ME Mariner Energy Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mariner Energy, Inc. (NYSE:ME) today reported second quarter 2009 operating and financial results. The company reported net income of $17.2 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, with fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.19. For the same period in the prior year, Mariner reported net income of $123.4 million with fully diluted EPS of $1.39. Highlights for the second quarter 2009 include: -- Production commenced from the Geauxpher field on Garden Banks Block 462 less than a year from discovery with initial gross production rates of approximately 115 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day (MMcfe/d). The field, which is located in water depths of 2,700 feet, is currently producing approximately 105 MMcfe/d. -- Success at Mariner's Deadwood exploration play in West Texas with the evaluation of results from initial production tests and the addition of 2,000 net acres to the company's position in the Permian Basin. -- Mariner raised net proceeds of approximately $446 million through concurrent equity and debt offerings to improve the company's liquidity and reduce its overall leverage. -- Mariner collected payment on approximately $50 million of insurance claims relating to hurricane damage and anticipates additional collections in the second half of the year. -- In the first six months of 2009, Mariner generated more than $280 million in operating cash flow (please see end of this release for prior year data and reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure). -- Owing to positive results in the company's liquidity, improvement in oil prices, and reductions in service costs, Mariner recently increased its 2009 capital program by approximately $50 million predominantly to fund, oily, long-life projects in the Permian Basin. "During the second quarter we increased production from first quarter 2009 and proactively fortified our balance sheet. We are in the enviable position of strong cash flow and excellent liquidity, enabling us to weather events outside our control and capitalize on opportunities that may develop in this challenging environment," said Scott D. Josey, Mariner's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. SECOND QUARTER 2009 RESULTS For the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, Mariner reported net income of $17.2 million, or $0.19 per basic and fully-diluted share. This compares with net income of $123.4 million and basic and fully-diluted earnings per share of $1.40 and $1.39, respectively, for the same three-month period in the prior year. The lower year-over-year results are due primarily to lower commodity prices and decreased production volumes. Net production for second quarter 2009 was 32.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe), compared with 36.4 Bcfe for second quarter 2008. Total natural gas net production for second quarter 2009 was 23.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf), compared with 24.4 Bcf for the same period in the prior year. Total net oil production for second quarter 2009 was 1.2 million barrels (MMBbls), compared with 1.5 MMBbls for the same period in 2008. Natural gas liquids (NGL) net production for second quarter 2009 was 0.3 MMBbls, compared with 0.5 MMBbls for second quarter 2008. For second quarter 2009, Mariner's average realized natural gas price was $5.98 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) compared with $10.27 per Mcf for the same period in 2008. Mariner's average realized oil price was $66.91 per barrel (Bbl) for second quarter 2009, compared with $96.24 per Bbl for second quarter 2008. The average realized NGL price was $24.68 per Bbl for second quarter 2009, compared with $64.69 per Bbl for the same period in 2008. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program. OPERATIONAL UPDATE Offshore Mariner drilled three offshore wells in the second quarter 2009, one of which was successful: Water Working Depth Well Name Operator Interest (Ft) Location --------- -------- -------- ---- -------- Vermillion 380 A16 ST 2 Mariner 100.0% 340 Conventional Shelf Unsuccessful wells during the second quarter included Mariner's Cordage deep shelf prospect (West Cameron 207) and a non-operated well at South Timbalier 316A4. Subsequent to the end of second quarter 2009, Mariner drilled two wells, one of which was successful: Water Working Depth Well Name Operator Interest (Ft) Location --------- -------- -------- ---- -------- Vermillion 380 A3 ST1 Mariner 100.0% 340 Conventional Shelf Mariner's Arden prospect (Garden Banks 949) reached its target depth after quarter end and was determined to be unsuccessful. Onshore In the second quarter of 2009, Mariner drilled seven wells in the Permian Basin, all of which were successful. As of August 1, 2009, one rig was operating on Mariner's Permian Basin properties. CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS RESULTS A conference call has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, August 7, 2009, to discuss second quarter 2009 financial and operating results. To participate in the call, please dial one of the numbers listed below at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time: Callers from the United States and Canada: +1 (866) 804-6929 Callers from International locations: +1 (857) 350-1675. The conference passcode for both numbers is 6009 5145. The call also will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed through the Investor Information section of Mariner's website at http://www.mariner-energy.com/. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through August 17, 2009 by dialing (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, pass code 4318 3816. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on Mariner's website through September 30, 2009. 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 Operating Costs Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net production: Natural gas (Bcf) 23.8 24.4 Oil (MMBbls) 1.2 1.5 Natural gas liquids (MMBbls) 0.3 0.5 Total production (Bcfe) 32.9 36.4 Realized prices (net of hedging): Natural gas ($/Mcf) $5.98 $10.27 Oil ($/Bbl) 66.91 96.24 Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl) 24.68 64.69 Operating costs per Mcfe: Lease operating expense $1.43 $1.55 Severance and ad valorem taxes 0.11 0.14 Transportation expense 0.14 0.12 General and administrative expense 0.64 0.37 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3.05 3.88 (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 June 30, 2009 2008 ---- ---- Revenues: Natural gas sales $142,363 $250,278 Oil sales 78,954 144,556 Natural gas liquids sales 8,193 33,057 Other revenues 2,460 1,561 Total revenues 231,970 429,452 Cost and Expenses: Lease operating expense 47,092 56,427 Severance and ad valorem taxes 3,730 5,263 Transportation expense 4,575 4,204 General and administrative expense 21,122 13,615 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 100,282 141,454 Full cost ceiling test impairment - - Other miscellaneous expense 2,758 303 Total costs and expenses 179,559 221,266 OPERATING INCOME 52,411 208,186 Interest: Income 302 281 Expense, net of capitalized amounts (16,972) (17,563) ------- ------- Income before taxes 35,741 190,904 Provision for income taxes (18,528) (67,416) ------- ------- Net income $17,213 $123,488 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest - (98) NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO MARINER ENERGY, INC. $17,213 $123,390 Earnings per share: Net income per share - basic $0.19 $1.40 Net income per share - diluted $0.19 $1.39 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 91,820 87,984 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 92,174 88,828 (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) June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 ---- ---- Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $33,648 $3,209 Receivables, net of allowances 157,009 219,920 Insurance receivables 25,826 13,123 Derivative financial instruments 70,849 121,929 Intangible assets 1,333 2,334 Prepaid expenses and other 25,535 14,438 ---------- ---------- Total current assets 314,200 374,953 Property and Equipment Proved oil and gas properties, full-cost method 4,719,635 4,448,146 Unproved properties, not subject to amortization 237,058 201,121 ---------- ---------- Total oil and gas properties 4,956,693 4,649,267 Other property and equipment 53,704 53,115 Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization: Proved oil and gas properties (2,648,343) (1,767,028) Other property and equipment (6,860) (5,477) Total accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (2,655,203) (1,772,505) Total property and equipment, net 2,355,194 2,929,877 Insurance receivables 5,082 22,132 Other Assets, net of amortization 65,409 65,831 ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS $2,739,885 $3,392,793 ========== ========== Current Liabilities Accounts payable $3,925 $3,837 Accrued liabilities 112,722 107,815 Accrued capital costs 131,174 195,833 Deferred income tax - 23,148 Abandonment liability 40,386 82,364 Accrued interest 12,873 12,567 Derivative financial instruments 3,599 - Deferred tax liability 28,625 - ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 333,304 425,564 Long-Term Liabilities Abandonment liability 406,733 325,880 Deferred income tax 77,801 319,766 Derivative financial instruments 16,174 - Long-term debt 1,029,189 1,170,000 Other long-term liabilities 30,525 31,263 ---------- ---------- Total long-term liabilities 1,560,422 1,846,909 Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $.0001 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized; 101,848,191 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2009; 180,000,000 shares authorized, 88,846,073 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 10 9 Additional paid-in capital 1,243,277 1,071,347 Accumulated other comprehensive income 38,994 78,181 Accumulated deficit (436,122) (29,217) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 846,159 1,120,320 ---------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $2,739,885 $3,392,793 ========== ========== MARINER ENERGY, INC. SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (1) (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 2008 --------- --------- Operating cash flow (2) $280,532 $576,851 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 57,199 (25,371) --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities $337,731 $551,480 ========= ========= Net cash used in investing activities $(319,241) $(696,515) ========= ========= Net cash provided by financing activities $11,949 $167,715 ========= ========= (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents $30,439 $22,680 ========= ========= (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, 2008, as amended, 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, 2008, as amended, 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. Six Months Ended June 31, 2009 2008 ---- ---- (In thousands) (Unaudited) Net cash provided by operating activities $337,731 $551,480 Less: Changes in operating assets and liabilities 57,199 (25,371) -------- -------- Operating cash flow (non-GAAP) $280,532 $576,851 ======== ======== 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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