Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Announces First-Quarter 2018 Results
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Announces First-Quarter 2018 Results
HOUSTON, April 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG) ("Cabot" or the "Company") today reported financial and operating results for the first-quarter of 2018.
First-Quarter 2018 Highlights
-- Daily equivalent production of 1,884 million cubic feet equivalent
(Mmcfe) per day, exceeding the high-end of the Company's guidance range
-- Net income of $117.2 million (or $0.26 per share); adjusted net income
(non-GAAP) of $128.5 million (or $0.28 per share)
-- Net cash provided by operating activities of $272.8 million;
discretionary cash flow (non-GAAP) of $280.3 million
-- Free cash flow (non-GAAP) of $88.6 million, marking the eighth
consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow
-- Returned $234.8 million of capital to shareholders through dividends and
share repurchases
-- Improved operating expenses per unit by 21 percent relative to the
prior-year comparable quarter
-- Completed the previously announced divestiture of the Company's Eagle
Ford Shale assets
See the supplemental tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures including adjusted net income (loss), EBITDAX, discretionary cash flow, free cash flow, and net debt to adjusted capitalization ratio.
"Our free cash flow generation and return of capital to shareholders during the quarter highlights Cabot's commitment to executing on our differentiated corporate strategy," stated Dan O. Dinges, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With the majority of construction work already completed on our new infrastructure projects that are slated to be placed in-service beginning in the second quarter, we are excited about delivering on our combination of top-tier growth, returns and free cash flow over the coming years."
First-Quarter 2018 Financial Results
First-quarter 2018 equivalent production was 169.6 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), consisting of 164.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas, 754.0 thousand barrels (Mbbls) of crude oil and condensate, and 75.1 Mbbls of natural gas liquids (NGLs). Production for all three product categories exceeded the high-end of the Company's guidance for the quarter.
First-quarter 2018 net income was $117.2 million, or $0.26 per share, compared to net income of $105.7 million, or $0.23 per share, in the prior-year period. First-quarter 2018 adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $128.5 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to adjusted net income of $89.1 million, or $0.19 per share, in the prior-year period. First-quarter 2018 EBITDAX (non-GAAP) was $278.6 million, compared to $306.3 million in the prior-year period.
First-quarter 2018 net cash provided by operating activities was $272.8 million, compared to $269.4 million in the prior-year period. First-quarter 2018 discretionary cash flow (non-GAAP) was $280.3 million, compared to $273.0 million in the prior-year period. First-quarter 2018 free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $88.6 million, compared to $56.9 million in the prior-year period.
First-quarter 2018 natural gas price realizations, including the impact of derivatives, were $2.44 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), a decrease of eight percent compared to the prior-year period. Excluding the impact of derivatives, first-quarter 2018 natural gas price realizations were $2.50 per Mcf, representing a $0.50 discount to NYMEX settlement prices compared to a $0.67 discount in the prior-year comparable quarter. First-quarter 2018 oil price realizations, including the impact of derivatives, were $63.61 per barrel (Bbl), an increase of 36 percent compared to the prior-year period. NGL price realizations were $23.75 per Bbl, an increase of 15 percent compared to the prior-year period. First-quarter 2018 operating expenses (including financing) decreased to $1.58 per thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe), a 21 percent improvement compared to the prior-year period.
Cabot incurred a total of $167.3 million of capital expenditures in the first-quarter of 2018 including $158.2 million of drilling and facilities capital; $7.4 million of leasehold acquisition capital; and $1.7 million of other capital. Additionally, the Company contributed $35.4 million to its equity pipeline investments in the first-quarter of 2018. See the supplemental table at the end of this press release reconciling the capital expenditures during the first-quarter of 2018.
Marcellus Shale Operational Highlights
During the first-quarter of 2018, the Company averaged 1,822 million cubic feet (Mmcf) per day of net Marcellus production, an increase of three percent sequentially compared to the fourth-quarter of 2017 despite the Company not placing any wells on production during the quarter. During the second-quarter of 2018, the Company plans to place 20.0 net wells on production, of which 16.0 net wells have already been turned to sales. Cabot expects to place an additional 60.0 net wells on production during the second half of the year to allow for the anticipated increase in production volumes associated with the in-service of new infrastructure projects beginning in June.
Cabot is currently operating three rigs and two completion crews in the Marcellus Shale.
Financial Position and Liquidity
As of March 31, 2018, Cabot had total debt of $1.5 billion and cash on hand of $964.9 million. The Company's net debt to adjusted capitalization ratio and net debt to trailing twelve months EBITDAX ratio were 18.8 percent and 0.5x, respectively, compared to 29.2 percent and 1.0x as of December 31, 2017.
