March 29, 2016 - 12:08 AM EDT
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Alta Mesa Announces Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2015 Financial Results and Operational Update

HOUSTON
, March 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alta Mesa Holdings, LP announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2015 and provided highlights of its recent operations. A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for today at 2 p.m. Central time (888-347-8149).

Financial and operational highlights of note for 2015 include the following:

  • Adjusted EBITDAX totaled $211.8 million
  • Full year production totaled 6.9 MMBOE, or 18.8 MBOE/D
  • Oil and liquids production totaled 4.9 MMBO, up 13% from 2014
  • Oil and liquids increased to 71% of total production for 2015, up from 64% in 2014
  • Proved reserves of 78.5 MMBOE at year-end 2015, up 38% from 2014

Adjusted EBITDAX

Adjusted EBITDAX (a non-GAAP financial measure, defined below) for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $55.8 million, compared to $61.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted EBITDAX for the fourth quarter included a non-recurring, non-cash bonus accrual reduction of $12.9 million. Adjusted EBITDAX for full-year 2015 was $211.8 million compared to $261.4 million for full-year 2014. The change in adjusted EBITDAX between the annual periods is, in part, a result of lower average realized commodity prices, offset in part by, increased production, the shift in production mix to oil and natural gas liquids, and decreased operating and general and administrative costs. Adjusted EBITDAX for the first quarter of 2016 is estimated to be between $31 and $33 million.

Production

Production volumes for the fourth quarter of 2015 totaled 1.6 MMBOE, or an average of 17.4 MBOE/D, compared to 1.6 MMBOE or 17.8 MBOE/D for the fourth quarter of 2014. Production volumes for full-year 2015 totaled 6.9 MMBOE, or an average of 18.8 MBOE/D, compared to 6.7 MMBOE or 18.4 MBOE/D for full-year 2014. Alta Mesa's oil and natural gas liquids production was up 7% in 2015 compared to full year 2014 production. The increase in production is a result of continued development in the Sooner Trend and

Weeks Island
area. These production volumes include the effects of the Company’s divested Eagle Ford shale assets. Production in 2015 was comprised of 61% oil, 29% natural gas and 10% natural gas liquids. Production for the first quarter of 2016 is expected to average between 17 and 19 MBOE/D.

Realized Revenue & Hedging

Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 totaled $48.3 million, compared to $87.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues for full-year 2015 totaled $241.3 million compared to $431.1 million for full-year 2014. Realized prices for oil (including settlements of derivative contracts) for full year 2015 were $67.73 per barrel, compared to $93.38 per barrel in 2014. Realized prices for natural gas (including settlements of derivative contracts) for full year 2015 were $4.43 per MCF, compared to $4.87 per MCF in 2014. Alta Mesa has an active hedging program and as of December 31, 2015, had approximately 72% of its forecasted PDP production hedged through 2019 at average annual floor prices ranging from $2.92 per MMBtu to $4.50 per MMBtu for natural gas and $62.50 per Bbl to $72.27 per Bbl for oil.

Lease Operating Expenses

Total lease operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015, inclusive of production taxes, ad valorem taxes and workover expenses, were $23.1 million, compared to $25.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Total lease operating expenses for full-year 2015, inclusive of production taxes, ad valorem taxes and workover expenses, were $93.4 million compared to $111.0 million for full-year 2014. The decrease between the two annual periods is primarily due to lower chemical and fuel usage expense, salt water disposal, marketing and gathering and lower taxes as a result of the decrease in revenue, partially offset by an increase in repairs and maintenance, compression and field services.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 were ($983,231) compared to $13.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. General and administrative expenses for full-year 2015 were $44.5 million compared to $69.2 million for full-year 2014. General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 included a non-recurring, non-cash bonus accrual reduction of $12.9 million. Excluding this non-recurring transaction, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 would have been approximately $12 million.

Net Income (Loss)

Net Loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was ($76.2) million, compared to a net income of $21.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Net Loss for full-year 2015 was ($131.8) million, compared to net income of $99.2 million for full-year 2014. The difference in net income/(loss) between the annual periods is primarily due to a $101.8 million increase in non-cash impairment expense, principally in natural gas producing assets and a decrease in total revenue partially offset by lower lease operating expenses, exploration expense and general and administrative expense.

Reserves for 2015

The following table represents the change in proved reserves for 2015 (MBOE):

 

Balance at 12/31/14   56,923  
  Production     (6,865 )
  Purchases in place     -  
  Discoveries and extensions   30,432  
  Sales of reserves in place     (8,667 )
  Revisions     6,660  
Balance at 12/31/15   78,483  

 

Reserves at the end of 2015 are comprised of 44% oil, 33% natural gas and 23% natural gas liquids. Approximately 43% are proved developed reserves, with approximately 57% being proved undeveloped.

