Gulfport Energy Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial and Operating Results

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gulfport Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: GPOR) (“Gulfport” or the “Company”) today reported financial and operational results for the three-months and six-months ended June 30, 2019 and provided an update on its 2019 activities.  Key information includes the following:

• Net production averaged 1,359.0 MMcfe per day during the second quarter of 2019.
• Net income of $235.0 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019.
• Adjusted net income (as defined and reconciled below) of $33.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019.
• Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $194.5 million for the second quarter of 2019.
• Reaffirmed 2019 total capital expenditures to be in the range of $565 to $600 million and funded entirely within cash flow.
• Reiterated 2019 full year net production to average 1,360 MMcfe to 1,400 MMcfe per day.
• Maintained large hedge position of approximately 1,380 BBtu per day of natural gas fixed price swaps at an average fixed price of $2.81 per MMBtu and approximately 5,500 barrels per day of oil fixed price swaps at an average fixed price of $60.81 per barrel for the remainder of 2019.
• Completed certain non-core asset divestitures.
• Repurchased $105 million principal amount of the Company's senior notes outstanding for a total cash spend of $80 million in July 2019.

Chief Executive Officer and President, David M. Wood, commented, "This was a successful quarter for Gulfport as we delivered results in line with expectations, highlighted by another active three months in both our Utica Shale and SCOOP asset areas and high single digit production growth over the first quarter of 2019. We remain on track to deliver on our 2019 production guidance, while adhering to our previously provided capital budget, and expect to begin significant free cash flow generation during the third quarter of 2019."

Mr. Wood continued, "In addition, Gulfport continued to make progress on our strategic goals set at the beginning of the year, today announcing several non-core asset divestitures not contemplated within our current development plan. Furthermore, the monetization process of certain water infrastructure assets Gulfport holds across our SCOOP position is ongoing. As expected, this process has been very competitive and we are comfortable with a minimum value of what we expect to realize on the transaction. Taking this into consideration, we took advantage of an attractive opportunity to retire senior debt at a meaningful discount and we recently repurchased and retired a portion of our senior notes outstanding. As we look towards the remainder of 2019 and beyond, we will remain disciplined in our allocation of capital, focusing both on maintaining a strong balance sheet and enhancing shareholder value."

Non-Core Asset Divestitures
Gulfport recently closed the sale of its Southern Louisiana assets to a third party for a total consideration of approximately $54.1 million. Gulfport received approximately $9.2 million in cash and retained overriding royalty interests worth up to approximately $7.7 million based on current strip pricing. In addition, Gulfport could also receive contingent payments of up to $6.8 million based on commodity prices exceeding certain thresholds over the next two years. The buyer agreed to assume all plugging and abandonment liabilities associated with these assets, which totaled approximately $29.0 million and Gulfport will receive approximately $1.4 million in insurance premium reimbursement due to the sale of these assets. Net production from the assets averaged 1.5 MBoe per day during the six-months ended June 30, 2019, less than 1% of the Company's production during that period.  The effective date of the transaction is August 15, 2018 and the transaction closed on July 3, 2019.

In addition, Gulfport closed the sale of its remaining interest in Tatex Thailand II to a third party for approximately $1.9 million in cash. No production is included in this transaction and the transaction closed during the second quarter of 2019.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of June 30, 2019, Gulfport had cash on hand of approximately $20.8 million. As of June 30, 2019, Gulfport’s $1.4 billion revolving credit facility, under which Gulfport has an elected commitment of $1.0 billion, had outstanding borrowings of $155.0 million and outstanding letters of credit totaling $251.5 million. The Company's total liquidity as of June 30, 2019 was approximately $614.3 million, which included cash on hand and borrowing capacity of approximately $593.5 million under the Company's revolving credit facility.

In July 2019, Gulfport repurchased and retired approximately $105 million principal amount of its senior notes for a total cash spend of approximately $80 million.

Stock Repurchase Program
In January 2019, Gulfport's board of directors authorized the Company to acquire a portion of its outstanding common stock within a 24-month period. As of August 1, 2019, the Company had repurchased 3.8 million shares totaling approximately $30 million during 2019.

Second Quarter of 2019 Financial Results
For the second quarter of 2019, Gulfport reported net income of $235.0 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, on revenues of $459.0 million.  For the second quarter of 2019, EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below for each period presented) was $216.8 million, cash provided by operating activity was $123.9 million and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities (as defined and reconciled below for each period presented) was $164.2 million.  Gulfport’s GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2019 includes the following items:

• Aggregate non-cash derivative gain of $147.8 million.
• Aggregate gain of $0.1 million attributable to net insurance proceeds in connection with legacy environmental litigation settlement.
• Aggregate loss of $125.6 million in connection with Gulfport's equity interests in certain equity investments.

