092)    

Debt extinguishment costs

    (728)         -              -               -               (728)    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    65,840          -              -               -               65,840     

Other income (expense)

    623          12,063          (145)         -               12,541     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    219,556          71,190          (60,758)         (32,848)         197,140     

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (115,653)         (27,956)         2,938          47,434          (93,237)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 103,903          $ 43,234          $   (57,820)          $ 14,586          $ 103,903     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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)       $ (1,142)       $ 185,187          $ 195,871    

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

         

Depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion and impairment

    97,193         438,396          -              (241,718)         293,871    

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    35,915         4          -              (35,919)         -        

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

    14,895         (44,787)         (547)         164,073          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

    11,694         (33,567)         403          -              (21,470)   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

    (26,391)        12,265          23          -              (14,103)   

Income taxes receivable/payable

    40,370         -              -              -              40,370    
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    312,449         194,549          (1,196)         71,623          577,425    
                                       

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

         

Additions to oil and gas properties

    (396,404)        (403,651)         (115)         -              (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

    (425,563)        (429,464)         (2,185)         -              (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

    (166,791)        234,914          3,500          (71,623)         -        

Other

           -              -              -                
                                       

Net cash provided by financing activities

    111,893         234,914          3,500          (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    
                                       

 

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PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    Issuer     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Intercompany
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

         

Net income (loss)

  $ 103,903       $ 43,234        $   (57,820)       $ 14,586          $ 103,903    

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

         

Depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion and impairment

    115,318         62,962          59,475          76,741          314,496    

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    43,883         10          -              (43,893)         -        

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

    (263,821)        76,251          (2,992)         276,389          85,827    

Debt extinguishment costs

    728         -              -              -              728    

Gain on mark-to-market derivative contracts

    (65,840)        -              -              -              (65,840)   

Non-cash compensation

    17,722         5,233          -              -              22,955    

Other non-cash items

    2,659         (1,185)         198          -              1,672    

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

         

Accounts receivable and other assets

    28,972         (2,870)         1,129          -              27,231    

Accounts payable and other liabilities

    (16,092)        (15,290)         17          -              (31,365)   

Income taxes receivable/payable

    14,825         -              -              -              14,825    
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

    (17,743)        168,345          7          323,823          474,432    
                                       

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

         

Additions to oil and gas properties

    (255,650)        (299,751)         (2,985)         -              (558,386)   

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

    (59)        43,982          -              -              43,923    

Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties

    7,230         -              -              -              7,230    

Derivative settlements

    (16,153)        -              -              -              (16,153)   

Additions to other property and equipment

    (1,447)        (1)         (2,946)         -              (4,394)   
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

    (266,079)        (255,770)         (5,931)         -              (527,780)   
                                       

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

         

Borrowings from revolving credit facilities

    860,455         -              -              -              860,455    

Repayments of revolving credit facilities

    (1,090,455)        -              -              -              (1,090,455)   

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

    300,000         -              -              -              300,000    

Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements

    (5,932)        -              -              -              (5,932)    

Investment in and advances to affiliates

    229,851         87,422          6,550          (323,823)         -        
                                       

Net cash provided by financing activities

    293,919         87,422          6,550          (323,823)         64,068    
                                       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    10,097         (3)         626          -              10,720    

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    1,304         11          544          -              1,859    
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 11,401       $ 8        $ 1,170        $ -            $ 12,579    
                                       

 

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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, 2010.

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 Mid-Continent Region; 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 hedging 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, Haynesville Shale, Eagle Ford Shale and Granite/Atoka Wash resource 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 32.2% of their 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 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.

 

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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, 2011, the ceiling with respect to our domestic oil and gas properties exceeded the net capitalized costs of those properties by approximately 30%.

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.

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. Depreciation, depletion and amortization, or 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.