2016 Capital Expenditure Outlook 

The Company's capital expenditure budget for 2016 is estimated to be $115 million as compared to capital expenditures of $224 million (excluding acquisitions) in 2015. Approximately $95 million, or 83% of 2016 capital expenditures will be targeted toward the Company's primary core assets in the STACK play in the Sooner Trend area of

Oklahoma
. The balance of the capital expenditure budget is estimated to be $10 million for
Weeks Island Area
and $10 million for all other areas.

Operational Highlights

STACK Play in Sooner Trend,

Oklahoma
:

Activity in this area is focused on the continued definition of a large-scale program of horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing to develop the Mississippian Osage and Meramec, as well as the Oswego Lime and other formations. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company completed 10 horizontal wells in the

Osage
. The Company had five horizontal wells in progress as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2015, all of which were completed subsequent to the end of the quarter. Alta Mesa also participated in three other horizontal wells during the fourth quarter as a non-operator, targeting the Meramec and
Osage
. In 2015, the Company invested approximately $105 million in Sooner Trend. The Company plans to operate three to five drilling rigs during 2016 targeting the
Osage
, Meramec and other zones with horizontal drilling. Alta Mesa capital expenditures for 2016 are expected to be approximately $95 million for STACK development.  Additionally, the Company expects up to $192 million to be deployed in STACK drilling over the next 12 months through the joint venture drilling program with Bayou City Energy Management. As of December 31, 2015, Alta Mesa had a 70% average working interest in 381 gross producing wells, and had identified 135 PUD locations in this area. Average daily production for this core area in the fourth quarter of 2015 was approximately 9,500 BOE per day (76% oil and natural gas liquids), up 60% from the fourth quarter 2014 average daily production of 5,960 BOE per day (80% oil and natural gas liquids). The Company produced 3,218 MBOE net to its interest from this area in 2015, an increase of 86% compared to 1,734 MBOE in 2014. As of December 31, 2015Alta Mesa had 67.0 MMBOE of proved reserves in this area (up from 28.3 MMBOE at 12/31/14), 68% of which is liquids with 37% being classified as proved developed reserves.
Weeks Island Area
,
Louisiana
:

Alta Mesa’s assets in this area are comprised of the

Weeks Island
field, located in
Iberia Parish
and the Cote Blanche Island field in
St. Mary Parish
. Each of these is a historically-prolific oil field with multiple stacked pay zones that are structurally and stratigraphically trapped around a piercement salt dome, which the Company believes offer significant future opportunities for added production and reserves. As of December 31, 2015, the Company owned approximately 97% average working interest in a total of 41 gross producing wells, and had identified 8 PUD locations in the
Weeks Island Area
. Average daily production for the fourth quarter of 2015 was approximately 4,270 BOE per day. The Company produced 1,686 MBOE net to its interest from the
Weeks Island Area
in 2015 compared to 1,837 MBOE in 2014. Alta Mesa has allocated approximately $10 million of its 2016 capital expenditure budget to the
Weeks Island Area
, down from approximately $29 million in 2015 and plans to utilize at least one workover rig during 2016, as well as one drilling rig for a portion of the year. As of December 31, 2015, Alta Mesa had 5.9 MMBOE of proved reserves in these fields, approximately 92% of which is oil with 69% being classified as proved developed reserves.

Conference Call Information 

Alta Mesa invites you to listen to its conference call which will discuss its financial and operational results at 2:00 p.m., Central time, on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. If you wish to participate in this conference call, dial 888-347-8149 (toll free in US/

Canada
) or 412-902-4228 (for International calls), five to ten minutes before the scheduled start time (note that no conference ID is needed). A webcast of the call and any related materials will be available on Alta Mesa’s website at www.altamesa.net. Additionally, a replay of the conference call will be available for one week following the live broadcast by dialing 877-870-5176 (toll free in US/
Canada
) or 858-384-5517 (International calls), and referencing Conference ID # 10083042.

Alta Mesa Holdings, LP is a privately held company engaged primarily in onshore oil and natural gas acquisition, exploitation, exploration and production whose focus is to maximize the profitability of our assets in a safe and environmentally sound manner.  We seek to maintain a portfolio of lower risk properties in plays with known resources where we identify a large inventory of lower risk drilling, development, and enhanced recovery and exploitation opportunities. Our core properties are located in

Oklahoma
and
Louisiana
. We maximize the profitability of our assets by focusing on sound engineering, enhanced geological techniques including 3-D seismic analysis, and proven drilling, stimulation, completion, and production methods. Alta Mesa Holdings, LP is headquartered in
Houston, Texas
.

