SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20032004

Commission file number 1-10447

 


 

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware 04-3072771

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

1200 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077

(Address of principal executive offices including ZIP code)

 

(281) 589-4600

(Registrant’s telephone number)


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Common Stock, par value $.10 per share New York Stock Exchange
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K10-K.  ¨.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (“Common Stock”), held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing sales price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2003)2004), the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $889,100,000.$1.4 billion.

 

As of January 30, 2004,31, 2005, there were 32,390,15832,414,760 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 29, 200428, 2005 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      PAGE

PART I

      

ITEM 1

  

Business

  3

ITEM 2

  

Properties

  1518

ITEM 3

  

Legal Proceedings

  1619

ITEM 4

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  1721
   

Executive Officers of the Registrant

  1822

PART II

      

ITEM 5

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  1923

ITEM 6

  

Selected Historical Financial Data

  1924

ITEM 7

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  2025

ITEM 7A

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  3945

ITEM 8

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  4349

ITEM 9

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  7989

ITEM 9A

  

Controls and Procedures

  7990

ITEM 9B

Other Information

90

PART III

      

ITEM 10

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

  7990

ITEM 11

  

Executive Compensation

  8091

ITEM 12

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Equity Compensation Plan InformationRelated Stockholder Matters

  8091

ITEM 13

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

  8091

ITEM 14

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

  8091

PART IV

      

ITEM 15

  Exhibits and Financial Statements,Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K  8091

 

The statements regarding future financial and operating performance and results, market prices, future hedging 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,” “predict,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, market prices (including regional basis differentials) of natural gas and oil, results forof future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs, and other factors detailed in this document and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those included in this document.

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

OVERVIEW

 

Cabot Oil & Gas is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development, acquisition and exploitation of oil and gas properties located in North America. The five principal areas of operation are Appalachian Basin, Rocky Mountains, Anadarko Basin, onshore and offshore the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, Rocky Mountains, Anadarko Basin, Appalachian Basin and the gas basin of Western Canada. In 2003 we initiated limited operations inWest Canada. Operationally, we have four regional offices located in the Gulf CoastEast region, the WesternWest region, which is comprised of the Rocky Mountains and Mid-Continent areas, the EasternGulf Coast region and Canada.

 

In 2003,2004, energy commodity prices remained strong throughout the year. We leveraged theThis strong price environment allowed us to pay down debt and put Cabot in apursue our largest organic capital program ever while still maintaining our financial positionflexibility. This flexibility should provide us the ability to take advantage of attractive acquisition opportunities.opportunities that may arise. At December 31, 20032004, our debt to total capital ratio was 43%37%, down from 51%43% at the end of 2002. Our2003. Natural gas production increased to 72.8 Bcf in 2004 from 71.9 Bcf in 2003. This growth was directly related to our 2003 drilling program which focused on natural gas projects. On an equivalent basis, our production level in 20032004 was down slightly from 2002, the2003. We produced 84.8 Bcfe, or 232.3 Mmcfe per day, this year, gas and oil production reached the highest annual level in our history. We producedas compared to 89.0 Bcfe, or 243.8 Mmcfe per day, this year compared to 91.1 Bcfe, or 249.7 Mmcfe per day in 2002. To continue to take advantage2003. The growth in natural gas production was offset by the loss of production associated with the unusually strong price environment, we layeredlate 2003 sale of non-strategic properties and natural decline in oil and gas hedge instruments throughout 2003 to cover production in 2003,south Louisiana. Our 2004 and to a lesser extent 2005. At December 31, 2003, 76% and 72% of our natural gas and crude oil anticipated production, respectively, is hedged for 2004. For 2005 we have hedged 16% of our anticipated natural gas. We do not have any open positions on anticipated 2005 crude oil production. Our decision to hedge this production fits with our risk management strategy and will allow the Company to lock in the benefit of high commodity prices. Our 2003 realized natural gas price was $4.51$5.20 per Mcf, compared to a 20022003 price of $3.02.$4.51. Our realized crude oil price was $29.55$31.55 per Bbl, compared to a 20022003 price of $23.79.$29.55. Our average hedged prices on natural gas and crude oil for 20042005 anticipated production are expected to be higher than comparable prices realized from hedging in 2003.2004. To lock in prices above historical levels for a portion of our production as a result of the strong commodity prices, we layered in oil and gas hedge instruments throughout 2004 to cover production in 2004 and 2005. At December 31, 2004, 44% and 25% of our natural gas and crude oil anticipated production, respectively, are hedged for 2005 through the use of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting. Including our range swaps, which do not qualify for hedge accounting, 75% of our crude oil production is hedged for 2005. No derivatives are in place for 2006. Our decision to hedge 2005 production fits with our risk management strategy and allows the Company to lock in the benefit of high commodity prices on a portion of our anticipated production.

 

Net income of $21.1$88.4 million or $0.66$2.72 per share exceeded last year by $5.0$67.2 million or $0.15$2.06 per share. NetThe year over year net income increase was achieved due to higher natural gas revenues from higher commodity prices. Operating Revenues increased by $155.6$21.0 million or 44%4% due to strong commodity prices. The yearNatural gas production revenues increased by $57.1 million over yearthe prior year; this increase was partially offset by a decrease in net income was achieved despitecrude oil and condensate revenues of $21.0 million and a decrease in brokered natural gas revenues of $11.4 million. In addition, operating expenses decreased between 2004 and 2003 as a result of the 2003 non-cash pre-tax impairment chargescharge of $93.8 million and the $6.8 million impact of a cumulative effect of accounting change. The pre-tax non-cash impairment charges consist of $87.9 million relatedmillion. Also contributing to the liquidation ofdecrease were lower brokered natural gas cost and lower exploration expense. Net income in 2003 was also reduced by a limited partnership interest in the Kurten field and $5.9$6.8 million related to a field in the East. The cumulative effect of accounting change is related to a $6.8 million charge from the adoption of SFAS 143. These charges were partially offset by a pre-tax gain of $12.2 million recognized primarily on the sale of non-strategic oil and gas properties.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003,2004, we drilled 256 gross wells with a success rate of 95% compared to 173 gross wells with a success rate of 89% compared to 108 gross wells with a success rate of 93% for the comparable period of the prior year. Our 20032004 capital and exploration spending was $188.2$259.5 million compared to $126.3$188.2 million in 2002.2003. We concentrated our 20032004 capital spending program on projects balancing acceptable risk with the strongest economics. In the past, we have used a portion of the cash flow from our long-lived EasternEast and Mid-Continent natural gas reserves to fund our exploration and development efforts in the Gulf Coast Canada and Rocky Mountain areas. In 2003, certain non-strategic assets were sold2004, we continued that practice to a lesser extent as we increased our capital expenditures in the East region. Despite this divestiture, production increased in this region as a resultresponse to the success of the 2003 drilling program. The main recipient of these dollars was Canada where we commenced our drilling program and infrastructure enhancements. Our growth plans for the East region have been redefined for 2004. Accordingly, the East will join the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain areas aswith a focal point of value enhancement efforts through accretive reserve and production growth in 2004.$16.2 million investment. In 2004,2005, we plan to spend $207.4approximately $280 million and drill 276 gross wells.which includes a layer of investment for new projects or property acquisitions that may arise during 2005.

 

Our proved reserves totaled approximately 1,1421,202 Bcfe at December 31, 2003,2004, of which 94% was natural gas. This reserve level was downup slightly from 1,1711,142 Bcfe at December 31, 2002 due to 53.4 Bcfe2003 on the strength of provedresults from our drilling program and the lack of reserve asset sales.sales during the year.

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The following table presents certain information as of December 31, 2003.2004.

 

   West

    West

 
  Gulf
Coast


 Rocky
Mountains


 

Mid-

Continent


 Total

 East

 Total

   East

 Rocky
Mountains


 

Mid-

Continent


 Total

 Gulf
Coast


 Canada

 Total

 

Proved Reserves at Year End (Bcfe)

      

Developed

  161.1  183.4  166.9  350.3  357.3  868.7   398.9  187.4  167.6  355.0  149.4  6.4  909.7 

Undeveloped

  63.5  49.4  26.0  75.4  134.5  273.4   151.6  50.2  21.7  71.9  67.7  1.5  292.7 
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

  224.6  232.8  192.9  425.7  491.8  1,142.1   550.5  237.6  189.3  426.9  217.1  7.9  1,202.4 

Average Daily Production (Mmcfe per day)

  124.1  40.3  28.0  68.3  51.4  243.8   53.6  35.9  26.5  62.4  115.3  1.0  232.3 

Reserve Life Index (in years) (1)

  5.0  15.8  18.9  17.1  26.2  12.8   28.1  18.1  19.5  18.7  5.1  N/A  14.1 

Gross Wells

  747  505  618  1,123  2,418  4,288   2,584  533  650  1,183  751  14  4,532 

Net Wells (2)

  504.1  226.1  430.9  657.0  2,237.4  3,398.5   2,393.3  242.6  452.9  695.5  495.4  1.5  3,585.7 

Percent Wells Operated (Gross)

  75.2% 51.9% 79.3% 67.0% 96.5% 85.1%  96.6% 52.9% 78.2% 66.8% 74.3% 21.4% 84.9%

(1)Reserve Life Index is equal to year-end reserves divided by annual production. Canada is not calculated since initial production commenced in mid-2004. Canada has also been excluded from the Total for purposes of the reserve life index calculation.
(2)The term “net” as used in “net acreage” or “net production” throughout this document refers to amounts that include onlyacreage or production that is owned by Cabot Oil & Gas and produced to its interest, less royalties and production dueothers. “Net wells” represents our working interest share of each well.

 

GULF COASTEAST REGION

 

Our exploration, development and production activities in the Gulf Coast region are primarily concentrated in south Louisiana, south Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. A regional office in Houston manages operations. Principal producing intervals are in the Miocene and Frio age formations in Louisiana and the Frio, Vicksburg, and Wilcox formations in Texas at depths ranging from 3,000 to 20,500 feet. Capital and exploration expenditures were $111.6 million for 2003, or 59% of our total 2003 capital and exploration expenditures, and $69.0 million for 2002. For 2004, we have budgeted $87.9 million of our total budget for capital and exploration expenditures in the region. Our 2004 Gulf Coast drilling program will emphasize impact exploration opportunities both on and offshore augmented by development activity in our focus areas of south Texas and coastal Louisiana, including properties acquired in the Cody acquisition.

In 2003, we drilled 41 wells (20.1 net) in the Gulf Coast region, of which 23 wells (11.6 net) were development wells. In 2004 we plan to drill 33 wells. We had 747 wells (504.1 net) in the Gulf Coast region as of December 31, 2003, of which 562 wells are operated by us. Average daily production in 2003 was 124.1 Mmcfe, compared to 127.0 Mmcfe in 2002. The decline is the result of lower production from our properties in south Louisiana offset partially by increased production from the coastal Texas area. At December 31, 2003, we had 224.6 Bcfe of proved reserves (76% natural gas) in the Gulf Coast region, which represented 20% of our total proved reserves.

Our principal markets for Gulf Coast region natural gas are in the industrialized Gulf Coast area and the northeastern United States. Our marketing subsidiary, Cabot Oil & Gas Marketing Corporation, purchases all the natural gas production from our operated wells in the Gulf Coast region. The marketing subsidiary sells the natural gas to intrastate pipelines, natural gas processors and marketing companies.

Currently, approximately 60% of our natural gas sales volumes in the Gulf Coast region are sold at index-based prices under contracts with terms of one to three years. The remaining 40% of our sales volumes are sold at index-based prices under short-term agreements. The Gulf Coast properties are connected to various processing plants in Texas and Louisiana with multiple interstate and intrastate deliveries, affording us access to multiple markets.

We currently also produce and market approximately 7,100 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the Gulf Coast region at market responsive prices.

WESTERN REGION

Our activities in the Western region are managed by a regional office in Denver. At December 31, 2003, we had 425.7 Bcfe of proved reserves (96% natural gas) in the Western region, constituting 37% of our total proved reserves.

Rocky Mountains

Our Rocky Mountains activities are concentrated in the Green River Basin of Wyoming and Paradox Basin in Colorado. At December 31, 2003 we had 232.8 Bcfe of proved reserves. Capital and exploration expenditures in the Rocky Mountains were $22.3 million for 2003, or 12% of our total capital and exploration expenditures, and $25.9 million for 2002. Current year spending includes $10.9 million for drilling activity and $9.4 million of dry hole expense and geophysical and geological procedures. For 2004, we have budgeted $29.9 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the area.

We had 505 wells (226.1 net) in the Rocky Mountains area as of December 31, 2003, of which 262 wells are operated by us. Principal producing intervals in the Rocky Mountains area are in the Almond, Frontier, Dakota, and Honaker Trail formations at depths ranging from 9,000 to 13,500 feet. Average net daily production in the Rocky Mountains during 2003 was 40.3 Mmcfe.

In 2003, we drilled 19 wells (8.9 net) in the Rocky Mountains, of which 15 wells (6.7 net) were development and extension wells. In 2004, we plan to drill 26 wells.

Mid-Continent

Our Mid-Continent activities are concentrated in the Anadarko Basin in southwestern Kansas, Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. Capital and exploration expenditures were $11.2 million for 2003, or 6% of our total 2003 capital and exploration expenditures, and $8.2 million for 2002. For 2004, we have budgeted $17.5 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the area.

As of December 31, 2003, we had 618 wells (430.9 net) in the Mid-Continent area, of which 490 wells are operated by us. Principal producing intervals in the Mid-Continent are in the Chase, Morrow, Red Fork and Chester formations at depths ranging from 1,500 to 14,000 feet. Average net daily production in 2003 was 28.0 Mmcfe. At December 31, 2003, we had 192.9 Bcfe of proved reserves (97% natural gas) in the Mid-Continent area, 17% of our total proved reserves.

In 2003, we drilled 15 wells (11.6 net) in the Mid-Continent, all of which were development wells. In 2004, we plan to drill 30 wells.

Our principal markets for Western region natural gas are in the northwestern and midwestern United States. Cabot Oil & Gas Marketing purchases all of our natural gas production in the Western region. The marketing subsidiary sells the natural gas to power generators, natural gas processors, local distribution companies, industrial customers and marketing companies.

Currently, approximately 75% of our natural gas production in the Western region is sold primarily under contracts with a term of one to three years at index-based prices. Another 23% of the natural gas production is sold under short-term arrangements at index-based prices and the remaining 2% is sold under certain fixed-price contracts. The Western region properties are connected to the majority of the midwestern and northwestern interstate and intrastate pipelines, affording us access to multiple markets.

We currently also produce and market approximately 500 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the Western region at market responsive prices.

EASTERN REGION

Our EasternEast activities are concentrated in West Virginia, Ohio and Virginia.to a lesser extent in New York. In this region, our assets include a large undeveloped acreage position, a high concentration of wells, natural gas gathering and pipeline systems, and storage capacity. Capital and exploration expenditures were $75.2 million for 2004, or 29% of our total 2004 capital spending, and $40.6 million for 2003, or 22% of our total 2003 capital spending, and $22.1 million for 2002.2003. For 2004,2005, we have budgeted $57.9$75.3 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the region.

 

At December 31, 2003,2004, we had 2,4182,584 wells (2,237.4(2,393.3 net), of which 2,3342,497 wells are operated by us. There are multiple producing intervals that include the Big Lime, Weir, Berea, Devonian Shale and Oriskany formations at depths primarily ranging from 1,5001,000 to 9,0009,500 feet. Average net daily production in 20032004 was 51.453.6 Mmcfe. While natural gas production volumes from EasternEast reservoirs are relatively low on a per-well basis compared to other areas of the United States, the productive life of EasternEast reserves is relatively long. At December 31, 2003,2004, we had 491.8550.5 Bcfe of proved reserves (substantially all natural gas) in the EasternEast region, constituting 43%46% of our total proved reserves. This region is managed from our office in Charleston, West Virginia.

 

In 2003,2004, we drilled 98171 wells (91.4(167.5 net) in the EasternEast region, of which 92166 wells (86.2(163 net) were development and extension wells. In 2004,2005, we plan to drill 179approximately 200 wells.

In 2004, we produced and marketed approximately 80 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the East region at market responsive prices.

 

Ancillary to our exploration, development and production operations, we operate a number of gas gathering and transmission pipeline systems with interconnects to three interstate transmission systems, seven local distribution companies and numerous end users as of the end of 2003.2004. The majority of our pipeline infrastructure in West Virginia is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As such, the transportation rates and terms of service of our pipeline subsidiary, Cranberry Pipeline Corporation, are subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC. Our natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline systems enable us to connect new wells quickly and to transport natural gas from the wellhead directly to interstate pipelines, local distribution companies and industrial end users. Control of our gathering and transmission pipeline systems also enables us to purchase, transport and sell natural gas produced by third parties. In addition, we can engage in development drilling without relying upon third parties to transport our natural gas and incur only the incremental costs of pipeline and compressor additions to our system.

 

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We have two natural gas storage fields located in West Virginia with a combined working capacity of approximately 34 Bcf. We use these storage fields to take advantage of the seasonal variations in the demand for natural gas and the higher prices typically associated with winter natural gas sales, while maintaining production at a nearly constant rate throughout the year. The storage fields also enable us to periodically increase for shorter intervals of time the volume of natural gas that we can deliver by more than 40% above the volume that we could deliver solely from our production in the EasternEast region. The pipeline systems and storage fields are fully integrated with our operations.

 

In 2003 we purchased 52 miles of pipeline which enables us to deliver gas in a more efficient manner from an existing producing field. Additionally, this acquisition will allow us to deliver gas to certain industrial facilities in West Virginia.

In addition, during most of 2003 we owned and operated two brine treatment plants that processed and treated waste fluid generated during the drilling, completion and production of oil and gas wells. The first plant, near Franklin, Pennsylvania, began operating in 1985 and provided services primarily to other oil and gas producers in southwestern New York, eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. In April 1998, we acquired a second brine treatment plant in Indiana, Pennsylvania that had been in existence since 1987. Effective November 1, 2003, we sold this wholly owned subsidiary, Franklin Brine Corporation for $3.4 million in cash, and no longer own or operate any brine treatment facilities.

The principal markets for our EasternEast region natural gas are in the northeasternnortheast United States. Cabot Oil & Gas Marketing purchases our natural gas production in the Eastern region as well as production from local third-party producers and other suppliers to aggregate larger volumes of natural gas for resale. The marketing subsidiary sellsWe sell natural gas to industrial customers, local distribution companies and gas marketers both on and off our pipeline and gathering system.

Cabot Oil & Gas Marketing, our subsidiary, purchases gas from local third-party producers and other suppliers to aggregate larger volumes of gas for resale.

Approximately 65% of our natural gas sales volume in the EasternEast region is sold at index-based prices under contracts with a term of one to two years.year or greater. In addition, spot market sales are made under month-to-month contracts, while industrial and utility sales generally are made under year-to-year contracts. Approximately 2% of EasternEast production is sold on fixed price contracts that typically renew annually.

WEST REGION

Our activities in the West region are managed by a regional office in Denver. At December 31, 2004, we had 426.9 Bcfe of proved reserves (96% natural gas) in the West region, constituting 36% of our total proved reserves.

Rocky Mountains

Our Rocky Mountains activities are concentrated in the Green River, Wind River and Big Horn Basins in Wyoming and Paradox Basin in Colorado. At December 31, 2004, we had 237.6 Bcfe of proved reserves (95% natural gas) in the Rocky Mountain area, 20% of our total proved reserves. Capital and exploration expenditures in the Rocky Mountains were $41.5 million for 2004, or 16% of our total capital and exploration expenditures, and $22.3 million for 2003. Spending for 2004 included $30.5 million for drilling activity and $7.5 million of dry hole expense and geophysical and geological procedures. For 2005, we have budgeted $33.6 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the area.

We had 533 wells (242.6 net) in the Rocky Mountains area as of December 31, 2004, of which 282 wells are operated by us. Principal producing intervals in the Rocky Mountains area are in the Almond, Frontier, Dakota and Honaker Trail formations at depths ranging from 5,500 to 15,000 feet. Average net daily production in the Rocky Mountains during 2004 was 35.9 Mmcfe.

In 2004, we drilled 29 wells (14.3 net) in the Rocky Mountains, of which 26 wells (13.0 net) were development wells. In 2005, we plan to drill 30 wells.

Mid-Continent

Our Mid-Continent activities are concentrated in the Anadarko Basin in southwest Kansas, Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. Capital and exploration expenditures were $12.1 million for 2004, or 5% of our total 2004 capital and exploration expenditures, and $11.2 million for 2003. For 2005, we have budgeted $8.5 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the area.

As of December 31, 2004, we had 650 wells (452.9 net) in the Mid-Continent area, of which 508 wells are operated by us. Principal producing intervals in the Mid-Continent are in the Chase, Morrow, Red Fork and Chester formations at depths ranging from 2,200 to 10,000 feet. Average net daily production in 2004 was 26.5 Mmcfe. At December 31, 2004, we had 189.3 Bcfe of proved reserves (97% natural gas) in the Mid-Continent area, 16% of our total proved reserves.

In 2004, we drilled 21 wells (18.9 net) in the Mid-Continent, all of which were development and extension wells. In 2005, we plan to drill 11 wells.

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Our principal markets for West region natural gas are in the northwest and midwest United States. We sell natural gas to power generators, natural gas processors, local distribution companies, industrial customers and marketing companies. Currently, approximately 75% of our natural gas production in the West region is sold primarily under contracts with a term of one to three years at index-based prices. Another 23% of the natural gas production is sold under short-term arrangements at index-based prices and the remaining 2% is sold under certain fixed-price contracts. The West region properties are connected to the majority of the midwest and northwest interstate and intrastate pipelines, affording us access to multiple markets.

In 2004, we produced and marketed approximately 450 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the West region at market responsive prices.

GULF COAST REGION

Our exploration, development and production activities in the Gulf Coast region are primarily concentrated in north and south Louisiana, south Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. A regional office in Houston manages the operations. Principal producing intervals are in the Cotton Valley, Hosston, Miocene and Frio age formations in Louisiana and the Frio, Vicksburg and Wilcox formations in Texas at depths ranging from 3,000 to 25,000 feet. Capital and exploration expenditures were $112.6 million for 2004, or 43% of our total capital and exploration expenditures, and $111.6 million for 2003. For 2005, we have budgeted $105.0 million of our total budget for capital and exploration expenditures in the region. Our 2005 Gulf Coast drilling program will continue to emphasize impact exploration opportunities both on and offshore, augmented by development activity in our focus areas of south Texas and throughout coastal Louisiana.

In 2004, we drilled 31 wells (17.6 net) in the Gulf Coast region, of which 20 wells (12.4 net) were development wells. In 2005 we plan to drill 42 wells. We had 751 wells (495.4 net) in the Gulf Coast region as of December 31, 2004, of which 558 wells are operated by us. Average daily production in 2004 was 115.3 Mmcfe, compared to 124.1 Mmcfe in 2003. The decline is the result of lower production from our properties in south Louisiana, offset partially by increased production from the coastal Texas area. At December 31, 2004, we had 217.1 Bcfe of proved reserves (78% natural gas) in the Gulf Coast region, which represented 18% of our total proved reserves.

Our principal markets for Gulf Coast region natural gas are in the industrialized Gulf Coast area and the northeast United States. We sell natural gas to intrastate pipelines, natural gas processors and marketing companies. Currently, approximately 40% of our natural gas sales volumes in the Gulf Coast region are sold at index-based prices under contracts with terms of one to three years. The remaining 60% of our sales volumes are sold at index-based prices under short-term agreements. The Gulf Coast properties are connected to various processing plants in Texas and Louisiana with multiple interstate and intrastate deliveries, affording us access to multiple markets.

In 2004, we produced and marketed approximately 5,000 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the Gulf Coast region at market responsive prices.

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CANADA REGION

Our activities in the Canada region are managed by a regional office in Calgary, Alberta. Our Canadian exploration, development and producing activities are concentrated in the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. At December 31, 2004, we had 7.9 Bcfe of proved reserves (91% natural gas) in the Canada region, constituting less than 1% of our total proved reserves.

Capital and exploration expenditures in Canada were $16.2 million for 2004, or 6% of our total capital and exploration expenditures, and $0.8 million for 2003. For 2005, we have budgeted $16.0 million for capital and exploration expenditures in the area.

We had 14 wells (1.5 net) in the Canada region as of December 31, 2004, of which 3 wells are operated by us. Principal producing intervals in the Canada region are in the Falher, Bluesky, Cadomin and the Swan Hills formations at depths ranging from 9,500 to 16,000 feet. Average net daily production in Canada during 2004 was 1.0 Mmcfe.

In 2004, we drilled 4 wells (1.5 net) in Canada, of which 3 wells (1.1 net) were development and extension wells. In 2005, we plan to drill 10 wells.

In 2004, we produced and marketed approximately 10 barrels of crude oil/condensate per day in the Canada region at market responsive prices.

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

 

From time to time, when we believe that market conditions are favorable, we use certain derivative financial instruments called derivatives to manage price risks associated with our production in all of our regions. While there are many different types of derivatives available, in 20032004 we primarily employed natural gas and oil price swap and collar agreements to attempt to manage price risk more effectively. The price swaps call for payments to, or receipts from, counterparties based on whether the market price of natural gas or crude oil for the period is greater or less than the fixed price established for that period when the swap is put in place. The collar arrangements are put and call options used to establish floor and ceiling commodity prices for a fixed volume of production during a certain time period. They provide for payments to counterparties if the index price exceeds the ceiling and payments from the counterparties if the index price is below the floor.

 

We will continue to evaluate the benefit of employing derivatives in the future. Please read Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Commodity Price Swaps and Options for further discussion concerning our use of derivatives.

 

- 7 -


RESERVES

 

Current Reserves

 

The following table presents our estimated proved reserves at December 31, 2003.2004.

 

  Natural Gas (Mmcf)

  Liquids(1) (Mbbl)

  Total(2) (Mmcfe)

  Natural Gas (Mmcf)

  Liquids(1) (Mbbl)

  Total(2) (Mmcfe)

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

Gulf Coast

  121,476  50,163  171,639  6,603  2,216  8,819  161,095  63,459  224,554

East

  396,521  151,184  547,705  401  53  454  398,927  151,500  550,427

Rocky Mountains

  173,893  46,739  220,632  1,592  443  2,035  183,447  49,399  232,846  177,454  47,911  225,365  1,657  384  2,041  187,395  50,216  237,611

Mid-Continent

  161,965  25,795  187,760  820  39  859  166,884  26,031  192,915  162,625  21,491  184,116  831  39  870  167,609  21,728  189,337

East

  354,946  134,507  489,453  390  —    390  357,286  134,507  491,793

Gulf Coast

  115,528  54,216  169,744  5,648  2,240  7,888  149,417  67,653  217,070

Canada

  5,706  1,445  7,151  115  16  131  6,399  1,539  7,938
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  812,280  257,204  1,069,484  9,405  2,698  12,103  868,712  273,396  1,142,108  857,834  276,247  1,134,081  8,652  2,732  11,384  909,747  292,636  1,202,383
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

(1)Liquids include crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (Ngl).
(2)Natural gas equivalents are determined using the ratio of 6 Mcf of natural gas to 1 Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

 

The proved reserve estimates presented here were prepared by our petroleum engineering staff and reviewed by Miller and Lents, Ltd., independent petroleum engineers. Miller and Lents concluded the following: In their judgment 1) we have an effective system for gathering data and documenting information required to estimate our proved reserves and project our future revenues, 2) we used appropriate engineering, geologic and evaluation principles in making our estimates and projections and 3) our total proved reserves are reasonable. For additional information regarding estimates of proved reserves, the review of such estimates by Miller and Lents, Ltd., and other information about our oil and gas reserves, see the Supplemental Oil and Gas Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. A copy of the review letter by Miller and Lents, Ltd. has been filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K. Our estimates of proved reserves in the table above are consistent with those filed by us with other federal agencies. Our reserves are sensitive to natural gas and crude oil sales prices and their effect on economic producing rates. Our reserves are based on oil and gas index prices in effect on the last day of December 2003.2004.

 

There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond our control such as commodity pricing. Therefore, the reserve information in this Form 10-K represents only estimates. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of crude oil and natural gas thanthat can not be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, estimates of different engineers may vary. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may justify revising the original estimate. Accordingly, initial reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of crude oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. The meaningfulness of such estimates depends primarily on the accuracy of the assumptions upon which they were based. Except to the extent we acquire additional properties containing proved reserves or conduct successful exploration and development activities or both, our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced.

- 8 -


Historical Reserves

 

The following table presents our estimated proved reserves for the periods indicated.

 

  Natural
Gas
 Oil &
Liquids
 Total 
  (Mmcf)

 (Mbbl)

 (Mmcfe)(1)

 

December 31, 2000

  959,222  9,914  1,018,703 
  

 

 

Revision of Prior Estimates

  (44,266) 254  (42,737)

Extensions, Discoveries and

   

Other Additions

  99,911  2,257  113,456 

Production

  (69,162) (1,996) (81,139)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  91,290  9,255  146,819 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (991) —    (993)
  

 

 

  Natural Gas
(Mmcf)


 Oil & Liquids
(Mbbl)


 Total
(Mmcfe)(1)


 

December 31, 2001

  1,036,004  19,684  1,154,109   1,036,004  19,684  1,154,109 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Revision of Prior Estimates

  14,405  1,871  25,631   14,405  1,871  25,631 

Extensions, Discoveries and

   

Other Additions

  64,945  851  70,053 

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  64,945  851  70,053 

Production

  (73,670) (2,909) (91,126)  (73,670) (2,909) (91,126)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  26,262  261  27,828   26,262  261  27,828 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (6,987) (1,365) (15,179)  (6,987) (1,365) (15,179)
  

 

 

  

 

 

December 31, 2002

  1,060,959  18,393  1,171,316   1,060,959  18,393  1,171,316 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Revision of Prior Estimates

  (6,122) 307  (4,278)  (6,122) 307  (4,278)

Extensions, Discoveries and

   

Other Additions

  105,497  1,723  115,835 

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  105,497  1,723  115,835 

Production

  (71,906) (2,846) (88,976)  (71,906) (2,846) (88,976)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  1,590  —    1,591   1,590  —    1,591 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (20,534) (5,474) (53,380)  (20,534) (5,474) (53,380)
  

 

 

  

 

 

December 31, 2003

  1,069,484  12,103  1,142,108   1,069,484  12,103  1,142,108 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Revision of Prior Estimates

  (7,850) 185  (6,739)

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  140,986  1,074  147,426 

Production

  (72,833) (2,002) (84,847)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  5,384  24  5,525 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (1,090) —    (1,090)
  

 

 

December 31, 2004

  1,134,081  11,384  1,202,383 
  

 

 

Proved Developed Reserves

      

December 31, 2000

  754,962  8,438  805,590 

December 31, 2001

  804,646  15,328  896,612   804,646  15,328  896,612 

December 31, 2002

  819,412  13,267  899,016   819,412  13,267  899,016 

December 31, 2003

  812,280  9,405  868,712   812,280  9,405  868,712 

December 31, 2004

  857,834  8,652  909,747 

(1)Includes natural gas and natural gas equivalents determined by using the ratio of 6 Mcfof natural gas to 1 Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

- 9 -


Volumes and Prices; Production Costs

 

The following table presents regional historical information about our net wellhead sales volume for natural gas and oil (including condensate and natural gas liquids), produced natural gas and oil sales prices, and production costs per equivalent.