General and administrative expense, or 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, 2011, we reported net income of $195.9 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, compared to net income of $103.9 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase primarily reflects higher oil prices and a gain on our investment in McMoRan partially offset by a loss on mark-to-market derivative contracts. Additionally in 2010, an impairment of oil and gas properties was recorded. Significant transactions which affect comparisons between the periods include the divestment of our U.S. Gulf of Mexico shallow water shelf properties to McMoRan and the acquisition of Eagle Ford Shale properties during the fourth quarter 2010.

 

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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  
June 30,
       Six Months Ended  
June 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

Sales Volumes

           

Oil and liquids sales (MBbls)

     4,416           4,131           8,382           8,201     

Gas (MMcf)

           

Production

     27,405           22,110           51,635           44,123     

Used as fuel

     534           480           1,055           958     

Sales

     26,871           21,630           50,580           43,165     

MBOE

           

Production

     8,984           7,816           16,988           15,554     

Sales

     8,894           7,736           16,812           15,395     

Daily Average Volumes

           

Oil and liquids sales (Bbls)

     48,524           45,395           46,308           45,307     

Gas (Mcf)

           

Production

     301,162           242,961           285,280           243,773     

Used as fuel

     5,874           5,272           5,831           5,292     

Sales

     295,288           237,689           279,449           238,481     

BOE

           

Production

     98,718           85,889           93,855           85,935     

Sales

     97,739           85,010           92,883           85,053     

Unit Economics (in dollars)

           

Average NYMEX Prices

           

Oil

     $ 102.34           $ 78.05           $ 98.50           $ 78.46     

Gas

     4.32           4.09           4.20           4.67     

Average Realized Sales Price

           

Before Derivative Transactions

           

Oil (per Bbl)

     $ 90.42           $ 66.87           $ 87.23           $ 67.34     

Gas (per Mcf)

     4.23           4.05           4.16           4.52     

Per BOE

     57.68           47.05           56.01           48.57     

Costs and Expenses per BOE

           

Production costs

           

Lease operating expenses

     $ 9.23           $ 7.44           $ 9.19           $ 7.80     

Steam gas costs

     1.90           1.99           1.94           2.27     

Electricity

     1.17           1.44           1.20           1.37     

Production and ad valorem taxes

     1.90           0.49           1.69           0.80     

Gathering and transportation

     1.89           1.67           1.76           1.45     

DD&A (oil and gas properties)

     16.28           15.33           16.28           15.33     

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

 

       Three Months Ended  
June 30,
       Six Months Ended  
June  30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  

Oil derivatives

     $       (15,018)          $       (17,854)          $       (30,659)          $       (32,403)    

Natural gas derivatives

     -               11,161           620           16,250     
                                   
     $ (15,018)          $ (6,693)          $ (30,039)          $ (16,153)    
                                   

 

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Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 to Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

Oil and gas revenues. Oil and gas revenues increased $149.1 million, to $513.0 million for 2011 from $363.9 million for 2010 due to higher average realized prices and higher sales volumes.

Oil revenues increased $123.0 million to $399.3 million for 2011 from $276.3 million for 2010 reflecting higher average realized prices ($97.3 million) and higher sales volumes ($25.7 million). Our average realized price for oil increased $23.55 per Bbl to $90.42 per Bbl for 2011 from $66.87 per Bbl for 2010. Oil sales volumes increased 3.1 MBbls per day to 48.5 MBbls per day in 2011 from 45.4 MBbls per day in 2010, primarily reflecting increased production from our Panhandle properties and our Eagle Ford Shale acquisition, partially offset by a production decrease due to the December 2010 divestment of our Gulf of Mexico shallow water properties. Excluding the impact of our divestment in 2010, production increased 5.4 MBbls per day in 2011.

We have entered into a new marketing contract with ConocoPhillips effective January 1, 2012 for our California crude oil production that extends the dedication from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2023 and replaces the percent of NYMEX index pricing with a market-based pricing approach. Due to this and other new marketing contracts, we expect oil price realizations on a significant portion of our crude oil production to increase beginning in 2012.