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer

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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding Alta Mesa’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could”, “should”, “will”, “play”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on Alta Mesa’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements may include statements about Alta Mesa’s: business strategy; reserves quantities and the present value of its reserves; financial strategy, liquidity and capital required for its development program;  future oil and natural gas prices; timing and amount of future production of oil and natural gas; hedging strategy and results; future drilling plans; marketing of oil and natural gas; leasehold or business acquisitions; costs of developing its properties; liquidity and access to capital; uncertainty regarding its future operating results; and plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this press release that are not historical. Alta Mesa cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond its control, incident to the exploration for and development and production of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, low prices for oil and/or natural gas, global economic conditions, inflation, increased operating cost, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, weather risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and other risks. Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reservoir engineers. Specifically, future prices received for production and costs may vary, perhaps significantly, from the prices and costs assumed for purposes of these estimates.  Prices for oil or gas began a severe decline in the third quarter of 2014 and remain depressed as of the date of this press release. Prices are currently below the average calculated for 2015, and sustained lower prices will cause the twelve month weighted average price to decrease over time as the lower prices are reflected in the average price, which may result in the estimated quantities and present values of Alta Mesa’s reserves being reduced. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, Alta Mesa’s actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Alta Mesa disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

 

ALTA MESA HOLDINGS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(unaudited)

  Year Ended
  December 31,
  2015    2014   2013
                 
  (dollars in thousands)
OPERATING REVENUES AND OTHER                
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids $   241,284     $    431,152     $    374,450  
Other revenues     682          1,003          1,207  
      241,966          432,128          375,657  
                 
Gain (loss) on sale of assets     67,781          87,520          (2,715 )
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts     124,141          96,559          (17,150 )
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES AND OTHER     433,888          616,207          355,792  
OPERATING EXPENSES                
Lease and plant operating expense     71,736          73,820          70,450  
Production and ad valorem taxes     15,131          28,214          26,369  
Workover expense     6,511          8,961          13,679  
Exploration expense     42,718          61,912          33,065  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense     143,969          141,804          118,558  
Impairment expense     176,774          74,927          143,166  
Accretion expense     2,076          2,198          2,133  
General and administrative expense      44,454          69,198          47,023  
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES      503,369          461,034          454,443  
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS      (69,481 )        155,173          (98,651 )
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                
Interest expense, net      (61,750 )        (55,797 )        (55,064 )
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)      (61,750 )        (55,797 )        (55,064 )
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE STATE INCOME TAXES      (131,231 )        99,376          (153,715 )
(PROVISION FOR) STATE INCOME TAXES      (562 )        (176 )      —
NET INCOME (LOSS) $    (131,793 )   $    99,200     $    (153,715 )

ALTA MESA HOLDINGS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(unaudited)

  December 31,   December 31,
  2015    2014
           
  (in thousands)
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents $    8,869     $    1,349  
Restricted cash      105          23,793  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,402 and $1,449, respectively      27,111          43,581  
Other receivables      18,526          8,238  
Receivables due from affiliate      1,053          25,500  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets      4,774          2,132  
Derivative financial instruments      62,631          59,803  
Total current assets      123,069          164,396  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT          
Oil and natural gas properties, successful efforts method, net      525,942          686,176  
Other property and equipment, net      11,097          11,505  
Total property and equipment, net      537,039          697,681  
OTHER ASSETS          
Long-term restricted cash    —        900  
Investment in LLC — cost      9,000          9,000  
Deferred financing costs, net      1,199          1,634  
Notes receivable due from affiliate      9,213          8,500  
Advances to operators      37          619  
Deposits and other assets      1,333          1,124  
Derivative financial instruments      41,635          27,271  
Total other assets      62,417          49,048  
TOTAL ASSETS $    722,525     $    911,125  
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ DEFICIT          
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $    84,002     $    117,560  
Current portion, asset retirement obligations      729          1,136  
Total current liabilities      84,731          118,696  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES          
Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion      60,491          61,736  
Long-term debt      717,775          761,142  
Notes payable to founder      25,748          24,540  
Other long-term liabilities      10,829          6,457  
Total long-term liabilities      814,843          853,875  
TOTAL LIABILITIES      899,574          972,571  
Commitments and Contingencies          
PARTNERS’ DEFICIT      (177,049 )        (61,446 )
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ DEFICIT $    722,525     $    911,125  

ALTA MESA HOLDINGS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
(unaudited - dollars in thousands)  