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Net Wellhead Sales Volume

                  

Natural Gas (Bcf)

                  

Gulf Coast

   30.0   30.4   25.6   31.3   30.0   30.4

West

   23.8   25.3   26.2   21.9   23.8   25.3

East

   18.6   18.0   17.4   19.4   18.6   18.0

Canada

   0.2   —     —  

Crude/Condensate/Ngl (Mbbl)

                  

Gulf Coast

   2,625   2,655   1,694   1,809   2,625   2,655

West

   193   221   267   163   193   221

East

   27   33   35   27   27   33

Canada

   3   —     —  

Produced Natural Gas Sales Price ($/Mcf) (1)

                  

Gulf Coast

  $4.78  $3.34  $4.44  $5.27  $4.78  $3.34

West

   3.67   2.39   3.88   4.75   3.67   2.39

East

   5.15   3.38   4.96   5.60   5.15   3.38

Canada

   4.69   —     —  

Weighted Average

   4.51   3.02   4.36   5.20   4.51   3.02

Crude/Condensate Sales Price ($/Bbl) (1)

  $29.55  $23.79  $24.91  $31.55  $29.55  $23.79

Production Costs ($/Mcfe)(2)

  $0.87  $0.70  $0.72  $0.99  $0.87  $0.70

(1)Represents the average sales price (net of hedge activity) for all production volumes (includingroyalty volumes) sold by Cabot Oil & Gas during the periods shown net of related costs(principally (principally purchased gas royalty, transportation and storage).
(2)Production costs include direct lifting costs (labor, repairs, and maintenance, materials and supplies),and the costs of administration of production offices, insurance and property and severance taxes,but is exclusive of depreciation and depletion applicable to capitalized lease acquisition, explorationand development expenditures.exploration.

- 10 -


Leasehold Acreage

 

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

State

                                    

Arkansas

  1,981  425  0  0  1,981  425  1,981  425  0  0  1,981  425

Colorado

  16,389  14,156  204,755  111,338  221,144  125,494  16,389  14,089  170,704  91,115  187,093  105,204

Kansas

  29,067  27,745  0  0  29,067  27,745  29,067  27,745  0  0  29,067  27,745

Kentucky

  2,266  901  0  0  2,266  901

Louisiana

  50,963  41,853  16,604  14,277  67,567  56,130  49,541  39,784  47,366  45,235  96,907  85,019

Michigan

  544  157  0  0  544  157

Montana

  397  210  35,444  27,759  35,841  27,969  397  210  32,828  25,648  33,225  25,858

New York

  2,956  1,117  8,531  8,222  11,487  9,339  2,956  1,105  11,326  6,405  14,282  7,510

New Mexico

  160  36  0  0  160  36

North Dakota

  0  0  870  96  870  96  0  0  870  96  870  96

Ohio

  6,273  2,409  1,613  428  7,886  2,837  6,259  2,422  1,613  428  7,872  2,850

Oklahoma

  164,138  114,338  8,638  6,307  172,776  120,645  167,679  117,118  13,698  9,059  181,377  126,177

Pennsylvania

  111,953  63,752  3,797  2,561  115,750  66,313  111,953  63,752  3,449  2,312  115,402  66,064

Texas

  105,562  73,099  54,405  31,605  159,967  104,704  107,754  74,051  66,149  48,130  173,903  122,181

Utah

  1,740  529  173,326  91,962  175,066  92,491  1,740  529  164,404  86,370  166,144  86,899

Virginia

  22,195  20,072  6,286  4,660  28,481  24,732  22,195  20,072  5,766  4,196  27,961  24,268

West Virginia

  571,405  537,286  132,228  108,405  703,633  645,691  576,944  544,737  162,033  146,605  738,977  691,342

Wyoming

  139,340  71,173  287,233  164,087  426,573  235,260  142,816  72,340  370,869  226,132  513,685  298,472

Federal Offshore

  4,995  1,162  90,420  56,047  95,415  57,209  10,933  2,218  120,244  88,673  131,177  90,891
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  1,232,324  970,420  1,024,150  627,754  2,256,474  1,598,174  1,248,604  980,597  1,171,319  780,404  2,419,923  1,761,001
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mineral Fee Acreage

                  
  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

State

                  

Colorado

  0  0  2,899  567  2,899  567

Kansas

  160  128  0  0  160  128

Louisiana

  628  276  0  0  628  276

Montana

  0  0  589  75  589  75

New York

  0  0  4,281  1,070  4,281  1,070

Oklahoma

  16,580  13,979  730  179  17,310  14,158

Pennsylvania

  880  880  1,573  502  2,453  1,382

Texas

  327  177  652  326  979  503

Virginia

  17,817  17,817  100  34  17,917  17,851

West Virginia

  97,455  79,093  50,740  49,591  148,195  128,684
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  133,847  112,350  61,564  52,344  195,411  164,694
  
  
  
  
  
  

Aggregate Total

  1,366,171  1,082,770  1,085,714  680,098  2,451,885  1,762,868
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mineral Fee Acreage

   Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

   Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

State

                  

Colorado

  0  0  2,899  271  2,899  271

Kansas

  160  128  0  0  160  128

Louisiana

  628  276  0  0  628  276

Montana

  0  0  589  75  589  75

New York

  0  0  6,545  1,353  6,545  1,353

Oklahoma

  16,580  13,979  730  179  17,310  14,158

Pennsylvania

  524  524  1,573  502  2,097  1,026

Texas

  327  177  754  327  1,081  504

Virginia

  17,817  17,817  100  34  17,917  17,851

West Virginia

  97,455  79,093  51,447  49,593  148,902  128,686
   
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  133,491  111,994  64,637  52,334  198,128  164,328
   
  
  
  
  
  

Aggregate Total

  1,382,095  1,092,591  1,235,956  832,738  2,618,051  1,925,329
   
  
  
  
  
  
Canada Leasehold Acreage                  
   Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

   Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

Province

                  

Alberta

  2,560  621  4,489  1,407  7,049  2,028

British Columbia

  0  0  7,778  3,889  7,778  3,889
   
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  2,560  621  12,267  5,296  14,827  5,917
   
  
  
  
  
  

- 11 -


Total Net Acreage by Region of Operation

 

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

  Developed

  Undeveloped

  Total

Gulf Coast

  89,844  101,801  191,645  89,741  181,911  271,652

West

  269,442  402,824  672,266  273,328  439,399  712,727

East

  723,484  175,473  898,957  729,522  211,428  940,950

Canada

  621  5,296  5,917
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  1,082,770  680,098  1,762,868  1,093,212  838,034  1,931,246
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total Net Undeveloped Acreage Expiration by Region of Operation

The following table presents our net undeveloped acreage expiring over the next three years by operating region as of December 31, 2004. The figures below assume no future successful development or renewal of undeveloped acreage.

   2005

  2006

  2007

Gulf Coast

  6,257  11,328  48,513

West

  75,595  42,591  34,395

East

  9,345  15,491  64,756
   
  
  

Total

  91,197  69,410  147,664
   
  
  

- 12 -


Well Summary

 

The following table presents our ownership at December 31, 2003,2004, in natural gas and oil wells in the Gulf Coast region (consisting primarily of various fields located in Louisiana and Texas), in the WesternWest region (consisting of various fields located in Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming) and, in the EasternEast region (consisting of various fields located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio) and in the Canada region (consisting of various fields located in the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia). This summary includes natural gas and oil wells in which we have a working interest.

 

  Natural Gas

  Oil

  Total(1)

  Natural Gas

  Oil

  Total(1)

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

Gulf Coast

  584  360.9  163  143.2  747  504.1  584  353.7  167  141.7  751  495.4

West

  1,068  625.5  55  31.5  1,123  657.0  1,127  663.1  56  32.4  1,183  695.5

East

  2,393  2,225.3  25  12.1  2,418  2,237.4  2,559  2,381.2  25  12.1  2,584  2,393.3

Canada

  14  1.5  0  0  14  1.5
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  4,045  3,211.7  243  186.8  4,288  3,398.5  4,284  3,399.5  248  186.2  4,532  3,585.7
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

(1)Total does not include service wells of 60 (48.674 (64.5 net).

 

Drilling Activity

 

We drilled wells, participated in the drilling of wells, or acquired wells as indicated in the region table below.

 

  Year Ended December 31, 2003

  Year Ended December 31, 2004

  Gulf Coast

  West

  East

  Total

  Gulf Coast  West  East  Canada  Total
  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

  Gross

  Net

Development Wells

                                                      

Successful

  23  11.6  26  14.9  91  85.2  140  111.7  16  9.5  45  30.8  164  161.0  2  0.6  227  201.9

Dry

  0  0.0  3  2.4  1  1.0  4  3.4  4  2.9  1  0.6  1  1.0  0  0.0  6  4.5

Extension Wells

                                                      

Successful

  0  0.0  1  0.9  0  0.0  1  0.9  0  0.0  0  0.0  1  1.0  1  0.5  2  1.5

Dry

  0  0.0  0  0.0  0  0.0  0  0.0  0  0.0  1  0.5  0  0.0  0  0.0  1  0.5

Exploratory Wells

                                                      

Successful

  8  3.8  1  0.5  4  3.3  13  7.5  7  2.9  3  1.3  4  4.0  1  0.4  15  8.6

Dry

  10  4.7  3  1.8  2  2.0  15  8.5  4  2.3  0  0.0  1  0.5  0  0.0  5  2.8
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  41  20.1  34  20.5  98  91.4  173  132.0  31  17.6  50  33.2  171  167.5  4  1.5  256  219.8
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Wells Acquired(1)

  0  0  2  2  12  12  14  14  0  0.0  2  1.9  25  25.0  0  0.0  27  26.9

Wells in Progress at End of Year

  4  1.1  3  2.17  2  0.75  9  4.02  2  1.0  12  6.4  0  0.0  2  0.6  16  8.0

(1)Includes the acquisition of net interest in wells in which we already held an ownership interest.

- 13 -


Competition

 

Competition in our primary producing areas is intense. Price, contract terms and quality of service, including pipeline connection times, distribution efficiencies and reliable delivery records, affect competition. We believe that our extensive acreage position, existing natural gas gathering and pipeline systems and storage fields enhance our competitive position over other producers in the EasternEast region who do not have similar systems or facilities in place. We also believe that our competitive position in the EasternEast region is enhanced by the lack of significant competition from major oil and gas companies. We also actively compete against other companies with substantially larger financial and other resources, particularly in the WesternWest and Gulf Coast regions.regions and Canada.

 

OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS

 

Major Customer

 

In 2003,2004, approximately 11% of our total sales were made to one customer. In 2003 and 2002, approximately 11% and 14%, respectively, of our total sales were made to one customer. In 2002, this customer operated certain properties in which we have interests in the Gulf Coast and purchased all of the production from these wells. This customer would resell the natural gas and oil to third parties with whom we would deal directly if the customer either ceased to exist or stopped buying our portion of the production. In 2001 we had no sales to any customer that exceeded 10% of our total gross revenues.

 

Seasonality

 

Demand for natural gas has historically been seasonal, with peak demand and typically higher prices occurring during the colder winter months.

 

Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production

 

Exploration and production operations are subject to various types of regulation at the federal, state and local levels. This regulation includes requiring permits to drill wells, maintaining bonding requirements to drill or operate wells, and regulating the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties on which wells are drilled, and the plugging and abandoning of wells. Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These include the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units, the density of wells that may be drilled in a given field, and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties. Some states allow the forced pooling or integration of tracts to facilitate exploration while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, generally prohibiting the venting or flaring of natural gas and imposing certain requirements regarding the ratability of production. The effect of these regulations is to limit the amounts of oil and natural gas we can produce from our wells, and to limit the number of wells or the locations where we can drill. Because these statutes, rules and regulations undergo constant review and often are amended, expanded and reinterpreted, we are unable to predict the future cost or impact of regulatory compliance. The regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases its cost of doing business and, consequently, affects its profitability. We do not believe, however, we are affected materially differently by these regulations than others in the industry.

 

- 14 -


Natural Gas Marketing, Gathering and Transportation

 

Federal legislation and regulatory controls have historically affected the price of the natural gas we produce and the manner in which our production is transported and marketed. Under the Natural Gas Act of 1938, the FERC regulates the interstate sale for resale of natural gas and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, although facilities used in the production or gathering of natural gas in interstate commerce are generally exempted from FERC jurisdiction. Effective January 1, 1993, the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act deregulated natural gas prices for all “first sales” of natural gas, which includesdefinition covers all sales of our own production. In addition, as part of the broad industry restructuring initiatives described below, the FERC has granted to all producers such as us a “blanket certificate of public convenience and necessity” authorizing the sale of gas for resale without further FERC approvals. As a result, all of our produced natural gas may now be sold at market prices, subject to the terms of any private contracts that may be in effect.

Our natural gas sales prices nevertheless continue to be affected by intrastate and interstate gas transportation regulation, because the prices we receive for our production are affected by the cost of transporting the gas to the consuming market. Through a series of comprehensive rulemakings, beginning with Order No. 436 in 1985 and continuing through Order No. 636 in 1992 and Order No. 637 in 2000, the FERC has adopted regulatory changes that have significantly altered the transportation and marketing of natural gas. These changes were intended by the FERC to foster competition by, among other things, transforming the role of interstate pipeline companies from wholesale marketers of gas to the primary role of gas transporters. Order No. 436 generally required interstate pipelines to become “open access” transporters, of natural gas, thereby requiring pipelines to transport gas supplies ownedand by others in competition with their own supplies. Order No. 636 further required that interstate pipelines cease making “bundled” sales of natural gas,i.e., gas sales at a single price that includes both the cost of the gas and the cost of its delivery, and further required that pipelines “unbundle” their gathering and transmission services. Order No. 637 has implemented additional requirements to increaseincreasing the transparency of pricing for pipeline services, including requiring pipelines to implement imbalance management services for shippers; restricting the ability of pipelines to impose penalties for imbalances, overruns, and non-compliance with operational flow orders; and implementing a number of new reporting requirements.services. The FERC has also developed rules governing the relationship of the pipelines with their marketing affiliates, and implemented standards relating to the use of electronic bulletin boards and electronic data exchange by the pipelines to make available transportation information available on a timely basis and to enable transactions to occur on a purely electronic basis.

 

In light of these statutory and regulatory changes, most pipelines have divested their gas sales functions to marketing affiliates, which operate separately from the transporter and in direct competition with all other merchants, and most pipelines have also implemented the large-scale divestiture of their gas gathering facilities to affiliated or non-affiliated companies. Interstate pipelines thus now generally provide unbundled, open and nondiscriminatory transportation and transportation-related services to producers, gas marketing companies, local distribution companies, industrial end users and other customers seeking such services. Sellers and buyers of gas have gained direct access to the particular pipeline services they need, and are better able to conduct business with a larger number of counterparties. We believe these changes generally have improved our access to markets while, at the same time, substantially increasing competition in the natural gas marketplace.

 

Certain of our pipeline systems and storage fields in West Virginia are regulated for safety compliance by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the West Virginia Public Service Commission. In 2002, Congress enacted the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which contains a number of provisions intended to increase pipeline operating safety. The DOT’s final regulations implementing the act became effective in February 2004. Among other provisions, the regulations require that pipeline operators implement a pipeline integrity management program that must at a minimum include an inspection of gas transmission pipeline facilities within the next ten years, and at least every seven years thereafter.

 

We cannot predict what new or different regulations the FERC and other regulatory agencies may adopt, or what effect subsequent regulations may have on our activities. Similarly, it is impossible to predict what proposals, if any, that affect the oil and natural gas industry might actually be enacted by Congress or the various state legislatures and what effect, if any, such proposals might have on us. Similarly, and despite the recent trend toward federal deregulation (or “lighter-handed” regulation) of the natural gas industry, whether or to what extent that trend will continue, or what the ultimate effect will be on our sales of gas, cannot be predicted.

 

- 15 -


Federal Regulation of Petroleum

 

Our sales of oil and natural gas liquids are not regulated and are at market prices. The price received from the sale of these products is affected by the cost of transporting the products to market. Much of that transportation is through interstate common carrier pipelines. Effective January 1, 1995, the FERC implemented regulations generally grandfathering all previously approved interstate transportation rates and establishing an indexing system for those rates by which adjustments are made annually based on the rate of inflation, subject to certain conditions and limitations. These regulations may tend to increase the cost of transporting oil and natural gas liquids by interstate pipeline, although the annual adjustments may result in decreased rates in a given year. These regulations

have generally been approved on judicial review. Every five years, the FERC must examine the relationship between the annual change in the applicable index and the actual cost changes experienced in the oil pipeline industry. The first such review has beenwas completed and onin December 14, 2000, where the FERC reaffirmedconcluded that the current index.rate index reasonably reflected actual pipeline costs. Upon judicial review, the pipeline transportation rates established under the index were increased slightly. The next review is scheduled in July 2005. Another FERC proceeding that may impact our transportation costs relates to an ongoing proceeding to determine whether and to what extent pipelines should be permitted to include in their transportation rates an allowance for income taxes attributable to non-corporate partnership interests. We are not able to predict with certainty the effect upon us of these relatively new federal regulations, or of the periodic review by the FERC of the index.index, or the ongoing review of the income tax allowance.

 

Environmental Regulations

 

General. Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. Permits are required for the operation of our various facilities. These permits can be revoked, modified or renewed by issuing authorities. Governmental authorities enforce compliance with their regulations through fines, injunctions or both. Government regulations can increase the cost of planning, designing, installing and operating oil and gas facilities. Although we believe that compliance with environmental regulations will not have a material adverse effect on us, risks of substantial costs and liabilities related to environmental compliance issues are part of oil and gas production operations. No assurance can be given that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred. Also, it is possible that other developments, such as stricter environmental laws and regulations, and claims for damages to property or persons resulting from oil and gas production could result in substantial costs and liabilities to us.

 

The transition zone and shallow-water areas of the U.S. Gulf Coast are ecologically sensitive. Environmental issues have led to higher drilling costs and a more difficult and lengthy well permitting process. U.S. laws and regulations applicable to our operations include those controlling the discharge of materials into the environment, requiring removal and cleanup of materials that may harm the environment, requiring consistency with applicable coastal zone management plans, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment.

 

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.The federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto impose a variety of regulations relating to safety and environmental protection applicable to lessees, permits and other parties operating on the Outer Continental Shelf. Specific design and operational standards may apply to Outer Continental Shelf vessels, rigs, platforms, vehicles and structures. Violations of lease conditions or regulations issued pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act can result in substantial civil and criminal penalties as well as potential court injunctions curtailing operations and the cancellation of leases. Such enforcement liabilities can result from either governmental or citizen prosecution. We believe that we substantially comply with the OCSLA and its regulations.

 

- 16 -


Solid and Hazardous Waste. We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, numerous properties that were used for the production of oil and gas for many years. Although operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time may have been utilized, it is possible that hydrocarbons or other solid wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties currently owned or leased by us. State and federal laws applicable to oil and gas wastes and properties have become more strict over time. Under these increasingly stringent requirements, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed or released by prior owners and operators) or clean up property contamination (including groundwater contamination by prior owners or operators) or to perform plugging operations to prevent future contamination.

We generate some hazardous wastes that are already subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and comparable state statutes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has limited the disposal options for certain hazardous wastes. It is possible that certain wastes currently exempt from treatment as hazardous wastes may in the future be designated as hazardous wastes under RCRA or other applicable statutes. We could, therefore, be subject to more rigorous and costly disposal requirements in the future than we encounter today.

 

Superfund. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the “Superfund” law, imposes liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain persons with respect to the release of hazardous substances into the environment. These persons include the owner and operator of a site and any party that disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at a site. CERCLA also authorizes the EPA, and in some cases, private parties, to undertake actions to clean up such hazardous substances, or to recover the costs of such actions from the responsible parties. In the course of business, we have generated and will continue to generate wastes that may fall within CERCLA’s definition of hazardous substances. We may also be an owner or operator of sites on which hazardous substances have been released. As a result, we may be responsible under CERCLA for all or part of the costs to clean up sites where such wastes have been disposed.

 

Oil Pollution Act. The federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) and resulting regulations impose a variety of obligations on responsible parties related to the prevention of oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills in waters of the United States. The term “waters of the United States” has been broadly defined to include inland water bodies, including wetlands and intermittent streams. The OPA assigns liability to each responsible party for oil removal costs and a variety of public and private damages. We believe that we substantially comply with the Oil Pollution Act and related federal regulations.

 

Clean Water Act. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA or Clean Water Act) and resulting regulations, which are implemented through a system of permits, also govern the discharge of certain contaminants into waters of the United States. Sanctions for failure to comply strictly with the Clean Water Act are generally resolved by payment of fines and correction of any identified deficiencies. However, regulatory agencies could require us to cease construction or operation of certain facilities that are the source of water discharges. We believe that we substantially comply with the Clean Water Act and related federal and state regulations.

Clean Air Act. Our operations are subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations to control emissions from sources of air pollution. Payment of fines and correction of any identified deficiencies generally resolve penalties for failure to comply strictly with air regulations or permits. Regulatory agencies could also require us to cease construction or operation of certain facilities that are air emission sources. We believe that we substantially comply with the emission standards under local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003,2004, Cabot Oil & Gas had 336346 active employees. We recognize that our success is significantly influenced by the relationship we maintain with our employees. Overall, we believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory. The Company and its employees are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

 

- 17 -


Website Access to Company Reports

 

We make available free of charge through our website,www.cabotog.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on formForm 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information on our website is not a part of this report.

Corporate Governance Matters

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter and Audit Committee Charter are available on the Company’s website atwww.cabotog.com, under the “Corporate Governance” section and a copy will be provided, without charge, to any shareholder upon request.

 

Other

 

Our profitability depends on certain factors that are beyond our control, such as natural gas and crude oil prices. Please see Items 7 and 7A. We face a variety of hazards and risks that could cause substantial financial losses. Our business involves a variety of operating risks, including blowouts, cratering, explosions and fires, mechanical problems, uncontrolled flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids, formations with abnormal pressures, pollution and other environmental risks, and natural disasters. We conduct operations in shallow offshore areas, which are subject to additional hazards of marine operations, such as capsizing, collision and damage from severe weather.

 

Our operation of natural gas gathering and pipeline systems also involves various risks, including the risk of explosions and environmental hazards caused by pipeline leaks and ruptures. Any of these events could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of our operations and substantial losses to us. The location of pipelines near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase these risks. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. The costs of these insurance policies are somewhat dependent on our historical claims experience and also the areas in which we choose to operate. During the past few years, we have drilledinvested a higher percentage of our wellsdrilling dollars in the Gulf Coast, where insurance rates are significantly higher than in other regions such as the East. At December 31, 2003,2004, we owned or operated approximately 3,2003,300 miles of natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline systems throughout the United States. As part of our normal maintenance program, we have identified certain segments of our pipelines that we believe may require repair, replacement or additional maintenance, and we schedule this maintenance as appropriate.

 

The sale of our oil and gas production depends on a number of factors beyond our control. The factors include the availability and capacity of transportation and processing facilities. Our failure to access these facilities and obtain these services on acceptable terms could materially harm our business.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

See Item 1. Business.

- 18 -


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are a party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. All known liabilities are fully accrued based on management’s best estimate of the potential loss. In management’s opinion, final judgments or settlements, if any, which mayWhile the outcome and impact on us cannot be awarded in connectionpredicted with any one or morecertainty, management believes that the resolution of these suits and claims wouldproceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a significant impactmaterial adverse effect on our consolidated financial position. Operating results and cash flow, however, could be significantly impacted in the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of any period.reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

 

Wyoming Royalty Litigation

 

In June 2000, we were sued by two overriding royalty owners in Wyoming state court for unspecified damages. The plaintiffs requested class certification under the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and alleged that we had improperly deducted costs of production from royalty payments to the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons. Additionally, the suit claimed that we had failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of the deductions taken from royalties. At a mediation held in April 2003, the plaintiffs in this case claimed total damages of $9.5 million plus attorney fees. We were recently able to settlesettled the case for a total of $2.25 million and the State District Court Judge recently entered his order approving the settlement. The settlement was for a totalin the fourth quarter of $2.25 million.2003. The class included all private fee royalty and overriding royalty owners of the Company in the State of Wyoming except those in the suit discussed below and one owner who opted out of the settlement. It also includes provisions for the method of valuation of gas for royalty payment purposes going forward and for reporting of royalty payments, which should prevent further litigation of these issues by the class members.

 

In January 2002, 13 overriding royalty owners sued the Companyus in Wyoming federal district court. The plaintiffs in the federal case have made the same general claims pertaining to deductions from their overriding royalty as the plaintiffs in the Wyoming state court case but have not asked for class certification. That case is on hold awaiting a Wyoming Supreme Court decision on two certified questions.

 

Although management believes that a number of our defenses are supported by Wyoming case law, two letter decisions handed down by stateThe federal district court judges in other cases do not support certain of the defenses. In one of the cases the case has been settled so no order will be entered. In the other case a generic order has been entered adopting the letter decision by reference. It is not known what effect, if any, the decision, will have on the pending case. In addition, in 2000 a district court judge’s decision supported our defenses, and that decision was recently orally confirmed by another state district court judge. Accordingly, there is a split of authority concerning the interpretation of the reporting penalty provisions of the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act, which will need to be resolved by the Wyoming Supreme Court.

As noted above, the judge agreed to certifycertified two questions of state law for decision by the Wyoming State Supreme Court.Court, which recently answered both questions. The Wyoming State Supreme Court has agreedruled that certain deductions taken by us from the plaintiffs were not proper and that the statutes of limitations advanced by us are discovery statutes and accordingly do not begin to decide both questions,run until the plaintiffs knew, or had reason to know, of the violation. We believe we have properly reported to the plaintiffs and, these decisionsthat if we did not, the plaintiffs knew or should disposehave known the reporting was improper and the nature of important issues in the pending federal case. deductions, thus triggering the statutes of limitations. We still intend to raise defenses to the alleged failure to report claims. There is also a dispute as to how the interest should be calculated.

The federal judge refused however, to certify a question relating to the issue of the proper calculation of damages for failure to provide certain information required by statute on overriding royalty owner check stubs that had been decided adversely to our position in thea state district court letter decision.decision in a separate case. After the federal judge’s refusal to certify this issue, the plaintiffs reduced the damages they were claiming. Based upon recent communication from the plaintiffs, expert witness report filed in March 2003, the plaintiffsthey are now claiming $21$26.2 million in total damages which can be broken down into $15.7consists of $20.3 million for alleged violations of the check stub reporting statute and the remainder$5.9 million for all other damages.

In the opinion of our outside counsel, Brown, Drew & Massey, LLP, the likelihood of the plaintiffs recovering the stated damages$20.3 million for violation of the check stub reporting statute is remote.

We are vigorously defending the case. We have However, a reserve that management believes is adequate to provide for the potential liabilitycheck stub reporting statute and all other damages has been established based on itsmanagement’s estimate at this time of the probable outcome of this case. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact our financial position.

 

West Virginia Royalty Litigation

 

In December 2001, we were sued by two royalty owners in West Virginia state court for an unspecified amount of damages. The plaintiffs have requested class certification under the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and allege that we failed to pay royalty based upon the wholesale market value of the gas produced, that we haveit had taken improper

deductions from the royalty and has failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of deductions taken from the royalty. The plaintiffs have also claimed that they are entitled to a 1/8th 1/8th royalty share of the gas sales contract settlement that we reached with Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation in the 1995 Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation bankruptcy proceeding.

 

We had removed the lawsuit to federal court; however, in February 2003, we received an order remanding the lawsuit back to state court. - 19 -


Discovery and pleadings necessary to place the class certification issue before the state court have been ongoing. A hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was held on October 20, 2003, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law were submitted to the court on December 5, 2003. A status conference was held with the court and the court advised it intends to issue a ruling on the class certification motion. The court was expected to rule by December 2004, and we are still awaiting a decision. Discovery is proceeding on the claims pending the ruling on the class certification motion. Discovery is to be completed by April 1, 2005, and the trial is currently scheduled for March 29, 2004. Based on the current status of discovery, theAugust 15, 2005. If a class is certified it is expected this trial date is likely towill be continued atto a later date.

 

The investigation into this claim continues and it is in the discovery phase. We are vigorously defending the case. We have reserves we believe area reserve that management believes is adequate to provide for these potential liabilities based on ourits estimate at this time of the probable outcome of this matter. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact our financial position.case.

 

Texas Title Litigation

 

On January 6, 2003, we were served with Plaintiffs’ Second Amended Original Petition in Romeo Longoria, et al. v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, et al. in the 79th Judicial District Court of Brooks County, Texas. Plaintiffs filed their First Supplemental Original Petition on March 17, 2004 and their Second Supplemental Petition on November 12, 2004. The significant change in the second Supplemental Petition is that plaintiffs appear to limit their claim to the mineral estate, rather than making claims to both the surface and mineral estate. The plaintiffs allege that they are the rightful owners of a one-half undivided mineral interest in and to certain lands in Brooks County, Texas. As Cody Energy, LLC, the Companywe acquired certain leases and wells from Wynn-Crosby 1996, Ltd. in 1997 and 1998 and the Companywe subsequently acquired a 320 acre lease from Hector and Gloria Lopez in 2001. The plaintiffs allege that they are entitled to be declared the rightful owners of an undivided interest in the surface and minerals and all improvements on the lands on which the Companywe acquired these leases. The plaintiffs also assert claims for trespass to try title, action to remove a cloud on the title, failure to properly account for royalty, fraud, trespass, conversion, all for unspecified actual and exemplary damages. The original trial date of May 19, 2003 was cancelled and a new trial date has not been set. We have not had the opportunity to conduct discovery in this matter. We estimate that production revenue from this field since its predecessor, Cody Energy, LLC, acquired title and since we acquired its lease is approximately $13$14.9 million. The carrying value of this property is approximately $35$34 million. Co-defendants Shell Oil Company and Shell Western E&P have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of plaintiffs’ causes of action on multiple grounds. We were in the process of joining in that motion, when theThe original plaintiffs’ attorneys asked permission from the Court to withdraw from the representation. The Court granted that request, and new attorneys for some, but not all of the plaintiffs have recently entered the case. The motion for summary judgment was reset and a hearing was held in December of 2003. The Court has permitted plaintiffs additional time to gather more information, and it is anticipated that the court will hold a second hearing on the motion. We have joined in the motion. After a second hearing, the Court denied the motion for summary judgment. The defendants have moved to add parties whose title interests are being challenged by the plaintiffs, and who are therefore necessary to the case, or in the alternative, abate the proceeding until the plaintiffs join all parties whose interests may be affected by plaintiffs’ claims.

 

Although the investigation into this claim has just begun,is in its early stages, we intend to vigorously defend the case. Should we receive an adverse ruling in this case, an impairment review would be assessed to ensure the carrying value of the property is recoverable. Management cannot currently determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of any potential outcome.loss should the outcome be unfavorable. Accordingly, there has been no reserve established for this matter.

- 20 -


Raymondville Area

In April 2004, our wholly owned subsidiary, Cody Energy, LLC, filed suit in Willacy County, Texas against certain of our co-working interest owners in the Raymondville Area, located in Kenedy and Willacy Counties. In early 2003, Cody had proposed a new prospect to certain of these co-working interest owners located within jointly owned oil and gas leases. Some of the co-working interest owners elected to participate and some did not. The initial well was successful and subsequent wells have been drilled to exploit the discovery made in the first well.

In December 2003, certain of the co-working interest owners who elected not to participate in the initial well notified Cody that they believed that they had the right to participate in subsequent wells. Cody contends that, under the terms of the agreements between the parties, the co-working interest owners that elected not to participate in the initial well in the prospect were required to assign their interest in the proposed prospect to those who elected to participate. Alternatively, Cody contends that such owners lost their right to participate in subsequent wells within a 1,200 foot radius of the initial well.

The defendants have filed a counter claim against us and one of the defendants has filed a lien against Cody’s interest in the leases in the Raymondville Area. Cody contends that this lien is improper and has sought damages for its filing. Cody is vigorously prosecuting this case which is in its early stage of discovery. No trial date has been set by the court.

