Whiting Petroleum Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results and Oil and Gas Reserves

Whiting Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: WLL) (“Whiting” or the “Company”) today announced fourth quarter 2021 results.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights

Revenue was $473 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2021
Net income (GAAP) was $292 million or $7.34 per diluted share
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $168 million or $4.23 per diluted share
Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) was $226 million
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) was $214 million
Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $156 million
December 31, 2021 debt was $0

Lynn A. Peterson, President and CEO commented, “2021 was an eventful year as the Company had many accomplishments that strengthen us for the future. The Company generated over $500 million of adjusted free cash flow, paid off over $360 million on its revolver, spent over $120 million for acquisitions net of divestitures, and ended the year completely debt free. We divested of non-core assets in Colorado and added meaningful drilling inventory through the Company’s acquisition of working interest in its core Sanish field. The Company’s year-end reserve volumes increased 25% over the previous year driven by the significant change in commodity pricing as well as additions from our drilling program and acquisitions. As of December 31, 2021, our proved developed properties alone were valued at $3.6 billion, pre-tax and using SEC pricing of $66.56 per barrel. We recently announced our first fixed dividend that is competitive to industry peers on a yield basis, with the expectation of growing our total return of capital significantly in the coming quarters through buybacks and other strategies. We continue to develop Whiting’s strategies of value creation for the Company’s stakeholders, provide a safe environment for our employees and contractors, and advance our ESG initiatives.”

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased $72 million to $473 million when compared to the third quarter of 2021, primarily due to increased commodity prices between periods. Revenue for the full year 2021 was $1.5 billion.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $292 million, or $7.34 per share, as compared to $198 million, or $5.00 per share, for the third quarter of 2021. Net income for the twelve months ending December 31, 2021 was $428 million, or $10.78 per share. Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $168 million, or $4.23 per diluted share, as compared to $142 million, or $3.57 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2021. Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2021 was $535 million, or $13.49 per share. The primary difference between net income and adjusted net income for all periods is non-cash expense related to the change in the value of the Company’s hedging portfolio. The third quarter was also affected by the gain on sale of properties related to a previously announced divestiture.

The Company’s adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $226 million compared to $201 million for the third quarter of 2021. Net cash provided by operating activities was $214 million in the fourth quarter and adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $156 million. Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $774 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $740 million and adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $504 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

Adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, adjusted EBITDAX and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the end of this release for disclosures and reconciliations regarding these measures.

Production for the fourth quarter averaged 92.8 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOE/d) which was consistent with the previous quarter of 92.1 MBOE/d. Oil production averaged 52.9 thousand barrels of oil per day (MBO/d) compared to 51.8 MBO/d in the third quarter 2021.

Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $66 million compared to the third quarter 2021 spend of $67 million. During the quarter, the Company drilled 17 gross/10.4 net operated wells and turned in line 16 gross/12.0 net operated wells. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has 34 gross (20.2 net) drilled uncompleted wells.

Lease operating expense (LOE) for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $62 million compared to $57 million in the third quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to more operated expense workovers and the effects of higher production. General and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $15 million compared to $12 million in the third quarter 2021. Both quarters included approximately $3 million of non-cash stock compensation costs.

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a borrowing base of $750 million on its revolving credit facility, no borrowings and unrestricted cash of $41 million, resulting in total liquidity of $790 million, net of outstanding letters of credit. Whiting expects to continue to fund its 2022 operations and its dividend fully within operating cash flow.

Proved Reserves

During 2021, the Company added 20.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) of reserves primarily due to successful drilling in the Williston Basin. Additionally, 15.9 MMBOE was added from acquisitions during the year, which was partially offset by a decrease of 10.7 MMBOE primarily due to the disposition of the Redtail field located in Colorado. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s estimated proved reserves totaled 326.0 MMBOE. The Standardized Measure of those reserves was $3,679 million and the pre-tax PV10% of those reserves was $4,381 million, in each case using SEC pricing as noted below.

The following table summarizes our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2021 with the corresponding pre-tax PV10% values:

Proved Reserves (1)

Pre-Tax

Natural

PV10%

Oil

NGLs

Gas

Total

Value (2)

Reserve Category

(MMBbl)

(Bcf)

(MMBOE)

Oil

(in millions)

Proved developed reserves

148.3

55.0

351.9

262.0

57%

3,587

Proved undeveloped reserves

40.3

11.4

74.1

64.0

63%

794

Total proved reserves

188.6

66.4

426.0

326.0

58%

4,381

Discounted future income tax expense

(702)

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows

3,679

(1)

Oil and gas reserve quantities and related discounted future net cash flows have been derived from a WTI oil price of $66.56 per Bbl and a Henry Hub gas price of $3.60 per MMBtu, which were calculated using an average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12 months ended December 31, 2021 as required by SEC and FASB guidelines.