Excluding the effect of these items, Gulfport’s financial results for the second quarter of 2019 would have been as follows:

• Adjusted oil and gas revenues of $311.2 million.
• Adjusted net income of $33.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $194.5 million.

Six-Months Ended June 30, 2019 Financial Results
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, Gulfport reported net income of $297.2 million or $1.84 per diluted share, on revenues of $779.6 million. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below for each period presented) was $432.7 million, cash provided by operating activity was $309.0 million and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities (as defined and reconciled below for each period presented) was $341.5 million.  Gulfport’s GAAP net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 includes the following items:

• Aggregate non-cash derivative gain of $152.6 million.
• Aggregate gain of $0.1 million attributable to net insurance proceeds in connection with legacy environmental litigation settlement.
• Aggregate loss of $121.3 million in connection with Gulfport's equity interests in certain equity investments.

Excluding the effect of these items, Gulfport’s financial results for the second quarter of 2019 would have been as follows:

• Adjusted oil and gas revenues of $627.0 million.
• Adjusted net income of $86.5 million, or $0.54 per diluted share.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $401.3 million.

Production and Realized Prices
Gulfport’s net daily production for the second quarter of 2019 averaged approximately 1,359.0 MMcfe per day. For the second quarter of 2019, Gulfport’s net daily production mix was comprised of approximately 90% natural gas, 7% natural gas liquids ("NGL") and 3% oil.

Gulfport’s realized prices for the second quarter of 2019 were $3.38 per Mcf of natural gas, $75.14 per barrel of oil and $0.57 per gallon of NGL, resulting in a total equivalent price of $3.71 per Mcfe. Gulfport's realized prices for the second quarter of 2019 include an aggregate non-cash derivative gain of $147.8 million. Before the impact of derivatives, realized prices for the second quarter of 2019, including transportation costs, were $2.02 per Mcf of natural gas, $56.85 per barrel of oil and $0.45 per gallon of NGL, for a total equivalent price of $2.33 per Mcfe.

The table below summarizes Gulfport’s second quarter of 2019 production by asset area:

2019 Capital Expenditures
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, Gulfport’s operated drilling and completion ("D&C") capital expenditures totaled $367.7 million and non-operated D&C activities totaled $68.3 million. In addition, land capital expenditures totaled $23.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019.

Gulfport's operated capital expenditures for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 are on budget with the Company's previously provided 2019 budget. Capital expenditures incurred on non-operated activity in the Utica Shale have resulted in larger-than-anticipated spend for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and Gulfport intends to recover a portion of these costs through trades or the monetization of certain non-operated interests during the second half of 2019. The Company reaffirmed its previously provided expectation that 2019 total capital expenditures will be in the range of $565 million to $600 million.

Operational Update
The table below summarizes Gulfport's activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and the number of net wells expected to be drilled and turned-to-sales for the remainder of 2019:

Utica Shale
In the Utica Shale, during the second quarter of 2019, Gulfport spud five gross (3.8 net) operated wells and turned-to-sales 25 gross and net operated wells.

During the second quarter of 2019, net production from Gulfport’s Utica acreage averaged approximately 1,050.7 MMcfe per day.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, Gulfport spud 11 gross (9.4 net) operated wells. The wells drilled during this period had an average lateral length of approximately 10,900 feet. Normalizing to an 8,000 foot lateral length, Gulfport's average drilling days from spud to rig release totaled approximately 17.9 days, a decrease of 8% over full year 2018. In addition, Gulfport turned-to-sales 31 gross and net operated wells with an average stimulated lateral length of approximately 8,800 feet during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019.

At present, Gulfport has one operated horizontal drilling rig running in the play.

SCOOP
In the SCOOP, during the second quarter of 2019, Gulfport spud three gross (2.6 net) operated wells and turned-to-sales six gross (5.9 net) operated wells.

During the second quarter of 2019, net production from Gulfport's SCOOP acreage averaged approximately 298.3 MMcfe per day.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, Gulfport spud seven gross (5.7 net) operated wells. The wells drilled during this period had an average lateral length of approximately 9,300 feet. Normalizing to a 7,500 foot lateral length, Gulfport's average drilling days from spud to rig release totaled approximately 52.1 days, a decrease of 17% over full year 2018. In addition, Gulfport turned-to-sales nine gross (8.7 net) operated wells with an average stimulated lateral length of approximately 7,100 feet during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019.

