ME Mariner Energy Inc.

Year-over-year quarterly net income up 187% and EPS up 181% HOUSTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mariner Energy, Inc. (NYSE:ME) today reported record quarterly income, revenues and production for the three-month period ended September 30, 2008. Net income for third quarter 2008 was $64.7 million, an increase of 187% compared with the same period of 2007. Fully-diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 181% to $0.73. Third-quarter earnings include a non-cash provision for an additional retrospective insurance premium equating to $0.05 per share in connection with Mariner's membership in OIL Insurance Limited, an energy industry insurance cooperative. This compares with $0.26 fully-diluted EPS reported for third quarter 2007. Other financial and operational highlights for third quarter 2008 include: -- Total revenues increased to $317.9 million, up from the $196.5 million reported for the third quarter a year ago. -- Net cash provided by operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 increased 114% to $861.8 million, up from $402.5 million for the same period in the prior year. -- Three of five offshore wells drilled during the quarter were successful. -- 100% success rate on 29 Permian Basin wells drilled. -- Production increased to 27.1 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), an average of 294 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day (MMcfe/d), which includes the effects of hurricane shut-ins that postponed the production of an estimated 7-9 Bcfe. This is up from 2007 third-quarter production of 23.2 Bcfe (approximately 252 MMcfe/d). Additionally, Mariner reported that it expects its daily production rate to approach pre-hurricane levels of approximately 390 MMcfe/d by year end, as repairs are made primarily to third-party pipelines and processing facilities. As a result of hurricane shut-ins, the company expects its total production for 2008 to range from 120 - 123 Bcfe, down from its original guidance range of 130 - 140 Bcfe. The company expects no material loss of reserves due to the effects of the hurricane and that most of the production shortfall will be deferred into 2009. Scott D. Josey, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mariner Energy, commented: "Mariner delivered improved year-over-year quarterly results in earnings and production, despite back-to-back hurricanes in September that are still affecting the industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Mariner is on track for significant growth this year and poised for additional growth in 2009 with the onset of production from three new deepwater fields - Geauxpher, Daniel Boone, and Viosca Knoll 821. We recently made another deepwater discovery, Dalmatian in De Soto Canyon block 48, and we have additional opportunities in the area." Mr. Josey added, "I believe the company is well positioned both operationally and financially. We have a rich opportunity set, ample liquidity in our borrowing base, and we consistently strive to maintain our capital spending within our cash flow. We believe the business model that has served the company well in the past will continue to do so going forward." THIRD QUARTER 2008 RESULTS Third quarter 2008 net income was $64.7 million, compared with $22.5 million for the same period in 2007. Basic and fully-diluted EPS for third quarter 2008 were $0.74 and $0.73, respectively, up from the $0.26 basic and fully-diluted EPS reported for third quarter 2007. Mariner's third quarter 2008 net production was 27.1 Bcfe, a 17% increase from 23.2 Bcfe for third quarter 2007. Net natural gas production for third quarter 2008 was 18.4 billion cubic feet (Bcf), an 18% increase compared with the 15.5 Bcf reported for third quarter 2007. Net oil production for third quarter 2008 was up 7% to 1.05 million barrels (MMBbls), compared with 0.99 MMBbls for the same period in 2007. Net natural gas liquids (NGL) production for third quarter 2008 was 0.40 MMBbls, a 38% increase compared with the 0.29 MMBbls reported for third quarter 2007. For third quarter 2008, Mariner's average realized natural gas price was $10.50 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), compared with $7.18 per Mcf for the same period in 2007. Mariner's average realized oil price was $92.97 per barrel (Bbl) for third quarter 2008, compared with $70.68 per Bbl for the same period in 2007. The third quarter 2008 average realized NGL price was $61.05 per Bbl, compared with $49.02 per Bbl for third quarter 2007. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program. Mariner provides additional information regarding its hedging activities in quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). OPERATIONAL UPDATE Offshore Mariner drilled five offshore wells during the third quarter of 2008, three of which were successful: Well Name Working Water Depth Operator Interest (Ft) Location Garden Banks 462#2 (Geauxpher) Mariner 60.0% 2815 Deepwater Vermilion 380 A21 Mariner 100.0% 340 Conventional Shelf East Cameron 14#13 Mariner 50.0% 34 Conventional Shelf Mariner has been successful on 13 out of 17 offshore wells drilled during the first nine months of 2008. As of September 30, 2008, seven offshore wells were drilling, and Mariner expects to spud four additional wells by year-end. Subsequent to the end of the third-quarter period, three additional wells were successful: Well Name Working Water Depth Operator Interest (Ft) Location De Soto Canyon 48#1 (Dalmatian) Murphy 12.5% 5876 Deepwater Main Pass 301 A6 Walter Oil 6.3% 230 Conventional Shelf Eugene Island 342 C5ST1 Mariner 50.0% 266 Conventional Shelf Onshore In the third quarter of 2008, Mariner drilled 29 wells in the Permian Basin, all of which were successful. As of September 30, 2008, five rigs were running on Mariner's Permian Basin properties. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter period, Mariner drilled five additional onshore wells, all of which were successful. The company has participated in 104 onshore wells through mid-October 2008 and expects to spud approximately 120 onshore wells this year. CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS RESULTS A conference call has been scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (3:00 p.m. Central Time) on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, to discuss third quarter 2008 financial and operating results. To participate in the call, please dial (866) 356-3377 at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers can dial (617) 597-5392. The conference pass code for both numbers is 16592629. The call also will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed through the Investor Relations' Webcasts and Presentations section of Mariner's website at http://www.mariner-energy.com/. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through November 15, 2008 by dialing (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, pass code 11463013. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on Mariner's website through December 31, 2008. About Mariner Energy, Inc. Mariner Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration, development and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas, with principal operations in the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. For more information about Mariner, please visit its website at http://www.mariner-energy.com/. MARINER ENERGY, INC. SELECTED OPERATIONAL RESULTS (1) (Unaudited) Net Production, Realized Pricing and Average Unit Costs Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007 Net production: Natural gas (Bcf) 18.4 15.5 Oil (MMBbls) 1.05 0.99 Natural gas liquids (MMBbls) 0.40 0.29 Total production (Bcfe) 27.1 23.2 Realized prices (net of hedging): Natural gas ($/Mcf) $10.50 $7.18 Oil ($/Bbl) 92.97 70.68 Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl) 61.05 49.02 Average Unit costs per Mcfe: Lease operating expense $2.38 $1.42 Severance and ad valorem taxes 0.18 0.13 Transportation expense 0.15 0.10 General and administrative expense 0.48 0.48 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 4.22 3.93 (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. MARINER ENERGY, INC. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (1) (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007 Revenues: Natural gas $192,804 $111,455 Oil 97,987 69,842 Natural gas liquids 24,541 14,317 Other revenues 2,558 870 Total revenues 317,890 196,484 Cost and Expenses: Lease operating expense 64,456 33,034 Severance and ad valorem taxes 4,813 3,085 Transportation expense 4,061 2,215 General and administrative expense 12,963 11,170 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 114,398 91,136 Other expense (469) 4,648 Total costs and expenses 200,222 145,288 OPERATING INCOME 117,668 51,196 Other Income (Expense): Interest income 369 475 Interest expense, net of capitalized amounts (17,507) (14,003) Other - - Income before taxes and Minority Interest 100,530 37,668 Provision for income taxes (35,839) (15,140) Minority Interest Expense - - NET INCOME $64,691 $22,528 Earnings per share: Net income per share-basic $0.74 $0.26 Net income per share-diluted $0.73 $0.26 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 87,596 85,702 Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted 88,184 85,964 (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. MARINER ENERGY, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 2008 2007 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $11,147 $18,589 Receivables, net of allowances 170,470 157,774 Insurance receivables 7,433 26,683 Derivative financial instruments 3,893 11,863 Intangible assets 2,036 17,209 Prepaid expenses and other 19,058 10,630 Deferred tax asset 14,744 6,232 Total current assets 228,781 248,980 Property and equipment, net 3,188,051 2,420,194 Restricted cash - 5,000 Goodwill 295,598 295,598 Insurance receivables 17,791 56,924 Derivative financial instruments 84 691 Other Assets, net of amortization 58,836 56,248 TOTAL ASSETS $3,789,141 $3,083,635 Current Liabilities Accounts payable $3,514 $1,064 Accrued liabilities 105,745 96,936 Accrued capital costs 224,330 159,010 Abandonment liability 38,520 30,985 Accrued interest 21,431 7,726 Derivative financial instruments 41,955 19,468 Total current liabilities 435,495 315,189 Long-Term Liabilities Abandonment liability 222,610 191,021 Deferred income tax 489,024 343,948 Derivative financial instruments 12,240 25,343 Long-term debt, bank credit facility 310,000 179,000 Long-term debt, senior unsecured notes 600,000 600,000 Other long-term liabilities 70,604 38,115 Total long-term liabilities 1,704,478 1,377,427 Minority Interest - 1 Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $.0001 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized; 9 9 88,853,638 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008; 180,000,000 shares authorized, 87,229,312 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 Additional paid-in capital 1,062,357 1,054,089 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (32,901) (22,576) Accumulated retained earnings 619,703 359,496 Total stockholders' equity 1,649,168 1,391,018 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $3,789,141 $3,083,635 MARINER ENERGY, INC. SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (1) (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007 Operating cash flow (2) $792,369 $437,188 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 69,439 (34,714) Net cash provided by operating activities $861,808 $402,474 Net cash used in investing activities $(996,752) $(378,013) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $127,502 $(28,458) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(7,442) $(3,997) (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. (2) See below for reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure. IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CERTAIN STATISTICS This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Mariner assumes, plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "may", "will", "estimate", "project", "predict", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "potential", "plan", "goal", or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements provided in this press release are based on Mariner's current belief based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events and assumptions that Mariner believes are reasonable. Mariner does not undertake to update its guidance, estimates or other forward-looking statements as conditions change or as additional information becomes available. Mariner cautions that its forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development, production and sale of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, price volatility or inflation, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC. Any of these factors could cause Mariner's actual results and plans of Mariner to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are urged to read the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Mariner. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure: Operating Cash Flow Operating cash flow (OCF) is not a financial or operating measure under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The table below reconciles OCF to related GAAP information. Mariner believes that OCF is a widely accepted financial indicator that provides additional information about its ability to meet its future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working capital, but OCF should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of a company's profitability or liquidity. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Net cash provided by operating activities $861,808 $402,474 Less: Changes in operating assets and liabilities 69,439 (34,714) Operating cash flow (non-GAAP) $792,369 $437,188 DATASOURCE: Mariner Energy, Inc. CONTACT: Patrick Cassidy of Mariner Energy, Inc., +1-713-954-5558, Web site: http://www.mariner-energy.com/

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