(2)

Pre-tax PV10% may be considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by the SEC and is derived from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (the “Standardized Measure”), which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Pre-tax PV10% is computed on the same basis as the Standardized Measure but without deducting future income taxes. We believe pre-tax PV10% is a useful measure for investors when evaluating the relative monetary significance of our oil and natural gas properties. We further believe investors may utilize our pre-tax PV10% as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our proved reserves to other companies because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future income taxes to be paid. Our management uses this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to our oil and gas properties and acquisitions. However, pre-tax PV10% is not a substitute for the Standardized Measure. Our pre-tax PV10% and Standardized Measure do not purport to present the fair value of our proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves.

Conference Call

Whiting will host a conference call on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (9:00 a.m. Mountain time) to discuss the fourth quarter 2021 results. The call will be conducted by President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn A. Peterson, Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer James P. Henderson, Executive Vice President Operations and Chief Operating Officer Charles J. Rimer and Investor Relations Director Brandon Day. A question and answer session will immediately follow the discussion of the results for the quarter.

To participate in this call please dial:

Domestic Dial-in Number: (877) 328-5506 International Dial-in Number: (412) 317-5422 Webcast URL: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=9BD9bizF

Replay Information:

Conference ID #: 4561404 Replay Dial-In (Toll Free): (877) 344-7529 (U.S.), (855) 669-9658 (Canada) Replay Dial-In (International): (412) 317-0088 Expiration Date: March 3, 2022

Commodity Price Hedging

The Company uses commodity hedges in order to reduce the effects of commodity price volatility and to satisfy the requirements of its credit facility. The following table summarizes Whiting’s hedging positions as of February 17, 2022:

Weighted Average

Settlement Period

Index

Derivative Instrument

Total Volumes

Units

Swap Price

Floor

Ceiling

Crude Oil

2022 (1)

NYMEX WTI

Fixed Price Swaps

2,761,000

Bbl

$71.05

2022 (1)

NYMEX WTI

Two-way Collars

10,351,500

Bbl

$47.13

$57.62

Q1 2023

NYMEX WTI

Fixed Price Swaps

810,000

Bbl

$75.14

Q1-Q3 2023

NYMEX WTI

Two-way Collars

3,443,500

Bbl

$46.75

$58.87

Total

17,366,000

Natural Gas

2022 (1)

NYMEX Henry Hub

Fixed Price Swaps

10,816,500

MMBtu

$3.51

2022 (1)

NYMEX Henry Hub

Two-way Collars

15,754,000

MMBtu

$2.67

$3.29

Q1 2023

NYMEX Henry Hub

Fixed Price Swaps

1,800,000

MMBtu

$4.25

Q1-Q3 2023

NYMEX Henry Hub

Two-way Collars

8,799,000

MMBtu

$2.42

$2.94

Total

37,169,500

Natural Gas Basis (2)

2022 (1)

NNG Ventura to NYMEX

Fixed Price Swaps

5,222,500

MMBtu

$0.53

Q1-Q2 2023

NNG Ventura to NYMEX

Fixed Price Swaps

5,920,000

MMBtu

$0.40

Total

11,142,500

NGL - Propane

2022 (1)

Mont Belvieu

Fixed Price Swaps

18,417,000

Gallons

$1.07

2022 (1)

Conway

Fixed Price Swaps

56,112,000

Gallons

$1.07

Total

74,529,000

(1)

Includes settlement periods of February through December 2022.

(2)

The weighted average price associated with the natural gas basis swaps shown in the table above represents the average fixed differential to NYMEX as stated in the related contracts, which is compared to the Northern Natural Gas Ventura Index (“NNG Ventura”) for each period. If NYMEX combined with the fixed differential as stated in each contract is higher than the NNG Ventura index price at any settlement date, the Company receives the difference. Conversely, if the NNG Ventura index price is higher than NYMEX combined with the fixed differential, the Company pays the difference.

Selected Operating and Financial Statistics

References to “Successor” refer to Whiting and its financial position and results of operations after its emergence from reorganization under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. References to “Predecessor” refer to Whiting and its financial position and results of operations on or before the emergence date (September 1, 2020).