At present, Gulfport has one operated horizontal drilling rig running in the play.

2019 Capital Budget and Production Guidance
Gulfport reaffirms its expectation that its 2019 total capital expenditures will be in the range of $565 million to $600 million, which will be funded entirely within cash flow at current strip pricing. With this level of capital spend, Gulfport continues to forecast its 2019 average daily net production will be in the range of 1,360 MMcfe to 1,400 MMcfe per day.

Based on actual results during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, and utilizing current strip pricing at the various regional pricing points at which the Company sells its natural gas, Gulfport reiterates its natural gas differential guidance and forecasts that its realized natural gas price, before the effect of hedges and inclusive of the Company’s firm transportation expense, will average in the range of $0.49 to $0.66 per Mcf below NYMEX settlement prices in 2019. Gulfport reiterates its guidance with respect to its expected 2019 realized NGL price and oil price, and forecasts that its 2019 realized NGL price, before the effect of hedges and including transportation expense, will be approximately 40% to 45% of WTI and its 2019 realized oil price will be in the range of $3.00 to $3.50 per barrel below WTI.

The table below summarizes the Company’s full year 2019 guidance:

Derivatives
Gulfport has hedged a portion of its expected production to lock in prices and returns that provide certainty of cash flow to execute on its capital plans. The table below sets forth the Company's hedging positions as of July 31, 2019.

Presentation
An updated presentation has been posted to the Company’s website. The presentation can be found at www.gulfportenergy.com under the “Company Information” section on the “Investor Relations” page. Investors should note that Gulfport announces financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls.  Gulfport may use the Investors section of its website (www.gulfportenergy.com) to communicate with investors.  It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. Information on the Company’s website does not constitute a portion of this press release.

Conference Call
Gulfport will hold a conference call on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. CDT to discuss its second quarter of 2019 financial and operational results and to provide an update on the Company’s recent activities.

Interested parties may listen to the call via Gulfport’s website at www.gulfportenergy.com or by calling toll-free at 866-373-3408 or 412-902-1039 for international callers.  A replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 for international callers.  The replay passcode is 13686821.  The webcast will also be available for two weeks on the Company’s website and can be accessed on the Company’s “Investor Relations” page.

About Gulfport
Gulfport is an independent natural gas and oil company focused on the exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties in North America and is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the contiguous United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Gulfport holds significant acreage positions in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and the SCOOP Woodford and SCOOP Springer plays in Oklahoma. In addition, Gulfport has an approximately 22% equity interest in Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUSK) and has a position in the Alberta Oil Sands in Canada through its 25% interest in Grizzly Oil Sands ULC. For more information, please visit www.gulfportenergy.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Gulfport expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive strength, goals, expansion and growth of Gulfport's business and operations, plans, market conditions, references to future success, reference to intentions as to future matters and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Gulfport in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with Gulfport's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, general economic, market, credit or business conditions that might affect the timing and amount of the repurchase program; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Gulfport; Gulfport’s ability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions of properties and businesses; Gulfport’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of its strategic initiatives, including the potential divestiture of certain water infrastructure assets Gulfport holds across its SCOOP position; competitive actions by other oil and gas companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Gulfport. Information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments anticipated by Gulfport will be realized, or even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on Gulfport, its business or operations. Gulfport has no intention, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, accretion expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to EBITDA less non-cash derivative loss (gain), insurance proceeds, and (income) loss from equity method investments. Cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to cash provided by operating activity before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to pre-tax net income less non-cash derivative loss (gain), insurance proceeds, and (income) loss from equity method investments. The Company has presented EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities because it uses these measures as an integral part of its internal reporting to evaluate its performance and the performance of its senior management. These measures are considered important indicators of the operational strength of the Company's business and eliminate the uneven effect of considerable amounts of non-cash depletion, depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of certain intangible assets. A limitation of these measures, however, is that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Company's business. Management evaluates the costs of such tangible and intangible assets and the impact of related impairments through other financial measures, such as capital expenditures, investment spending and return on capital. Therefore, the Company believes that these measures provide useful information to its investors regarding its performance and overall results of operations. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to be performance measures that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to represent funds available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities presented in this press release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in the Company's various agreements.

Investor Contact:
Jessica Antle – Director, Investor Relations
jantle@gulfportenergy.com
405-252-4550

Media Contact:
Adam Weiner / Cameron Njaa
Kekst CNC
adam.weiner@kekstcnc.com / cameron.njaa@kekstcnc.com
212-521-4800

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