Certain of the defendants filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment contending that they did not have adequate notice of the prospect proposal. Cody is contesting this Motion. In addition, in late December 2004, Cody filed a Motion for Final Summary Judgment asking the court to find that, under the terms of the agreements, Cody and the participating working interest owners are entitled to an assignment of the interests of the co-working interest owners who elected not to participate in the prospect. No hearing date has been set by the court.

Management cannot currently determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of any potential loss should the outcome be unfavorable. Accordingly, there has been no reserve established for this matter.

Commitment and Contingency Reserves

We have established reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve involves an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible that we could incur approximately $11.1 million of additional loss with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. Future changes in the facts and circumstances could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.

While the outcome and impact on us cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position. Operating results and cash flow, however, could be significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.2004.

- 21 -


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The following table shows certain information about our executive officers as of February 15, 2004,18, 2005, as such term is defined in Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and certain of our other officers.

 

Name


  Age

  

Position


  Officer Since

  Age

  

Position


  Officer Since

Dan O. Dinges

  50  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  2001  51  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  2001

Michael B. Walen

  55  Senior Vice President, Exploration and Production  1998  56  Senior Vice President, Exploration and Production  1998

Scott C. Schroeder

  41  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  1997  42  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  1997

J. Scott Arnold

  50  Vice President, Land and Associate General Counsel  1998  51  Vice President, Land and Associate General Counsel  1998

R. Scott Butler

  49  Vice President, Regional Manager, Western Region  2001  50  Vice President, Regional Manager, West Region  2001

Robert G. Drake

  56  Vice President, Information Services and Operational Accounting  1998  57  Vice President, Information Services and Operational Accounting  1998

Abraham D. Garza

  57  Vice President, Human Resources  1998  58  Vice President, Human Resources  1998

Jeffrey W. Hutton

  48  Vice President, Marketing  1995  49  Vice President, Marketing  1995

Thomas S. Liberatore

  47  Vice President, Regional Manager, Eastern Region  2003  48  Vice President, Regional Manager, East Region  2003

Lisa A. Machesney

  48  Vice President, Managing Counsel and Corporate Secretary  1995  49  Vice President, Managing Counsel and Corporate Secretary  1995

A. F. (Tony) Pelletier

  51  Vice President, Regional Manager, Gulf Coast Region  2001

Henry C. Smyth

  57  Vice President, Controller and Treasurer  1998  58  Vice President, Controller and Treasurer  1998

 

All officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors. Except for the following, all of the executive officers have been employed by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for at least the last five years.

 

Dan O. Dinges joined Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation as President and Chief Operating Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors in September 2001. He was promoted to his current position of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2002. Mr. Dinges came to Cabot after a 20-year career with Samedan Oil Corporation, a subsidiary of Noble Affiliates, Inc. The last three years, Mr. Dinges served as Samedan’s Senior Vice President, as well as Division General Manager for the Offshore Division, a position he held since August 1996. He also served as a member of the Executive Operating Committee for Samedan. Mr. Dinges started his career as a Landman for Mobil Oil Corporation covering Louisiana, Arkansas and the central Gulf of Mexico. After four years of expanding responsibilities at Mobil he joined Samedan as a Division Landman – Offshore. Over the years, Mr. Dinges held positions of increasing responsibility at Samedan including Division Manager, Vice President and ultimately Senior Vice President. Mr. Dinges received his BBA degree in Petroleum Land Management from The University of Texas.

 

Thomas S. Liberatore joined Cabot in January 2002 as Regional Manager, East and was promoted to his current position in July 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Liberatore served as vice president exploration and production for North Coast Energy. He began his career as a geologist and has held various positions of increasing responsibility for Presidio Oil Company and Belden & Blake Corporation. Liberatore received his B.S. in Geology from West Virginia University.

 

A. F. (Tony) Pelletier has been Vice President, Regional Manager, Gulf Coast Region since October 2001. Mr. Pelletier joined the Company in April 2001 as Regional Manager, Gulf Coast. Before coming to Cabot, he held positions of increasing responsibility at PetroCorp Incorporated, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he worked at Exxon Company USA in a variety of engineering and supervisory capacities. Mr. Pelletier holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Civil Engineering, both from Texas A&M University. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas.

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Common Stock is listed and principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “COG.”“COG”. The following table presents the high and low closing sales prices per share of the Common Stock during certain periods, as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system. Cash dividends paid per share of the Common Stock are also shown.

 

  High

  Low

  Cash
Dividends


  High

  Low

  Cash
Dividends


2004

         

First Quarter

  $32.90  $28.76  $0.04

Second Quarter

   42.30   30.13   0.04

Third Quarter

   45.08   38.80   0.04

Fourth Quarter

   48.38   40.90   0.04

2003

                  

First Quarter

  $29.46  $24.40  $0.04  $29.46  $24.40  $0.04

Second Quarter

   27.96   24.45   0.04   27.96   24.45   0.04

Third Quarter

   30.46   26.65   0.04   30.46   26.65   0.04

Fourth Quarter

   30.26   25.35   0.04   30.26   25.35   0.04

2002

         

First Quarter

  $24.95  $18.78  $0.04

Second Quarter

   25.82   21.01   0.04

Third Quarter

   23.68   18.40   0.04

Fourth Quarter

   26.20   20.22   0.04

 

As of January 30, 2004,31, 2005, there were 761693 registered holders of the Common Stock. Shareholders include individuals, brokers, nominees, custodians, trustees, and institutions such as banks, insurance companies and pension funds. Many of these hold large blocks of stock on behalf of other individuals or firms.

 

On February 28, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had declared a 3-for-2 split on the Company’s Common Stock in the form of a stock distribution. The stock dividend will be distributed on March 31, 2005 to shareholders of record on March 18, 2005. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, the Company will pay cash based on the closing price of the Common stock on the record date.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)

Period


  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased


  Average
Price Paid
per Share


  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs


  

Approximate
Number

of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs


October 2004

  —     —    —    1,453,300

November 2004

  136,000  $42.64  136,000  1,317,300

December 2004

  25,000  $43.96  25,000  1,292,300
   
          

Total

  161,000  $42.84      
   
          

(1) On August 13, 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of two million shares of the Company’s stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. All purchases executed have been through open market transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization to repurchase securities of the Company.

- 23 -


ITEM 6.SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM 6. SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table summarizes selected consolidated financial data for Cabot Oil & Gas for the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

Income Statement Data

               

Statement of Operations Data

               

Operating Revenues

  $509,391  $353,756  $447,042  $368,651  $294,037  $530,408  $509,391  $353,756  $447,042  $368,651

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties(1)

   3,458   93,796   2,720   6,852   9,143

Income from Operations

   66,587   49,088   95,366   64,817   39,498   160,653   66,587   49,088   95,366   64,817

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

   21,132   16,103   47,084   29,221   5,117

Net Income

   88,378   21,132   16,103   47,084   29,221

Basic Earnings per Share

  $0.66  $0.51  $1.56  $1.07  $0.21  $2.72  $0.66  $0.51  $1.56  $1.07

Dividends per Common Share

  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16

Balance Sheet Data

                              

Properties and Equipment, Net

  $895,955  $971,754  $981,338  $623,174  $590,301  $994,081  $895,955  $971,754  $981,338  $623,174

Total Assets

   1,024,201   1,070,929   1,066,777   735,634   659,480   1,210,956   1,055,056   1,100,947   1,092,810   776,353

Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt

   20,000   —     —     —     16,000

Long-Term Debt

   270,000   365,000   393,000   253,000   277,000   250,000   270,000   365,000   393,000   253,000

Stockholders’ Equity

   365,197   350,657   346,552   242,505   186,496   455,662   365,197   350,657   346,552   242,505
  

  

  

  

  


(1)For discussion of impairment of oil and gas properties, refer to Note 2.

 

- 24 -


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition. Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K contain additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material.

 

Statements in this discussion may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below, which could cause actual results to differ from those expressed. Please read Forward-Looking Information on page 30.36.

 

We operate in one segment, natural gas and oil exploration and development.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Cabot Oil & Gas is a leading independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development and exploitation of natural gas and crude oil from its properties in North America. Our exploration activities are concentrated in areas with known hydrocarbon resources, which are conducive to large, multi-well, repeatable drilling programs and our technical skills.programs. Our program is designed to be disciplined and balanced with a focus on achieving strong financial returns.

 

At Cabot, there are three types of investment alternatives that constantly compete for available capital. These include drilling opportunities, acquisition opportunities and financial opportunities such as debt repayment.repayment or repurchase of common stock. Depending on circumstances, we allocate capital among the alternatives based on a rate-of-return approach. Our goal is to invest capital in the highest return opportunities available at any given time.

 

Our financial results depend upon many factors, particularly the price of natural gas and crude oil and our ability to market our production on economically attractive terms. Price volatility in the natural gas marketcommodity markets has remained prevalent in the last few years. Throughout 20022003 and 2003,2004, the NYMEX futures market reported unprecedented natural gas and crude oil contract prices. Our realized natural gas and crude oil price, net of the impact of derivative instruments, was $4.51$5.20 per Mcf and $31.55 per Bbl, respectively, in 2003.2004. To lock in these high prices,ensure a certain rate of return for our program, we entered into a series of crude oil and natural gas price collars and swaps. These financial instruments are an integral element of our risk management strategy but prevented us from realizing the full impact of the price environment.

 

Commodity prices are impacted by many factors that are outside of our control. Historically, commodity prices have been volatile and we expect them to remain volatile. Commodity prices are affected by changes in market demands, which are impacted by overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. As a result, we cannot accurately predict future natural gas and crude oil prices, and therefore, we cannot determine what effect increases or decreases will have on our capital program, production volumes and future revenues. In addition to production volumes and commodity prices, finding and developing sufficient amounts of crude oil and natural gas reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term success.

 

The tables below illustrate how natural gas prices have fluctuated over the course of 20022003 and 2003.2004. “Index” represents the Henry Hub index price per Mmbtu. The “2002”“2003” and “2003”“2004” price is the natural gas price per Mcf realized by us and it includes the realized impact of theour natural gas price collar orand swap arrangements:arrangements, as applicable:

 

   Natural Gas Prices by Month - 2003

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  4.96  5.66  9.11  5.14  5.12  5.95  5.30  4.69  4.93  4.44  4.45  4.86

2003

  4.33  4.62  4.71  4.48  4.44  4.57  4.65  4.43  4.53  4.33  4.34  4.67
   Natural Gas Prices by Month - 2002

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  2.61  2.03  2.39  3.40  3.36  3.37  3.26  2.95  3.27  3.72  4.13  4.13

2002

  2.60  2.55  2.44  3.25  2.86  2.86  2.74  2.74  2.83  3.41  3.89  4.17

- 25 -


(in $ per Mcf)


  Natural Gas Prices by Month - 2004

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  $6.15  $5.77  $5.15  $5.37  $5.94  $6.68  $6.14  $6.04  $5.08  $5.79  $7.63  $7.78

2004

  $5.23  $5.23  $5.17  $4.88  $4.96  $5.23  $5.39  $5.21  $4.54  $5.29  $5.63  $5.55

(in $ per Mcf)


  Natural Gas Prices by Month - 2003

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  $4.96  $5.66  $9.11  $5.14  $5.12  $5.95  $5.30  $4.69  $4.93  $4.44  $4.45  $4.86

2003

  $4.33  $4.62  $4.71  $4.48  $4.44  $4.57  $4.65  $4.43  $4.53  $4.33  $4.34  $4.67

 

Prices for crude oil have followed a similar path as the commodity marketprice continued to risemaintain strength in 20022003 and through 2003.rose further in 2004. The tables below contain the NYMEX average crude oil price (Index) and our realized per Bblbarrel (Bbl) crude oil prices by month for 20022003 and 2003.

2004. The “2003” and “2004” price is the crude oil price per Bbl realized by us and includes the realized impact of our crude oil derivative arrangements:

(in $ per Bbl)


  Crude Oil Prices by Month - 2003

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  32.70  35.73  33.16  28.14  28.07  30.52  30.70  31.60  28.31  30.35  31.06  32.14

2003

  29.81  31.47  31.35  29.65  29.18  28.95  30.11  28.82  26.46  27.17  29.43  32.93

(in $ per Bbl)


  Crude Oil Prices by Month - 2002

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  19.43  20.54  24.15  26.02  26.73  25.34  26.73  28.09  29.53  28.71  25.97  29.33

2002

  18.56  20.11  22.93  24.27  24.40  23.92  24.14  24.70  26.03  25.57  24.19  25.79

(in $ per Bbl)


  Crude Oil Prices by Month - 2004

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  $34.23  $34.50  $36.72  $36.62  $40.28  $38.05  $40.81  $44.88  $45.94  $53.09  $48.48  $43.26

2004

  $30.62  $30.66  $31.62  $30.97  $30.80  $31.51  $31.43  $33.00  $31.61  $32.87  $33.15  $30.46

(in $ per Bbl)


  Crude Oil Prices by Month - 2003

   Jan

  Feb

  Mar

  Apr

  May

  Jun

  Jul

  Aug

  Sep

  Oct

  Nov

  Dec

Index

  $32.70  $35.73  $33.16  $28.14  $28.07  $30.52  $30.70  $31.60  $28.31  $30.35  $31.06  $32.14

2003

  $29.81  $31.47  $31.35  $29.65  $29.18  $28.95  $30.11  $28.82  $26.46  $27.17  $29.43  $32.93

 

We reported earnings of $2.72 per share, or $88.4 million, for 2004. This is up from the $0.66 per share, or $21.1 million, for 2003. This is up from the $0.51 per share, or $16.1 million, reported in 2002.2003. The stronger price environmentdecline in impairments of oil and gas properties was the driving factor in this improvement. Prices, including the impact of the hedge arrangements, rose 49% for natural gas and 24% for oil. Substantially offsetting this positive price impactIn 2003, there was an after-tax impairment of $54.4 million related to our Kurten field (seeLimited Partnership for discussion of the impairment) and a slight decline in. In addition, the stronger price environment contributed to the earnings increase. Prices, including the impact of the hedge arrangements, rose 15% for natural gas and crude oil production.7% for oil.

 

We drilled 173256 gross wells with a success rate of 89%95% in 20032004 compared to 108173 gross wells with a 93%an 89% success rate in 2002.2003. Total capital and exploration expenditures increased $61.9$71.3 million to $259.5 million in 2004 compared to $188.2 million in 2003 compared to $126.3 million for 2002. In previous years, our capital spending, excluding major acquisitions, used substantially all of our operating cash flow. In 2003, our capital and exploration expenditures were under this level, allowing us to reduce debt by $95.0 million. Our strategy in 2004 is anticipated to remain consistent with 2003. We believe our operating cash flow in 20042005 will be sufficient to fund our capital and exploration budgeted spending of $207.4approximately $280 million and again provide excess cash flow.

We remain focused on our strategies Any excess cash flow may be used for acquisitions, to grow through the drill bit, balancing the higher risk higher reward exploration opportunities with an extensive development program, and from synergistic acquisitions. We plan to remain disciplined inpay current debt due, repurchase common stock, expand our capital program while providing for growth potential. We believe these strategies are appropriate inor other opportunities.

Our 2005 strategy will remain consistent with 2004 focusing on a disciplined approach to investment that balances our drilling effort between exploration opportunities and the current industry environment, enabling us to add shareholder value over the long term.development program, along with acquisition opportunities and a continued financial focus including stock buyback and debt repayment.

 

The preceding paragraphs, discussing our strategic pursuits and goals, contain forward-looking information. Please read Forward-Looking Information on page 30.36.

 

- 26 -


FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

Our capital resources consist primarilyprimary source of cash flowsin 2004 was from funds generated from operations. Proceeds from the sale of common stock under stock option plans during 2004 roughly offset our oil and gas properties and asset-based borrowings supported by our oil and gas reserves. The levelrepurchase of earnings and cash flows depends on many factors, including the405,100 treasury shares of Company stock at a weighted average purchase price of crude oil and$38.58. The Company generates cash from the sale of natural gas and crude oil. Operating cash flow fluctuations are substantially driven by commodity prices and changes in our ability to control and reduce costs. Demandproduction volumes. Prices for crude oil and natural gas hashave historically been subject to seasonal influences characterized by peak demand and higher prices in the winter heating season. However, demandseason; however, the impact of other risks and uncertainties have influenced prices moved higher, strengthening fromthroughout the first half of 2002 into the summerrecent years. Working capital is substantially influenced by these variables. Fluctuation in cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our capital and continued to strengthen through 2003. Prices in 2003 were the result of a higher demand associated with colder than normal winter temperatures, combined with higher storage injection demand in the second and third quarters.

Our primary source of cash during 2003 was from funds generated from operations and proceeds from the sale of certain non-strategic assets. Cash was primarily used to fund exploration and development expenditures, reduce debt and pay dividends. We had a net cash outflow of $0.9 million during 2003. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.

   Year Ended December 31,

    
   2003

  2002

  Variance

 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

  241,638  164,182  77,456 

Cash Flows Used by Investing Activities

  (151,856) (138,668) (13,188)

Cash Flows Used by Financing Activities

  (90,660) (27,364) (63,296)
   

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  (878) (1,850) 972 
   

 

 

Cash flow discussion and analysis:

Cash flows from operating activities increased due to higher commodity prices partially offset by lower natural gas and crude oil production sales volumes.expenditures. See Results of Operations for a review of the impact of prices and volumes on sales.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were primarily used to fund exploration and development expenditures, purchase treasury stock and pay dividends. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.

 

   Year-Ended December 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

  $273,022  $241,638  $164,182 

Cash Flows Used by Investing Activities

   (255,357)  (151,856)  (138,668)

Cash Flows Used by Financing Activities

   (8,363)  (90,660)  (27,364)
   


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $9,302  $(878) $(1,850)
   


 


 


Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2004 increased $31.4 million over 2003. This increase is primarily due to higher commodity prices. Key drivers of net operating cash flows are commodity prices, production volumes and operating costs. Average realized natural gas prices increased 15% over 2003, while crude oil realized prices increased 7% over the same period. Production volumes declined slightly, with a 5 percent reduction of equivalent production in 2004 compared to 2003. While we believe 2005 commodity production may exceed 2004 levels, we are unable to predict future commodity prices, and as a result cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2003 increased $77.5 million over 2002. This increase is primarily due to higher commodity prices. Key drivers of net operating cash flows are commodity prices, production volumes and operating costs. Average natural gas prices increased 49% over 2002, while crude oil prices increased 24% over the same period. Production volumes declined slightly with a 2% reduction of equivalent production in 2003 compared to 2002. See page 25 for a discussion on commodity prices and Results of Operations for a review of the impact of prices and volumes on sales revenue.

- 27 -


Investing Activities. The primary driver of cash used by investing activities is capital spending and exploration expense. We establish the budget for these amounts based on our current estimate of future commodity prices. Due to the volatility of commodity prices our budget may be periodically adjusted during any given year. Cash flows used in investing activities increased for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 in the amounts of $103.5 million and $13.2 million. The increase from 2003 to 2004 is primarily due to an increase in drilling activity as a result of higher commodity prices. This increase largely occurred in our East region and the Rocky Mountain area of our West region. Our initial drilling activity in Canada also contributed to the increase. Cash flows used in investing activities increased from 2002 to 2003 due to an increase in capital spending and exploration expense.

expense in response to higher commodity prices and exploitation of acquired properties. This increase was partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of certain non-strategic assets.

 

Financing Activities.Cash flows used inby financing activities increasedwere $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. This is the result of proceeds from the exercise of stock options, offset by the purchase of treasury shares and dividend payments. Cash flows used by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $90.7 million. This is substantially due to additional debt repayments.

a net repayment on our revolving credit facility in the amount of $95.0 million. Cash utilized for the repayments was generated from operating cash flows. The cash flows used by financing activities in 2002 is primarily due to a net repayment on our revolving credit facility of $25.0 million.

 

The available credit line under our revolving credit facility, currentlywhich was $250 million at year end, but can be expanded up to $350 million, is subject to adjustment on the basis of the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves (as determined by the bank’s petroleum engineer) and other assets. At December 31, 2003, there was2004, we had no outstanding balance due on the revolving credit facility. The revolving term of the credit facility ends in October 2006.December 2009. We strive to manage our debt at a level below the available credit line in order to maintain excess borrowing capacity. Management believes that we have the ability to finance through existing available capacity or new debt or equity offerings, if necessary, our capital requirements, including acquisitions.

 

InOur Board of Directors authorized the event thatrepurchase of two million shares of our common stock in the available credit lineopen market or in negotiated transactions. All purchases executed have been through open market transactions. There is adjusted belowno expiration date associated with the outstanding level of borrowings, we have a period of three monthsauthorization to reduce our outstanding debt to the adjusted credit line with a requirement to provide additional borrowing base assets or pay down one-thirdrepurchase securities of the excess during eachCompany. See “Issuer Purchases of the three months.Equity Securities” in Item 5 “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities” for additional information.

 

Our 2004 interest expense is expected to be approximately $20.0 million.

From time to time we enter into financial instruments to hedge our natural gas and crude oil production prices. While the mark-to-market positions under the hedging agreements will fluctuate with commodity prices, as a producer, our liquidity exposure due to its outstanding derivative instruments tends to increase when commodity prices increase. Consequently, we are most likely to have the largest unfavorable mark-to-market position in a high commodity price environment. At December 31, 2003, the aggregate mark-to-market liability under the aforementioned hedging agreements was $38.5 million.- 28 -


Capitalization

 

OurInformation about our capitalization information is as follows:

 

  December 31,

   December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

   2004

 2003

 
  (In millions)   (In millions) 

Debt(1)

  $270.0  $365.0   $270.0  $270.0 

Stockholders’ Equity

   365.2   350.7 

Stockholders’ Equity (2) (3)

   455.7   365.2 
  


 


  


 


Total Capitalization

  $635.2  $715.7   $725.7  $635.2 
  


 


  


 


Debt to Capitalization(3)

   43%  51%   37%  43%

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $10.0  $0.7 

(1)Includes $20.0 million of current portion of long term debt in 2004.
(2)Includes common stock, net of treasury stock.
(3)Includes the impact of the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at December 31, 2004 and 2003 of $20.4 million and $23.1 million, respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003,2004, we paid dividends of $5.0$5.2 million on our common stock. A regular dividend of $0.04 per share of common stock has been declared for each quarter since we became a public company.

 

Capital and Exploration Expenditures

 

On an annual basis, we generally fund most of our capital and exploration activities, excluding major oil and gas property acquisitions, with cash generated from operations.operations and, when necessary, our revolving credit facility. We budget these capital expenditures based on our projected cash flows for the year.

 

The following table presents major components of our capital and exploration expenditures for the three years ended December 31, 2003.2004.

 

(In millions)


  2003

  2002

  2001

Capital Expenditures

            

Drilling and Facilities

  $102.0  $67.0  $119.5

Leasehold Acquisitions

   14.1   4.8   12.9

Pipeline and Gathering

   10.6   4.1   3.8

Other

   1.8   1.4   1.9
   

  


 

    128.5   77.3   138.1
   

  


 

Proved Property Acquisitions

   1.5   8.8(1)  244.1

Exploration Expense

   58.2   40.2   71.2
   

  


 

Total

  $188.2  $126.3  $453.4
   

  


 


(1)The 2001 amount includes the $49.9 million common stock component of the Cody acquisition and excludes the $78.0 milliondeferred tax gross-up.

(In millions)


  2004

  2003

  2002

Capital Expenditures

            

Drilling and Facilities

  $174.0  $102.0  $67.0

Leasehold Acquisitions

   18.3   14.1   4.8

Pipeline and Gathering

   13.5   10.6   4.1

Other

   1.6   1.8   1.4
   

  

  

    207.4   128.5   77.3
   

  

  

Proved Property Acquisitions

   4.0   1.5   8.8

Exploration Expense

   48.1   58.2   40.2
   

  

  

Total

  $259.5  $188.2  $126.3
   

  

  

 

We plan to drill 276about 300 gross wells in 20042005 compared with 173256 gross wells drilled in 2003.2004. This 20042005 drilling program includes approximately $207.4$280.0 million in total capital and exploration expenditures, up from $188.2$259.5 million in 2003.2004. We will continue to assess the natural gas price environment and may increase or decrease the capital and exploration expenditures accordingly.

 

There are many factors that impact our depreciation, depletion and amortization rate. These include reserve additions and revisions, development costs, impairments and changes in anticipated production in a future period. In 20042005 management expects an increase in our depreciation, depletion and amortization rate due to production declines and reserve revisions on certain wells in south Louisiana.higher capital costs. This change may result in an increase of depreciation, depletion and amortization of 105% to 15 percent10% greater than 20032004 levels. This increase will not have an impact on our cash flows.

- 29 -


Contractual Obligations

 

We are committed to making cash payments in the futureOur known material contractual obligations include long-term debt, interest on two types of contracts: note agreementslong-term debt and operating leases. We have no off-balance sheet debt or other suchsimilar unrecorded obligations, and we have not guaranteed the debt of any other party. Below is a schedule

A summary of the future payments that we were obligated to make based on agreements in placeour known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003.2004 are set forth in the following table:

 

  Payments Due by Year

     Payments Due by Year

(in thousands)


  Total

  2004

  

2005

to 2006


  

2007

to 2008


  2009 &
Beyond


(In thousands)


  Total

  2005

  

2006

to 2007


  

2008

to 2009


  

2010 &

Beyond


Long-Term Debt(1)

  $270,000  $—    $40,000  $40,000  $190,000  $270,000  $20,000  $40,000  $40,000  $170,000

Interest on Long-Term Debt(2)

   126,405   19,545   34,776   29,024   43,060

Firm Gas Transportation Agreements

   87,888   8,117   13,321   7,565   58,885

Operating Leases

   19,341   4,650   8,066   6,019   606   17,000   4,889   8,882   2,847   382
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

  $289,341  $4,650  $48,066  $46,019  $190,606  $501,293  $52,551  $96,979  $79,436  $272,327
  

  

  

  

  


(1)Including current portion.
(2)Interest payments have been calculated utilizing the fixed rate of our $270 million long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004 we had no outstanding debt on our revolving credit facility. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of long-term debt.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

From timeAmounts related to time management discloses Discretionary Cash Flow and Net Income and Earnings Per Share, excluding selected items. These non-GAAP financial measure calculations may be presented in earnings releases of the Company, furnished in Form 8-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission, along with reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measure for the period.

Discretionary Cash Flow is defined as Net Income plus non-cash charges and Exploration Expense. 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 management’s belief that this non-GAAP measure is helpful to investors when comparing our cash flow with the cash flow 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.

Net Income excluding selected items and Earnings Per Share excluding selected items are presented based on management’s 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. Net Income and Earnings Per Share excluding selected itemsasset retirement obligations are not a measureincluded in the above table given the uncertainty regarding the actual timing of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to Net Income and Earnings Per Share, as defined by GAAP.such expenditures. The total amount of asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2004 is $40.4 million.

 

Potential Impact of Our Critical Accounting Policies

 

Readers of this document and users of the information contained in it should be aware of how certain events may impact our financial results based on the accounting policies in place. The three most significant policies are discussed below.

Successful Efforts Method of Accounting

We use the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Under this method, acquisition costs for proved and unproved properties are capitalized when incurred. Exploration costs, including seismic purchases and processing, exploratory dry hole drilling costs and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred. An exploratory dry hole could have a significant effect on the results of operations. Development costs, including the costs to drill and equip development wells, and successful exploratory drilling costs to locate proved reserves are capitalized.

We are also exposed to potential impairments if the book value of our assets exceeds their future expected cash flows. This may occur if a field discovers lower than anticipated reserves or if commodity prices fall below a level

that significantly effects anticipated future cash flows on the field. We determine if an impairment has occurred through either adverse changes or as a result of the annual review of all fields. The impairment of unamortized capital costs is measured at a lease level and is reduced to fair value if it is determined that the sum of expected future net cash flows is less than the net book value.

Revenue Recognition

The Company applies the sales method of accounting for natural gas revenue. Under this method, revenues are recognized based on the actual volume of natural gas sold to purchasers. Natural gas production operations may include joint owners who take more or less than the production volumes entitled to them on certain properties. Production volume is monitored to minimize these natural gas imbalances.

 

Oil and Gas Reserves

 

The process of estimating quantities of proved reserves is inherently uncertain, and the reserve data included in this document are only estimates. The process relies on interpretations of available geologic, geophysic, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of this technical data can vary. The degree of uncertainty varies among the three regions in which we operate. The estimation of reserves in the Gulf Coast region requires more estimates than the East and West regions and inherently has more uncertainty surrounding reserve estimation. The differences in the reserve estimation process are substantially due to the geological conditions in which the wells are drilled. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, some of which are mandated by the SEC, such as oil and gas prices,prices. Additional assumptions include drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The accuracy of a reserve estimate is a function of:

 

the quality and quantity of available data;

 

the interpretation of that data;

 

the accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions; and

 

the judgment of the persons preparing the estimate.

 

Our provedIn 2004, 2003 and 2002, 100% of our reserves were subject to an external review by Miller & Lents, Ltd., an independent oil and gas reservoir engineering consulting firm, who in their opinion determined the estimates to be reasonable in the aggregate. Additionally, in 2004, 2003 and 2002, we did not have a significant reserve revision recorded. For more information included in this document is basedregarding reserve estimation, including historical reserve revisions, refer to the Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosure beginning on estimates we prepared. Estimates prepared by others may be higher or lower than our estimates.page 85.

 

Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which may substantially differ from actual results, reserve estimates may be different from the quantities of natural gas and crude oil that are ultimately recovered. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production after the date of an estimate may justify material revisions to the estimate.

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You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows is the current market value of our estimated proved natural gas and oil reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, we base the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves on prices on the date of the estimate.


Our rate of recording depreciation, depletion and amortization expense (DD&A) is dependent upon our estimate of proved reserves.reserves, which is utilized in our unit-of-production method calculation. If the estimates of proved reserves declines,were to be reduced, the rate at which we record DD&A expense increases,would increase, reducing net income. Such a declinereduction in reserves may result from lower market prices, which may make it non-economic to drill for and produce higher cost fields. A five percent positive or negative revision to proved reserves throughout the Company would decrease or increase the DD&A rate by approximately $0.04 to $0.05 per Mcfe. Revisions in significant fields may individually affect our DD&A rate. It is estimated that a positive or negative reserve revision of 10% in one of our most productive fields would have a $0.02 impact on our total DD&A rate.

In addition, thea decline in proved reserve estimates may impact the outcome of our annual impairment test under SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. Due to the inherent imprecision of the reserve estimation process, risks associated with the operations of proved producing properties, and market sensitive commodity prices utilized in our impairment analysis, management cannot determine if an impairment is reasonably likely to occur in the future.

 

Carrying Value of Long-Lived AssetsOil and Gas Properties

 

We perform anevaluate the impairment analysisof our oil and gas properties on a lease-by-lease basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. CashWe compare expected undiscounted future cash flows used into the impairment analysis are determinednet book value of the asset. If the future undiscounted cash flows, based uponon our estimatesestimate of proved crude oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves, future crude oil NGLs and natural gas prices, operating costs and costsanticipated production from proved reserves are lower than the net book value of the asset, the capitalized cost is reduced to extract these reserves. Downwardfair value. Commodity pricing is estimated by using a combination of historical and current prices adjusted for geographical location and quality differentials, as well as other factors that management believes will impact realizable prices. Fair value is calculated by discounting the future cash flows. In 2002 there were no unusual or unexpected occurrences that caused significant revisions in estimated reserve quantities, increasescash flows which were utilized in future cost estimatesour impairment test. In 2003 we significantly revised the estimated cash flow utilized in our impairment review of the Kurten field due to a loss of a reversionary interest in the field. In December 2003 our remaining interest in the field was sold. For additional discussion on the Kurten field impairment see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. In 2004 there were no unusual or depressed crude oil, NGLs and natural gas prices could cause us to reduce the carrying amounts of its properties.unexpected occurrences that caused significant revisions in estimated cash flows which were utilized in our impairment test.