Gas revenues increased $26.0 million to $113.7 million in 2011 from $87.7 million in 2010 reflecting higher sales volumes ($22.2 million) and higher average realized prices ($3.8 million). Gas sales volumes increased 57.6 MMcf per day to 295.3 MMcf per day in 2011 from 237.7 MMcf per day in 2010, primarily reflecting increased production from our Haynesville Shale and Panhandle properties partially offset by a production decrease due to the December 2010 divestment of our Gulf of Mexico shallow water properties. Excluding the impact of our divestment in 2010, sales increased 93.9 MMcf per day in 2011. Our average realized price for gas was $4.23 per Mcf in 2011 compared to $4.05 per Mcf in 2010.

Lease operating expenses . Lease operating expenses increased $24.6 million, to $82.1 million in 2011 from $57.5 million in 2010, reflecting an increased number of producing wells at our Eagle Ford Shale and Panhandle properties and higher scheduled repair and maintenance and well workovers primarily at our California properties.

Production and ad valorem taxes. Production and ad valorem taxes increased $13.1 million, to $16.9 million in 2011 from $3.8 million in 2010, reflecting higher ad valorem taxes at our California and Haynesville Shale properties. The increase in production taxes in 2011 compared to 2010 results from production tax abatements recorded in 2010 and increased production primarily from our Panhandle properties in 2011.

Gathering and transportation expense. Gathering and transportation expenses increased $3.9 million, to $16.8 million in 2011 from $12.9 million in 2010, primarily reflecting an increase in production from our Haynesville Shale properties.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. DD&A expense increased $27.0 million, to $150.8 million in 2011 from $123.8 million in 2010. The increase is attributable to our oil and gas depletion, primarily due to increased production ($19.0 million) and a higher per unit rate ($7.4 million). Our oil and gas unit of production rate increased to $16.28 per BOE in 2011 compared to $15.33 per BOE in 2010.

Impairment of oil and gas properties . During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we completed our interpretation of seismic and drilling data from our two offshore Vietnam exploratory wells and decided not to pursue additional exploratory activities in this area. The costs related to Vietnam oil and gas properties not subject to amortization were transferred to our Vietnam full cost pool where they were subject to the ceiling test limitation. Because our Vietnam full cost pool had no associated proved oil and gas reserves, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $59.5 million.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased $9.2 million, to $37.2 million in 2011 from $28.0 million in 2010, primarily due to greater average debt outstanding partially offset by lower average interest rates and higher capitalized interest. 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 $33.5 million and $32.1 million of interest in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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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 an $18.9 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts in the second quarter of 2011, which was primarily associated with an increase in the fair value of our 2011 crude oil and natural gas collars due to lower forward prices. In the second quarter of 2010, we recognized a $58.0 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts.

Gain on investment measured at fair value. At June 30, 2011, 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 a $43.3 million gain in the second quarter of 2011 related to our McMoRan investment, which was primarily associated with (i) an increase in McMoRan’s stock price and (ii) a lower discount on the marketability of the shares due to a reduced term on the restrictions and lower volatility of the instrument.

Income taxes. For the second quarter of 2011, income tax expense was approximately 41% of pre-tax income. The variance between this effective tax rate and the 35% federal statutory rate results primarily 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.

For the second quarter of 2010, income tax expense was approximately 50% of pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of 50% resulted primarily from expenses that are not deductible because of IRS limitations and state income taxes partially offset by a tax benefit related to the impairment of our Vietnam oil and gas properties.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2010

Oil and gas revenues. Oil and gas revenues increased $193.9 million, to $941.6 million for 2011 from $747.7 million for 2010 primarily due to higher average realized oil prices and higher sales volumes partially offset by lower average realized gas prices.

Oil revenues increased $178.8 million to $731.1 million for 2011 from $552.3 million for 2010 reflecting higher average realized prices ($163.1 million) and higher sales volumes ($15.7 million). Our average realized price for oil increased $19.89 per Bbl to $87.23 per Bbl for 2011 from $67.34 per Bbl for 2010.

We have entered into a new marketing contract with ConocoPhillips effective January 1, 2012 for our California crude oil production that extends the dedication from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2023 and replaces the percent of NYMEX index pricing with a market-based pricing approach. Due to this and other new marketing contracts, we expect oil price realizations on a significant portion of our crude oil production to increase beginning in 2012.