                 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2015    2014   2013
                 
  (in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net income (loss) $    (131,793 )   $    99,200     $    (153,715 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense      143,969          141,804          118,558  
Impairment expense      176,774          74,927          143,166  
Accretion expense      2,076          2,198          2,133  
Amortization of loan costs      3,392          2,885          2,839  
Amortization of debt discount      510          510          510  
Dry hole expense      22,708          30,294          15,295  
Expired leases      6,526          4,319          3,289  
(Gain) loss on derivative contracts      (124,141 )        (96,559 )        17,150  
Settlements of derivative contracts      106,949          9,493          18,177  
Interest converted into debt      1,208          1,209          1,208  
Interest on notes receivable due from affiliate      (713 )      —      —
(Gain) loss on sale of assets      (67,781 )        (87,520 )        2,715  
Changes in assets and liabilities:                
Restricted cash unrelated to property divestiture    —        (106 )        2,305  
Accounts receivable      16,470          (95 )        (2,771 )
Other receivables      (10,288 )        (5,686 )        1,863  
Receivables due from affiliate      (1,725 )      —      —
Prepaid expenses and other non-current assets      (2,269 )        7,251          4,477  
Settlement of asset retirement obligation      (1,794 )        (3,942 )        (1,548 )
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other long-term liabilities      3,900          4,702          (3,132 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES      143,978          184,884          172,519  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Capital expenditures for property and equipment      (223,604 )        (366,090 )        (311,438 )
Acquisitions      (48,202 )        (18,110 )        (51,377 )
Proceeds from sale of property      141,404          177,476          26,668  
Proceeds from property divesture classified as restricted cash    —        41,590        —
Investment in restricted cash related to property divestitures      24,587          (24,587 )      —
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES      (105,815 )        (189,721 )        (336,147 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from long-term debt      252,500          169,500          214,500  
Repayments of long-term debt      (295,020 )        (169,270 )        (50,000 )
Additions to deferred financing costs      (4,313 )        (42 )        (97 )
Capital distributions      (3,810 )        (539 )        (24 )
Capital contributions      20,000        —      —
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES      (30,643 )        (351 )        164,379  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS      7,520          (5,188 )        751  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period      1,349          6,537          5,786  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $    8,869     $    1,349     $    6,537  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION                
Cash paid during the period for interest $    56,579     $    51,219     $    50,731  
Cash paid (received) during the period for state taxes $    751     $    (123 )   $    18  
Change in asset retirement obligations $    487     $    2,643     $    854  
Asset retirement obligations assumed, purchased properties $  —   $    3,002     $    5,480  
Change in accruals or liabilities for capital expenditures $    (34,160 )   $    23,858     $    (14,085 )
Non-cash divestiture of oil and gas properties $  —   $    (34,000 )   $  —
Non-cash acquisition of property and land $    2,473     $  —   $  —


Prices

Below is a table of average hedged and unhedged prices received by the Company.

 

Hedged - Average Realized Prices

Q4-2015   2015  
Natural Gas (per Mcf) $ 2.35   $   4.43  
Oil (per Bbl)   69.46        67.73  
Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl)   16.74       16.01  
Combined realized (per BOE)   48.42       50.73  
     
Unhedged – Average Prices Q4-2015   2015  
Natural Gas (per Mcf) $ 2.08   $   2.57  
Oil (per Bbl)   40.46        47.54  
Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl)   16.74       16.01  
Combined (per BOE)   30.31       35.15  


GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-GAAP financial measure and as used herein represents net income before interest expense, exploration expense, depletion, depreciation and amortization, impairment of oil and natural gas properties, accretion of asset retirement obligations, tax expense, unrealized settlements of oil and gas derivative contracts and gain/loss on sale of assets. Alta Mesa presents Adjusted EBITDAX because it believes Adjusted EBITDAX is an important supplemental measure of its performance that is frequently used by others in evaluating companies in its industry. Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measurement of Alta Mesa’s financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of Alta Mesa’s profitability or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDAX has significant limitations, including that it does not reflect Alta Mesa’s cash requirements for capital expenditures, contractual commitments, working capital or debt service. In addition, other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDAX differently than Alta Mesa does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDAX for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

  Twelve Months Ended   Three Months Ended
  Dec 31,   Dec 31,
    2015     2014       2015     2014  
Net Income (loss) $ (131,793 ) $ 99,200     $ (76,154 ) $ 21,795  
Adjustments to net income (loss):          
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   562     176       (329 )   (111 )
Interest expense   62,473     55,812       16,075     14,190  
Unrealized (gain) - oil & gas hedges   (17,192 )   (87,065 )     (11,162 )   (78,677 )
Exploration expense   42,718     61,914       5,552     17,897  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   143,969     141,804       32,052     39,447  
Impairment expense   176,774     74,927       90,480     47,020  
Accretion expense   2,076     2,198       497     663  
(Gain) on sale of assets   (67,781 )   (87,520 )      (1,260 )   (412 )
 Adjusted EBITDAX $ 211,806   $ 261,444     $ 55,751   $ 61,812  
Lance L. Weaver
(281) 943-5597
lweaver@altamesa.net

Primary Logo

Source: Alta Mesa Holdings, LP

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