Effective April 18, 2018, Cabot's borrowing base was unanimously reaffirmed by its 20 lenders at $3.2 billion. Total commitments under the Company's credit facility remain unchanged at $1.8 billion, with approximately $1.7 billion currently available to Cabot. The Company currently has no debt outstanding under the credit facility, resulting in approximately $2.6 billion of liquidity. Cabot's next annual borrowing base redetermination is scheduled for April 2019.
Share Repurchase Program Update
During the first-quarter of 2018, Cabot repurchased 8.3 million shares at a weighted-average share price of $24.85. Subsequent to the end of the first-quarter, the Company repurchased an additional 1.6 million shares at a weighted-average share price of $23.40 under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, resulting in year-to-date repurchases of approximately 10.0 million shares at a weighted-average share price of $24.61. The Company has 20.1 million shares remaining under its current share repurchase program authorization. "Since we reactivated our share repurchase program in the second-quarter of 2017, Cabot has allocated approximately $370 million of capital to repurchasing approximately 15.0 million shares, further reinforcing the Company's commitment to increasing our return of capital to shareholders," commented Dinges.
Second-Quarter and Full-Year 2018 Guidance Update
Cabot has provided second-quarter 2018 net production guidance of 1,850 to 1,900 Mmcfe per day. The Company has also reaffirmed its total 2018 daily production growth guidance of 10 to 15 percent (18 to 23 percent on a divestiture-adjusted basis) and its full-year capital budget of $950 million.
As a result of the divestiture of Cabot's Eagle Ford Shale assets in the first-quarter, the Company has updated its operating expense guidance for the remaining nine months of 2018 to the following:
-- Direct operations: $0.08 - $0.10 per Mcfe
-- Transportation and gathering: $0.66 - $0.68 per Mcfe
-- Taxes other than income: $0.02 - $0.03 per Mcfe
-- Depreciation, depletion and
amortization: $0.48 - $0.53 per Mcfe
-- Interest expense: $0.09 - $0.11 per Mcfe
-- Cash general and administrative
(ex. stock-based compensation): $40 - $42 million
-- Exploration: $30 - $32 million
"Our 2018 plan remains on track to deliver double-digit corporate returns, double-digit growth in production per debt-adjusted share, and over $180 million of positive free cash flow at current prices," noted Dinges. "Additionally, we remain confident in our three-year plan that can generate between $1.6 and $2.5 billion of after-tax cumulative free cash flow based on a range of NYMEX prices of $2.75 to $3.25 per Mmbtu."
Conference Call Webcast
A conference call is scheduled for Friday, April 27, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss first quarter 2018 financial and operating results. To access the live audio webcast, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. A replay of the call will also be available on the Company's website.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading independent natural gas producer with its entire resource base located in the continental United States. For additional information, visit the Company's website at www.cabotog.com.
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements regarding future financial and operating performance and results, strategic pursuits and goals, market prices, future hedging and risk management activities, and other statements that are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. The words "expect", "project", "estimate", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "budget", "plan", "forecast", "outlook", "predict", "may", "should", "could", "will" and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, market prices (including geographic basis differentials) of natural gas and crude oil, results of future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs, legislative and regulatory initiatives, electronic, cyber or physical security breaches and other factors detailed herein and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. See "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of the Form 10-K and subsequent public filings for additional information about these risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Matt Kerin (281) 589-4642
OPERATING DATA
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2018 2017
---- ----
PRODUCTION VOLUMES
Natural gas (Bcf) 164.6 163.8
Crude oil and condensate
(Mbbl) 754.0 921.0
Natural gas liquids (NGLs)
(Mbbl) 75.1 123.5
Equivalent production
(Bcfe) 169.6 170.1
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
Natural gas, including
hedges ($/Mcf) $2.44 $2.64
Natural gas, excluding
hedges ($/Mcf) $2.50 $2.65
Crude oil and condensate,
including hedges ($/Bbl) $63.61 $46.73
Crude oil and condensate,
excluding hedges ($/Bbl) $64.61 $46.68
NGL ($/Bbl) $23.75 $20.71
AVERAGE UNIT COSTS ($/Mcfe)
Direct operations $0.12 $0.14
Transportation and
gathering 0.66 0.73
Taxes other than income 0.04 0.05
Exploration 0.02 0.04
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization 0.48 0.79
General and administrative
(excluding stock-based
compensation) 0.11 0.09
Stock-based compensation 0.03 0.05
Interest expense 0.12 0.12
---- ----
$1.58 $2.01
===== =====
WELLS DRILLED (1)
Gross 15 21
Net 15.0 21.0
WELLS COMPLETED (1)
Gross 11 25
Net 11.0 24.0
(1) Wells drilled
represents wells
drilled to total
depth during the
period. Wells
completed
includes wells
completed during