Gas revenues increased $15.1 million to $210.5 million in 2011 from $195.4 million in 2010 reflecting higher sales volumes ($30.9 million), partially offset by lower average realized prices ($15.8 million). Gas sales volumes increased 40.9 MMcf per day to 279.4 MMcf per day in 2011 from 238.5 MMcf per day in 2010, primarily reflecting increased production from our Haynesville Shale and Panhandle properties partially offset by a production decrease due to the December 2010 divestment of our Gulf of Mexico shallow water properties. Excluding the impact of our divestment in 2010, sales increased 83.8 MMcf per day in 2011. Our average realized price for gas was $4.16 per Mcf in 2011 compared to $4.52 per Mcf in 2010.

Lease operating expenses . Lease operating expenses increased $34.4 million, to $154.4 million in 2011 from $120.0 million in 2010, reflecting an increased number of producing wells at our Eagle Ford Shale and Panhandle properties and higher scheduled repair and maintenance primarily at our California properties.

 

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Production and ad valorem taxes. Production and ad valorem taxes increased $16.1 million, to $28.4 million in 2011 from $12.3 million in 2010, reflecting higher ad valorem taxes at our California and Haynesville Shale properties. The increase in production taxes in 2011 compared to 2010 results from production tax abatements recorded in 2010 and increased production primarily from our Panhandle properties in 2011.

Gathering and transportation expense. Gathering and transportation expenses increased $7.3 million, to $29.6 million in 2011 from $22.3 million in 2010, primarily reflecting an increase in production from our Haynesville Shale properties.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. DD&A expense increased $39.1 million, to $285.3 million in 2011 from $246.2 million in 2010. The increase is attributable to our oil and gas depletion, primarily due to increased production ($23.3 million) and a higher per unit rate ($14.8 million). Our oil and gas unit of production rate increased to $16.28 per BOE in 2011 compared to $15.33 per BOE in 2010.

Impairment of oil and gas properties . During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we completed our interpretation of seismic and drilling data from our two offshore Vietnam exploratory wells and decided not to pursue additional exploratory activities in this area. The costs related to Vietnam oil and gas properties not subject to amortization were transferred to our Vietnam full cost pool where they were subject to the ceiling test limitation. Because our Vietnam full cost pool had no associated proved oil and gas reserves, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $59.5 million.

Legal recovery. We received a net recovery of $8.4 million in 2010 as our share of a portion of the judgments in the Amber Resources Company et al. v. United States related lawsuits.

Interest expense . Interest expense increased $20.5 million, to $69.6 million in 2011 from $49.1 million in 2010, primarily due to greater average debt outstanding and lower capitalized interest 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 $64.6 million and $66.4 million of interest in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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 $32.1 million loss related to mark-to-market derivative contracts in the six months ended June 30, 2011, which was primarily associated with a decrease in fair value of our 2011 and 2012 crude oil puts due to higher crude oil forward prices partially offset by an increase in fair value of our 2011 natural gas collars due to lower natural gas forward prices. In the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recognized a $65.8 million gain related to mark-to-market derivative contracts.

Gain on investment measured at fair value. At June 30, 2011, 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 a $110.6 million gain in the six months ended June 30, 2011 related to our McMoRan investment, which was primarily associated with (i) a lower discount on the marketability of the shares due to a reduced term on the restrictions and lower volatility of the instrument and (ii) an increase in McMoRan’s stock price.

 

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Income taxes. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, our income tax expense was approximately 41% of pre-tax income. The variance between this effective tax rate and the 35% federal statutory rate results primarily 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.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, our income tax expense was approximately 47% of pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of 47% resulted primarily from expenses that are not deductible because of IRS limitations, state income taxes and adjustments to deferred taxes for differences in the reporting of stock-based compensation expense for financial statement and income tax reporting purposes partially offset by a tax benefit related to the impairment of our Vietnam oil and gas properties.