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

Selected operating statistics:

Production

Oil (MBbl)

4,871

4,763

NGLs (MBbl)

1,946

1,919

Natural gas (MMcf)

10,303

10,745

Total production (MBOE)

8,535

8,472

Average prices

Oil (per Bbl):

Price received

75.75

66.54

Effect of crude oil hedging (1)

(20.38

)

(16.57

)

Realized price

55.37

49.97

Weighted average NYMEX price (per Bbl) (2)

77.00

70.55

NGLs (per Bbl):

Price received

28.74

26.81

Effect of NGL hedging (3)

(2.08

)

(1.93

)

Realized price

26.66

24.88

Natural gas (per Mcf):

Price received

3.68

2.42

Effect of natural gas hedging (4)

(2.15

)

(0.82

)

Realized price

1.53

1.60

Weighted average NYMEX price (per MMBtu) (2)

5.13

3.95

Selected operating metrics:

Sales price, net of hedging ($ per BOE)

39.53

35.75

Lease operating ($ per BOE)

7.31

6.68

Transportation, gathering, compression and other ($ per BOE)

0.80

1.04

Depreciation, depletion and amortization ($ per BOE)

5.76

6.13

General and administrative ($ per BOE)

1.79

1.41

Production and ad valorem taxes (% of sales revenue)

(1)

Whiting paid $99 million and $79 million in pre-tax cash settlements on crude oil hedges during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

(2)

Average NYMEX prices weighted for monthly production volumes.

(3)

Whiting paid $4 million in pre-tax cash settlements on NGL hedges during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

(4)

Whiting paid $22 million and $9 million in pre-tax cash settlements on natural gas hedges during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

Selected operating statistics:

Production

Oil (MBbl)

19,316

6,857

15,273

22,130

NGLs (MBbl)

7,218

2,104

4,522

6,626

Natural gas (MMcf)

41,964

14,340

29,667

44,007

Total production (MBOE)

33,528

11,351

24,740

36,091

Average prices

Oil (per Bbl):

Price received

64.77

37.05

28.86

31.40

Effect of crude oil hedging (1)

(14.70

)

(0.34

)

3.00

1.96

Realized price

50.07

36.71

31.86

33.36

Weighted average NYMEX price (per Bbl) (2)

67.86

41.84

38.23

39.35

NGLs (per Bbl):

Price received

22.53

5.90

4.45

4.91

Effect of NGL hedging (3)

(1.19

)

Realized price

21.34

5.90

4.45

4.91

Natural gas (per Mcf):

Price received

2.34

0.48

(0.06

)

0.11

Effect of natural gas hedging (4)

(0.74

)

(0.11

)

(0.01

)

(0.04

)

Realized price

1.60

0.37

(0.07

)

0.07

Weighted average NYMEX price (per MMBtu) (2)

3.59

2.44

1.76

1.98

Selected operating metrics:

Sales price, net of hedging ($ per BOE)

35.44

23.74

20.39

21.44

Lease operating ($ per BOE)

7.23

6.52

6.40

6.43

Transportation, gathering, compression and other ($ per BOE)

0.90

0.71

0.90

0.84

Depreciation, depletion and amortization ($ per BOE)

6.16

6.83

13.69

11.53

General and administrative ($ per BOE)

1.48

1.91

3.71

3.15

Production and ad valorem taxes (% of sales revenue)

(1)

Whiting paid $284 million and received $43 million in pre-tax cash settlements on crude oil hedges during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

(2)

Average NYMEX prices weighted for monthly production volumes.

(3)

Whiting paid $9 million in pre-tax cash settlements on NGL hedges during the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

(4)

Whiting paid $31 million and $2 million in pre-tax cash settlements on natural gas hedges during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Refer to “Commodity Price Hedging” above for a summary of Whiting’s outstanding hedges.

Selected Financial Data

For further information and discussion on the selected financial data below, please refer to Whiting’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

Selected financial data:

(In thousands, except per share data)

Total operating revenues

473,408

401,037

Total operating expenses

177,379

199,304

Total other expense, net

2,940

3,571

Net income

292,179

198,162

Per basic share

7.47

5.07

Per diluted share

7.34

5.00

Adjusted net income (1)

168,493

141,553

Per basic share

4.31

3.62

Per diluted share

4.23

3.57

Adjusted EBITDAX (1)

226,356

201,102

Net cash provided by operating activities

213,914

189,890

Adjusted free cash flow (1)

156,269

127,742

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

Selected financial data:

(In thousands, except per share data)

Total operating revenues

1,533,481

273,358

459,004

732,362

Total operating expenses

1,091,867

238,379

4,651,298

4,889,677

Total other (income) expense, net

12,798

7,944

(170,459

)

(162,515

)

Net income (loss)

427,906

39,073

(3,965,461

)

(3,926,388

)

Per basic share (2)

10.97

1.03

(43.37

)

(103.11

)

Per diluted share (2)

10.78

1.03

(43.37

)

(103.11

)

Adjusted net income (loss) (1)

535,441

63,794

(209,656

)

(145,862

)

Per basic share (2)

13.73

1.68

(2.29

)

(3.83

)

Per diluted share (2)

13.49

1.67

(2.29

)

(3.83

)

Adjusted EBITDAX (1)

774,025

154,521

227,580

382,101

Net cash provided by operating activities

740,243

82,168

112,613

194,781

Adjusted free cash flow (1)

503,550

102,493

(132,564

)

(30,071

)

(1)

Reconciliations of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDAX and net cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow are included later in this news release.

(2)

For the combined year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used the Successor’s basic and diluted weighted average share count to calculate per share amounts.

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Successor

December 31,

2021

2020

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

41,245

28,367

Accounts receivable trade, net

279,865

142,830

Prepaid expenses and other

17,158

19,224

Total current assets

338,268

190,421

Property and equipment:

Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method

2,274,908

1,812,601

Other property and equipment

61,624

74,064

Total property and equipment

2,336,532

1,886,665

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

(254,237

)

(73,869

)

Total property and equipment, net

2,082,295

1,812,796

Other long-term assets

37,368

40,723

TOTAL ASSETS

2,457,931

2,043,940

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable trade

48,641

23,697

Revenues and royalties payable

258,527

151,196

Accrued capital expenditures

38,914

20,155

Accrued liabilities and other

30,726

42,007

Accrued lease operating expenses

32,408

23,457

Taxes payable

18,864

11,997

Derivative liabilities

209,653

49,485

Total current liabilities

637,733

321,994

Long-term debt

360,000

Asset retirement obligations

93,915

91,864

Operating lease obligations

14,710

17,415

Long-term derivative liabilities

46,720

9,750

Other long-term liabilities

1,228

14,113

Total liabilities

794,306

815,136

Commitments and contingencies

Equity:

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 39,133,637 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 38,051,125 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020

Additional paid-in capital

1,196,607

1,189,693

Accumulated earnings

466,979

39,073

Total equity

1,663,625

1,228,804

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

2,457,931

2,043,940

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

OPERATING REVENUES

Oil, NGL and natural gas sales

462,842

394,333

Purchased gas sales

10,566

6,704

Total operating revenues

473,408

401,037

OPERATING EXPENSES

Lease operating expenses

62,393

56,562

Transportation, gathering, compression and other

6,801

8,835

Purchased gas expense

8,997

5,496

Production and ad valorem taxes

31,885

28,712

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

49,201

51,927

Exploration and impairment

2,666

3,446

General and administrative

15,273

11,961

Derivative (gain) loss, net

(4,530

)

122,559

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

4,693

(90,194

)

Total operating expenses

177,379

199,304

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

296,029

201,733

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense

(3,426

)

(3,871

)

Other income

486

300

Total other expense

(2,940

)

(3,571

)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

293,089

198,162

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Current

910

Total income tax expense

910

NET INCOME

292,179

198,162

INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

Basic

7.47

5.07

Diluted

7.34

5.00

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Basic

39,132

39,121

Diluted

39,819

39,622

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

OPERATING REVENUES

Oil, NGL and natural gas sales

1,511,837

273,358

459,004

732,362

Purchased gas sales

21,644

Total operating revenues

1,533,481

273,358

459,004

732,362

OPERATING EXPENSES

Lease operating expenses

242,476

73,981

158,228

232,209

Transportation, gathering, compression and other

30,107

8,038

22,266

30,304

Purchased gas expense

17,572

Production and ad valorem taxes

110,416

24,150

41,204

65,354

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

206,475

77,502

338,757

416,259

Exploration and impairment

10,781

7,865

4,184,830

4,192,695

General and administrative

49,520

21,734

91,816

113,550

Derivative (gain) loss, net

520,131

24,714

(181,614

)

(156,900

)

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

(95,611

)

395

927

1,322

Amortization of deferred gain on sale

(5,116

)

(5,116

)