the period,
regardless of
when they were
drilled.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In
thousands,
except
per
share
amounts) 2018 2017
----------- ---- ----
OPERATING
REVENUES
Natural
gas $412,108 $433,442
Crude oil
and
condensate 48,722 42,990
Gain on
derivative
instruments 5,577 33,384
Brokered
natural
gas 4,950 4,695
Other 1,870 3,332
----- -----
473,227 517,843
OPERATING
EXPENSES
Direct
operations 20,070 24,641
Transportation
and
gathering 112,125 123,474
Brokered
natural
gas 4,950 4,046
Taxes
other
than
income 7,190 9,058
Exploration 3,617 6,198
Depreciation,
depletion
and
amortization 82,128 135,100
General
and
administrative
(excluding
stock-
based
compensation) 18,613 15,447
Stock-
based
compensation(1) 5,447 8,253
----- -----
254,140 326,217
Loss on
equity
method
investments (994) (1,283)
Loss on
sale of
assets (41,049) (223)
------- ----
INCOME
FROM
OPERATIONS 177,044 190,120
Interest
expense,
net 20,058 20,771
Other
expense 114 424
--- ---
Income
before
income
taxes 156,872 168,925
Income
tax
expense 39,641 63,205
------ ------
NET
INCOME $117,231 $105,720
======== ========
Earnings
per
share -
Basic $0.26 $0.23
Weighted-
average
common
shares
outstanding 459,715 465,348
(1) Includes the
impact of the
Company's
performance share
awards and
restricted stock.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
(In thousands) March 31, December 31,
2018 2017
--- ---- ----
ASSETS
Current assets $1,236,118 $764,957
Properties and equipment, net
(Successful efforts method) 3,146,252 3,072,204
Assets held for sale 6,807 778,855
Other assets 149,224 111,328
$4,538,401 $4,727,344
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current liabilities $510,491 $630,050
Long-term debt, net
(excluding current
maturities) 1,218,231 1,217,891
Deferred income taxes 291,280 227,030
Liabilities held for sale 1,867 15,748
Other liabilities 110,016 112,720
Stockholders' equity 2,406,516 2,523,905
--------- ---------
$4,538,401 $4,727,344
========== ==========
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In
thousands) 2018 2017
----------- ---- ----
CASH
FLOWS
FROM
OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Net
income $117,231 $105,720
Deferred
income
tax
expense 64,287 53,289
Loss on
sale of
assets 41,049 223
Exploratory
dry
hole
cost (60) 2,842
Gain on
derivative
instruments (5,577) (33,384)
Net cash
paid in
settlement
of
derivative
instruments (26,131) (1,524)
Income
charges
not
requiring
cash 89,501 145,855
Changes
in
assets
and
liabilities (7,540) (3,643)
------ ------
Net cash
provided
by
operating
activities 272,760 269,378
------- -------
CASH
FLOWS
FROM
INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Capital
expenditures (156,257) (208,384)
Proceeds
from
sale of
assets 646,545 374
Investment
in
equity
method
investments (35,418) (7,742)
------- ------
Net cash
provided
by
(used
in)
investing
activities 454,870 (215,752)
------- --------
CASH
FLOWS
FROM
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Treasury
stock
repurchases (207,134) -
Dividends
paid (27,647) (9,306)
Tax
withholdings
on
vesting
of
stock
awards (7,968) (5,414)
Other - 37
--- ---
Net cash
used in
financing
activities (242,749) (14,683)
-------- -------
Net
increase
in cash
and
cash
equivalents $484,881 $38,943
======== =======
Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). However, we believe certain non-GAAP performance measures may provide financial statement users with additional meaningful comparisons between current results, the results of our peers and of prior periods. In addition, we believe these measures are used by analysts and others in the valuation, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. See the reconciliations throughout this release of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures for the periods indicated.
We have also included herein certain forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. Due to the forward-looking nature of these non-GAAP financial measures, we cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures, such as future impairments and future changes in capital. Accordingly, we are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures. Reconciling items in future periods could be significant.
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share are presented based on our belief that these non-GAAP measures enable a user of the financial information to understand the impact of these items on reported results. Additionally, this presentation provides a beneficial comparison to similarly adjusted measurements of prior periods. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income and earnings per share, as defined by GAAP.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands,
except per share
amounts) 2018 2017
----------------- ---- ----
As reported -net
income $117,231 $105,720
Reversal of
selected items:
Loss on sale of
assets 41,049 223
Gain on derivative
instruments(1) (31,708) (34,908)
Stock-based
compensation
expense 5,447 8,253
Tax effect on
selected items (3,481) 9,767
------ -----
Adjusted net income $128,538 $89,055
======== =======
As reported -
earnings per share $0.26 $0.23
Per share impact of
selected items 0.02 (0.04)
---- -----
Adjusted earnings
per share $0.28 $0.19
===== =====
Weighted-average
common shares
outstanding 459,715 465,348
(1) This amount
represents the
non-cash mark-
to-market
changes of our
commodity
derivative
instruments
recorded in gain
on derivative
instruments in
the Condensed
Consolidated
Statement of
Operations.