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. 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, 2011, we had approximately $1.1 billion available for future secured borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility, which had aggregate commitments and a borrowing base of $1.4 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. 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, 2011, the commitments are from a diverse syndicate of 21 lenders and no single lender’s commitment represented more than 7% of the total commitments.

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas, the success of our acquisitions 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 or 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, exploration and production of oil and gas. In August 2011, we revised our 2011 capital budget to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion. The increase reflects our accelerated drilling activity in the Eagle Ford Shale and a higher than originally planned rig count in the Haynesville Shale. We intend to fund our 2011 capital budget from internally generated funds and borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility. In addition, we could curtail the portion of our capital expenditures that is discretionary if our cash flows decline from expected levels.

 

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We believe that we have sufficient liquidity through our forecasted cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity under our senior revolving credit facility to meet our short-term and long-term normal recurring operating needs, derivative obligations, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures. We have no near-term debt maturities. Our senior revolving credit facility matures on May 4, 2016 and the next maturity of our senior notes will occur on June 15, 2015.

Working Capital

At June 30, 2011, we had a working capital deficit of approximately $214.3 million. We generally have a working capital deficit because we use excess cash to pay down borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility. Our working capital fluctuates for various reasons, including the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments and stock appreciation rights.

Financing Activities

Senior Revolving Credit Facility. In April 2011, our borrowing base increased to $1.8 billion from $1.45 billion. The commitments remained unchanged at $1.4 billion. In May 2011, we entered into an amendment to our senior revolving credit facility. The amendment adjusted our borrowing rates and the maturity date was extended to May 4, 2016. 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 relevant factors. 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, 2011, our availability for future secured borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility was approximately $1.1 billion and we had $310 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, 2011 was $216.0 million and $424.2 million, respectively.

Amounts borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility, as amended, 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 on outstanding borrowings is based on the utilization rate as a percentage of the total amount of funds borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility to the borrowing base. 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.

 

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Short-term Credit Facility. We have an uncommitted short-term unsecured credit facility under which we may make borrowings from time to time, until June 1, 2012, 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, 2012. 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, 2011. The daily average outstanding balance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $61.1 million and $57.5 million, respectively.

6   5 / 8 % Senior Notes. In March 2011, we issued $600 million of 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes at par. We received approximately $590 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. We may redeem all or part of the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes on or after May 1, 2016 at specified redemption prices and prior to such date at a “make-whole” redemption price. In addition, prior to May 1, 2014 we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The 6  5 / 8 % Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations. They are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of our existing domestic subsidiaries. In the future, the guarantees may be released or terminated under certain circumstances. These 6  5 / 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  5 / 8 % Senior Notes; effectively junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our senior revolving 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.

Cash Flows

 

    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  

 

Cash provided by (used in):

   

Operating activities

    $         577.4          $         474.4     

Investing activities

    (857.2)         (527.8)    

Financing activities

    278.7          64.1     

Net cash provided by operating activities was $577.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $474.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase primarily reflects higher operating income in 2011 as a result of higher average realized oil prices and a $40.4 million refund of income tax paid in prior years.

 

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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 used in investing activities of $527.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 primarily reflects additions to oil and gas properties of $558.4 million, offset by a $43.9 million cash inflow primarily associated with an adjustment to the final settlement of the $1.1 billion payment to Chesapeake Energy Corporation in September 2009 related to the prepayment of the Haynesville drilling carry.

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. Net cash provided by financing activities of $64.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 primarily reflects proceeds from the $300 million offering of 7  5 / 8 % Senior Notes partially offset by the net reduction in borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility of $230.0 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. We currently have $695.8 million in authorized repurchases remaining under the program.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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, oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization, DD&A, commodity pricing and risk management activities, 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, 2010.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance clarifying the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures when comparative financial statements are presented. The guidance also improves the usefulness of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosures by requiring a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combination. We adopted the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2011, and it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending the criteria for performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test for companies with reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. The amended guidance requires performance of the second step if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. We adopted the provisions of this standard effective January 1, 2011, and it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending certain accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. 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 guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (i) a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (ii) two separate but consecutive statements. The requirement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Prior to this guidance, we prepared a separate statement of comprehensive income. We will adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2011 and these provisions will require that we position this statement consecutively to the income statement.

