TMR Meridian Resource (The)

The Meridian Resource Corporation (NYSE:TMR) today announced fourth-quarter and full-year 2009 financial results.

A summary of the fourth quarter's financial results are:

Discretionary Cash Flow totaled $2.8 million

 

Production totaled 2.8 Bcfe, or 30 Mmcfe per day

 

Average prices of $5.51 per Mcf, and $70.96 per barrel

 

Oil and Natural Gas Revenues totaled $22.5 million

 

Lease Operating Expense totaled $4.7 million

 

Depletion and Depreciation totaled $7.9 million

 

General & Administrative Expense totaled $5.9 million

Discretionary Cash Flow

Discretionary cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $2.8 million, compared to $15.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The difference between the two quarterly periods is due primarily to lower realized prices combined with lower production levels. For full year 2009, discretionary cash flow was $30.0 million, compared to $81.6 million for the full year 2008. The difference between the two annual periods is primarily due to lower commodity prices, and lower production volumes, which reduced revenues by a combined $59.4 million. These reductions in cash flow were partially offset by reduced cash-based operating expenses, severance taxes, general and administrative expenses, and hurricane damage repair expense. The remainder of the decrease in discretionary cash flow is due to changes in working capital account balances. The cash outflow from these working capital accounts primarily reflects the paydown in 2009 of obligations to vendors and joint interest partners as the Company decreased its drilling and other capital expenditures and established a lower base of payables related to operations.

Production Volumes

Production volumes for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled 2.8 Bcfe, or 30.0 Mmcfe per day compared to 3.5 Bcfe, or 38.3 Mmcfe per day for the fourth quarter of 2008. The difference between the two quarterly periods is due to natural production declines offset in part by new production that was brought on in East Texas during the first quarter of 2009 and additional recompletions that were performed in the Weeks Island field. Annual production volumes were 12.6 Bcfe, or 34.4 Mmcfe per day, for full year 2009 compared to 13.9 Bcfe, or 38.1 Mmcfe per day, for full year 2008. The difference between the two annual periods is also due to natural production declines offset in part by new production brought on in East Texas and Weeks Island. The Company has been able to maintain a decent level of production despite minimal capital expenditures.

Oil and Natural Gas Revenues

Oil and natural gas revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $22.5 million compared to total oil and gas revenues of $26.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The difference between the two quarterly periods is due primarily to previously discussed lower production levels. Average realized natural gas and crude oil prices (including the effect of hedging) between the two quarterly periods were $5.51 per Mcf and $70.96 per barrel (Q4-09) and $6.85 per Mcf and $53.47 per barrel (Q4-08), respectively. Total annual oil and gas revenues were $89.2 million for full year 2009, compared to $148.6 million for full year 2008. Average realized natural gas and crude oil prices (including the effect of hedging) between the two annual periods were $5.30 per Mcf and $59.02 per barrel (2009) and $9.07 per Mcf and $83.18 per barrel (2008), respectively.

Lease Operating Expenses

Lease operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $4.7 million, a decrease of $0.4 million or 8% compared to $5.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Lease operating expenses for full year 2009 were $17.6 million, compared to $24.3 million in full year 2008. On a unit basis, lease operating expenses decreased $0.34 per Mcfe to $1.40 per Mcfe for the year 2009 from $1.74 per Mcfe for the year 2008. Lease operating expenses decreased between the periods primarily due to reduced labor costs, salt water disposal fees, fuel and compression charges, platform facilities charges and lower insurance costs. The decrease in the per Mcfe rate was attributable to the reduced expenses partially offset by lower production in 2009.

Depletion and Depreciation

Depletion and depreciation for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $7.9 million, compared to $20.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. For full year 2009, depletion and depreciation totaled $37.1 million, a decrease of $35 million, or 49%, compared to $72.1 million for full year 2008. The difference between the two quarterly and annual periods is due primarily to a decrease in the rate per unit produced, and secondarily to a 10% decrease in production volumes in 2009 compared to 2008. This decrease in rate was caused by the reduction in the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties which resulted from the significant impairment write-downs to oil and natural gas properties recorded in December 2008 and March 2009. On a unit basis, depletion and depreciation expenses decreased to $2.96 per Mcfe for 2009, compared to $5.16 per Mcfe for 2008. 