 

Costs attributable to our unproved properties are not subject to the impairment analysis described above, however, a portion of the costs associated with such properties is subject to amortization on a composite basis based on past experience and average property lives. Average property lives are determined on a regional basis and based on the estimated life of unproved property leasehold rights. Historically, the average property lives in each of the regions have not significantly changed. However, if the average property life increases, the amount of the amortization charge in a given reporting period will decrease. If the average unproved property life decreases or increases by one year the amortization would increase by approximately $2.3 million or decrease by approximately $1.9 million, respectively per year.

In the past the average leasehold life in the Gulf Coast region has been shorter than the average life in the East and West regions. Average property lives in the Gulf Coast, East and West regions have been four, six and six years, respectively. Average property lives in Canada are estimated to be five years. As these properties are developed and reserves are proven, the remaining

capitalized costs are subject to depreciation and depletion. If the development of these properties is deemed unsuccessful, the capitalized costs related to the unsuccessful activity is expensed in the year the determination is made. The rate at which the unproved properties are written off depends on the timing and success of the Company’sour future exploration program.

 

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Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Periodically we enter into derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas and crude oil production. We follow the accounting prescribed in SFAS 133. Under SFAS 133, the fair value of each derivative instrument is recorded as either an asset or liability on the balance sheet. At the end of each period, these instruments are marked-to-market. The gain or loss on the change in fair value is recorded as Other Comprehensive Income, a component of equity, to the extent that the derivative instrument is designated as an effective hedge. Under SFAS 133, effectiveness is a measurement of how closely correlated the hedge instrument is with the underlying physical sale. For example, a natural gas price swap that converts Henry Hub index to a fixed price would be perfectly correlated, and 100% effective, if the underlying gas were sold at the Henry Hub index. Any portion of the gains or losses that are considered ineffective under the SFAS 133 test are recorded immediately as a component of operating revenue on the statement of operations.

 

Long-Term Employee Benefit Costs

 

Our costs of long-term employee benefits, particularly pension and postretirement benefits, are incurred over long periods of time, and involve many uncertainties over those periods. The net periodic benefit cost attributable to current periods is based on several assumptions about such future uncertainties, and is sensitive to changes in those assumptions. It is management’s responsibility, often with the assistance of independent experts, to select assumptions that in its judgment represent best estimates of those uncertainties. It also is management’s responsibility to review those assumptions periodically to reflect changes in economic or other factors that affect those assumptions.

 

The current benefit service costs, as well as the existing liabilities, for pensions and other postretirement benefits are measured on a discounted present value basis. The discount rate is a current rate, related to the rate at which the liabilities could be settled. Our assumed discount rate is based on average rates published for high-quality fixed income securities.

 

The benefit obligation and the periodic cost of postretirement medical benefits also are measured based on assumed rates of future increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. As of December 31, 2003,2004, the assumed rate of increase was 8.0%10.0%. The net periodic cost of pension benefits included in expense also is affected by the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption. The expected return on plan assets rate is normally changed less frequently than the assumed discount rate, and reflects long-term expectations, rather than current fluctuations in market conditions. The actual rate of return on plan assets may differ from the expected rate due to the volatility normally experienced in capital markets. Management’s goal is to manage the investments over the long term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility.

 

Additional information on the key assumptions underlying these benefit costs appears in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock Based Compensation

 

In accordance with current accounting standardsPrior to the issuance of SFAS 123R “Share Based Payment”, there arewere two alternative methods that cancould be used to account for stock-based compensation. The first method is the Intrinsic Value method and recognizes compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of our stock at the grant date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The second method is the Fair Value method. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of an award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Currently, we account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the Intrinsic Value method. SFAS 123R requires that the fair value of stock options and any other equity-based compensation must be expensed at the grant date. To calculate the fair value, either a binomial or Black-Scholes valuation model may be used. We currently expense performance share awards; however, beginning in the third quarter of 2005, we will be required to expense all stock based compensation. Further discussion of SFAS 123R and stock compensation is included in “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” on page 35.

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OTHER ISSUES AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Corporate Income Tax. We generated tax credits for the production of certain qualified fuels, including natural gas produced from tight sands formations and Devonian Shale. The credit for natural gas from a tight sand formation (tight gas sands) amounted to $0.52 per Mmbtu for natural gas sold prior to 2003 from qualified wells drilled in 1991 and 1992. A number of wells drilled in the EasternEast region and Rocky Mountains during 1991 and 1992 qualified for the tight gas sands tax credit. The credit for natural gas produced from Devonian Shale was $1.09 per Mmbtu in 2002. In 1995 and 1996, we completed three transactions to monetize the value of these tax credits, resulting in revenues of $2.0 million in 2002. The tax credit wells were repurchased in December 2002 and therefore, no monetization revenue was realizedtax credits were generated in 2003.2003 or 2004 as the credits expired in 2002. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

We have benefited in the past and may benefit in the future from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief granted under the Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (the Act). The Act repealed provisions of the AMT requiring a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income to be increased on account of certain intangible drilling costs (IDC) and percentage depletion deductions. The repeal of these provisions generally applies to taxable years beginning after 1992. The repeal of the excess IDC preference can not reduce a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income by more than 40% of the amount of such income determined without regard to the repeal of such preference.

 

Regulations. Our operations are subject to various types of regulation by federal, state and local authorities. See Regulation“Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Production and TransportationTransportation” and Environmental Regulations“Environmental Regulations” in the Other“Other Business MattersMatters” section of Item 1 Business“Business” for a discussion of these regulations.

 

Restrictive Covenants. Our ability to incur debt and to make certain types of investments is subject to certain restrictive covenants in the Company’s various debt instruments. Among other requirements, our Revolving Credit Agreement and the Notes specify a minimum annual coverage ratio of operating cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0. At December 31, 2003,2004, we are in compliance with all restrictive covenants on both the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Notes. In the unforeseen event that we fail to comply with these covenants, the Company may apply for a temporary waiver with the bank,lender, which, if granted, would allow us a period of time to remedy the situation. See further discussion in Capital Resources and Liquidity.

 

Limited Partnership.As part of the 2001 Cody acquisition, we acquired an interest in certain oil and gas properties in the Kurten field, as general partner of a partnership and as an operator. Prior to the liquidation of the partnership and the divestiture of ourWe had approximately a 25% interest in the field, we had an interest of approximately 25%, including a one percent interest in the partnership. The liquidation and divestiture was effective July 31 and November 1, respectively, of 2003. Under the partnership agreement, we had the right to a reversionary working interest that would have broughtbring our ultimate interest to 50% upon the limited partner reaching payout. UnderBased on the partnership agreement,addition of this reversionary interest, and because the field has over a 40-year reserve life, approximately $91 million was allocated to this field under purchase accounting at the time of the acquisition. Additionally, the limited partner had the sole option to trigger a liquidation of the partnership.

Effective February 13, 2003, liquidation of the Kurten partnership commenced liquidation at the election of the limited partner’s election.partner. The limited partner was a financial entity and not an industry operator. Their decision to liquidate was based upon their perception that the value of their investment in the partnership had increased due to an increase in underlying commodity prices, primarily oil, since their investment in 1999. We proceeded with the liquidation to avoid having a minority interest in a non-operated water flood field for which the new operator was not designated at the time of liquidation. In connection with the liquidation, an appraisal was required to be obtained to allocate the interest in the partnership assets. BasedAdditionally, we were required to test the field for recoverability in accordance with FAS 144. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement and based on the receiptappraised value of the appraisal in February 2003, we wouldpartnership assets it was not receivepossible for us to obtain the reversionary interest as part of the liquidation. Due to the impact of the loss of the reversionary interest on future estimated net cash flows of the Kurten field, the limited partner’s decision and our decision to proceed with the liquidation, we performed an impairment review was performed which resulted inrequired an after-tax impairment charge in the first quarter of approximately2003 of $54.4 million. This impairment charge is reflected in the 2003 Statement of Operations as an operating expense but did not impact our cash flows.

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Operating Risks and Insurance Coverage.Our business involves a variety of operating risks, including:

 

blowouts, cratering and explosions;

 

mechanical problems;

 

uncontrolled flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids;

 

fires;

 

formations with abnormal pressures;

 

pollution and other environmental risks; and

 

natural disasters.

 

The operation of our natural gas gathering and pipeline systems also involves various risks, including the risk of explosions and environmental hazards caused by pipeline leaks and ruptures. The location of pipelines near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase these risks. Any of these events could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of our operations and substantial losses to us. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. The costs of these insurance policies are somewhat dependent on our historical claims experience and also the areas in which we choose to operate. During the past few years, we have drilledinvested a higher percentagesignificant portion of our wellsdrilling dollars in the Gulf Coast, where insurance rates are significantly higher than in other regions such as the East.

 

Commodity Pricing and Risk Management Activities.Our revenues, operating results, financial condition and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital depend substantially on prevailing prices for natural gas and, to a lesser extent, oil. Declines in oil and gas prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results. Lower oil and gas prices also may reduce the amount of oil and gas that we can produce economically. Historically, oil and gas prices and markets have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile. Depressed prices in the future would have a negative impact on our future financial results. In particular, substantially lower prices would significantly reduce revenue and could potentially impact the outcome of our annual impairment test under SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Because our reserves are predominantly natural gas, changes in natural gas prices may have a particularly large impact on our financial results.

 

The majority of our production is sold at market responsive prices. Generally, if the commodity indexes fall, the price that we receive for our production will also decline. Therefore, the amount of revenue that we realize is partially determined by factors beyond our control. However, management may mitigate this price risk with the use of financial instruments. Most recently, we have used financial instruments such as price collar and swap arrangements to reduce the impact of declining prices on our revenue. Under both arrangements, there is also risk that the movement of the index prices will result in the Company not being able to realize the full benefit of a market improvement.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001,May 2004, the FASB approved for issuance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 143, AccountingBoard (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” This FSP provides guidance on the accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 establishes accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including (1) the timingeffects of the liability recognition, (2) initial measurementMedicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of the liability, (3) allocation of asset retirement cost to expense, (4) subsequent measurement of the liability and (5) financial statement disclosures. SFAS 1432003 (the Act) for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. This FSP also requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in (1) an increase of total liabilities, because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets, because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, and (3) an increase in operating expense, because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the

plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. The Company adopted the statement on January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143 has been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in January 2003.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”,those employers to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominentcertain disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation andregarding the effect of the method used onfederal subsidy provided by the reported results. The provisionsAct (the subsidy). This FSP supersedes FSP 106-1, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46 or Interpretation). FIN 46 is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,”2003” and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The primary objective of the Interpretation is to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIEs. The Interpretation requires an enterprise to consolidate a VIE if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur or both. An enterprise shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this determination. At December 31, 2003 we did not have any entities that would qualify for consolidation in accordance with the provisions of FIN 46. Therefore, the adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and hedging activities under SFAS 133. The amendments set forth in SFAS 149 require that contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly. SFAS 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 (with a few exceptions) and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance is to be applied prospectively only. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This statement was developed in response to concerns expressed by preparers, auditors, regulators, investors, and other users of financial statements about issuers´ classification in the statement of financial position of certain financial instruments that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity but that have been presented either entirely as equity or between the liabilities section and the equity section of the statement of financial position. This statement also addresses questions about the classification of certain financial instruments that embody obligations to issue equity shares.

In accordance with SFAS 150, companies with consolidated entities that will terminate by a specified date, such as limited-life partnerships, will have to measure the liabilities for the other owners’ interests in those limited-life entities based on the fair values of the limited-life entities’ assets. Period-to-period changes in the liabilities are to be reported in the consolidated income statement as interest costs. As a result of SFAS 150, liability amounts and related interest costs may be significantly greater than the minority interests previously recognized. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.2004. Our current accumulated projected benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit cost does not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy. Furthermore, in 2004, we amended our postretirement benefit plan to exclude prescription drug benefits for participants age 65 and older effective January 1, 2006. The adoption of this standard didFSP is not have expected to impact our operating results, financial position or cash flows.

In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 151, “Inventory Costs—an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4” in an effort to unite the United States accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards leading to consistent application of certain accounting requirements. FAS 151 addresses accounting for abnormal amounts of freight, handling costs, idle facility expense and spoilage (wasted material) and requires that these costs be recognized as current period expenses. Previously, these costs had to be categorized as “so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges.” In addition, allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion must be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. FAS 151 will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement is not expected to impact our operating results, financial position or cash flows.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153 “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets – an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” This statement requires that nonmonetary exchanges must be recorded at fair value and the appropriate gain or loss must be recognized so long as the fair value is determinable and the transaction has commercial substance. According to this statement, companies can no longer use the “similar productive assets” concept to account for nonmonetary exchanges at book value with no gain or loss being recognized. FAS 153 will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement may impact our operating results, financial position or cash flows in future periods if such a nonmonetary exchange occurs.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS 123R revises SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, and focuses on accounting for share-based payments for services by employer to employee. The statement requires companies to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other equity-based compensation at the grant date. The statement does not require a certain type of valuation model and either a binomial or Black-Scholes model may be used. The provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for financial statements for fiscal periods ending after June 15, 2005. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact on our consolidated financial statements.operating results. Our future cash flows will not be impacted by the adoption of this standard. See Footnote 1 “Stock Based Compensation” for further information.

 

We have been made aware of an issue regarding

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In February 2005, the application of provisions of SFAS 141, Business CombinationsFASB released for public comment proposed Staff Position FAS 19-a “Accounting for Suspended Well Costs.” This proposed staff position would amend FASB Statement No. 19 “Financial Accounting and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142 ) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas companies. The issue is whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights,

including both proved and unproved leasehold acquisition costs, as intangible assets in the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, Cabot and other oil and gas companies have included the cost of these oil and gas leasehold interests as part of oil and gas properties and provided the disclosures requiredReporting by SFAS No. 69, Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities ( SFAS 69 ). Also under considerationCompanies” and provides guidance about exploratory well costs to companies who use the successful efforts method of accounting. The proposed position states that exploratory well costs should continue to be capitalized if: 1) a sufficient quantity of reserved are discovered in the well to justify its completion as a producing well and 2) sufficient progress is whether SFAS 142made in assessing the reserves and the well’s economic and operating feasibility. If the exploratory well costs do not meet both of these criteria, these costs should be expensed, net of any salvage value. Additional disclosures are required to provide information about management’s evaluation of capitalized exploratory well costs. In addition, the Staff Position requires registrantsthe disclosure of: 1) net changes from period to provideperiod of capitalized exploratory well costs for wells that are pending the determination of proved reserves, 2) the amount of exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year after the completion of drilling and 3) an aging of exploratory well costs suspended for greater than one year with the number of wells it related to. Further, the disclosures should describe the activities undertaken to evaluate the reserves and the projects, the information still required to classify the associated reserves as proved and the estimated timing for completing the evaluation. Although this Staff Position is not final and has not been adopted by us, we have included the additional disclosures prescribedin Note 2. Comments on this proposed FSP are expected by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights.

If it is ultimately determined that SFAS 142 requires us to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights from property and equipment to intangible assets, management currently believes that its results of operations and financial condition would not be affected, since such intangible assets would continue to be depleted and assessed for impairment in accordance with existing successful efforts accounting rules and impairment standards. In addition, costs associated with mineral rights would continue to be characterized as oil and gas property costs in our required disclosures under SFAS 69.

At December 31, 2003, we had net undeveloped leaseholds of approximately $63.0 million that would be classified on our balance sheet as intangible undeveloped leaseholds and developed leaseholds of approximately $318.4 million (net of accumulated depletion) that would be classified as intangible developed leaseholds if we applied the interpretation currently being discussed.

On December 23, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, and 106, and a revision of SFAS 132. This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The required information should be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. The new disclosures are effective for 2003 calendar year financial statements.March 7, 2005.

 

* * *

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

The statements regarding future financial and operating performance and results, market prices, future hedging 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,” “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 regional basis differentials) of natural gas and oil, results for future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs and other factors detailed herein and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

- 36 -


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

2004 and 2003 Compared

We reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 of $88.4 million, or $2.72 per share. During 2003, we reported net income of $21.1 million, or $0.66 per share. Operating income increased by $94.1 million compared to the prior year, from $66.6 million to $160.7 million. The increase in net income and operating income was principally due to decreased operating expenses from 2003 to 2004 related to the decrease in impairments of oil and gas properties of $90.3 million related to the loss in 2003 of a reversionary interest in the Kurten field. In addition, the increases in operating income and net income were due to an increase in our realized natural gas and crude oil prices.

Natural Gas Production Revenues

Our average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $5.20 per Mcf compared to $4.51 per Mcf for the comparable period of the prior year. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instruments which reduced these prices by $0.76 per Mcf in 2004 and $0.68 per Mcf in 2003. The following table excludes the unrealized gain from the change in derivative fair value of $0.9 million and the unrealized loss of $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These unrealized changes in fair value have been included in the Natural Gas Production revenues line item on the Statement of Operations.

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2004

  2003

  Amount

  Percent

 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

                

Gulf Coast

   31,358   29,550   1,808  6%

West

   21,866   23,776   (1,910) (8)%

East

   19,442   18,580   862  5%

Canada

   167   —     167  —   
   


 

  


   

Total Company

   72,833   71,906   927  1%
   


 

  


   

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

                

Gulf Coast

  $5.27  $4.78  $0.49  10%

West

  $4.75  $3.67  $1.08  29%

East

  $5.60  $5.15  $0.45  9%

Canada

  $4.69  $—    $4.69  —   

Total Company

  $5.20  $4.51  $0.69  15%

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $165,177  $141,107  $24,070  17%

West

   103,851  $87,245   16,606  19%

East

   108,935  $95,672   13,263  14%

Canada

   784   —     784  —   
   


 

  


   

Total Company

  $378,747  $324,024  $54,723  17%
   


 

  


   

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                

(in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $15,434            

West

   23,613            

East

   8,828            

Canada

   784            
   


           

Total Company

  $48,659            
   


           

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                

(in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $8,635            

West

   (7,009)           

East

   4,438            

Canada

   —              
   


           

Total Company

  $6,064            
   


           

The increase in natural gas production revenues was mainly a result of increased sales prices as well as the increase in overall production. Natural gas production was up slightly from the prior year and production revenues also increased from 2003. Natural gas production increased slightly in all regions except the West region, where the decline in production was due to lower capital spending in 2003 and continued natural decline. The increases in both sales price and production resulted in an increase in natural gas production revenues of $54.7 million.

- 37 -


Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2004

  2003

  Amount

  Percent

 

Sales Price ($/Mcf)

  $6.56  $5.16  $1.40  27%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   12,876   18,557   (5,681) (31)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues (in thousands)

  $84,416  $95,754        
   


 

        

Purchase Price ($/Mcf)

  $5.84  $4.64  $1.20  26%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   12,876   18,557   (5,681) (31)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Cost (in thousands)

  $75,217  $86,104        
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $9,199  $9,650  $(451) (5)%
   


 

  


   

(in thousands)

                

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $18,026            

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(29,363)           
   


           
   $(11,337)           
   


           

(in thousands)

                

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $(15,451)           

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

  $26,338            
   


           
   $10,887            
   


           

The decrease in brokered natural gas revenues of $11.3 million combined with the decline in brokered natural gas cost of $10.9 million resulted in a decrease to the brokered natural gas margin of $0.5 million.

- 38 -


Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

Our average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $31.55 per Bbl compared to $29.55 per Bbl for 2003. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instruments which reduced these prices by $8.98 per Bbl in 2004 and $1.41 per Bbl in 2003. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $2.9 million and $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These unrealized changes in fair value have been included in the Crude Oil and Condensate revenues line item on the Statement of Operations.

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2004

  2003

  Amount

  Percent

 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

                

Gulf Coast

   1,805   2,591   (786) (30%)

West

   159   188   (29) (15%)

East

   27   27   —    —   

Canada

   4   —     4  —   
   


 

  


   

Total Company

   1,995   2,806   (811) (29%)
   


 

  


   

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

                

Gulf Coast

  $30.67  $29.48  $1.19  4%

West

  $40.29  $30.11  $10.18  34%

East

  $38.28  $32.65  $5.63  17%

Canada

  $37.93  $—    $37.93  —   

Total Company

  $31.55  $29.55  $2.00  7%

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $55,357  $76,375  $(21,018) (28%)

West

   6,404   5,675   729  13%

East

   1,049   870   179  21%

Canada

   129   —     129  —   
   


 

  


   

Total Company

  $62,939  $82,920  $(19,981) (24%)
   


 

 ��


   

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                

(in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $2,151            

West

   1,604            

East

   179            

Canada

   129            
   


           

Total Company

  $4,063            
   


           

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                

(in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $(23,169)           

West

   (875)           

East

   —              

Canada

   —              
   


           

Total Company

  $(24,044)           
   


           

The decline in crude oil production is due to emphasis on natural gas in the Gulf Coast drilling program, along with the natural decline of existing production in south Louisiana. The increase in the realized crude oil price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue decrease of $20.0 million.

- 39 -


Other Operating Revenues

Other operating revenues decreased $3.7 million. This change was primarily a result of decreases in natural gas transportation revenue and natural gas liquid revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Operating Expenses

Total costs and expenses from operations decreased $85.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:

Brokered natural gas cost decreased $10.9 million. For additional information related to this decrease see the analysis performed for Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost.

Exploration expense decreased $10.0 million primarily as a result of higher dry hole expense in 2003. During 2004, we drilled 5 dry exploratory wells compared to 15 in the corresponding period of 2003.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization increased, as anticipated, by approximately 9% or $8.4 million. The increase was primarily due to negative reserve revisions in south Louisiana in 2003, which increased the per Mcfe DD&A rate.

Impairment of producing properties expense decreased $90.3 million. This decrease is substantially related to a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $87.9 million related to the loss of a reversionary interest in the Kurten field incurred in 2003 as discussed below in the “Operating Expenses” section of “2003 and 2002 Compared.”

General and Administrative expense increased $9.6 million from 2003 to 2004. Stock compensation expense increased by $4.9 million as a result of performance share awards issued in 2004 and increased amortization of restricted stock grants for grants which occurred during the year. Compliance fees related to Sarbanes-Oxley increased expenses by $2.3 million, and there was a $1.2 million increase in employee related expenses.

Taxes other than income increased $3.9 million as a result of higher commodity prices realized in the year ended 2004 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $1.7 million. This variance is due to a lower average level of outstanding debt on the revolving credit facility offset somewhat by an increase in Prime rates. Average daily borrowings under the revolving credit facility during the year were $0.5 million in 2004 which is a decrease from $0.7 million in 2003. Our other remaining debt is at fixed interest rates.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased $35.2 million due to a comparable increase in our pre-tax net income.

- 40 -


2003 and 2002 Compared

Net Income and Operating Revenue

 

We reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $21.1 million, or $0.66 per share. During the corresponding period of 2002, we reported net income of $16.1 million, or $0.51 per share. Operating income increased by $17.5 million compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The increase in net income and operating income was substantially due to an increase in our realized natural gas and crude oil prices.

 

Natural Gas Production Revenues

 

The average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $4.51 per Mcf. Due to derivative instruments this price was reduced by $0.68 per Mcf. The following table excludes the unrealized impact of the change in derivative fair value for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. These amounts have been included in the Natural Gas Production Revenues line item on the Statement of Operations. See Item 7A for a discussion of the realized and unrealized impact of derivative instruments on operating revenues.

 

  

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
  2003

 2002

  Amount

 Percent

   2003

 2002

  Amount

 Percent

 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

            

Gulf Coast

   29,550   30,408   (857.8) (3)%   29,550   30,408   (858) (3%)

West

   23,776   25,308   (1,532.6) (6)%   23,776   25,308   (1,533) (6%)

East

   18,580   17,953   626.3  3%   18,580   17,953   626  3%
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Total Company

   71,906   73,670   (1,764.2) (2)%   71,906   73,670   (1,764) (2%)
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

            

Gulf Coast

  $4.78  $3.34  $1.44  43%  $4.78  $3.34  $1.44  43%

West

  $3.67  $2.39  $1.28  54%  $3.67  $2.39  $1.28  54%

East

  $5.15  $3.38  $1.77  52%  $5.15  $3.38  $1.77  52%

Total Company

  $4.51  $3.02  $1.49  49%  $4.51  $3.02  $1.49  49%

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

            

Gulf Coast

  $141,107  $101,525  $39,582  39%  $141,107  $101,525  $39,582  39%

West

  $87,245  $60,563  $26,682  44%  $87,245  $60,563  $26,682  44%

East

  $95,672  $60,696  $34,976  58%  $95,672  $60,696  $34,976  58%
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Total Company

  $324,024  $222,784  $101,240  45%  $324,024  $222,784  $101,240  45%
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $42,446       $42,446     

West

  $30,349       $30,349     

East

  $32,859       $32,859     
  


      


    

Total Company

  $105,654       $105,654     
  


      


    

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $(2,864)    ��   $(2,864)    

West

  $(3,667)      $(3,667)    

East

  $2,117       $2,117     
  


      


    

Total Company

  $(4,414)      $(4,414)    
  


      


    

 

The decline in natural gas production is due substantially to the size and timing of Gulf Coast and West drilling program,programs, along with the natural decline of existing production. The increase in the realized natural gas price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue increase of $101.2 million.

- 41 -


Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

 

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2003

  2002

  Amount

  Percent

 

Sales Price

  $5.16  $3.12  $2.04  65%

Volume Brokered

   18,557   18,807   (250) (1)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues

  $95,754  $58,678        
   


 

        

Purchase Price

  $4.64  $2.82  $1.82  65%

Volume Brokered

   18,557   18,807   (250) (1)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Cost

  $86,104  $53,036        
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $9,650  $5,642  $4,008  71%
   


 

  


 

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $37,856            

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(780)           
   


           
   $37,076            
   


           

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $(33,774)           

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

  $705            
   


           
   $(33,069)           
   


           
   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2003

  2002

  Amount

  Percent

 

Sales Price ($/Mcf)

  $5.16  $3.12  $2.04  65%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   18,557   18,807   (250) (1%)
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues (in thousands)

  $95,754  $58,678        
   


 

        

Purchase Price ($/Mcf)

  $4.64  $2.82  $1.82  65%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   18,557   18,807   (250) (1%)
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Cost (in thousands)

  $86,104  $53,036        
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $9,650  $5,642  $4,008  71%
   


 

  


 

(in thousands)

                

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $37,856            

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(780)           
   


           
   $37,076            
   


           

(in thousands)

                

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $(33,774)           

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

  $705            
   


           
   $(33,069)           
   


           

- 42 -


Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

 

The average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $29.55 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2003. Due to derivative instruments, this price was reduced by $1.41 per Bbl. The following table excludes the unrealized impact of the change in derivative fair value for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. These amounts have been included in the Crude Oil and Condensate revenues line item on the Statement of Operations. See Item 7A for a discussion of the realized and unrealized impact of derivative instruments on operating revenues.

 

  Year Ended
December 31,


  Variance

   Year Ended
December 31,


  Variance

 
  2003

 2002

  Amount

 Percent

   2003

 2002

  Amount

 Percent

 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

            

Gulf Coast

   2,591   2,620   (30) (1)%   2,591   2,620   (30) (1%)

West

   188   216   (27) (13)%   188   216   (27) (13%)

East

   27   33   (6) (18)%   27   33   (6) (18%)
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Total Company

   2,806   2,869   (63) (2)%   2,806   2,869   (63) (2%)
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

            

Gulf Coast

  $29.48  $23.69  $5.79  24%  $29.48  $23.69  $5.79  24%

West

  $30.11  $25.24  $4.87  19%  $30.11  $25.24  $4.87  19%

East

  $32.65  $22.09  $10.56  48%  $32.65  $22.09  $10.56  48%

Total Company

  $29.55  $23.79  $5.77  24%  $29.55  $23.79  $5.77  24%

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

            

Gulf Coast

  $76,375  $62,075  $14,299  23%  $76,375  $62,075  $14,299  23%

West

  $5,675  $5,445  $230  4%  $5,675  $5,445  $230  4%

East

  $870  $721  $149  21%  $870  $721  $149  21%
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Total Company

  $82,919  $68,241  $14,678  22%  $82,919  $68,241  $14,678  22%
  


 

  


   


 

  


 

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $14,999       $14,999     

West

  $917       $917     

East

  $281       $281     
  


      


    

Total Company

  $16,197       $16,197     
  


      


    

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $(700)      $(700)    

West

  $(687)      $(687)    

East

  $(133)      $(133)    
  


      


    

Total Company

  $(1,519)      $(1,519)    
  


      


    

 

The decline in crude oil production is due substantially to the size and timing of the Gulf Coast drilling program, along with the natural decline of existing production. The increase in the realized crude oil price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue increase of $14.6 million.

 

- 43 -


Other Net Operating Revenues

 

Other operating revenues increased $3.6 million. This change was a result of an increase in plant revenue, transportation revenue and natural gas liquid revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total costs and expenses from operations increased $150.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:

 

Brokered natural gas cost increased $33.2 million. For additional information related to this increase see the analysis performed for Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost.

 

Exploration expense increased $18.0 million as a result of higher dry hole expense in 2003. During 2003, we drilled 15 dry exploratory wells compared to 3 in the corresponding period of 2002.

Impairment of natural gas producing properties expense increased $91.1 million. This increase is substantially related to a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $87.9 million related to the loss of a reversionary interest in the Kurten field. Effective February 13, 2003, the Kurten partnership commenced liquidation at the limited partner’s election. In connection with the liquidation, an appraisal was obtained to allocate the interest in the partnership assets. Based on the receipt of the appraisal in February 2003, we would not receive the reversionary interest as part of the liquidation. Due to the impact of the loss of the reversionary interest on future estimated net cash flows of the Kurten field we performed an impairment review which resulted in an $87.9 million charge.

 

Taxes other than income increased $12.4 million as a result of higher commodity prices realized in the year ended 2003 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $2.4 million. This variance is due to the combination of a lower average level of outstanding debt on the revolving credit facility as well as a decline in interest rates.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense increased $7.4 million due to a comparable increase in our pre-tax net income.

 

2002 and 2001 Compared

Net Income and Operating Revenue

During 2002, we reported net income of $16.1 million, or $0.51 per share. Operating income decreased $46.3 million and operating revenues decreased $93.3 million in 2002. The decrease in operating revenues was mainly a result of the $80.6 million decline in natural gas sales due to the 31% decrease in natural gas prices and the $32.0 million decrease in brokered natural gas sales revenue, which was also a result of lower prices. Natural gas revenue and our realized price were reduced by $0.6 million due to hedges in place during 2002. See further discussion in Item 7A. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in crude oil revenue of $20.0 million due to a 50% increase in the volume of crude oil produced. Operating income was similarly impacted by these revenue changes.- 44 -

Natural Gas Production Revenues

The average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $3.02 per Mcf. Due to derivative instruments this price was reduced by $0.01 per Mcf. The following table excludes the unrealized impact of the change in derivative fair value for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. These amounts have been included in the Natural Gas Production revenues line item on the Statement of Operations. See Item 7A for a discussion of the realized and unrealized impact of derivative instruments on operating revenues.