Total operating expenses

1,091,867

238,379

4,651,298

4,889,677

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

441,614

34,979

(4,192,294

)

(4,157,315

)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense

(16,381

)

(8,080

)

(73,054

)

(81,134

)

Gain on extinguishment of debt

25,883

Interest income and other

3,583

136

211

347

Reorganization items, net

217,419

Total other income (expense)

(12,798

)

(7,944

)

170,459

162,515

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

428,816

27,035

(4,021,835

)

(3,994,800

)

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

Current

910

2,463

2,718

5,181

Deferred

(14,501

)

(59,092

)

(73,593

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

910

(12,038

)

(56,374

)

(68,412

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

427,906

39,073

(3,965,461

)

(3,926,388

)

INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic (1)

10.97

1.03

(43.37

)

(103.11

)

Diluted (1)

10.78

1.03

(43.37

)

(103.11

)

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Basic (1)

39,006

38,080

91,423

38,080

Diluted (1)

39,692

38,119

91,423

38,080

(1)

For the combined year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used the Successor’s basic and diluted weighted average share count to calculate per share amounts.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

Net income

292,179

198,162

Adjustments:

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

4,693

(90,194

)

Impairment expense

1,577

2,439

Total measure of derivative (gain) loss reported under U.S. GAAP

(4,530

)

122,559

Total net cash settlements paid on commodity derivatives during the period

(125,426

)

(91,413

)

Adjusted net income (1)

168,493

141,553

Adjusted net income per share, basic (1)

4.31

3.62

Adjusted net income per share, diluted (1)

4.23

3.57

(1)

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share are non-GAAP measures. Management believes they provide useful information to investors for analysis of Whiting’s fundamental business on a recurring basis. In addition, management believes that adjusted net income is widely used by professional research analysts and others in valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and many investors use the published research of industry research analysts in making investment decisions. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, income from operations, net cash provided by operating activities or other income, cash flow or liquidity measures under U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net income (loss)

427,906

39,073

(3,965,461

)

(3,926,388

)

Adjustments:

Amortization of deferred gain on sale

(5,116

)

(5,116

)

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

(95,611

)

395

927

1,322

Impairment expense

6,707

3,233

4,161,885

4,165,118

Gain on extinguishment of debt

(25,883

)

(25,883

)

Total measure of derivative (gain) loss reported under U.S. GAAP

520,131

24,714

(181,614

)

(156,900

)

Total net cash settlements received (paid) on commodity derivatives during the period

(323,692

)

(3,942

)

45,483

41,541

Reorganization items, net

(217,419

)

(217,419

)

Restructuring and other one-time costs (1)

12,359

32,888

45,247

Tax impact of basis difference for Whiting Canadian Holding Company ULC

(12,038

)

(55,346

)

(67,384

)

Adjusted net income (loss) (2)

535,441

63,794

(209,656

)

(145,862

)

Adjusted net income (loss) per share, basic (2)(3)

13.73

1.68

(2.29

)

(3.83

)

Adjusted net income (loss) per share, diluted (2)(3)

13.49

1.67

(2.29

)

(3.83

)

(1)

Includes severance and restructuring charges incurred during a company restructuring in September 2020, cash retention incentives paid to Predecessor executives and directors in 2020, third-party advisory and legal fees incurred prior to and after emerging from chapter 11 bankruptcy and a litigation settlement.

(2)

Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share are non-GAAP measures. Management believes they provide useful information to investors for analysis of Whiting’s fundamental business on a recurring basis. In addition, management believes that adjusted net income (loss) is widely used by professional research analysts and others in valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and many investors use the published research of industry research analysts in making investment decisions. Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, income from operations, net cash provided by operating activities or other income, cash flow or liquidity measures under U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

(3)

For the combined year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used the Successor’s basic and diluted weighted average share count to calculate per share amounts.

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAX

(in thousands)

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

Net income

292,179

198,162

Interest expense

3,426

3,871

Income tax expense

910

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

49,201

51,927

Total measure of derivative (gain) loss reported under U.S. GAAP

(4,530

)

122,559

Total cash settlements paid on commodity derivatives during the period

(125,426

)

(91,413

)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3,237

2,744

Impairment expense

1,577

2,439

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

4,693

(90,194

)

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

225,267

200,095

Exploration expense

1,089

1,007

Adjusted EBITDAX (1)

226,356

201,102

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAX are non-GAAP measures. These measures are presented because management believes they provide useful information to investors for analysis of the Company’s performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, income from operations, net cash provided by operating activities or other income, cash flow or liquidity measures under U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAX

(in thousands)

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net income (loss)

427,906

39,073

(3,965,461

)

(3,926,388

)

Interest expense

16,381

8,080

73,054

81,134

Interest income

)

(211

)

(213

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

910

(12,038

)

(56,374

)

(68,412

)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

206,475

77,502

338,757

416,259

Amortization of deferred gain on sale

(5,116

)

(5,116

)

Total measure of derivative (gain) loss reported under U.S. GAAP

520,131

24,714

(181,614

)

(156,900

)

Total cash settlements received (paid) on commodity derivatives during the period, net of premiums/costs

(323,692

)

(3,942

)

45,483

41,541

Non-cash stock-based compensation

10,745

515

3,719

4,234

Impairment expense

6,707

3,233

4,161,885

4,165,118

Gain on extinguishment of debt

(25,883

)

(25,883

)

(Gain) loss on sale of properties

(95,611

)

395

927

1,322

Reorganization items, net

(217,419

)

(217,419

)

Restructuring and other one-time costs (1)

12,359

32,888

45,247

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

769,951

149,889

204,635

354,524

Exploration expense

4,074

4,632

22,945

27,577

Adjusted EBITDAX (2)

774,025

154,521

227,580

382,101

(1)

(2)

WHITING PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow

(in thousands)

Successor

Three Months Ended

December 31,

September 30,

2021

Net cash provided by operating activities

213,914

189,890

Changes in working capital

8,550

4,788

Accrued capital expenditures

(66,195

)

(66,936

)

Adjusted free cash flow (1)

156,269

127,742

Successor

Predecessor

Non-GAAP

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Four Months Ended December 31, 2020

Eight Months Ended August 31, 2020

Combined Year Ended December 31, 2020

Net cash provided by operating activities

740,243

82,168

112,613

194,781

Changes in working capital

10,508

44,318

(59,815

)

(15,497

)

Accrued capital expenditures

(247,201

)

(23,993

)

(185,362

)

(209,355

)

Adjusted free cash flow (1)

503,550

102,493

(132,564

)

(30,071

)

(1)

Adjusted free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. This measure is presented because management believes it provides useful information to investors for analysis of the Company’s ability to internally fund acquisitions and development activity and reduce its borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, income from operations, net cash provided by operating activities or other income, cash flow or liquidity measures under U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company is unable to present a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted free cash flow because components of the calculation, including fluctuations in working capital accounts, are inherently unpredictable. Moreover, estimating the most directly comparable GAAP measure with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. The Company believes that forward-looking estimates of adjusted free cash flow are important to investors because they assist in the analysis of its ability to generate cash from our operations.

About Whiting Petroleum Corporation

Whiting Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development, production and acquisition of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas primarily in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. The Company’s largest projects are in the Bakken and Three Forks plays in North Dakota and Montana. The Company trades publicly under the symbol WLL on the New York Stock Exchange. For further information, please visit http://www.whiting.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that we believe to be “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 historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, projected production, cash flows, revenues, costs, capital expenditures and debt levels, the effect of acquisitions and divestitures and plans, dividends and other forms of return of capital, and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “guidance,” or “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “should” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with:

declines in, or extended periods of low oil, NGL or natural gas prices;
the occurrence of epidemic or pandemic diseases, including the coronavirus pandemic;
action or inaction of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil exporting nations to set and maintain production levels;
the impacts of hedging on our results of operations;
regulatory developments, including the potential shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline and new or amended federal, state and local initiatives relating to the regulation of hydraulic fracturing, air emissions and other aspects of oil and gas operations that could have a negative effect on the oil and gas industry and/or increase costs of compliance;
the geographic concentration of our operations;
our inability to access oil and gas markets due to market conditions or operational impediments;
adequacy of midstream and downstream transportation capacity and infrastructure;
shortages of or delays in obtaining qualified personnel or equipment, including drilling rigs and completion services;
adverse weather conditions that may negatively impact development or production activities;
potential losses and claims resulting from our oil and gas operations, including uninsured or underinsured losses;
lack of control over non-operated properties;
cybersecurity attacks or failures of our telecommunication and other information technology infrastructure;
revisions to reserve estimates as a result of changes in commodity prices, regulation and other factors;
inaccuracies of our reserve estimates or our assumptions underlying them;
impact of negative shifts in investor sentiment and public perception towards the oil and gas industry and corporate governance standards;
climate change issues;
litigation and other legal proceedings; and
other risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021.