General and Administrative Expenses

Gross general and administrative expenses (both capitalized and expensed cost) for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $5.9 million compared to $8.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, a decrease of $2.1 million or 26%. Net expenses (excluding capitalized costs) were $5.9 million compared to $3.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. For full year 2009, gross general and administrative expenses were $20.7 million compared to $36.5 million for 2008, a decrease of $15.8 million, or 43%. Net expenses (excluding capitalized costs) decreased $1.0 million (5%) to $18.1 million in 2009 compared to $19.1 million for the year 2008. The difference in net general and administrative expenses was primarily due to reduced headcount in the office and other successful cost cutting measures. The savings gained were offset in part by increased legal and professional fees, primarily related to the negotiation of forbearance agreements with various creditors, and to management's ongoing efforts to locate a suitable candidate for a strategic transaction such as the proposed merger with Alta Mesa. However, net general and administrative expense was also impacted by the decision to cease capitalizing such expenses to the full cost pool after the first quarter of 2009, based on reduced exploration and development activity.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $2.5 million compared to $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. For the full year of 2009, interest expense totaled $8.5 million compared to $5.4 million for the full year of 2008. The difference between the two annual periods is due primarily to forbearance fees, which are included in the expense in 2009, and increased interest rates during 2009. Interest rates on both the Credit Facility debt and the rig note increased under the terms of those agreements, which allow such increases when the Company is in default. The increase in rates was partially offset by lower debt balances.

Net Income / (Loss)

Meridian recorded a net loss in the fourth quarter 2009 of $9.4 million or $0.10 per share compared to net loss of $215 million, or $2.33 per share for the fourth quarter of 2008. For full year 2009, the Company reported a net loss of $72.6 million, or $0.79 per diluted common share, compared to net loss of $209.9 million, or $2.30 per diluted common share, for full year 2008. During 2009, the Company was required to recognize a non-cash impairment charge totaling $63.5 million. Excluding the impact of the non-cash impairment, for the year, the Company would have reported an after tax net loss of $9.1 million, or $0.10 per share. The effect of this write-down is projected to result in a decrease in the Company's anticipated future depletion rate.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In this press release, we refer to a non-GAAP financial measure called "discretionary cash flow." As used herein, discretionary cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP adjusted for net changes in working capital accounts. Management believes this measure is a financial indicator of our Company's ability to internally fund capital expenditures and service outstanding debt. Management also believes this non-GAAP financial measure of cash flow is useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional research analysts in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and gas exploration and production industry. Discretionary cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities, as defined by GAAP. Discretionary cash flow per share is calculated by dividing discretionary cash flow by the fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

The Meridian Resource Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas company that explores for, acquires and develops oil and natural gas properties. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Meridian holds interests primarily in the onshore oil and natural gas regions of south Louisiana and Texas and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer

Statements identified by the words "expects," "projects," "plans," and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed "forward‑looking statements." Although Meridian believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this press release. These include risks inherent in the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including risks of fire, explosion, blowout, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks inherent in oil and natural gas drilling and production activities, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; risks with respect to oil and natural gas prices, a material decline in which could cause the Company to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; and risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in oil and gas prices. These and other risks are described in the Company's documents and reports, available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OPERATIONS DATA

(In thousands, except prices and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q4-09

Q4-08

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

Twelve Months Ended 

 

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Production:

 

 

 

 

Oil (Mbbl)

191

219

834

765

Natural Gas (Mmcf)

1,613

2,210

7,549

9,369

Mmcfe

2,759

3,522

12,551

13,958

Mmcfe (Daily Rate)

30.0

38.3

34.4

38.1

 

 

 

 

 

Average Prices:

 

 

 

 

Oil (per Bbl)

$70.96

$53.47

$59.02

$83.18

Natural Gas (per Mcf)