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2002

  2001

  Amount

  Percent

 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

                

Gulf Coast

   30,408   25,550   4,858  19%

West

   25,308   26,167   (859) (3)%

East

   17,953   17,444   509  3%
   


 

  


   

Total Company

   73,670   69,161   4,508  7%
   


 

  


   

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

                

Gulf Coast

  $3.34  $4.44  $(1.10) (25)%

West

  $2.39  $3.88  $(1.49) (38)%

East

  $3.38  $4.96  $(1.58) (32)%

Total Company

  $3.02  $4.36  $(1.34) (31)%

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $101,525  $113,443  $(11,917) (11)%

West

  $60,563  $101,529  $(40,966) (40)%

East

  $60,696  $86,523  $(25,827) (30)%
   


 

  


   

Total Company

  $222,784  $301,494  $(78,710) (26)%
   


 

  


   

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                

Gulf Coast

  $(33,485)           

West

  $(37,634)           

East

  $(28,354)           
   


           

Total Company

  $(99,473)           
   


           

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                

Gulf Coast

  $21,568            

West

  $(3,332)           

East

  $2,527            
   


           

Total Company

  $20,763            
   


           

The decline in natural gas production is due substantially to the size and timing of Gulf Coast and West drilling program, along with the natural decline of existing production. The increase in the realized natural gas price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue decrease of $78.7 million.

Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

   

Year Ended

December 31,


  Variance

 
   2002

  2001

  Amount

  Percent

 

Sales Price

  $3.12  $4.79  $(1.67) (35)%

Volume Brokered

   18,807   18,949   (142) (1)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues

  $58,678  $90,766        
   


 

        

Purchase Price

  $2.82  $4.63  $(1.81) (39)%

Volume Brokered

   18,807   18,949   (142) (1)%
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Cost

  $53,036  $87,734        
   


 

        

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $5,642  $3,032  $2,610  86%
   


 

  


 

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(31,408)           

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(680)           
   


           
   $(32,088)           
   


           

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $34,041            

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

  $657            
   


           
   $34,698            
   


           

Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

The average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $23.79 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2002. Due to derivative instruments this price was reduced by $1.81 per Bbl. The following table excludes the unrealized impact of the change in derivative fair value for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. These amounts have been included in the Crude Oil and Condensate revenues line item on the Statement of Operations. See Item 7A for a discussion of the realized and unrealized impact of derivative instruments on operating revenues.

   Year Ended
December 31,


  Variance

 
   2002

  2001

  Amount

  Percent

 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

                

Gulf Coast

   2,620   1,621   999  62%

West

   216   253   (37) (15)%

East

   33   35   (2) (6)%
   


 

  


   

Total Company

   2,869   1,909   960  50%
   


 

  


   

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

                

Gulf Coast

  $23.69  $24.78  $(1.09) (4)%

West

  $25.24  $26.01  $(0.77) (3)%

East

  $22.09  $23.04  $(0.95) (4)%

Total Company

  $23.79  $24.91  $(1.12) (4)%

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

                

Gulf Coast

  $62,075  $40,168  $21,907  55%

West

  $5,445  $6,581  $(1,136) (17)%

East

  $721  $795  $(74) (9)%
   


 

  


   

Total Company

  $68,241  $47,544  $20,697  44%
   


 

  


   

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                

Gulf Coast

  $(2,856)           

West

  $(166)           

East

  $(28)           
   


           

Total Company

  $(3,050)           
   


           

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                

Gulf Coast

  $24,755            

West

  $(962)           

East

  $(46)           
   


           

Total Company

  $23,747            
   


           

The increase in crude oil production is a result of our 2000 and 2001 drilling success in south Louisiana and the acquisition of Cody Company. This increase was slightly offset by a decline in crude oil prices which resulted in a net increase in crude oil revenue of $20.8 million.

Other Net Operating Revenues

Other operating revenues decreased $0.7 million to $6.4 million. In 2002, we provided for payout liabilities on certain properties not operated by us and certain estimated potential legal settlements.

Operating Expenses

Total costs and expenses from operations decreased $46.8 million, or 13%, from 2001 due primarily to the following:

Brokered natural gas cost decreased $34.8 million primarily due to the $34.1 million impact of decreased natural gas costs per Mcf. Volumes of brokered gas purchases decreased slightly contributing further to a reduction in the amount of $0.7 million.

Production and pipeline expense increased $8.8 million, or 21%, primarily as a result of a full year of costs associated with operating the Cody Company properties acquired in August 2001. Additionally, increased insurance costs and increased drilling activity in the Gulf Coast and Rockies contributed to the rise in expense. On a units-of-production basis, our company-wide production and pipeline expense was $0.55 per Mcfe in 2002 versus $0.51 per Mcfe in 2001.

Exploration expense decreased $31.0 million primarily as a result of the following:

An $8.9 million decrease in geological and geophysical expenses over last year due to the unusually high 2001 acquisition of seismic data for future evaluation.

A $21.0 million decrease in dry hole costs. In 2002, we drilled nine exploratory wells compared to 27 in 2001. Our success rate on these wells improved from 44% in 2001 to 67% in 2002. The $16.9 million in dry hole cost recognized in 2002 includes expenditures related to three wells from the 2001 drilling program determined to be dry in 2002, in the amount of $6.9 million, as well as costs of abandoning certain sections of exploration well bores that were not economical, in the amount of $3.9 million.

A $0.8 million increase for salaries, wages and related benefits largely attributable to increased staffing in the Gulf Coast region during 2001 to support that year’s expanded drilling program and assimilating Cody.

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment of unproved properties expense increased $17.4 million, or 20%, over 2001. Natural gas equivalent production increased 12%, increasing DD&A expense by $11.4 million. The 6% increase in the per unit expense from $1.09 per Mcfe to $1.16 per Mcfe was a result of increased production in the higher cost Gulf Coast region (including a full year impact of the newly acquired Cody properties) and resulted in an $5.6 million increase to DD&A expense for 2001.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets decreased by $4.1 million this year. This year we recorded impairments on four small fields, three of which were in the Gulf Coast and one in the Rocky Mountains. For each of these fields, the capitalized cost exceeded the future undiscounted cash flows. A pipeline in the Eastern region was written down to fair market value. Last year, two fields in the Gulf Coast region were impaired since the cost capitalized exceeded the future undiscounted cash flows. Also in 2001, one natural gas processing plant in the Rocky Mountains area was written down to fair market value. In the fourth quarter of 2001, the Starpath prospect in the Gulf Coast region was impaired.

General and administrative expenses increased $2.7 million due to the costs associated with the retirement of the chief executive officer in May 2002.

Taxes other than income decreased $3.6 million as a result of lower natural gas and oil revenues.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $4.4 million due to the full year impact of the incremental debt used to partially fund the Cody acquisition in August 2001. Interest expense on the credit facility was down slightly due both to lower levels of borrowings and lower interest rates.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was down $19.8 million due to the comparable decrease in earnings before income tax. Our effective tax rate decreased slightly in 2002 reflecting a shift of activity between states.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Oil and gas prices fluctuate widely, and low prices for an extended period of time are likely to have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

Our revenues, operating results, financial condition and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital depend substantially on prevailing prices for natural gas and, to a lesser extent, oil. Declines in oil and natural gas prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results. Lower oil and gas prices also may reduce the amount of oil and gas that we can produce economically. Historically, oil and gas prices and markets have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile.

 

Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. These factors include:

 

The domestic and foreign supply of oil and natural gas.

 

The level of consumer product demand.

 

Weather conditions.

 

Political conditions in oil producing regions, including the Middle East.

 

The ability of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls.

 

The price of foreign imports.

 

Actions of governmental authorities.

 

Domestic and foreign governmental regulations.

 

The price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels.

 

Overall economic conditions.

 

These factors make it impossible to predict with any certainty the future prices of oil and gas.

 

Our hedging policystrategy is designed to reduce the risk of price volatility for our production in the natural gas and crude oil markets. A hedging committee that consists of members of senior management oversees our hedging activity. Our hedging arrangements apply to only a portion of our production and provide only partial price protection. These hedging arrangements may expose us to risk of financial loss and limit the benefit of increases in prices. Please read the discussion below related to commodity price swaps for a more detailed discussion of our hedging arrangements.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

 

Periodically, we enter into derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas and crude oil production. At December 31, 2003,2004, we had 3215 cash flow hedges open: 157 natural gas price collar arrangements, one crude oil collar arrangement and 177 natural gas price swap arrangements. Additionally, we had fourtwo crude oil financial instruments and one natural gas financial instrument open at December 31, 2003,2004, that did not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. At December 31, 2003,2004, a $33.9$28.8 million ($21.017.8 million net of tax) unrealized loss was recorded to Other Comprehensive Income, along with a $39.6$38.4 million derivative liability and a $1.2$2.9 million derivative receivable. The change in derivativethe fair value forof derivatives designated as hedges that is effective is initially recorded to Other Comprehensive Income. The ineffective portion, if any, of the currentchange in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges, and prior periods have been includedthe change in fair value of all other derivatives is recorded currently in earnings as a component of Natural Gas Production and Crude Oil and Condensate revenue, as appropriate.

- 45 -


The following table summarizes the realized and unrealized impact of derivative activity reflected in the respective line item in Operating Revenues.

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

 2001

  2004

 2003

 2002

 
  Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

  Unrealized

(In thousands)  Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 

Operating Revenues -Increase / (Decrease) to Revenue

Operating Revenues -Increase / (Decrease) to Revenue

 

       

Natural Gas Production

  $(48,829) $(1,468) $(574) $(1,683) $33,840  $177  $(55,008) $914  $(48,829) $(1,468) $(574) $(1,683)

Crude Oil

  $(3,963) $(1,879) $(5,202) $(693) $—    $—     (17,908)  (2,917)  (3,963)  (1,879)  (5,202)  (693)

 

Assuming no change in commodity prices, after December 31, 20032004 we would reclassify to earnings, over the next 12 months, $20.3$17.8 million in after-tax expenditures associated with commodity derivatives. This reclassification represents the net liability associated with open positions currently not reflected in earnings at December 31, 20032004 related to anticipated 20042005 production.

 

Hedges on Production - Swaps

 

From time to time, we enter into natural gas and crude oil swap agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our production. These derivatives are not held for trading purposes. Under these price swaps, we receive a fixed price on a notional quantity of natural gas and crude oil in exchange for paying a variable price based on a market-based index, such as the NYMEX gas and crude oil futures. Under our Revolving Credit Agreement, the aggregate level of commodity hedging must not exceed 80%100% of the anticipated future equivalent production during the period covered by thethese cash flow hedges. During 2003,2004, natural gas price swaps covered 34,80629,617 Mmcf, or 48%41% of our gas production, fixing the sales price of this gas at an average of $4.49$5.04 per Mcf.

 

At December 31, 2003,2004, we had open natural gas price swap contracts covering our 2004 and 2005 production as follows:

 

  Natural Gas Price Swaps

  Natural Gas Price Swaps

 

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  

Weighted

Average

Contract Price


  

Unrealized

Loss

(In Thousands)


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Contract Price


  Unrealized
Gain /(Loss)
(In thousands)


 

As of December 31, 2003

         

As of December 31, 2004

         

Natural Gas Price Swaps on Production in:

                  

First Quarter 2004

  8,017  $5.17   

Second Quarter 2004

  7,148   4.99   

Third Quarter 2004

  7,226   4.99   

Fourth Quarter 2004

  7,226   4.99   
  
  

  

Full Year 2004

  29,617  $5.04  $24,610

First Quarter 2005

  2,510  $5.13     5,069  $5.14   

Second Quarter 2005

  2,537   5.13     5,125   5.14   

Third Quarter 2005

  2,565   5.13     5,181   5.14   

Fourth Quarter 2005

  2,565   5.13     5,181   5.14   
  
  

  

  
  

  


Full Year 2005

  10,177  $5.13  $2,284  20,556  $5.14  $(27,897)

 

From time to time we enter into natural gas and crude oil derivative arrangements that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. These financial instruments are recorded at fair value at the balance sheet date. At December 31, 2003,2004, we had fourtwo open crude oil swap arrangements and one natural gas swap arrangement with an unrealized net loss of $2.6$5.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, recognized in Operating Revenues.

- 46 -


Hedges on Production - Options

 

Throughout 2002 and 2003,From time to time, we believed that the pricing environment provided a strategic opportunity to significantly reduce the price risk on a portion of our production through the use ofenter into natural gas and crude oil collars.collar agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our production. These cash flow hedges are not held for trading purposes. Under the collar arrangements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty. If the index falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us.

During 2003,2004, natural gas price collars covered 16,13622,954 Mmcf of our gas production, or 22%32% of our gas production with a weighted average floor of $4.46$4.78 per Mcf and a weighted average ceiling of $5.41$6.06 per Mcf. Additionally, during 2003, we had crude oil price collars which covered 362 Mbbls, or 25% of our production, with a weighted average floor of $24.75 per bbl and a weighted average ceiling of $28.86 per bbl. These crude oil contracts expired in June 2003.

 

At December 31, 2003,2004, we had open natural gas price collar contracts covering our 2004 and 2005 production as follows:

 

   Natural Gas Price Collars

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling / Floor


  

Unrealized
Loss

(In Thousands)


As of December 31, 2003

           

Natural Gas Price Collars on Production in:

           

First Quarter 2004

  8,835  $6.55 / $5.36    

Second Quarter 2004

  4,672  $5.75 / $4.41    

Third Quarter 2004

  4,723  $5.75 / $4.41    

Fourth Quarter 2004

  4,723  $5.75 / $4.41    
   
  

  

Full Year 2004

  22,953  $6.06 / $4.78  $7,447

First Quarter 2005

  826  $5.45 / $4.90    

Second Quarter 2005

  836  $5.45 / $4.90    

Third Quarter 2005

  845  $5.45 / $4.90    

Fourth Quarter 2005

  845  $5.45 / $4.90    
   
  

  

Full Year 2005

  3,352  $5.45 / $4.90  $767
   Natural Gas Price Collars

 

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling /Floor


  Unrealized
Gain / (Loss)
(In thousands)


 

As of December 31, 2004

            

First Quarter 2005

  4,982  $9.09 / $6.16     

Second Quarter 2005

  3,367   8.38 /   5.30     

Third Quarter 2005

  3,404   8.38 /   5.30     

Fourth Quarter 2005

  3,404   8.38 /   5.30     
   
  

  


Full Year 2005

  15,157  $8.61 / $5.59   $(2,500)

 

At December 31, 2003,2004, we have nohad one open crude oil price collar arrangements to cover future production.contract covering our 2005 production as follows:

   Crude Oil Price Collar

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mbbl


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling /Floor


  Unrealized
Gain /(Loss)
(In thousands)


As of December 31, 2004

           

First Quarter 2005

  90  $50.50 / $40.00    

Second Quarter 2005

  91   50.50 /   40.00    

Third Quarter 2005

  92   50.50 /   40.00    

Fourth Quarter 2005

  92   50.50 /   40.00    
   
  

  

Full Year 2005

  365  $50.50 / $40.00  $454

 

We are exposed to market risk on these open contracts, to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and oil. However, the market risk exposure on these hedged contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity that is hedged.

 

The preceding paragraphs contain forward-looking information concerning future production and projected gains and losses, which may be impacted both by production and by changes in the future market prices of energy commodities. See Forward-Looking Information on page 30.36.

- 47 -


Fair Market Value of Financial Instruments

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. The Company uses available marketing data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. This disclosure is presented in accordance with SFAS 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and does not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Long-Term Debt

 

  December 31, 2003

  December 31, 2002

  December 31, 2004

  December 31, 2003

(In thousands)


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


Debt

                        

7.19% Notes

  $100,000  $113,673  $100,000  $113,591  $80,000  $87,770  $100,000  $113,673

7.26% Notes

   75,000   87,345   75,000   84,231   75,000   85,849   75,000   87,345

7.36% Notes

   75,000   87,770   75,000   86,461   75,000   87,111   75,000   87,770

7.46% Notes

   20,000   24,214   20,000   23,322   20,000   23,804   20,000   24,214

Credit Facility

   —     —     95,000   95,000   —     —     —     —  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  $270,000  $313,002  $365,000  $402,605  $250,000  $284,534  $270,000  $313,002
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

- 48 -


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

   Page

Report of Independent AuditorsRegistered Public Accounting Firm

  44
50

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 2002 and 20012002

  45
52

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 20032004 and 20022003

  46
53

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 2002 and 20012002

  47
54

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 2002 and 20012002

  48
55

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 2002 and 20012002

  49
56

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

  50
57

Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited)

  75
85

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

  7989

 

- 49 -


REPORT OF MANAGEMENTINDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The managementTo the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation is responsible for the preparation and integrity of all information contained in the annual report. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, accordingly, include certain informed judgments and estimates of management.

Management maintains a system of internal accounting and managerial controls and engages internal audit representatives who monitor and test the operation of these controls. Although no system can ensure the elimination of all errors and irregularities, the system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization, and accounting records are reliable for financial statement preparation.

An Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of directors who are not employees of the Company, meets periodically with management, the independent accountants and internal audit representatives to obtain assurances to the integrity of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting and to affirm the adequacy of the system of accounting and managerial controls in place. The independent accountants and internal audit representatives have full and free access to the Audit Committee to discuss all appropriate matters.Corporation:

 

We believe that the Company’s policies and system of accounting and managerial controls reasonably assure the integrity of the information in the consolidated financial statements and in the other sections of the annual report.

Dan O. Dinges

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

February 16, 2004

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Stockholders and Board of Directorshave completed an integrated audit of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation:Corporation’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows and their comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20032004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; ourmanagement. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States of America, whichPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As discussed in Notes 1 andNote 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” effective January 1, 2003.

 

As discussedInternal control over financial reporting

Also, in Note 11our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

- 50 -


A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the consolidatedmaintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company adopted Statementcompany are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instrumentsmanagement and Hedging Activities,” as amended, effective January 1, 2001.directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Houston, Texas

February 16, 2004March 2, 2005

- 51 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

  2003

 2002

  2001

  2004

 2003

 2002

NET OPERATING REVENUES

      

OPERATING REVENUES

   

Natural Gas Production

  $322,556  $221,101  $301,671  $379,661  $322,556  $221,101

Brokered Natural Gas

   95,816   58,729   90,710   84,416   95,816   58,729

Crude Oil and Condensate

   81,040   67,548   47,544   60,022   81,040   67,548

Other

   9,979   6,378   7,117   6,309   9,979   6,378
  


 

  

  


 


 

   509,391   353,756   447,042   530,408   509,391   353,756

OPERATING EXPENSES

         

Brokered Natural Gas Cost

   86,162   53,007   87,785   75,217   86,162   53,007

Direct Operations - Field and Pipeline

   50,399   50,047   41,217   53,581   50,399   50,047

Exploration

   58,119   40,167   71,165   48,130   58,119   40,167

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   94,903   96,512   80,619   103,343   94,903   96,512

Impairment of Unproved Properties

   9,348   9,348   7,803   10,145   9,348   9,348

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Note 14)

   93,796   2,720   6,852

Impairment of Oil & Gas Properties (Note 2)

   3,458   93,796   2,720

General and Administrative

   25,112   28,377   27,920   34,735   25,112   28,377

Taxes Other Than Income

   37,138   24,734   28,341   41,022   37,138   24,734
  


 

  

  


 


 

   454,977   304,912   351,702   369,631   454,977   304,912

Gain on Sale of Assets

   12,173   244   26

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets

   (124)  12,173   244
  


 

  

  


 


 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

   66,587   49,088   95,366   160,653   66,587   49,088

Interest Expense and Other

   23,545   25,311   20,817   22,029   23,545   25,311
  


 

  

  


 


 

Income Before Income Taxes

   43,042   23,777   74,549

Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   138,624   43,042   23,777

Income Tax Expense

   15,063   7,674   27,465   50,246   15,063   7,674
  


 

  

  


 


 

NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

   27,979   16,103   47,084

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE, NET OF TAX (Note 12)

   (6,847)  —     —  

INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE
EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

   88,378   27,979   16,103

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
ACCOUNTING CHANGE (Note 12)

   —     (6,847)  —  
  


 

  

  


 


 

NET INCOME

  $21,132  $16,103  $47,084  $88,378  $21,132  $16,103
  


 

  

  


 


 

Basic Earnings Per Share - Before Accounting Change

  $0.87  $0.51  $1.56  $2.72  $0.87  $0.51

Diluted Earnings Per Share - Before Accounting Change

  $0.87  $0.50  $1.53  $2.69  $0.87  $0.50

Basic Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

  $(0.21) $—    $—    $—    $(0.21) $—  

Diluted Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

  $(0.21) $—    $—    $—    $(0.21) $—  

Basic Earnings Per Share

  $0.66  $0.51  $1.56  $2.72  $0.66  $0.51

Diluted Earnings Per Share

  $0.65  $0.50  $1.53  $2.69  $0.65  $0.50
   

Average Common Shares Outstanding

   32,050   31,737   30,276   32,488   32,050   31,737

Diluted Common Shares

   32,290   32,076   30,684

Diluted Common Shares (Note 14)

   32,893   32,290   32,076

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 52 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

  December 31,

   December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

   2004

 2003

 

ASSETS

      

Current Assets

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $724  $1,602   $10,026  $724 

Accounts Receivable

   87,425   70,028    125,754   87,425 

Inventories

   18,241   15,252    24,049   18,241 

Deferred Income Taxes

   21,345   21,935 

Other

   15,006   5,280    13,505   15,006 
  


 


  


 


Total Current Assets

   121,396   92,162    194,679   143,331 

Properties and Equipment, Net (Successful Efforts Method)

   895,955   971,754    994,081   895,955 

Deferred Income Taxes

   14,855   8,920 

Other Assets

   6,850   7,013    7,341   6,850 
  


 


  


 


  $1,024,201  $1,070,929   $1,210,956  $1,055,056 
  


 


  


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities

      

Accounts Payable

  $84,943  $72,619   $104,969  $84,943 

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

   20,000   —   

Deferred Income Taxes

   944   1,826 

Accrued Liabilities

   69,758   48,312    70,976   69,758 
  


 


  


 


Total Current Liabilities

   154,701   120,931    196,889   156,527 

Long-Term Debt

   270,000   365,000    250,000   270,000 

Deferred Income Taxes

   179,926   200,207    247,376   208,955 

Other Liabilities

   54,377   34,134    61,029   54,377 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

      

Stockholders’ Equity

      

Common Stock:

      

Authorized — 80,000,000 Shares of $.10 Par Value Issued and Outstanding — 32,538,255 Shares and 32,133,118 Shares in 2003 and 2002, Respectively

   3,254   3,213 

Authorized — 80,000,000 Shares of $.10 Par Value Issued and Outstanding — 33,120,610 Shares and 32,538,255 Shares in 2004 and 2003, Respectively

   3,312   3,254 

Additional Paid-in Capital

   361,699   353,093    381,781   361,699 

Retained Earnings

   27,763   11,674    110,935   27,763 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   (23,135)  (12,939)   (20,351)  (23,135)

Less Treasury Stock, at Cost:

      

302,600 Shares in 2003 and 2002

   (4,384)  (4,384)

707,700 and 302,600 Shares in 2004 and 2003, Respectively

   (20,015)  (4,384)
  


 


  


 


Total Stockholders’ Equity

   365,197   350,657    455,662   365,197 
  


 


  


 


  $1,024,201  $1,070,929   $1,210,956  $1,055,056 
  


 


  


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 53 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)thousands)

 

   Year Ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

             

Net Income

  $21,132  $16,103  $47,084 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

             

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   6,847   —     —   

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization

   94,903   96,512   80,619 

Impairment of Unproved Properties

   9,348   9,348   7,803 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   93,796   2,720   6,852 

Deferred Income Tax Expense

   (9,837)  7,882   14,157 

Gain on Sale of Assets

   (12,173)  (244)  (26)

Exploration Expense

   58,119   40,167   71,165 

Change in Derivative Fair Value

   3,347   2,376   (177)

Other

   885   3,888   3,030 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

             

Accounts Receivable

   (17,397)  (19,317)  34,966 

Inventories

   (2,989)  2,308   (6,523)

Other Current Assets

   (9,208)  3,976   (3,524)

Other Assets

   163   (4,307)  (515)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

   7,041   7,342   (4,894)

Other Liabilities

   (2,339)  (4,572)  3,383 
   


 


 


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   241,638   164,182   253,400 
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

             

Capital Expenditures

   (122,018)  (103,189)  (127,129)

Acquisition of Cody Company(1)

   —     —     (187,785)

Proceeds from Sale of Assets

   28,281   4,688   6,829 

Exploration Expense

   (58,119)  (40,167)  (71,165)
   


 


 


Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

   (151,856)  (138,668)  (379,250)
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

             

Increase in Short-Term Financing

   248,655   180,000   442,481 

Decrease in Short-Term Financing

   (341,000)  (205,746)  (323,700)

Sale of Common Stock Proceeds

   6,728   3,461   7,749 

Dividends Paid

   (5,043)  (5,079)  (4,802)
   


 


 


Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

   (90,660)  (27,364)  121,728 
   


 


 


Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (878)  (1,850)  (4,122)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

   1,602   3,452   7,574 
   


 


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $724  $1,602  $3,452 
   


 


 



(1)The amount excludes non-cash consideration of $49.9 million in common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of CodyCompany in August 2001. This amount also excludes the $78.0 million of deferred taxes pertaining to the difference between the fairvalue of the assets acquired and the related tax basis. The amount includes the $181.3 million in cash consideration plus $6.4 millionin capitalized acquisition costs. See Note 14, Acquisition of Cody Company.
   Year Ended December 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

             

Net Income

  $88,378  $21,132  $16,103 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash

             

Provided by Operating Activities:

             

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   —     6,847   —   

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization

   103,343   94,903   96,512 

Impairment of Unproved Properties

   10,145   9,348   9,348 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   3,458   93,796   2,720 

Deferred Income Tax Expense

   31,769   (9,837)  7,882 

(Gain) / Loss on Sale of Assets

   124   (12,173)  (244)

Exploration Expense

   48,130   58,119   40,167 

Change in Derivative Fair Value

   2,003   3,347   2,376 

Performance Share Compensation

   3,429   —     —   

Other

   3,475   885   3,888 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

             

Accounts Receivable

   (39,404)  (17,397)  (19,317)

Inventories

   (5,808)  (2,989)  2,308 

Other Current Assets

   3,255   (9,208)  3,976 

Other Assets

   (491)  163   (4,307)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

   17,231   7,041   7,342 

Other Liabilities

   3,985   (2,339)  (4,572)
   


 


 


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   273,022   241,638   164,182 
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

             

Capital Expenditures

   (207,346)  (122,018)  (103,189)

Proceeds from Sale of Assets

   119   28,281   4,688 

Exploration Expense

   (48,130)  (58,119)  (40,167)
   


 


 


Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

   (255,357)  (151,856)  (138,668)
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

             

Increase in Debt

   187,000   248,655   180,000 

Decrease in Debt

   (187,000)  (341,000)  (205,746)

Sale of Common Stock Proceeds

   12,474   6,728   3,461 

Purchase of Treasury Stock

   (15,631)  —     —   

Dividends Paid

   (5,206)  (5,043)  (5,079)
   


 


 


Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

   (8,363)  (90,660)  (27,364)
   


 


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   9,302   (878)  (1,850)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

   724   1,602   3,452 
   


 


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $10,026  $724  $1,602 
   


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 54 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(In thousands)


 Common
Shares


 Stock
Par


 Treasury
Stock


 Paid-In
Capital


 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(Loss)


 Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)


 Total

   Common
Shares


  Stock
Par


  Treasury
Shares


  Treasury
Stock


 Paid-In
Capital


  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(Loss)


 Retained
Earnings


 Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2000

 29,494 $2,949 $(4,384) $285,572 $—    $(41,632) $242,505 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


Net Income  47,084   47,084 
Exercise of Stock Options 411  42  9,339  9,381 
Common Stock Dividends at $0.16 per Share  (4,802)  (4,802)
Other Comprehensive Income  835   835 
Stock Grant Vesting  1,689  1,689 
Issuance of Common Stock 2,000  200  49,660  49,860 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2001 31,905 $3,191 $(4,384) $346,260 $835  $650  $346,552   31,905  $3,191  303  $(4,384) $346,260  $835  $650  $346,552 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Net Income  16,103   16,103                 16,103   16,103 
Exercise of Stock Options 209  20  3,845  3,865   209   20       3,845    3,865 
Common Stock Dividends at $0.16 per Share  (5,079)  (5,079)

Cash Dividends at $0.16 per Share

                (5,079)  (5,079)
Other Comprehensive Loss  (13,774)  (13,774)               (13,774)  (13,774)
Stock Grant Vesting 19  2  2,988  2,990   19   2       2,988    2,990 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002 32,133 $3,213 $(4,384) $353,093 $(12,939) $11,674  $350,657   32,133  $3,213  303  $(4,384) $353,093  $(12,939) $11,674  $350,657 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Net Income  21,132   21,132                 21,132   21,132 
Exercise of Stock Options 345  35  7,733  7,768   345   35       7,733    7,768 
 
Common Stock Dividends at $0.16 per Share  (5,043)  (5,043)

Cash Dividends at $0.16 per Share

                (5,043)  (5,043)
Other Comprehensive Loss  (10,196)  (10,196)               (10,196)  (10,196)
Stock Grant Vesting 60  6  873  879   60   6       873    879 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003 32,538 $3,254 $(4,384) $361,699 $(23,135) $27,763  $365,197   32,538  $3,254  303  $(4,384) $361,699  $(23,135) $27,763  $365,197 
 
 

 


 

 


 


 


  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Net Income

                88,378   88,378 

Exercise of Stock Options

  529   53       15,060    15,113 

Purchase of Treasury Stock

        405   (15,631)     (15,631)

Performance Share Awards

             2,394    2,394 

Stock Grant Vesting

  54   5       2,628    2,633 

Cash Dividends at $0.16 per Share

                (5,206)  (5,206)

Other Comprehensive Income

               2,784   2,784 
  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

  33,121  $3,312  708  $(20,015) $381,781  $(20,351) $110,935  $455,662 
  
  

  
  


 

  


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 55 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

  Year Ended December 31,

   Year Ended December 31,

 
(In thousands)  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

  $21,132  $16,103  $47,084 

Net Income

  $88,378  $21,132  $16,103 
  


 


 


  


 


 


Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

   

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle on January 1, 2001

   —     —     (4,269)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   

Reclassification Adjustment for Settled Contracts

   47,926   6,230   (32,749)   53,516   47,926   6,230 

Changes in Fair Value of Hedge Positions

   (63,014)  (26,361)  38,380    (48,494)  (63,014)  (26,361)

Adjustment to Recognize Minimum Pension Liability

   (1,333)  (2,177)  —      (1,404)  (1,333)  (2,177)

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

   (5)  —     —      662   (5)  —   

Deferred Income Tax

   6,230   8,534   (527)   (1,496)  6,230   8,534 
  


 


 


  


 


 


Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

   (10,196)  (13,774)  835 

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   2,784   (10,196)  (13,774)
  


 


 


  


 


 


Comprehensive Income

  $10,936  $2,329  $47,919   $91,162  $10,936  $2,329 
  


 


 


  


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 56 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and PrinciplesNature of ConsolidationOperations

 

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries are engaged in the exploration, development, production and marketing of natural gas and, to a lesser extent, crude oil and natural gas liquids. The Company also transports, stores, gathers and purchases natural gas for resale. The Company operates in one segment, natural gas and oil exploration and exploitation almost exclusively within the continental United States.States and Canada.