 

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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;

 

   

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, 2010.

 

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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.

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.

As of June 30, 2011, 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

           

2011

              

July - Dec

   Put options (2)    31,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $5.023 per Bbl    WTI

July - Dec

   Three-way collars  (3)    9,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $1.00 per Bbl    WTI
         $110.00 Ceiling      

2012

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options (2)    40,000 Bbls    $80.00 Floor with a $60.00 Limit    $6.087 per Bbl    WTI

Sales of Natural Gas Production

           

2011

              

July - Dec

   Three-way collars  (4)    200,000 MMBtu    $4.00 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    -    Henry Hub
         $4.92 Ceiling      

2012

              

Jan - Dec

   Put options (5)    160,000 MMBtu    $4.30 Floor with a $3.00 Limit    $0.294 per MMBtu    Henry Hub

 

(1)

The average strike prices do not reflect the cost to purchase the put options or collars.

(2)

If the index price is less than the $80 per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the $80 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 $80 per barrel, we pay only the option premium.

(3)

If the index price is less than the $80 per barrel floor, we receive the difference between the $80 per barrel floor and the index price up to a maximum of $20 per barrel less the option premium. We pay the difference between the index price and $110 per barrel plus the option premium if the index price is greater than the $110 per barrel ceiling. If the index price is at or above $80 per barrel but at or below $110 per barrel, we pay only the option premium.

(4)

If the index price is less than the $4.00 per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the $4.00 per MMBtu floor and the index price up to a maximum of $1.00 per MMBtu. We pay the difference between the index price and $4.92 per MMBtu if the index price is greater than the $4.92 per MMBtu ceiling. If the index price is at or above $4.00 per MMBtu but at or below $4.92 per MMBtu, no cash settlement is required.

(5)

If the index price is less than the $4.30 per MMBtu floor, we receive the difference between the $4.30 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 $4.30 per MMBtu, we pay only the option premium.

 

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The fair value of outstanding crude oil and natural gas commodity derivative instruments at June 30, 2011 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  
Asset
    Price
   Increase  
    Price
  Decrease 
 

Crude oil put options

    $ 49          $ (19)         $ 32     

Crude oil collars

    (1)         (5)         4     

Natural gas collars

    (2)         (8)         7     

Natural gas put options

    14          (6)         9     
                       
    $ 60          $ (38)         $ 52     
                       

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, 2011, the investment, comprised of 51.0 million shares of McMoRan common stock, was valued at approximately $774.9 million. A 10% change in the underlying equity market price per share would result in a $77.5 million increase or decrease in the fair value of our investment, recognized in the income statement.

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, 2011 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, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5. Other Information

We have entered into a new marketing contract with ConocoPhillips effective January 1, 2012 for our California crude oil production that extends the dedication from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2023 and replaces the percent of NYMEX index pricing with a market-based pricing approach. Due to this and other new marketing contracts, we expect oil price realizations on a significant portion of our crude oil production to increase beginning in 2012.

 

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ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

      4.1   

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2011, among Plains Exploration & Production Company, as borrower, each of the lenders that is a signatory thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011, File No. 1-31470).

      10.1*   

Crude Oil Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2012, between Plains Exploration & Production Company and ConocoPhillips Company.

      31.1*   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      31.2*   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      32.1*   

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      32.2*   

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      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

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

 

42


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 4, 2011

   
 

By:

 

/s/ Winston M. Talbert

   

Winston M. Talbert

   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

43


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

      4.1   

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2011, among Plains Exploration & Production Company, as borrower, each of the lenders that is a signatory thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 5, 2011, File No. 1-31470).

      10.1*   

Crude Oil Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2012, between Plains Exploration & Production Company and ConocoPhillips Company.

      31.1*   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      31.2*   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      32.1*   

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      32.2*   

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      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

 

44

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