5.51

6.85

5.3

9.07

 Per Mcfe

8.15

7.62

7.11

10.65

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and Natural Gas Revenues

$22,476

$26,846

$89,245

$148,634

Lease Operating Expenses

4,667

5,129

17,550

24,280

 Per Mcfe

1.69

1.46

1.40

1.74

Depletion and Depreciation

7,880

20,574

37,102

72,072

 Per Mcfe

2.86

5.84

2.96

5.16

Severance and Ad Valorem Taxes

1,158

1,602

6,696

9,727

 Per Mcfe

0.42

0.45

0.53

0.70

General and Administrative Expense 

5,946

3,829

18,121

19,063

 Per Mcfe

2.16

1.09

1.44

1.37

Interest Expense

2,476

1,486

8,486

5,408

 Per Mcfe

0.90

0.42

0.68

0.39

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary Cash Flow (1)

$2,758

$15,540

$30,170

$81,571

 Per Mcfe

1.00

4.41

2.40

5.84

 

 

 

 

 

Net (Loss) Applicable to

($9,445)

($214,987)

($72,636)

($209,886)

Common Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Per Common Share (Basic)

($0.10)

($2.33)

($0.79)

($2.30)

Loss Per Common Share (Diluted)

($0.10)

($2.33)

($0.79)

($2.30)

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See accompanying table for a reconciliation of discretionary cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities as defined by GAAP.

 

THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share, Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q4-09

Q4-08

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

Twelve Months Ended 

 

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas

$22,476

$26,846

$89,245

$148,634

Interest and other

1

152

9

531

Total revenues

22,477

26,998

89,254

149,165

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas operating

4,667

5,129

17,550

24,280

Severance and ad valorem taxes

1,158

1,602

6,696

9,727

Depletion and depreciation

7,880

20,574

37,102

72,072

General and administrative

5,946

3,829

18,121

19,063

Accretion expense

510

484

2,083

2,064

Contract settlement

4,223

 -- 

4,223

9,894

Rig Expense

1,226

 -- 

4,254

 -- 

Hurricane damage repairs

 -- 

 -- 

 -- 

1,462

Impairment of long-lived assets

3,956

223,543

63,495

223,543

Total operating costs and expenses

29,566

255,161

153,524

362,105

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before interest and income taxes

(7,089)

(228,163)

(64,270)

(212,940)

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses:

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

2,476

1,486

8,486

5,408

Taxes on income:

 

 

 

 

 Current

(120)

(303)

(120)

(269)

 Deferred

 -- 

(14,359)

 -- 

(8,193)

Net (Loss) applicable to common stockholders

($9,445)

($214,987)

($72,636)

($209,886)

 

 

 

 

 

Net (Loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 - Basic

($0.10)

($2.33)

($0.79)

($2.30)

 - Diluted

($0.10)

($2.33)

($0.79)

($2.30)

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 - Basic

92,476

92,414

92,465

91,382

 - Diluted

92,476

92,414

92,465

91,382

 

THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

ASSETS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$5,308

$13,354

Restricted cash

 -- 

9,971

Other current assets

14,380

28,719

 Total current assets

19,688

52,044

 

 

 

Property, equipment and other assets

163,442

252,531

 Total assets

$183,130

$304,575

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$119,913

$161,296

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 -- 

 -- 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

22,473

20,768

 

 

 

Common stockholders' equity

40,744

122,511

 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$183,130

$304,575

 

THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(In thousands)

 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Dec. 31,

2009

Dec. 31,

2008

Reconciliation of Discretionary Cash Flow to Net

Cash Provided By Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary Cash Flow

$2,758

$15,540

$30,170

$81,571

Adjustments to reconcile discretionary cash flow to

net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 Net changes in working capital

7,318

4,351

(3,153)

11,196

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

$10,076

$19,891

$27,017

$92,767

CONTACT: The Meridian Resource Corporation

Lance L. Weaver

(281) 597-7125

lweaver@tmrx.com

www.tmrc.com