 

The consolidated financial statements contain the accounts of the Company after eliminating all significant intercompany balances and transactions.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001,May 2004, the FASB approved for issuance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 143,Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” This FSP provides guidance on the accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS 143 establishes accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including (1) the timingeffects of the liability recognition, (2) initial measurementMedicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of the liability, (3) allocation of asset retirement cost to expense, (4) subsequent measurement of the liability and (5) financial statement disclosures. SFAS 1432003 (the Act) for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. This FSP also requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in (1) an increase of total liabilities, because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets, because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, and (3) an increase in operating expense, because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. The Company adopted the statement on January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143 has been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in January 2003.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”,those employers to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominentcertain disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation andregarding the effect of the method used onfederal subsidy provided by the reported results. The provisionsAct (the subsidy). This FSP supersedes FSP 106-1, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46 or Interpretation). FIN 46 is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,”2003” and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The primary objective of the Interpretation is to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIEs. The Interpretation requires an enterprise to consolidate a VIE if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur or both. An enterprise shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this determination. At December 31, 2003 the Company did not have any entities that would qualify for consolidation in accordance with the provisions of FIN 46. Therefore, the adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and hedging activities under SFAS 133. The amendments set forth in SFAS 149 require that contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly. SFAS 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 (with a few exceptions) and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance is to be applied prospectively only. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This Statement was developed in response to concerns expressed by preparers, auditors, regulators, investors, and other users of financial statements about issuers´ classification in the statement of financial position of certain financial instruments that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity but that have been presented either entirely as equity or between the liabilities section and the equity section of the statement of financial position. This Statement also addresses questions about the classification of certain financial instruments that embody obligations to issue equity shares.

In accordance with SFAS 150, companies with consolidated entities that will terminate by a specified date, such as limited-life partnerships, will have to measure the liabilities for the other owners’ interests in those limited-life entities based on the fair values of the limited-life entities’ assets. Period-to-period changes in the liabilities are to be reported in the consolidated income statement as interest costs. As a result of SFAS 150, liability amounts and related interest costs may be significantly greater than the minority interests previously recognized. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.2004. The Company’s current accumulated projected benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit cost does not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy. Furthermore, in 2004, the Company amended its postretirement benefit plan to exclude prescription drug benefits for participants age 65 and older effective January 1, 2006. The adoption of this standard didFSP is not haveexpected to impact the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows.

In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4” in an effort to unite the United States accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards leading to consistent application of certain accounting requirements. FAS 151 addresses accounting for abnormal amounts of freight, handling costs, idle facility expense and spoilage (wasted material) and requires that these costs be recognized as current period expenses. Previously, these costs had to be categorized as “so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges.” In addition, allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion must be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. FAS 151 will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement is not expected to impact the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153 “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets – an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” This statement requires that nonmonetary exchanges must be recorded at fair value and the appropriate gain or loss must be recognized so long as the fair value is determinable and the transaction has commercial substance. According to this statement, companies can no longer use the “similar productive assets” concept to account for nonmonetary exchanges at book value with no gain or loss being recognized. FAS 153 will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement may impact the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows in future periods if such a nonmonetary exchange occurs.

- 57 -


In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS 123R revises SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, and focuses on accounting for share-based payments for services by employer to employee. The statement requires companies to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other equity-based compensation at the grant date. The statement does not require a certain type of valuation model and either a binomial or Black-Scholes model may be used. The provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for financial statements for fiscal periods ending after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.operating results. Future cash flows of the Company will not be impacted by the adoption of this standard. See “Stock Based Compensation” below for further information.

 

Management has been made aware of an issue regardingIn February 2005, the application of provisions of SFAS 141, Business CombinationsFASB released for public comment proposed Staff Position FAS 19-a “Accounting for Suspended Well Costs.” This proposed staff position would amend FASB Statement No. 19 “Financial Accounting and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ( SFAS 142 ) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas companies. The issue is whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights, including both proved and unproved leasehold acquisition costs, as intangible assets in the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, Cabot and other oil and gas companies have included the cost of these oil and gas leasehold interests as part of oil and gas properties and provided the disclosures requiredReporting by SFAS No. 69, Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities ( SFAS 69 ). Also under considerationCompanies” and provides guidance about exploratory well costs to companies who use the successful efforts method of accounting. The proposed position states that exploratory well costs should continue to be capitalized if: 1) a sufficient quantity of reserves are discovered in the well to justify its completion as a producing well and 2) sufficient progress is whether SFAS 142made in assessing the reserves and the well’s economic and operating feasibility. If the exploratory well costs do not meet both of these criteria, these costs should be expensed, net of any salvage value. Additional disclosures are required to provide information about management’s evaluation of capitalized exploratory well costs. In addition, the Staff Position requires registrantsthe disclosure of: 1) net changes from period to provideperiod of capitalized exploratory well costs for wells that are pending the determination of proved reserves, 2) the amount of exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year after the completion of drilling and 3) an aging of exploratory well costs suspended for greater than one year with the number of wells it related to. Further, the disclosures should describe the activities undertaken to evaluate the reserves and the projects, the information still required to classify the associated reserves as proved and the estimated timing for completing the evaluation. Although this Staff Position is not final and has not been adopted by the company, the company has included the additional disclosures prescribedin Note 2. Comments on this proposed FSP are expected by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights.

If it is ultimately determined that SFAS 142 requires the Company to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights from property and equipment to intangible assets, management currently believes that its results of operations and financial condition would not be affected, since such intangible assets would continue to be depleted and assessed for impairment in accordance with existing successful efforts accounting rules and impairment standards. In addition, costs associated with mineral rights would continue to be characterized as oil and gas property costs in the Company’s required disclosures under SFAS 69.

At December 31, 2003, the Company had net undeveloped leaseholds of approximately $63.0 million that would be classified on its balance sheet as intangible undeveloped leaseholds, and developed leaseholds of approximately $318.4 million (net of accumulated depletion) that would be classified as intangible developed leaseholds if the Company applied the interpretation currently being discussed.

On December 23, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, and 106, and a revision of SFAS 132. This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for

Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The required information should be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. The new disclosures are effective for 2003 calendar year financial statements.March 7, 2005.

 

Pipeline ExchangesImbalances

 

Natural gas gathering and pipeline operations normally include exchangeimbalance arrangements with customers and suppliers.the pipeline. The volumes of natural gas due to or from the Company under exchange agreementsimbalance arrangements are recorded at averageactual selling or purchase prices, as the case may be, and are adjusted monthly to reflect market changes. The net value of exchangedthe natural gas imbalance is included in inventoriesinventory in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Properties and Equipment

 

The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Under this method, acquisition costs for proved and unproved properties are capitalized when incurred. Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, the costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties and exploratory dry hole drilling costs, are expensed. Development costs, including the costs to drill and equip development wells, and successful exploratory drilling costs to locate proved reserves are capitalized.

 

Exploratory drilling costs are capitalized when incurred pending the determination of whether a well has found proved reserves. A determination of whether a well has found proved reserves is made shortly after drilling is completed. The determination is based on a process which relies on interpretations of available geologic, geophysic, and engineering data. If a well is determined to be successful, the capitalized drilling costs will be reclassified as part of the cost of the well. If a well is determined to be unsuccessful, the capitalized drilling costs will be charged to expense in the period the determination is made. If an exploratory well requires a major capital expenditure before production can begin, the cost of drilling the exploratory well will continue to be carried as an asset pending determination of whether proved reserves have been found only as long as: i) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well if the required capital expenditure is made and ii) drilling of the additional exploratory wells is under way or firmly planned for the near future. If drilling in the area is not under way or firmly planned, or if the well has not found a commercially producible quantity of reserves, the exploratory well is assumed to be impaired, and its costs are charged to expense.

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In the absence of a determination as to whether the reserves that have been found can be classified as proved, the costs of drilling such an exploratory well is not carried as an asset for more than one year following completion of drilling. If, after that year has passed, a determination that proved reserves exist cannot be made, the well is assumed to be impaired, and its costs are charged to expense.

The impairment of unamortized capital costs is measured at a lease level and is reduced to fair value if it is determined that the sum of expected future net cash flows is less than the net book value. The Company determines if an impairment has occurred through either adverse changes or as a result of the annual review of all fields. During 2002, the Company recorded total impairments of $2.7 million. In 2003, the Company recorded impairments related to the loss of a reversionary interest in its Kurten field and a field in the East region. These impairments totaled $93.8 million.

In During 2004, the Company recorded total impairments of $3.5 million. During 2002, the Company recorded total impairments on four small fields, three of which were in the Gulf Coast and one in the Rocky Mountains. For each of these fields, the capitalized cost exceeded the future undiscounted cash flows. In addition, a pipeline in the Eastern region was written down to fair market value. During 2001, the Company recorded a total impairment of $6.9 million primarily related to three Gulf Coast fields for which capitalized cost exceeded the future undiscounted cash flows. Additionally, one natural gas processing plant in the Rocky Mountains was written down to fair market value.$2.7 million.

 

CapitalizedDevelopment costs of proved oil and gas properties, after consideringincluding estimated dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values and acquisition costs, are depreciated and depleted on a field basis by the units-of-production method using proved developed reserves.and proved reserves, respectively. The costs of unproved oil and gas properties are generally combined and amortized over a period that is based on the average holding period for such properties and the Company’s experience of successful drilling. Properties related to gathering and pipeline systems and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 25 years. Certain other assets are also depreciated on a straight-line basis.

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003, future estimated plug and abandonment costs were accrued over the productive life of certain oil and gas properties when the residual value of well equipment was not sufficient to cover the plug and abandonment liability. The accrued liability for plug and abandonment costs was included in accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. As a component of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, future plug and abandonment costs were $17.1 million at December 31, 2002 and $14.4 million at December 31, 2001. The total estimated liability to plug and abandon all wells was $53.0 million at December 31, 2002 and $50.8 million at December 31, 2001, excluding the residual value of well equipment. See Note 12, “Adoption of SFAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, for additional information.

Costs of retired, sold or abandoned properties that make up a part of an amortization base (partial field) are charged to accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization if the units-of-production rate is not significantly affected. Accordingly, a gain or loss, if any, is recognized only when a group of proved properties (entire field) that make up the amortization base has been retired, abandoned or sold.

 

Revenue Recognition and Gas Imbalances

 

The Company applies the sales method of accounting for natural gas revenue. Under this method, revenues are recognized based on the actual volume of natural gas sold to purchasers. Natural gas production operations may include joint owners who take more or less than the production volumes entitled to them on certain properties. Production volume is monitored to minimize these natural gas imbalances. A natural gas imbalance liability is recorded at the actual price realized upon the gas sale in other liabilitiesaccounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet if the Company’s excess takes of natural gas exceed its estimated remaining proved developed reserves for these properties. See Note 3 for a listing of the Company’s liabilities for the current year ended.wellhead gas imbalances.

 

Brokered Natural Gas Margin

 

The revenues and expenses related to brokering natural gas are reported gross as part of Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses. The Company realizes brokered margin as a result of buying and selling natural gas in back-to-back transactions. The Company realized $9.2 million, $9.7 million, $5.7 million, and $2.9$5.7 million of brokered natural gas margin in 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to turn around. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the year of the enacted rate change. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized.

 

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Natural Gas Measurement

 

The Company records estimated amounts for natural gas revenues and natural gas purchase costs based on volumetric calculations under its natural gas sales and purchase contracts. Variances or imbalances resulting from such calculations are inherent in natural gas sales, production, operation, measurement, and administration. Management does not believe that differences between actual and estimated natural gas revenues or purchase costs attributable to the unresolved variances or imbalances are material.

 

Accounts Payable

 

This account includesmay include credit balances from outstanding checks in zero balance cash accounts. The credit balance included in accounts payable was $2.7 million at December 31, 2003, which is reflected as an increase in short-term borrowings in financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. There was no reclassification necessarycredit balance from outstanding checks in zero balance cash accounts included in accounts payable at December 31, 2002.2004 as sufficient cash was available for offset.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts for receivables that the Company feels may be uncollectible based on the specific identification basis. The allowance for doubtful accounts, which is netted against the accounts receivable line on the balance sheet was $5.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Risk Management Activities

 

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts, such as natural gas and crude oil price swaps or costless price collars, as a hedging strategy to manage commodity price risk associated with its inventories, production or other contractual commitments. TheseAll hedge transactions are executed for purposes other than trading.subject to the Company’s risk management policy which does not permit trading activities. Gains or losses on these hedging activities are generally recognized over the period that the inventory,its inventories, production or other underlying commitment is hedged as an offset to the specific hedged item. Cash flows related to any recognized gains or losses associated with these hedges are reported as cash flows from operations. If a hedge is terminated prior to expected maturity, gains or losses are deferred and included in income in the same period that the underlying production or other contractual commitment is delivered. Unrealized gains or losses associated with any derivative contract not considered a hedge would be recognized currently in the results of operations.

A derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge if all of the following tests are met:

The item to be hedged exposes the Company to price risk.

The derivative reduces the risk exposure and is designated as a hedge at the time the Company enters into the contract.

At the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period there is a high correlation between changes in the market value of the derivative instrument and the fair value of the underlying item being hedged.

 

When the designated item associated with a derivative instrument matures, is sold, extinguished or terminated, derivative gains or losses are recognized as part of the gain or loss on the sale or settlement of the underlying item. For example, in the case of natural gas price hedges, the gain or loss is reflected in natural gas revenue. When a derivative instrument is associated with an anticipated transaction that is no longer expected to occur or if correlationthe hedge is no longer exists,effective, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized currently in the results of operations to the extent the market value changes in the derivative have not been offset by the effects of the price changes on the hedged item since the inception of the hedge. See Note 11, Financial Instruments, for further discussion.

 

On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities”. SFAS 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized in the statement of financial position as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. In addition, all hedging relationships must be designated, reassessed and documented according to the provisions of SFAS 133. SFAS 138 amended portions of SFAS 133 and was adopted with SFAS 133.

All hedge transactions are subject to the Company’s risk management policy which does not permit speculative positions. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. Both at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis going forward, the Company assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the intrinsic value based method recommendedprescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under the intrinsic value based method, compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at grant date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.

 

SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure”, outlines a fair value based method of accounting for stock options or similar equity instruments.

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The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation.

 

   Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  2003

  2002

  2001

Net Income, as reported

  $21,132  $16,103  $47,084

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

   1,950   1,605   1,355
   

  

  

Pro forma net income

  $19,182  $14,498  $45,729
   

  

  

Earnings per share:

            

Basic - as reported

  $0.66  $0.51  $1.56

Basic - pro forma

  $0.60  $0.46  $1.51

Diluted - as reported

  $0.65  $0.50  $1.53

Diluted - pro forma

  $0.59  $0.45  $1.49

The assumptions used in the fair value method calculation as well as additional stock based compensation information are disclosed in the following table.

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Compensation Expense in Net Income, as reported(1)

  $1,001  $2,326  $1,078 

Weighted Average Value per Option Granted During the Period(2)

  $6.77  $6.23  $8.61 

Assumptions

             

Stock Price Volatility

   35.3%  35.8%  34.9%

Risk Free Rate of Return

   2.5%  3.9%  4.7%

Dividend Rate (per year)

  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16 

Expected Term (in years)

   4   4   4 

(1)Compensation expense is defined as expense related to the vesting of stock grants, net of tax. Compensation expense in 2002includes $1.7 million related to the acceleration of stock awards due to the retirement of an executive.
(2)Calculated using the Black Scholes fair value based method.
   Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  2004

  2003

  2002

Net Income, as reported

  $88,378  $21,132  $16,103

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

   1,571   1,950   1,605
   

  

  

Pro forma net income

  $86,807  $19,182  $14,498
   

  

  

Earnings per share:

            

Basic - as reported

  $2.72  $0.66  $0.51

Basic - pro forma

  $2.67  $0.60  $0.46

Diluted - as reported

  $2.69  $0.65  $0.50

Diluted - pro forma

  $2.64  $0.59  $0.45

Share Count

   32,488   32,050   31,737

Diluted Share Count

   32,893   32,290   32,076

 

The fair value of stock options included in the pro forma results for each of the three years is not necessarily indicative of future effects on net income and earnings per share.

 

The assumptions used in the fair value method calculation as well as additional stock based compensation information are disclosed in the following table.

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Compensation Expense in Net Income, as reported(1)

  $4,043  $1,001  $2,326 

Weighted Average Value per Option Granted During the Period(2)

  $11.31  $6.77  $6.23 

Assumptions:

             

Stock Price Volatility

   38.4%  35.3%  35.8%

Risk Free Rate of Return

   3.3%  2.5%  3.9%

Dividend Rate (per year)

  $0.16  $0.16  $0.16 

Expected Term (in years)

   4   4   4 

(1)Compensation expense is defined as expense related to the vesting of stock grants, net of tax. Compensation expense in 2002 also includes $1.7 million related to the acceleration of stock awards due to the retirement of an executive. Compensation expense in 2004 also includes $2.0 million related to performance shares.
(2)Calculated using the Black-Scholes fair value based method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2003,2004, and 2002,2003, the cash and cash equivalents are primarily concentrated in one financial institution. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of these institutions and believes that any possible credit risk is minimal.

 

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Environmental Matters

 

Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate, depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and that do not have future economic benefit are expensed. Liabilities related to future costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when environmental assessments and/or remediation activities are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Any insurance recoveries are recorded as assets when received.

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing financial statements, the Company follows generally accepted accounting principles. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s most significant financial estimates are based on the remaining proved oil and gas reserves (see Supplemental Oil and Gas Information). Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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2. Properties and Equipment

 

Properties and equipment are comprised of the following:

 

  December 31,

   December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

   2004

 2003

 
  (In Thousands)   (In thousands) 

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties

  $86,918  $76,959   $94,795  $86,918 

Proved Oil and Gas Properties

   1,469,751   1,459,240    1,646,841   1,469,751 

Gathering and Pipeline Systems

   146,909   137,137    160,951   146,909 

Land, Building and Improvements

   4,758   4,884    4,860   4,758 

Other

   28,658   29,457    31,261   28,658 
  


 


  


 


   1,736,994   1,707,677    1,938,708   1,736,994 

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   (841,039)  (735,923)   (944,627)  (841,039)
  


 


  


 


  $895,955  $971,754   $994,081  $895,955 
  


 


  


 


As of December 31, 2004, the Company has included disclosures that would be required by the pending FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 19-a, “Accounting for Suspended Well Costs.” The Company evaluated all existing capitalized exploratory well costs under the provisions of the pending FSP. The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs during 2004, 2003 and 2002.

(In thousands)

   December 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Beginning balance at January 1

  $13,277  $3,958  $15,548 

Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves

   49,685   48,865   26,580 

Reclassifications to wells, facilities, and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves

   (36,247)  (12,003)  (21,235)

Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense

   (18,605)  (27,543)  (16,935)
   


 


 


Ending balance at December 31

  $8,110  $13,277  $3,958 
   


 


 


The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs based on the date the drilling was completed and the number of wells for which exploratory well costs have been capitalized for a period greater than one year since the completion of drilling:

(In thousands)

   December 31,

   2004

Capitalized exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less

  $6,471

Capitalized exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year

   —  
   

Balance at December 31

  $6,471
   

Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year

   0
   

There were no capitalized exploratory well costs at December 31, 2003 and 2002 for wells that have completed drilling without the ability to determine the existence of proved reserves.

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At December 31, 2004, the Company had 3 wells that had completed drilling and a determination of whether proved reserves existed could not be made. One well is in the Rocky Mountain area and reached total depth in November 2004. It cannot be completed due to the Bureau of Land Management stipulation which prohibits activity until the summer of 2005. Two wells are in Canada and reached completed drilling in October and December 2004. These wells are awaiting completion or sidetracking which is anticipated to commence by May 2005.

During 2004, the Company recorded an impairment of $3.5 million. The impairment was recorded on a two-well field in south Louisiana and was due to production performance issues related to water encroachment. This impairment charge was recorded due to the capitalized cost of the field exceeding the future undiscounted cash flows. This charge is reflected in the quarterly results and was measured based on discounted cash flows utilizing a discount rate appropriate for risks associated with the related field.

As part of the 2001 Cody acquisition, we acquired an interest in certain oil and gas properties in the Kurten field, as general partner of a partnership and as an operator. We had approximately a 25% interest in the field, including a one percent interest in the partnership. Under the partnership agreement, we had the right to a reversionary working interest that would bring our ultimate interest to 50% upon the limited partner reaching payout. Based on the addition of this reversionary interest, and because the field has over a 40-year reserve life, approximately $91 million was allocated to this field under purchase accounting at the time of the acquisition. Additionally, the limited partner had the sole option to trigger a liquidation of the partnership.

Effective February 13, 2003, liquidation of the partnership commenced at the election of the limited partner. The limited partner was a financial entity and not an industry operator. Their decision to liquidate was based upon their perception that the value of their investment in the partnership had increased due to an increase in underlying commodity prices, primarily oil, since their investment in 1999. We proceeded with the liquidation to avoid having a minority interest in a non-operated water flood field for which the new operator was not designated at the time of liquidation. In connection with the liquidation, an appraisal was required to be obtained to allocate the interest in the partnership assets. Additionally, the Company was required to test the field for recoverability in accordance with SFAS 144. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement and based on the appraised value of the partnership assets it was not possible for us to obtain the reversionary interest as part of the liquidation. Due to the impact of the loss of the reversionary interest on future estimated net cash flows of the Kurten field, the limited partner’s decision and our decision to proceed with the liquidation, an impairment review was performed which required an after-tax impairment charge in the first quarter of 2003 of $54.4 million. This impairment charge is reflected in the 2003 Statement of Operations as an operating expense but did not impact our cash flows.

 

During 2003 the Company divested of certain non-strategic assets. These assets include properties in Pennsylvania that were sold for $16.1 million, and resulted in a gain of $6.9 million. Additionally, the Company divested of a water treatment facility in the amount of $3.4 million, which resulted in a gain of $2.5 million.

 

PriorIn 2002, the Company recorded impairments of $2.7 million. Included in this impairment amount were impairments on four small fields, three of which were in the Gulf Coast and one in the Rocky Mountains. For each of these fields, the capitalized cost exceeded the future undiscounted cash flows. In addition, a pipeline in the Eastern region was written down to the adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003, future estimated plug and abandonment costs were accrued over the productive life of certain oil and gas properties when the residual value of well equipment was not sufficient to cover the plug and abandonment liability. The accrued liability for plug and abandonment costs was included in Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Total future plug and abandonment costs of $17.1 million and $1.1 million, recorded at December 31, 2002, have been reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization and Other Accrued Liabilities, respectively, to Other Long-Term Liabilities due to the adoption of SFAS 143. These reclassifications were made to conform to the current period presentation. See Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the adoption of SFAS 143.fair market value.

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3. ADDITIONAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

 

  December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

   

December 31,

2004


 December 31,
2003


 
  (In Thousands)   (In thousands) 

Accounts Receivable

      

Trade Accounts

  $79,439  $65,796   $105,378  $79,439 

Joint Interest Accounts

   13,312   6,601    13,554   13,312 

Current Income Tax Receivable

   —     2,479    10,796   —   

Other Accounts

   81   619    1,312   81 
  


 


  


 


   92,832   75,495    131,040   92,832 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   (5,407)  (5,467)   (5,286)  (5,407)
  


 


  


 


  $87,425  $70,028   $125,754  $87,425 
  


 


  


 


Other Current Assets

      

Commodity Hedging Contracts - SFAS 133

  $1,152  $634 

Derivative Contracts

  $2,906  $1,152 

Drilling Advances

   6,443   558    6,180   6,443 

Prepaid Balances

   4,325   2,131    4,173   4,325 

Other Accounts

   3,086   1,957    246   3,086 
  


 


  


 


  $15,006  $5,280   $13,505  $15,006 
  


 


  


 


Accounts Payable

      

Trade Accounts

  $11,872  $12,358   $12,808  $11,872 

Natural Gas Purchases

   5,751   6,058    8,669   5,751 

Royalty and Other Owners

   28,001   20,254    35,369   28,001 

Capital Costs

   21,964   13,900    26,203   21,964 

Taxes Other Than Income

   3,280   3,076    5,634   3,280 

Drilling Advances

   5,721   7,254    7,102   5,721 

Wellhead Gas Imbalances

   2,085   2,817    1,991   2,085 

Other Accounts

   6,269   6,902    7,193   6,269 
  


 


  


 


  $84,943  $72,619   $104,969  $84,943 
  


 


  


 


Accrued Liabilities

      

Employee Benefits

  $9,105  $8,751   $10,123  $9,105 

Taxes Other Than Income

   13,359   9,887    14,191   13,359 

Interest Payable

   6,368   7,076    6,569   6,368 

Commodity Hedging Contracts - SFAS 133

   36,582   20,680 

Derivative Contracts

   38,368   36,582 

Other Accounts

   4,344   1,918    1,725   4,344 
  


 


  


 


  $69,758  $48,312   $70,976  $69,758 
  


 


  


 


Other Liabilities

      

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

  $2,132  $1,843   $4,717  $2,132 

Accrued Pension Cost

   6,232   8,486    5,089   2,664 

Commodity Hedging Contracts - FAS 133

   3,051   —   

Rabbi Trust Deferred Compensation Plan

   4,199   3,568 

Derivative Contracts

   —     3,051 

Accrued Plugging and Abandonment Liability

   36,848   18,151    40,375   36,848 

Taxes Other Than Income and Other

   6,114   5,654 

Other

   6,649   6,114 
  


 


  


 


  $54,377  $34,134   $61,029  $54,377 
  


 


  


 


- 65 -


4. Inventories

 

Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

  December 31,

  December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

  2004

  2003

 

Natural Gas and Oil in Storage

  $15,191  $11,519  $17,631  $15,191 

Tubular Goods and Well Equipment

   3,367   3,334   6,387   3,367 

Pipeline Exchange Balances

   (317)  399

Pipeline Imbalances

   31   (317)
  


 

  

  


  $18,241  $15,252  $24,049  $18,241 
  


 

  

  


 

Natural gas and oil in storage is valued at average cost. Tubular goods and well equipment is valued at historical cost. All inventory balances are carried at the lower of cost or market.

 

5. Debt and Credit Agreements

10.18% Notes

In May 1990, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $80 million of its 12-year 10.18% Notes (10.18% Notes) to a group of nine institutional investors in a private placement offering. The 10.18% Notes required five annual $16 million principal payments each May starting in 1998. The Company paid the outstanding principal balance of $32 million, together with accrued interest and a $0.9 million prepayment penalty (which was recorded as a component of interest expense) in May 2001.

 

7.19% Notes

 

In November 1997, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $100 million of its 12-year 7.19% Notes (7.19% Notes) to a group of six institutional investors in a private placement offering. The 7.19% Notes require five annual $20 million principal payments starting in November 2005. The Company may prepay all or any portion of the indebtedness on any date with a prepayment penalty. The 7.19% Notes contain restrictions on the merger of the Company or any subsidiary with a third party other than under certain limited conditions. There are also various other restrictive covenants customarily found in such debt instruments. These covenants include a required asset coverage ratio (present value of proved reserves to debt and other liabilities) that must be at least 1.5 to 1.0, and a minimum annual coverage ratio of operating cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0.

 

7.33% Weighted Average Fixed Rate Notes

 

To partially fund the cash portion of the acquisition of Cody Company in August 2001, the Company issued $170 million of Notes to a group of seven institutional investors in a private placement transaction in July 2001. Prior to the determination of the Note’s interest rates, the Company entered into a treasury lock in order to reduce the risk of rising interest rates. Interest rates rose during the pricing period, resulting in a $0.7 million gain that will be amortized over the life of the Notes, and thereby reducing the effective interest rate by 5.5 basis points. All of the Notes have bullet maturities and were issued in three separate tranches as follows:

 

   Principal

  Term

  Coupon

 

Tranche 1

  $75,000,000  10-year  7.26%

Tranche 2

  $75,000,000  12-year  7.36%

Tranche 3

  $20,000,000  15-year  7.46%

 

The Notes were issued under the same Note Purchase Agreement as the 7.19% Notes.

 

Revolving Credit Agreement

 

TheOn December 10, 2004, the Company has a $250 millionamended its Revolving Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) that utilizeswith a group of nine banks. The Credit Facility at year end was $250 million. It can be expanded up to $350 million, either with the existing banks or new banks. This Credit Facility is unsecured. The term of the Credit Facility expires in October 2006.December 2009. The available credit line is subject to adjustment from time to time on

the basis of the projected present value (as determined by the banks’ petroleum engineer) of estimated future net cash flows from certain proved oil and gas reserves and other assets of the Company. While the Company does not expect a reduction in the available credit line, in the event that it is adjusted below the outstanding level of borrowings, the Company has a period of threesix months to reduce its outstanding debt to the adjusted credit line available with a requirement to provide additional borrowing base assets or pay down one-thirdone-sixth of the excess during each of the threesix months.

 

- 66 -


Interest rates under the Credit Facility are based on Euro-Dollars (LIBOR) or Base Rate (Prime) indications, plus a margin. These associated margins are subject to increase if the total indebtedness is either50% or greater, greater than 60%75% or 80%greater than 90% of the Company’s debt limit of $520$530 million, which can be expanded up to $630 million, as shown below.

 

  Debt Percentage

   Debt Percentage

 
  Lower than 60%

 60% - 80%

 Higher than 80%

   Lower than 50%

 

50% or higher but

not exceeding 75%


 Higher than 75% but
not exceeding 90%


 Higher than 90%

 

Euro-Dollar margin

  1.250% 1.500% 1.750%  1.000% 1.250% 1.500% 1.750%

Base Rate margin

  0.250% 0.500% 0.750%  0.000% 0.000% 0.250% 0.500%

 

The Company’s effective interest rates for the Credit Facility in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 and 2001 were 4.2%, 1.9%, 3.4%, and 7.6%3.4%, respectively. The Credit Facility provides for a commitment fee on the unused available balance at an annual rate of three-eighthsone-quarter of 1%. The Credit Facility also contains various customary restrictions, which include the following:

 

 (a)Maintenance of a minimum asset coverage ratio (present value of proved reserves to debt and other liabilities) that must be at least 1.5 to 1.0.

(b)Maintenance of a minimum annual coverage ratio of operating cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0.

 

 (c)(b)Prohibition on the merger or sale of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s or any subsidiary’s assets to a third party, except under certain limited conditions.

 

(d)The aggregate level of commodity hedging must not exceed 80% of the anticipated future production during the period covered by the hedges.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002.during the years then ended.

 

6. Employee Benefit Plans

 

Pension Plan

 

The Company has a non-contributory, defined benefit pension plan for all full-time employees. Plan benefits are based primarily on years of service and salary level near retirement. Plan assets are mainly fixed income investments and equity securities. The Company complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 and Internal Revenue Code limitations when funding the plan. The measurement date used to measure pension benefit amounts is December 31, 2003.2004.

 

The Company has a non-qualified equalization plan to ensure payments to certain executive officers of amounts to which they are already entitled under the provisions of the pension plan, but which are subject to limitations imposed by federal tax laws. This plan is unfunded.