Discretionary Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Calculation and Reconciliation
Discretionary Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities excluding changes in assets and liabilities. Discretionary Cash Flow is widely accepted as a financial indicator of an oil and gas company's ability to generate cash which is used to internally fund exploration and development activities, pay dividends and service debt. Discretionary Cash Flow is presented based on our belief that this non-GAAP measure is useful information to investors when comparing our cash flows with the cash flows of other companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities or have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. Discretionary Cash Flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, as defined by GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity, or an alternative to net income.
Free Cash Flow is defined as Discretionary Cash Flow (defined above) less capital expenditures and investment in equity method investments. Free Cash Flow is an indicator of a company's ability to generate cash flow after spending the money required to maintain or expand its asset base. Free Cash Flow is presented based on our belief that this non-GAAP measure is useful information to investors when comparing our cash flows with the cash flows of other companies. Free Cash Flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, as defined by GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity, or an alternative to net income.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017
------------- ---- ----
Net cash provided
by operating
activities $272,760 $269,378
Changes in assets
and liabilities 7,540 3,643
----- -----
Discretionary
cash flow 280,300 273,021
Capital
expenditures (156,257) (208,384)
Investment in
equity method
investments (35,418) (7,742)
------- ------
Free cash flow $88,625 $56,895
======= =======
EBITDAX Calculation and Reconciliation
EBITDAX is defined as net income plus loss on debt extinguishment, interest expense, other expense, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization (including impairments), exploration expense, gain and loss on sale of assets, non-cash gain and loss on derivative instruments, loss on equity method investments and stock-based compensation expense. EBITDAX is presented based on our belief that this non-GAAP measure is useful information to investors when evaluating our ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service or incur debt without regard to financial or capital structure. EBITDAX is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternative to cash flows from operating activities or net income, as defined by GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017
------------- ---- ----
Net income $117,231 $105,720
Plus (less):
Interest expense,
net 20,058 20,771
Other expense 114 424
Income tax expense 39,641 63,205
Depreciation,
depletion and
amortization 82,128 135,100
Exploration 3,617 6,198
Loss on sale of
assets 41,049 223
Non-cash gain on
derivative
instruments (31,708) (34,908)
Loss on equity
method investments 994 1,283
Stock-based
compensation 5,447 8,253
----- -----
EBITDAX $278,571 $306,269
======== ========
Net Debt Reconciliation
The total debt to total capitalization ratio is calculated by dividing total debt by the sum of total debt and total stockholders' equity. This ratio is a measurement which is presented in our annual and interim filings and we believe this ratio is useful to investors in determining our leverage. Net Debt is calculated by subtracting cash and cash equivalents from total debt. Net Debt and the Net Debt to Total Capitalization ratio are non-GAAP measures which we believe are also useful to investors since we have the ability to and may decide to use a portion of our cash and cash equivalents to retire debt. Additionally, as we may incur additional expenditures without increasing debt, it is appropriate to apply cash and cash equivalents to debt in calculating the Net Debt to Total Capitalization ratio.
(In
thousands) March 31, December 31,
2018 2017
--- ---- ----
Current
portion
of long-
term debt $304,000 $304,000
Long-term
debt, net 1,218,231 1,217,891
--------- ---------
Total debt $1,522,231 $1,521,891
Stockholders'
equity 2,406,516 2,523,905
--------- ---------
Total
capitalization $3,928,747 $4,045,796
Total debt $1,522,231 $1,521,891
Less: Cash
and cash
equivalents (964,928) (480,047)
-------- --------
Net debt $557,303 $1,041,844
Net debt $557,303 $1,041,844
Stockholders'
equity 2,406,516 2,523,905
--------- ---------
Total
adjusted
capitalization $2,963,819 $3,565,749
Total debt
to total
capitalization
ratio 38.7% 37.6%
Less:
Impact of
cash and
cash
equivalents 19.9% 8.4%
---- ---
Net debt
to
adjusted
capitalization
ratio 18.8% 29.2%
Capital Expenditures
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands) 2018 2017
------------- ---- ----
Cash paid for
capital
expenditures $156,257 $208,384
Change in
accrued capital
costs 11,032 6,695
Exploratory dry
hole cost 60 (2,842)
--- ------
Capital
expenditures $167,349 $212,237
======== ========
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SOURCE Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