 

Net periodic pension cost of the Company during the last three years areis comprised of the following:

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Qualified

      

Current Year Service Cost

  $1,481  $1,056  $914   $1,619  $1,481  $1,056 

Interest Accrued on Pension Obligation

   1,515   1,362   1,198    1,697   1,515   1,362 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   (999)  (991)  (1,064)   (1,474)  (999)  (991)

Net Amortization and Deferral

   88   88   88    88   88   88 

Recognized Loss (Gain)

   415   21   (28)

Recognized Loss

   383   415   21 
  


 


 


  


 


 


Net Periodic Pension Cost

  $2,500  $1,536  $1,108   $2,313  $2,500  $1,536 
  


 


 


  


 


 


(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

Non-Qualified

            

Current Year Service Cost

  $280  $78  $88

Interest Accrued on Pension Obligation

   163   29   72

Net Amortization

   77   77   77

Loss Recognized from Settlement

   —     963   —  

Recognized Loss

   187   7   21
   

  

  

Net Periodic Pension Cost

  $707  $1,154  $258
   

  

  

- 67 -


(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

  2002

Non-Qualified

            

Current Year Service Cost

  $395  $280  $78

Interest Accrued on Pension Obligation

   381   163   29

Net Amortization

   77   77   77

Loss Recognized from Settlement

         963

Recognized Loss

   428   187   7
   

  

  

Net Periodic Pension Cost

  $1,281  $707  $1,154
   

  

  

 

The following table illustrates the funded status of the Company’s pension plans at December 31:

 

  2003

 2002

   2004

 2003

 

(In thousands)


  Qualified

 Non-Qualified

 Qualified

 Non-Qualified

   Qualified

 Non-Qualified

 Qualified

 Non-Qualified

 

Actuarial Present Value of:

   

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

  $21,347  $3,171  $18,136  $338 

Actuarial Present Value of: Accumulated Benefit Obligation

  $23,181  $3,579  $21,347  $3,171 

Projected Benefit Obligation

  $27,411  $6,136  $23,530  $2,511   $29,809  $6,257  $27,411  $6,136 

Plan Assets at Fair Value

   18,683   —     10,279   —      18,092   —     18,683   —   
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

   8,728   6,136   13,251   2,511    11,717   6,257   8,728   6,136 

Unrecognized Net Loss

   (7,083)  (5,457)  (7,283)  (2,462)   (9,846)  (4,374)  (7,083)  (5,457)

Unrecognized Prior Service Cost

   (336)  (399)  (424)  (475)   (248)  (322)  (336)  (399)
   

Adjustment to Recognize Minimum Liability

   1,355   2,891   2,313   764    3,466   2,018   1,355   2,891 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


Accrued Pension Cost

  $2,664  $3,171  $7,857  $338   $5,089  $3,579  $2,664  $3,171 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 


 


 

The change in the combined projected benefit obligation of the Company’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans during the last three years is explained as follows:

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Beginning of Year

  $26,042  $19,894  $17,151   $33,547  $26,042  $19,894 

Service Cost

   1,761   1,134   1,002    2,014   1,761   1,134 

Interest Cost

   1,678   1,391   1,270    2,078   1,678   1,391 

Actuarial Loss

   4,679   5,860   1,166    1,798   4,679   5,860 

Benefits Paid

   (613)  (2,237)  (695)   (3,371)  (613)  (2,237)
  


 


 


  


 


 


End of Year

  $33,547  $26,042  $19,894   $36,066  $33,547  $26,042 
  


 


 


  


 


 


 

The change in the combined plan assets at fair value of the Company’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans during the last three years is explained as follows:

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Beginning of Year

  $10,279  $9,909  $11,801   $18,683  $10,279  $9,909 

Actual Return on Plan Assets

   2,446   (1,280)  (1,527)   957   2,446   (1,280)

Employer Contribution

   6,735   4,080   584    2,000   6,735   4,080 

Benefits Paid

   (613)  (2,237)  (695)   (3,371)  (613)  (2,237)

Expenses Paid

   (164)  (193)  (254)   (177)  (164)  (193)
  


 


 


  


 


 


End of Year

  $18,683  $10,279  $9,909   $18,092  $18,683  $10,279 
  


 


 


  


 


 


- 68 -


The reconciliation of the combined funded status of the Company’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans at the end of the last three years is explained as follows:

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Funded Status

  $14,864  $15,762  $9,985   $17,974  $14,864  $15,762 

Unrecognized Gain (Loss)

   (12,540)  (9,745)  (2,413)

Unrecognized Loss

   (14,220)  (12,540)  (9,745)

Unrecognized Prior Service Cost

   (735)  (899)  (1,064)   (570)  (735)  (899)
  


 


 


  


 


 


Net Amount Recognized

  $1,589  $5,118  $6,508   $3,184  $1,589  $5,118 
  


 


 


  


 


 


Accrued Benefit Liability – Qualified Plan

  $2,664  $7,857  $6,423   $5,089  $2,664  $7,857 

Accrued Benefit Liability – Non-Qualified Plan

   3,171   338   816    3,579   3,171   338 

Intangible Asset

   (4,246)  (3,077)  (731)   (5,484)  (4,246)  (3,077)
  


 


 


  


 


 


Net Amount Recognized

  $1,589  $5,118  $6,508   $3,184  $1,589  $5,118 
  


 


 


  


 


 


 

Assumptions used to determine projected post-retirementpostretirement benefit obligations and pension costs are as follows:

 

  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Discount Rate(1)

  6.25% 6.50% 7.25%  5.75% 6.25% 6.50%

Rate of Increase in Compensation Levels

  4.00% 4.00% 4.00%  4.00% 4.00% 4.00%

Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

  8.00% 9.00% 9.00%  8.00% 8.00% 9.00%

Health Care Cost Trend for Medical Benefits

  8.00% 8.00% 8.00%  10.00% 8.00% 8.00%

(1)Represents the rateyear end rates used to determine the projected benefit obligation. A 6.50% discount rate was used toTo compute pension costscost in 2004, 2003 a rateand 2002, respectively, the beginning of 7.25% in 2002,year discount rates of 6.25%, 6.50% and a rate of 7.50% was used in 2001.7.25%, were used.

 

The long-term expected rate of return used in 20032004 is eight percent. The Company establishes the long-term expected rate of return by developing a forward looking long-term expected rate of return assumption for each asset class, taking into account factors such as the expected real return for the specific asset class and inflation.

 

Estimated future benefit payments under the Company’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans are expected to be paid as follows:

(In thousands)


  Qualified

  Non-Qualified

  Total

2005

  $553  $216  $769

2006

   640   368   1,008

2007

   731   262   993

2008

   808   316   1,124

2009

   963   504   1,467

Years 2010 - 2014

   8,332   3,697   12,029

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the non-qualified pension plan did not have plan assets. The plan assets of the Company’s qualified and non-qualified pension plansplan at December 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, by asset category are as follows:

 

  2003

 2002

   2004

 2003

 

(In thousands)


  Amount

  Percent

 Amount

  Percent

   Amount

  Percent

 Amount

  Percent

 

Equity securities

  $11,722  63% $7,059  69%  $13,934  77% $11,722  63%

Debt securities

   3,349  18%  3,012  29%   3,226  18%  3,349  18%

Other(1)

   3,612  19%  208  2%   932  5%  3,612  19%
  

  

 

  

  

  

 

  

Total

  $18,683  100% $10,279  100%  $18,092  100% $18,683  100%
  

  

 

  

  

  

 

  


(1)Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents.

 

- 69 -


The Company’s investment strategy for benefit plan assets is to invest in funds to maximize athe return over the long-term, subject to an appropriate level of risk, and to achieve a minimum five percent annual real rate of return on the total portfolio.risk. Additionally, the objective is for each class of the equity portion of the pension plan assets isinvestments to have a rate of return that exceeds the Standard & Poors 500 index by a minimum of two percent annuallyoutperform its representative benchmark over the long-term. To achieve these objectives assets are invested with a range of 60 percent to 80 percent equity and 20 percent to 40 percent fixed income.long term.

 

The funding levels of the pension plans are in compliance with standards set by applicable law or regulation. In 2004 the Company did not have any required minimum funding obligations; however, it chose to fund $2 million into the plan. In 2005 the Company does not have any required minimum funding obligations. Currently, management has not determined if a discretionary funding will be made in 2004.

2005.

Savings Investment Plan

 

The Company has a Savings Investment Plan (SIP) which is a defined contribution plan. The Company matches a portion of employees’ contributions in cash. Participation in the SIP is voluntary and all regular employees of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company charged to expense plan contributions of $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million in 2004, 2003, and $1.0 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The plan contribution rose in 2003, 2002 and 2001 due to an increase inCompany matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar on the Company’s matching program. Effective July 1, 2001, the Company increased its dollar-for-dollar matching limit from 4% tofirst 6% of an employee’s pretax earnings. The Company’s Common Stock is an investment option within the SIP.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

 

In 1998, the Company established a Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is available to officers of the Company and acts as a supplement to the Savings Investment Plan. The Company matches a portion of the employee’s contribution and those assets are invested in instruments selected by the employee. Unlike the SIP, the Deferred Compensation Plan does not have dollar limits on tax deferred contributions. However, the assets of this plan are held in a rabbi trust and are subject to additional risk of loss in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company. At December 31, 2003,2004, the balance in the Deferred Compensation Plan’s rabbi trust was $3.6$4.2 million.

 

The employee participants guide the diversification of trust assets. The trust assets are invested in mutual funds that cover the investment spectrum from equity to money market. These mutual funds are publicly quoted and reported at market value. No shares of the Company’s stock are held by the trust. Settlement payments are made to participants in cash, either in a lump sum or in periodic installments. The market value of the trust assets is recorded on the Company’s balance sheet as a component of Other Assets and the corresponding liability is recorded as a component of Other Liabilities.

 

There is no impact on earnings or earnings per share from the changes in market value of the deferred compensation plan assets for two reasons. First, the changes in market value of the trust assets are offset completely by changes in the value of the liability, which represents trust assets belonging to plan participants. Second, no shares of the Company’s stock are held in the trust.

 

The Company charged to expense plan contributions of less than $20,000 in each year presented.

 

Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions

 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees, including their spouses, eligible dependents and surviving spouses (retirees). These benefits are commonly called postretirement benefits. Most employees become eligible for these benefits if they meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. The Company was providing postretirement benefits to 244251 retirees and their dependants at the end of 20032004 and 246244 retirees and their dependants at the end of 2002.2003. The measurement date used to measure postretirement benefits other than pensions is December 31, 2003.2004.

- 70 -


When the Company adopted SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension”, in 1992, it began amortizing the $16.9 million accumulated postretirement benefit, known as the Transition Obligation, over a period of 20 years, or $0.8 million per year which is included in the annual expense of the plan. Included in the amortization benefit of the unrecognized transition obligation amount below are the effects of plan amendments during 1996, 2000 and 2004. The remaining unamortized balance is $4.6 million which will be amortized over the next seven years.

Postretirement benefit costs recognized during the last three years are as follows:

(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Service Cost of Benefits Earned During the Year

  $671  $265  $215 

Interest Cost on the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation

   784   385   381 

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Gain

   (59)  (155)  (267)

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

   1,211   —     —   

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Transition Obligation

   662   662   662 
   


 


 


Total Postretirement Benefit Cost

  $3,269  $1,157  $991 
   


 


 


The health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost from 2000 to 2003 for medical benefits to retirees was 8%. Provisions of the plan should prevent significant future increases in employer cost after 2000. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the plan was amended and the limit, or cap, on the employer subsidy for medical and prescription drug coverage provided to participants age 65 and older was removed. In addition, certain other modifications to the plan were made to limit prescription drug coverage (for participants not age 65 and older) and increase the plan deductibles and reimbursements by retirees. The company subsidy for all retiree medical and prescription drug benefits for all other participants, beginning January 1, 2006, is limited to an aggregate annual amount not to exceed $648,000. This limit will increase by 3.5% annually thereafter.

The health care cost trend rate used at December 31, 2004 was 10%. The rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) is 5% as of December 31, 2004. The year that this ultimate trend rate will be reached is 2009.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

(In thousands)


  

1-Percentage-

Point Increase


  

1-Percentage-

Point Decrease


 

Effect on total of service and interest cost

  $146  $(163)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   1,661   (2,025)

The funded status of the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, and 2003 is comprised of the following:

(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

 

Plan Assets at Fair Value

  $—    $—   

Accumulated Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

   14,101   6,181 

Unrecognized Cumulative Net Gain

   814   1,736 

Unrecognized Prior Service Cost

   (5,691)  —   

Unrecognized Transition Obligation

   (4,631)  (5,293)
   


 


Accrued Postretirement Benefit Liability

  $4,593  $2,624 
   


 


- 71 -


The change in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation during the last three years is presented as follows:

(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Beginning of Year

  $6,181  $6,185  $5,507 

Service Cost

   671   265   215 

Interest Cost

   784   386   381 

Amendments

   6,901   —     —   

Actuarial Loss

   864   221   912 

Benefits Paid

   (1,300)  (876)  (830)
   


 


 


End of Year

  $14,101  $6,181  $6,185 
   


 


 


Estimated future benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows:

(In thousands)


   

2005

  $1,034

2006

   653

2007

   688

2008

   706

2009

   735

Years 2010 - 2014

   4,479

 

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to certain Medicare benefits. In accordance with FASB Staff Position 106-1, AccountingFSP No. FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,2003”, any measures of the accumulated plan benefit obligation or net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the financial statements or accompanying notes do not reflect the effects of the Act on the Company’s plan. Specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy is pending and that guidance, when issued, could requireAs the Company has amended the postretirement benefit plan to change previously reported information. Currently,exclude prescription drug benefits to participants age 65 and older effective January 1, 2006, management is considering the impact ofbelieves this Act on the Company’s plan and the possible economic consequences. However, management doesFSP will not believe the accounting treatment will have a materialan impact on the consolidatedoperating results, financial statementsposition or cash flows of the Company.

When the Company adopted SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension”, in 1992, it began amortizing the $16.9 million accumulated postretirement benefit, known as the Transition Obligation, over a period of 20 years.

 

Postretirement benefit costs recognized during the last three years are as follows:- 72 -

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Service Cost of Benefits Earned During the Year

  $265  $215  $175 

Interest Cost on the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation

   385   381   388 

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Gain

   (155)  (267)  (291)

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Transition Obligation

   662   662   662 
   


 


 


Total Postretirement Benefit Cost

  $1,157  $991  $934 
   


 


 


The health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost in 2000 for medical benefits to retirees was 8%. Provisions of the plan should prevent significant future increases in employer cost after 2000.

A one-percentage-point increase or decrease in health care cost trend rates for future periods would not have a material impact on the accumulated net postretirement benefit obligation or the total postretirement benefit cost recognized. Company costs are substantially capped at 2000 levels and the retirees assume the majority of any future increases in costs.

The funded status of the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2003, and 2002 is comprised of the following:

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

 

Plan Assets at Fair Value

  $—    $—   

Accumulated Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

   6,181   6,185 

Unrecognized Cumulative Net Gain

   1,736   2,113 

Unrecognized Transition Obligation

   (5,293)  (5,955)
   


 


Accrued Postretirement Benefit Liability

  $2,624  $2,343 
   


 


The change in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation during the last three years is presented as follows:

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Beginning of Year

  $6,185  $5,507  $5,429 

Service Cost

   265   215   175 

Interest Cost

   386   381   388 

Actuarial Loss

   221   912   265 

Benefits Paid

   (876)  (830)  (750)
   


 


 


End of Year

  $6,181  $6,185  $5,507 
   


 


 



7. Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Current

             

Federal

  $22,826(1) $(1,158)(1) $10,984(1)

State

   2,075   869   496 
   


 


 


Total

   24,901   (289)  11,480 
   


 


 


Deferred

             

Federal

   (8,549)  7,931   13,723 

State

   (1,289)  32   2,262 
   


 


 


Total

   (9,838)  7,963   15,985 
   


 


 


Total Income Tax Expense

  $15,063  $7,674  $27,465 
   


 


 



(1)Federal Income Taxes Payable is $2.7 million at December 31, 2003 and zero at December 31, 2002 and 2001. The zero balances are primarily due to tax payments made during 2002 and 2001 overpayments applied to the current year.
   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Current

             

Federal

  $14,767  $22,826  $(1,158)

State

   3,710   2,075   869 
   


 


 


Total

   18,477   24,901   (289)
   


 


 


Deferred

             

Federal

   31,779   (8,549)  7,931 

State

   (10)  (1,289)  32 
   


 


 


Total

   31,769   (9,838)  7,963 
   


 


 


Total Income Tax Expense

  $50,246  $15,063  $7,674 
   


 


 


 

Total income taxes were different than the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:

 

  Year Ended December 31,

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate

   35%  35%  35%   35%  35%  35%

Computed “Expected” Federal Income Tax

  $15,065  $8,322  $26,092   $48,518  $15,065  $8,322 

State Income Tax, Net of Federal

   

Income Tax Benefit

   1,334   737   2,758 

State Income Tax, Net of Federal Income Tax Benefit

   4,353   1,334   737 

Other, Net

   (1,336)(1)  (1,385)(2)  (1,385)(3)   (2,625)(1)  (1,336)(2)  (1,385)(3)
  


 


 


  


 


 


Total Income Tax Expense

  $15,063  $7,674  $27,465   $50,246  $15,063  $7,674 
  


 


 


  


 


 



(1)Other, Net includes credit adjustments of $1.6 million related to the recognition of benefit for federal statutory depletion in excess of basis, $0.9 million related to the recognition of benefit for state statutory depletion in excess of basis, and other permanent items.
(2)Other, Net includes credit adjustments of $0.8 million related to the recognition of benefit for a state statutory depletion in excess of basis and $0.5 million related to the recognition of a benefit for a state net operating loss.
(2)(3)Other, Net includes credit adjustments totaling $0.8 million to deferred taxes as a result of a reduction to the state effective tax rate, $0.8 million to deferred taxes as a result of basis adjustments related to the Cody acquisition, and other permanent items.
(3)Other, Net includes credit adjustments totaling $1.7 million to deferred taxes as a result of a reduction to the state effective tax rate and other permanent items.

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2004

  2003

Deferred Tax Liabilities

            

Property, Plant and Equipment

  $208,848  $229,583  $246,962  $208,955

Items Accrued for Financial Reporting Purposes

   1,358   1,826
  

  

  

  

   248,320   210,781

Deferred Tax Assets

            

Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforwards

   —     12,083

Net Operating Loss Carryforwards

   725   746   2,045   725

Items Accrued for Financial Reporting Purposes

   9,746   8,540   21,290   15,893

Other Comprehensive Income

   18,451   8,007   12,865   14,237
  

  

  

  

   28,922   29,376   36,200   30,855
  

  

  

  

Net Deferred Tax Liabilities

  $179,926  $200,207  $212,120  $179,926
  

  

  

  

 

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As of December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of $14.2$39.5 million for state income tax reporting purposes, the majority of which will expire between 20102011 and 20182024 and none available for regular federal income tax purposes. The Company does not have any alternative minimumIt is expected that these deferred tax credit carryforwards available at December 31, 2003benefits will be utilized prior to offset regular income taxes in future years.

their expiration.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases certain transportation vehicles, warehouse facilities, office space, and machinery and equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases. The lease for the Company’s office in Houston runs for approximately sixfive more years. Most of the Company’s leases expire within five years and may be renewed. Rent expense under such arrangements totaled $8.7 million, $8.5 million, $8.8 million, and $7.7$8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.

 

Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 20032004 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)


      

2004

  $4,650

2005

   4,275  $4,889

2006

   3,791   4,542

2007

   3,538   4,340

2008

   2,481   2,063

2009

   784

Thereafter

   606   382
  

  

  $19,341   $17,000
  

  

 

Contingencies

 

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and is involvedlegal proceedings arising in other gas contract issues.the normal course of our business. All known liabilities are fully accrued based on management’s best estimate of the potential loss. In management’s opinion, final judgments or settlements, if any, which mayWhile the outcome and impact on the Company cannot be awarded in connectionpredicted with any one or morecertainty, management believes that the resolution of these suits and claims wouldproceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a significant impactmaterial adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. Operating results of operations, financial position orand cash flows of any period.flow, however, could be significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

 

Wyoming Royalty Litigation

 

In June 2000, the Company was sued by two overriding royalty owners in Wyoming state court for unspecified damages. The plaintiffs requested class certification under the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and alleged that the Company had improperly deducted costs of production from royalty payments to the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons. Additionally, the suit claimed that the Company had failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of the deductions taken from royalties. At a mediation held in April 2003, the plaintiffs in this case claimed total damages of $9.5 million plus attorney fees. The Company was recently able to settlesettled the case for a total of $2.25 million and the State District Court Judge recently entered his order approving the settlement. The settlement was for a totalin the fourth quarter of $2.25 million.2003. The class included all private fee royalty and overriding royalty owners of the Company in the State of Wyoming except those in the suit discussed below and one owner who opted out of the settlement. It also includes provisions for the method of valuation of gas for royalty payment purposes going forward and for reporting of royalty payments, which should prevent further litigation of these issues by the class members.

 

In January 2002, 13 overriding royalty owners sued the Company in Wyoming federal district court. The plaintiffs in the federal case have made the same general claims pertaining to deductions from their overriding royalty as the plaintiffs in the Wyoming state court case but have not asked for class certification. That case is on hold awaiting a Wyoming Supreme Court decision on two certified questions.

 

Although management believes that a number of the Company’s defenses are supported by Wyoming case law, two letter decisions handed down by state

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The federal district court judges in other cases do not support certain of the defenses. In one of the cases the case has been settled so no order will be entered. In the other case a generic order has been entered adopting the letter decision by reference. It is not known what effect, if any, the decision, will have on the pending case. In addition, in 2000 a district court judge’s decision supported the defenses of the Company, and that decision was recently orally

confirmed by another state district court judge. Accordingly, there is a split of authority concerning the interpretation of the reporting penalty provisions of the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act, which will need to be resolved by the Wyoming Supreme Court.

As noted above, the judge agreed to certifycertified two questions of state law for decision by the Wyoming State Supreme Court.Court, which recently answered both questions. The Wyoming State Supreme Court ruled that certain deductions taken by the Company from the plaintiffs were not proper and that the statutes of limitations advanced by the Company are discovery statutes and accordingly do not begin to run until the plaintiffs knew, or had reason to know, of the violation. The Company believes it has agreedproperly reported to decide both questions,the plaintiffs, and these decisionsthat if it did not, the plaintiffs knew or should disposehave known the reporting was improper and the nature of important issues in the pending federal case. deductions, thus triggering the statute of limitations. The Company still intends to raise defenses to the alleged failure to report claims. There is also a dispute as to how the interest should be calculated.

The federal judge refused however, to certify a question relating to the issue of the proper calculation of damages for failure to provide certain information required by statute on overriding royalty owner check stubs that had been decided adversely to the Company’sour position in thea state district court letter decision.decision in a separate case. After the federal judge’s refusal to certify this issue, the plaintiffs reduced the damages they were claiming. Based upon recent communication from the plaintiffs expert witness report filed in March 2003, the plaintiffsthey are now claiming $21$26.2 million in total damages which can be broken down into $15.7consists of $20.3 million for alleged violations of the check stub reporting statute and the remainder$5.9 million for all other damages.

In the opinion of our outside counsel, Brown, Drew & Massey, LLP, the likelihood of the plaintiffs recovering the stated damages$20.3 million for violation of the check stub reporting statute is remote.

The Company is vigorously defending the case. The Company has However, a reserve that management believes is adequate to provide for the potential liabilitycheck stub reporting statute and all other damages has been established based on itsmanagement’s estimate at this time of the probable outcome of this case. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact our financial position.

 

West Virginia Royalty Litigation

 

In December 2001, the Company was sued by two royalty owners in West Virginia state court for an unspecified amount of damages. The plaintiffs have requested class certification under the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and allege that the Company failed to pay royalty based upon the wholesale market value of the gas produced, that the Company hasit had taken improper deductions from the royalty and has failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of deductions taken from the royalty. The plaintiffs have also claimed that they are entitled to a 1/8th 1/8th royalty share of the gas sales contract settlement that the Company reached with Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation in the 1995 Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation bankruptcy proceeding.

 

The Company had removed the lawsuit to federal court; however, in February 2003, we received an order remanding the lawsuit back to state court. Discovery and pleadings necessary to place the class certification issue before the state court have been ongoing. A hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was held on October 20, 2003, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law were submitted to the court on December 5, 2003. A status conference was held with the court and the court advised it intends to issue a ruling on the class certification motion. The court was expected to rule by December 2004, and we are still awaiting a decision. Discovery is proceeding on the claims pending the ruling on the class certification motion. Discovery is to be completed by April 1, 2005, and the trial is currently scheduled for March 29, 2004. Based on the current status of discovery, theAugust 15, 2005. If a class is certified it is expected this trial date is likely towill be continued atto a later date.

 

The investigation into this claim continues and it is in the discovery phase. The Company is vigorously defending the case. The CompanyIt has reserves ita reserve that management believes areis adequate to provide for these potential liabilities based on its estimate of the probable outcome of this matter. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact the Company’s financial position.case.

 

- 75 -


Texas Title Litigation

 

On January 6, 2003, the Company was served with Plaintiffs’ Second Amended Original Petition in Romeo Longoria, et al. v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, et al. in the 79th Judicial District Court of Brooks County, Texas. Plaintiffs filed their First Supplemental Original Petition on March 17, 2004 and their Second Supplemental Petition on November 12, 2004. The significant change in the second Supplemental Petition is that plaintiffs appear to limit their claim to the mineral estate, rather than making claims to both the surface and mineral estate. The plaintiffs allege that they are the rightful owners of a one-half undivided mineral interest in and to certain lands in Brooks County, Texas. As Cody Energy, LLC, the Company acquired certain leases and wells from Wynn-Crosby 1996, Ltd. in 1997 and 1998 and the Company subsequently acquired a 320 acre lease from Hector and Gloria Lopez in 2001. The plaintiffs allege that they are entitled to be declared the rightful owners of an undivided interest in the surface and minerals and all improvements on the lands on which the Company acquired these leases. The plaintiffs also assert claims for trespass to try title, action to remove a cloud on the title, failure to properly account for royalty, fraud, trespass, conversion, all for unspecified actual and exemplary damages. The original trial date of May 19, 2003 was cancelled and a new trial date has not been set. The Company has not had the opportunity to conduct discovery in this matter. The Company estimates that production revenue from this field since its predecessor, Cody Energy, LLC,

acquired title and since the Company acquired its lease is approximately $13$14.9 million. The carrying value of this property is approximately $35$34 million. Co-defendants Shell Oil Company and Shell Western E&P have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of plaintiffs’ causes of action on multiple grounds. The Company was in the process of joining in that motion, when theoriginal plaintiffs’ attorneys asked permission from the Court to withdraw from the representation. The Court granted that request, and new attorneys for some, but not all of the plaintiffs have recently entered the case. The motion for summary judgment was reset and a hearing was held in December of 2003. The Court has permitted plaintiffs additional time to gather more information, and it is anticipated that the court will hold a second hearing on the motion. The Company has joined in the motion. After a second hearing, the Court denied the motion for summary judgment. The defendants have moved to add parties whose title interests are being challenged by the plaintiffs, and who are therefore necessary to the case, or in the alternative, abate the proceeding until the plaintiffs join all parties whose interests may be affected by plaintiffs’ claims.

 

Although the investigation into this claim has just begun,is in its early stages, the Company intends to vigorously defend the case. Should the Company receive an adverse ruling in this case, an impairment review would be assessed to ensure the carrying value of the property is recoverable. Management cannot currently determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of any potential outcome.loss should the outcome be unfavorable. Accordingly, there has been no reserve established for this matter.

Raymondville Area

In April 2004, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cody Energy, LLC, filed suit in Willacy County, Texas against certain of its co-working interest owners in the Raymondville Area, located in Kenedy and Willacy Counties. In early 2003, Cody had proposed a new prospect to certain of these co-working interest owners located within jointly owned oil and gas leases. Some of the co-working interest owners elected to participate and some did not. The initial well was successful and subsequent wells have been drilled to exploit the discovery made in the first well.

In December 2003, certain of the co-working interest owners who elected not to participate in the initial well notified Cody that they believed that they had the right to participate in subsequent wells. Cody contends that, under the terms of the agreements between the parties, the co-working interest owners that elected not to participate in the initial well in the prospect were required to assign their interest in the proposed prospect to those who elected to participate. Alternatively, Cody contends that such owners lost their right to participate in subsequent wells within a 1,200 foot radius of the initial well.

The defendants have filed a counter claim against the Company and one of the defendants has filed a lien against Cody’s interest in the leases in the Raymondville Area. Cody contends that this lien is improper and has sought damages for its filing. Cody is vigorously prosecuting this case which is in its early stage of discovery. No trial date has been set by the court.

- 76 -


Certain of the defendants filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment contending that they did not have adequate notice of the prospect proposal. Cody is contesting this Motion. In addition, in late December 2004, Cody filed a Motion for Final Summary Judgment asking the court to find that, under the terms of the agreements, Cody and the participating working interest owners are entitled to an assignment of the interests of the co-working interest owners who elected not to participate in the prospect. No hearing date has been set by the court.

Management cannot currently determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of any potential loss should the outcome be unfavorable. Accordingly, there has been no reserve established for this matter.

Commitment and Contingency Reserves

The Company has established reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve involves an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible that the Company could incur approximately $11.1 million of additional loss with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. Future changes in the facts and circumstances could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.

While the outcome and impact on the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. Operating results and cash flow, however, could be significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

 

9. Cash Flow Information

 

Cash paid for interest and income taxes is as follows:

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Interest

  $18,298  $25,112  $16,295  $16,415  $18,298  $25,112

Income Taxes

  $19,267  $266  $14,395   29,861   19,267   266

 

ForThe Company recorded benefits of $2.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.4 million for the yearyears ended December 31, 2004, 2003 the Company recorded a benefit of $2.7 millionand 2002, respectively, for a tax deductiondeductions taken due to employee stock option exercises.exercises and restricted stock grant vesting.

 

10. Capital Stock

 

Incentive Plans

 

On May 3, 2001,April 29, 2004, the Second Amended2004 Incentive Plan was approved by the shareholders. Under the 2004 Incentive Plan, incentive and Restatednon-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), stock awards, cash awards and performance awards may be granted to key employees, consultants and officers of the Company. Non-employee directors of the Company may be granted discretionary awards under the 2004 Incentive Plan consisting of stock options or stock awards, in addition to the automatic award of an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on the date the non-employee directors first join the board of directors. A total of 1,700,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the 2004 Incentive Plan. In addition, shares remaining available for award under the 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Second Amended and Restated 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (herein “Prior Plans”) were approved bysubsumed into the shareholders.2004 Incentive Plan (228,398 shares on April 29, 2004). Under these two plans (Incentive Plans), incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs) andthe 2004 Incentive Plan, no more than 600,000 shares may be used for stock awards that are not subject to the achievement of performance based goals, and no more than 1,000,000 shares may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options. Awards outstanding under the Prior Plans will remain outstanding in accordance with their original terms and conditions.

- 77 -


During 2004, the Board of Directors granted a series of 168,500 performance share awards to certain executives and key employees and officers of the Company, and non-statutory stock options may be granted to non-employee directors of the Company. A maximumThese awards are earned based on the comparative performance of 4,200,000 shares ofthe Company’s Common Stock measured against sixteen other companies in the Company’s peer group over a three year vesting period ending on December 31, 2006. Depending on the Company’s performance, employees may earn up to 100% of the award in Common Stock, and an additional 100% of the award in cash. The performance shares qualify for variable accounting, and accordingly, are recorded at their fair value with compensation expense recognized over the performance period.

During 2004, the Company granted 7,000 restricted stock units to various Company Directors. These units immediately vest and will be issued underpaid out whenever the Incentive Plans. There are no shares available for award under any previous equity plan. AllDirector ceases to be a Director of the Company. For all restricted stock options awarded underunits, the Incentive Plans have a maximum termCompany recognized compensation expense equal to the market value of five years from the Company’s Common Stock on the grant date of grant, vesting over time. The options are issued at market value on the date of grant. No SARs have been granted under the Incentive Plans.respective awards.

 

Information regarding stock options under the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan and the Prior Plans is summarized below:

 

  December 31,

  December 31,

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Shares Under Option at Beginning of Period

  1,287,829  1,081,621  1,124,148  1,349,501  1,287,829  1,081,621

Granted

  467,000  429,300  454,100  24,500  467,000  429,300

Exercised

  345,386  181,027  408,949  529,183  345,386  181,027

Surrendered or Expired

  59,942  42,065  87,678  33,129  59,942  42,065
  
  
  
  
  
  

Shares Under Option at End of Period

  1,349,501  1,287,829  1,081,621  811,689  1,349,501  1,287,829
  
  
  
  
  
  

Options Exercisable at End of Period

  511,719  570,406  355,778  377,329  511,719  570,406
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

For each of the three most recent years, the price range for outstanding options was $17.44 to $27.30$34.98 per share. The following tables provide more information about the options by exercise price and year.

Options with exercise prices between $17.44 and $20.00 per share:

 

  December 31,

  December 31,

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Options Outstanding

                  

Number of Options

   444,668   737,385   480,561   229,963   444,668   737,385

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $19.22  $18.97  $17.79  $19.28  $19.22  $18.97

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   2.6   3.0   1.5   2.0   2.6   3.0

Options Exercisable

                  

Number of Options

   204,229   301,277   211,734   122,491   204,229   301,277

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $19.04  $18.39  $17.29  $19.29  $19.04  $18.39

 

Options with exercise prices between $20.01 and $27.30$34.98 per share:

 

  December 31,

  December 31,

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Options Outstanding

                  

Number of Options

   904,833   550,444   601,060   581,726   904,833   550,444

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $24.69  $25.81  $25.44  $24.24  $24.69  $25.81

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   3.4   3.0   4.3   2.7   3.4   3.0

Options Exercisable

                  

Number of Options

   307,490   269,129   144,044   254,838   307,490   269,129

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $26.42  $25.39  $22.45  $24.44  $26.42  $25.39

 

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Dividend Restrictions

 

The Board of Directors of the Company determines the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid on the Common Stock depending on, among other things, the Company’s financial condition, funds from operations, the level of its capital and exploration expenditures, and its future business prospects. None of the note or credit agreements in place have a restricted payment provision.

 

Treasury Stock

 

In August 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to two million shares of outstanding Common Stock at market prices. The timing and amount of these stock purchases are determined at the discretion of management. The Company may use the repurchased shares to fund stock compensation programs presently in existence, or for other corporate purposes. As ofDuring the year ended December 31, 1998,2004, the Company had repurchased 302,600 shares, or 15% of the total authorized number of405,100 shares for a total cost of approximately $4.4$15.6 million. No additionalThe repurchased shares have been repurchased. Theare held as treasury stock. Since the authorization date, the Company has repurchased 707,700 shares, or 35% of the total shares authorized for repurchase, for a total cost of approximately $20 million. In 2004, the stock repurchase plan was funded from increased borrowings on the revolving credit facility.cash flow from operations. No treasury shares have been delivered or sold by the Company subsequent to the repurchase.

 

Purchase Rights

 

On January 21, 1991, the Board of Directors adopted the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each outstanding share of Common Stock. On December 8, 2000, the rights agreement for the plan was amended and restated to extend the term of the plan to 2010 and to make other changes. Each right becomes exercisable, at a price of $55, when any person or group has acquired or made a tender or exchange offer for beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Each right entitles the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Junior Preferred Stock). After a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% of the Common Stock, each right entitles the holder to purchase Common Stock or other property having a market value (as defined in the plan) of twice the exercise price of the right. An exception to this triggering event applies in the case of a tender or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock determined to be fair and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders by a majority of the independent directors. Under certain circumstances, the Board of Directors may opt to exchange one share of Common Stock for each exercisable

right. If there is a 15% holder and the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination in which it is not the survivor, or 50% or more of the Company’s assets or earning power are sold or transferred, each right entitles the holder to purchase common stock of the acquiring company with a market value (as defined in the plan) equal to twice the exercise price of each right. At December 31, 20032004 there were no shares of Junior Preferred Stock issued or outstanding.

 

The rights expire on January 21, 2010, and may be redeemed by the Company for $0.01 per right at any time before a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% of the Common Stock.

 

- 79 -


11. Financial Instruments

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. The Company uses available marketing data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. This disclosure is presented in accordance with SFAS 107,“Disclosures “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and does not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Long-Term Debt

 

  December 31, 2003

  December 31, 2002

  December 31, 2004

  December 31, 2003

(In thousands)


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


  Carrying
Amount


  Estimated
Fair Value


Debt

                        

7.19% Notes

  $100,000  $113,673  $100,000  $113,591  $80,000  $87,770  $100,000  $113,673

7.26% Notes

   75,000   87,345   75,000   84,231   75,000   85,849   75,000   87,345

7.36% Notes

   75,000   87,770   75,000   86,461   75,000   87,111   75,000   87,770

7.46% Notes

   20,000   24,214   20,000   23,322   20,000   23,804   20,000   24,214

Credit Facility

   —     —     95,000   95,000   —     —     —     —  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  $270,000  $313,002  $365,000  $402,605  $250,000  $284,534  $270,000  $313,002
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

The fair value of long-term debt is the estimated cost to acquire the debt, including a premium or discount for the difference between the issue rate and the year-endyear end market rate. The fair value of the 7.19% Notes, the 7.26% Notes, the 7.36% Notes and the 7.46% Notes is based on interest rates currently available to the Company. The Credit Facility approximates fair value because this instrument bears interest at rates based on current market rates.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

 

The Company periodically enters into derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas and crude oil production. At December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had 3215 cash flow hedges open: 157 natural gas price collar arrangements, one crude oil collar arrangement and 177 natural gas price swap arrangements. Additionally, the Company had fourtwo crude oil financial instruments and one natural gas financial instrument open at December 31, 2003,2004, that did not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. At December 31, 2003,2004, a $33.9$28.8 million ($21.017.8 million net of tax) unrealized loss was recorded to Other Comprehensive Income, along with a $39.6$38.4 million derivative liability and a $1.2$2.9 million derivative receivable. The change in derivativethe fair value forof derivatives designated as hedges that is effective is initially recorded to Other Comprehensive Income. The ineffective portion, if any, of the currentchange in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges, and prior periods have been includedthe changes in fair value of all other derivatives is recorded currently in earnings as a component of Natural Gas Production and Crude Oil and Condensate revenue, as appropriate.

 

The following table summarizes the realized and unrealized impact of derivative activity reflected in the respective line item in Operating Revenues.

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

 
  2003

 2002

 2001

  2004

 2003

 2002

 
  Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

  Unrealized

(In thousands)


  Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 Realized

 Unrealized

 

Operating Revenues -Increase / (Decrease) to Revenue

Operating Revenues -Increase / (Decrease) to Revenue

 

       

Natural Gas Production

  $(48,829) $(1,468) $(574) $(1,683) $33,840  $177  $(55,008) $914  $(48,829) $(1,468) $(574) $(1,683)

Crude Oil

  $(3,963) $(1,879) $(5,202) $(693) $—    $—     (17,908)  (2,917)  (3,963)  (1,879)  (5,202)  (693)

Assuming no change in commodity prices, after December 31, 20032004 the Company would reclassify to earnings, over the next 12 months, $20.3$17.8 million in after-tax expenditures associated with commodity derivatives. This reclassification represents the net liability associated with open positions currently not reflected in earnings at December 31, 20032004 related to anticipated 20042005 production.

 

- 80 -


Hedges on Production - Swaps

 

From time to time, the Company enters into natural gas and crude oil swap agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of ourits production. These derivatives are not held for trading purposes. Under these price swaps, the Company receives a fixed price on a notional quantity of natural gas and crude oil in exchange for paying a variable price based on a market-based index, such as the NYMEX gas and crude oil futures. Under the Company’s Revolving Credit Agreement, the aggregate level of commodity hedging must not exceed 80%100% of the anticipated future equivalent production during the period covered by thethese cash flow hedges. During 2003,2004, natural gas price swaps covered 34,80629,617 Mmcf, or 48%41% of ourthe Company’s gas production, fixing the sales price of this gas at an average of $4.49$5.04 per Mcf.

 

At December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had open natural gas price swap contracts covering our 2004 andits 2005 production as follows:

 

  Natural Gas Price Swaps

  Natural Gas Price Swaps

 

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  

Weighted

Average

Contract Price


  

Unrealized

Loss

(In Thousands)


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Contract Price


  Unrealized
Gain /(Loss)
(In thousands)


 

As of December 31, 2003

         

As of December 31, 2004

         

Natural Gas Price Swaps on Production in:

                  

First Quarter 2004

  8,017  $5.17   

Second Quarter 2004

  7,148   4.99   

Third Quarter 2004

  7,226   4.99   

Fourth Quarter 2004

  7,226   4.99   
  
  

  

Full Year 2004

  29,617  $5.04  $24,610

First Quarter 2005

  2,510  $5.13     5,069  $5.14   

Second Quarter 2005

  2,537   5.13     5,125   5.14   

Third Quarter 2005

  2,565   5.13     5,181   5.14   

Fourth Quarter 2005

  2,565   5.13     5,181   5.14   
  
  

  

  
  

  


Full Year 2005

  10,177  $5.13  $2,284  20,556  $5.14  $(27,897)

 

From time to time the Company enters into natural gas and crude oil derivative arrangements that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. These financial instruments are recorded at fair value at the balance sheet date. At December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had fourtwo open crude oil swap arrangements and one natural gas swap arrangement with an unrealized net loss of $2.6$5.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, recognized in Operating Revenues.

 

- 81 -


Hedges on Production - Options

 

Throughout 2002 and 2003,From time to time, the Company believed that the pricing environment provided a strategic opportunity to significantly reduce the price risk on a portion of our production through the use ofenters into natural gas and crude oil collars.collar agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of its production. These cash flow hedges are not held for trading purposes. Under the collar arrangements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, the Company pays the counterparty. If the index falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays the Company.

During 2003,2004, natural gas price collars covered 16,13622,954 Mmcf of the Company’s gas production, or 22%32% of the Company’s gas production with a weighted average floor of $4.46$4.78 per Mcf and a weighted average ceiling of $5.41$6.06 per Mcf. Additionally, during 2003, the Company had crude oil price collars which covered 362 Mbbls, or 25% of the Company’s production, with a weighted average floor of $24.75 per bbl and a weighted average ceiling of $28.86 per bbl. These crude oil contracts expired in June 2003.

At December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had open natural gas price collar contracts covering our 2004 andits 2005 production as follows:

 

   Natural Gas Price Collars

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling / Floor


  

Unrealized
Loss

(In Thousands)


As of December 31, 2003

           

Natural Gas Price Collars on Production in:

           

First Quarter 2004

  8,835  $6.55 / $5.36    

Second Quarter 2004

  4,672  $5.75 / $4.41    

Third Quarter 2004

  4,723  $5.75 / $4.41    

Fourth Quarter 2004

  4,723  $5.75 / $4.41    
   
  

  

Full Year 2004

  22,953  $6.06 / $4.78  $7,447

First Quarter 2005

  826  $5.45 / $4.90    

Second Quarter 2005

  836  $5.45 / $4.90    

Third Quarter 2005

  845  $5.45 / $4.90    

Fourth Quarter 2005

  845  $5.45 / $4.90    
   
  

  

Full Year 2005

  3,352  $5.45 / $4.90  $767
   Natural Gas Price Collars

 

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mmcf


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling /Floor


  Unrealized
Gain / (Loss)
(In thousands)


 

As of December 31, 2004

            

First Quarter 2005

  4,982  $9.09 /$6.16     

Second Quarter 2005

  3,367   8.38 /  5.30     

Third Quarter 2005

  3,404   8.38 /  5.30     

Fourth Quarter 2005

  3,404   8.38 /  5.30     
   
  

  


Full Year 2005

  15,157  $8.61 /$5.59  $(2,500)

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company2004, we had noone open crude oil price collar arrangements to cover future production.contract covering our 2005 production as follows:

   Crude Oil Price Collar

Contract Period


  Volume
in
Mbbl


  Weighted
Average
Ceiling /Floor


  Unrealized
Gain /(Loss)
(In thousands)


As of December 31, 2004

           

First Quarter 2005

  90  $50.50 /$40.00    

Second Quarter 2005

  91   50.50 /  40.00    

Third Quarter 2005

  92   50.50 /  40.00    

Fourth Quarter 2005

  92   50.50 /  40.00    
   
  

  

Full Year 2005

  365  $50.50 /$40.00  $454

 

The Company is exposed to market risk on these open contracts, to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and oil. However, the market risk exposure on these hedged contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity that is hedged.

Adoption of SFAS 133

The Company adopted SFAS 133 on January 1, 2001. Under SFAS 133, the fair value of each derivative instrument is recorded as either an asset or liability on the balance sheet. At the end of each period, these instruments are marked-to-market. The gain or loss on the change in fair value is recorded as Other Comprehensive Income, a component of equity, to the extent that the derivative instrument is an effective hedge. Under SFAS 133, effectiveness is a measurement of how closely correlated the hedge instrument is with the underlying physical sale. For example, a natural gas price swap that converts Henry Hub index to a fixed price would be perfectly correlated, and 100% effective, if the underlying gas were sold at the Henry Hub index. Any portion of the gains or losses that are considered ineffective under the SFAS 133 test are recorded immediately as a component of operating revenue on the statement of operations.

 

Credit Risk

 

Although notional contract amounts are used to express the volume of natural gas price agreements, the amounts that can be subject to credit risk in the event of non-performance by third parties are substantially smaller. The Company does not anticipate any material impact on its financial results due to non-performance by the third parties.

 

In 2003,2004, approximately 11% of the Company’s total sales were made to one customer. In 2003 and 2002, approximately 11% and 14%, respectively, of the Company’sour total sales were made to one customer. In 2002, this customer operated certain properties in which the Company haswe have interests in the Gulf Coast and purchased all of the production from these wells. This customer would resell the natural gas and oil to third parties with whom the Companywe would deal directly if the customer either ceased to exist or stopped buying itsour portion of the production. In 2001 the Company had no sales to any customer that exceeded 10% of its total gross revenues.

- 82 -


12. Adoption of SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement ObligationsObligations”

 

Effective January 1, 2003 the Company adopted SFAS 143,“Accounting “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Subsequently, the asset retirement cost is allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the assets useful life. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in an increase of total liabilities because additional retirement obligations are required to be recognized, an increase in the recognized cost of assets because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and an increase in operating expense because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. However, liabilities will also be recorded for meter stations, pipelines, processing plants and compressors. At December 31, 20032004 there are no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. The Company recorded a net-of-tax charge for the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle loss, in January of 2003, of approximately $6.8 million ($11.0 million before tax) and recorded a retirement obligation of approximately $35.2 million. There will be no impact on the Company’s cash flows as a result of adopting SFAS 143.

 

Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 143, there has been no significant current period activity with respect to additional retirement liabilities, settled liabilities, and revisions of estimated cash flows. Additional retirement obligations increase the liability associated with new oil and gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred. Accretion expense for the year-endedyear ended December 31, 2004 was $1.7 million. Accretion expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $2.1 million.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared to give effect totable reflects the adoptionchanges of the asset retirement obligations during the current period.

(In thousands)

 

    

Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2003

  $36,848 

Liabilities added during the current period

   2,316 

Liabilities settled during the current period

   (520)

Current period accretion expense

   1,731 

Revisions to estimated cash flows

   —   
   


Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2004

  $40,375 
   


If SFAS 143 as if it had been adopted on January 1, 2002, pro forma net income would have been approximately $15.1 million, pro forma basic earnings per share would have been $0.48 and January 1, 2001.pro forma diluted earnings per share would have been $0.47. These pro forma figures are unaudited.

   Year Ended December 31,

   2003

  2002

  2001

   (In Thousands)
   (Except Per Share Amounts)

Net Income

  $21,132  $15,077  $46,171
   

  

  

Per Share - Basic

  $0.66  $0.48  $1.52

Per Share - Diluted

  $0.65  $0.47  $1.50

 

13. Other Revenue

Section 29 Tax Credits

 

Other revenue includes income generated from the monetization of the value of Section 29 tax credits (monetized credits) from most of the Company’s qualifying EasternEast and Rocky Mountains properties. Due to the repurchase of theseThe tax credit wells were repurchased in December 2002 there wasand no monetization revenue realizedtax credits were generated in 2003.2003 or 2004 as the credits expired in 2002. Revenue from these monetized credits was $2.0 million in 2002 and 2001.2002. The production, revenues, expenses and proved reserves for these properties was reported by the Company as Other Revenue until the credits were repurchased in December 2002. In this repurchase transaction, the Company acquired 26 Bcfe for $7 million, or $0.27 per Mcfe. The effective date of the repurchase was December 31, 2002.

 

14. Acquisition of Cody Company

In August 2001, the Company acquired the stock of Cody Company, the parent of Cody Energy LLC (Cody acquisition) for $231.2 million consisting of $181.3 million of cash and 1,999,993 shares of common stock valued at $49.9 million. Substantially all of the proved reserves of Cody Company are located in the onshore Gulf Coast region. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. As such, the Company reflected the assets and liabilities acquired at fair value in the Company’s balance sheet effective August 1, 2001 and the results of operations of Cody Company beginning August 1, 2001. The Company recorded a purchase price of approximately $315.6 million, which was allocated to specific assets and liabilities based on certain estimates of fair value resulting in approximately $302.4- 83 -

million allocated to property and $13.2 million allocated to working capital items. The remaining $78.0 million of the recorded purchase price reflected a non-cash item pertaining to the deferred income taxes attributable to the differences between the tax basis and the fair value of the acquired oil and gas properties, and acquisition related fees and costs of $6.4 million.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed income statement information for the year ended December 31, 2001 has been prepared to give effect to the Cody acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2001.

(In Thousands)


  2001

Revenues

  $505,528

Net Income

  $54,513

Per share - Basic

  $1.75

Per share - Diluted

  $1.73

As part of the Cody acquisition, the Company acquired an interest in certain oil and gas properties in the Kurten field, as general partner of a partnership and as an operator. Prior to the liquidation of the partnership and the divestiture of the Company’s interest in the field, it had an interest of approximately 25%, including a one percent interest in the partnership. The liquidation and divestiture was effective July 31 and November 1, respectively, of 2003. The divestiture yielded proceeds of $7.6 million and resulted in a pre-tax gain of $1.8 million. Under the partnership agreement, the Company had the right to a reversionary working interest that would have brought its ultimate interest to 50% upon the limited partner reaching payout. Under the partnership agreement, the limited partner had the option to trigger a liquidation of the partnership. Effective February 13, 2003, the Kurten partnership commenced liquidation at the limited partner’s election. In connection with the liquidation, an appraisal was obtained to allocate the interest in the partnership assets. Based on the receipt of the appraisal in February 2003, the Company would not receive the reversionary interest as part of the liquidation. Due to the impact of the loss of the reversionary interest on future estimated net cash flows of the Kurten field, the limited partners decision and the Company’s decision to proceed with the liquidation, it performed an impairment review which resulted in an after-tax charge of approximately $54.4 million. This impairment charge is reflected in the 2003 Statement of Operations as an operating expense but did not impact the Company’s cash flows.


15.14. Earnings per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (the denominator). Diluted EPS is similarly calculated using the treasury stock method except that the denominator is increased to reflect the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options and stock awards outstanding at the end of the applicable period were exercised for common stock.

 

The following is a calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2004, 2003 2002 and 2001:2002:

 

  December 31,

  December 31,

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Shares - basic

  32,049,664  31,736,975  30,275,906  32,488,336  32,049,664  31,736,975

Dilution effect of stock options and awards at end of period

  240,621  338,972  408,361  404,198  240,621  338,972
  
  
  
  
  
  

Shares - diluted

  32,290,285  32,075,947  30,684,267  32,892,534  32,290,285  32,075,947
  
  
  
  
  
  

Stock awards and shares excluded from diluted earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive effect

  965,777  1,174,507  913,310  —    965,777  1,174,507
  
  
  
  
  
  

15. Subsequent Event-Stock Split

On February 28, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had declared a 3-for-2 split on the Company’s Common Stock in the form of a stock distribution. The stock dividend will be distributed on March 31, 2005 to shareholders of record on March 18, 2005. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, the Company will pay cash based on the closing price of the Common stock on the record date. The pro forma effect on the December 31, 2004 balance sheet is to reduce Additional Paid-in-Capital by $1.6 million and increase Common Stock by $1.6 million. Common shares outstanding, giving retroactive effect to the stock split at December 31, 2004 and 2003 would have been 48.6 million and 48.4 million, respectively. Pro forma earnings per share, giving retrospective effect to the stock split is as follows:

   December 31,

   2004

  2003

  2002

Basic Earnings per Share – as reported (pre-stock split)

  $2.72  $0.66  $0.51

Basic Earnings per Share – pro forma (post-stock split)

   1.81   0.44   0.34

Diluted Earnings per Share – as reported (pre-stock split)

   2.69   0.65   0.50

Diluted Earnings per Share – pro forma (post-stock split)

   1.79   0.43   0.33

- 84 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Oil and Gas Reserves

 

Users of this information should be aware that the process of estimating quantities of “proved” and “proved developed” natural gas and crude oil reserves is very complex, requiring significant subjective decisions in the evaluation of all available geological, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. The data for a given reservoir may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. As a result, revisions to existing reserve estimates may occur from time to time. Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure that reserve estimates reported represent the most accurate assessments possible, the subjective decisions and variances in available data for various reservoirs make these estimates generally less precise than other estimates included in the financial statement disclosures.

 

Proved reserves represent estimated quantities of natural gas, crude oil and condensate that geological and engineering data demonstrate, with reasonable certainty, to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under economic and operating conditions in effect when the estimates were made.

 

Proved developed reserves are proved reserves expected to be recovered through wells and equipment in place and under operating methods used when the estimates were made.

 

Estimates of proved and proved developed reserves at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 were based on studies performed by the Company’s petroleum engineering staff. The estimates were reviewed by Miller and Lents, Ltd., who indicated in their letter dated February 9, 2004,7, 2005, that based on their investigation and subject to the limitations described in their letter, they believe the results of those estimates and projections were reasonable in the aggregate.

 

No major discovery or other favorable or unfavorable event after December 31, 2003,2004, is believed to have caused a material change in the estimates of proved or proved developed reserves as of that date.

 

The following table illustrates the Company’s net proved reserves, including changes, and proved developed reserves for the periods indicated, as estimated by the Company’s engineering staff.

 

  Natural Gas

   Natural Gas

 
  December 31,   December 31,

 

(Millions of cubic feet)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Proved Reserves

      

Beginning of Year

  1,060,959  1,036,004  959,222   1,069,484  1,060,959  1,036,004 

Revisions of Prior Estimates

  (6,122) 14,405  (44,266)  (7,850) (6,122) 14,405 

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  105,497  64,945  99,911   140,986  105,497  64,945 

Production

  (71,906) (73,670) (69,162)  (72,833) (71,906) (73,670)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  1,590  26,262  91,290   5,384  1,590  26,262 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (20,534) (6,987) (991)  (1,090) (20,534) (6,987)
  

 

 

  

 

 

End of Year

  1,069,484  1,060,959  1,036,004   1,134,081  1,069,484  1,060,959 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Proved Developed Reserves

  812,280  819,412  804,646   857,834  812,280  819,412 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Percentage of Reserves Developed

  76.0% 77.2% 77.7%  75.6% 76.0% 77.2%
  

 

 

  

 

 

   Liquids

 
   December 31, 

(Thousands of barrels)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Proved Reserves

          

Beginning of Year

  18,393  19,684  9,914 

Revisions of Prior Estimates

  307  1,871  254 

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  1,723  851  2,257 

Production

  (2,846) (2,909) (1,996)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  —    261  9,255 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  (5,474) (1,365) —   
   

 

 

End of Year

  12,103  18,393  19,684 
   

 

 

Proved Developed Reserves

  9,405  13,267  15,328 
   

 

 

Percentage of Reserves Developed

  77.7% 72.1% 77.9%
   

 

 

- 85 -


   Liquids

 
   December 31,

 

(Thousands of barrels)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Proved Reserves

          

Beginning of Year

  12,103  18,393  19,684 

Revisions of Prior Estimates

  185  307  1,871 

Extensions, Discoveries and Other Additions

  1,074  1,723  851 

Production

  (2,002) (2,846) (2,909)

Purchases of Reserves in Place

  24  —    261 

Sales of Reserves in Place

  —    (5,474) (1,365)
   

 

 

End of Year

  11,384  12,103  18,393 
   

 

 

Proved Developed Reserves

  8,652  9,405  13,267 
   

 

 

Percentage of Reserves Developed

  76.0% 77.7% 72.1%
   

 

 

 

Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities

 

The following table illustrates the total amount of capitalized costs relating to natural gas and crude oil producing activities and the total amount of related accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization.

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  December 31,

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Aggregate Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities

  $1,732,236  $1,704,746  $1,632,101  $1,933,848  $1,732,236  $1,704,746

Aggregate Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

  $837,060  $750,857  $651,657   940,447   837,060   750,857

 

Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Activities

 

Costs incurred in property acquisition, exploration and development activities were as follows:

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Property Acquisition Costs, Proved(1)

  $1,524  $8,799  $245,079  $3,953  $1,524  $8,799

Property Acquisition Costs, Unproved(1)

   14,056   4,869   21,116   18,250   14,056   4,869

Exploration and Extension Well Costs(2)(1)

   83,147   52,012   91,261   85,415   83,147   52,012

Development Costs

   77,006   55,165   90,246   136,311   77,006   55,165
  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Costs

  $175,733  $120,845  $447,702  $243,929  $175,733  $120,845
  

  

  

  

  

  


(1)Excludes the $78.0 million deferred tax gross-up on the Cody acquisition in 2001.
(2)Includes administrative exploration costs of $11,354, $10,582, $8,942, and $9,831$8,942 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and 2001, respectively. These costs are excluded from the Company’s calculation of reserve replacement costs.

- 86 -


Historical Results of Operations from Oil and Gas Producing Activities

 

The results of operations for the Company’s oil and gas producing activities were as follows:

 

  Year Ended December 31,

  Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2004

  2003

  2002

Operating Revenues

  $404,503  $280,379  $339,064  $439,988  $404,503  $280,379

Costs and Expenses

                  

Production

   77,315   63,823   58,382   84,015   77,315   63,823

Other Operating

   20,090   21,731   22,656   27,787   20,090   21,731

Exploration(1)

   58,119   40,167   71,165   48,130   58,119   40,167

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   195,659   102,086   89,286   114,906   195,659   102,086
  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Costs and Expenses

   351,183   227,807   241,489   274,838   351,183   227,807
  

  

  

  

  

  

Income Before Income Taxes

   53,320   52,572   97,575   165,150   53,320   52,572

Provision for Income Taxes

   18,662   18,400   34,151   60,361   18,662   18,400
  

  

  

  

  

  

Results of Operations

  $34,658  $34,172  $63,424  $104,789  $34,658  $34,172
  

  

  

  

  

  


(1)Includes administrative exploration costs of $11,354, $10,582, $8,942, and $9,831$8,942 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and 2001, respectively. These costs are excluded from the Company’s calculation of reserve replacement costs.

 

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

 

The following information has been developed utilizing SFAS 69,“Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities”, procedures and based on natural gas and crude oil reserve and production volumes estimated by the Company’s engineering staff. It can be used for some comparisons, but should not be the only method used to evaluate the Company or its performance. Further, the information in the following table may not represent realistic assessments of future cash flows, nor should the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows be viewed as representative of the current value of the Company.

 

The Company believes that the following factors should be taken into account when reviewing the following information:

 

Future costs and selling prices will probably differ from those required to be used in these calculations.

 

Due to future market conditions and governmental regulations, actual rates of production in future years may vary significantly from the rate of production assumed in the calculations.

 

Selection of a 10% discount rate is arbitrary and may not be a reasonable measure of the relative risk that is part of realizing future net oil and gas revenues.

 

Future net revenues may be subject to different rates of income taxation.

 

Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows were estimated by applying year-endyear end oil and gas prices adjusted for fixed and determinable escalations to the estimated future production of year-endyear end proved reserves.

 

The average prices related to proved reserves at December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 for natural gas ($ per Mcf) were $6.26, $5.96, $4.41, and $2.65,$4.41, respectively, and for oil ($ per Bbl) were $41.24, $30.94, $30.39, and $18.56,$30.39, respectively. Future cash inflows were reduced by estimated future development and production costs based on year-endyear end costs to arrive at net cash flow before tax. Future income tax expense was computed by applying year-endyear end statutory tax rates to future pretax net cash flows, less the tax basis of the properties involved. SFAS 69 requires the use of a 10% discount rate.

 

Management does not use only the following information when making investment and operating decisions. These decisions are based on a number of factors, including estimates of probable as well as proved reserves, and varying price and cost assumptions considered more representative of a range of anticipated economic conditions.

- 87 -


Standardized Measure is as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2003 (1)

  2002 (1)

  2001 (1)

 

Future Cash Inflows

  $6,742,214  $5,236,349  $3,107,668 

Future Production Costs

   (1,390,398)  (1,137,615)  (823,988)

Future Development Costs

   (310,923)  (284,165)  (266,833)
   


 


 


Future Net Cash Flows Before Income Taxes

   5,040,893   3,814,569   2,016,847 

10% Annual Discount for Estimated Timing of Cash Flows

   (2,844,855)  (2,098,669)  (1,065,747)
   


 


 


Standardized Measure of Discounted Future

             

Net Cash Flows Before Income Taxes

   2,196,038   1,715,900   951,100 

Future Income Tax Expenses, Net of 10% Annual Discount(2)

   (716,630)  (460,547)  (185,074)
   


 


 


Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

  $1,479,408  $1,255,353  $766,026 
   


 


 



(1)Includes the future cash inflows, production costs and development costs, as well as the tax basis, related to the properties.
(2)Future income taxes before discount were $1,800,519, $1,195,082, and $558,085 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2004

  2003

  2002

 

Future Cash Inflows

  $7,561,728  $6,742,214  $5,236,349 

Future Production Costs

   (1,577,787)  (1,390,398)  (1,137,615)

Future Development Costs

   (396,431)  (310,923)  (284,165)

Future Income Tax Expenses

   (2,009,644)  (1,800,519)  (1,195,082)
   


 


 


Future Net Cash Flows

   3,577,866   3,240,374   2,619,487 

10% Annual Discount for Estimated Timing of Cash Flows

   (1,997,509)  (1,760,966)  (1,364,134)
   


 


 


Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

  $1,580,357  $1,479,408  $1,255,353 
   


 


 


 

Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

 

The following is an analysis of the changes in the Standardized Measure:

 

  Year Ended December 31,

   Year Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)


  2003

 2002

 2001

   2004

 2003

 2002

 

Beginning of Year

  $1,255,353  $766,026  $2,409,832   $1,479,408  $1,255,353  $766,026 

Discoveries and Extensions, Net of Related Future Costs

   235,079   112,269   100,084 

Net Changes in Prices and Production Costs(1)

   475,026   703,874   (2,545,349)

Discoveries and Extensions,

   

Net of Related Future Costs

   321,026   235,079   112,269 

Net Changes in Prices and Production Costs

   (17,976)  475,026   703,874 

Accretion of Discount

   171,590   95,110   353,625    219,604   171,590   95,110 

Revisions of Previous Quantity Estimates, Timing and Other

   (35,691)  51,944   (358,134)   (46,115)  (35,691)  51,944 

Development Costs Incurred

   27,529   20,516   26,158    32,940   27,529   20,516 

Sales and Transfers, Net of Production Costs

   (330,800)  (216,555)  (280,682)   (357,939)  (330,800)  (216,555)

Net Purchases (Sales) of Reserves in Place

   (62,596)  (2,357)  119,149    10,853   (62,596)  (2,357)

Net Change in Income Taxes

   (256,082)  (275,474)  941,343    (61,444)  (256,082)  (275,474)
  


 


 


  


 


 


End of Year

  $1,479,408  $1,255,353  $766,026   $1,580,357  $1,479,408  $1,255,353 
  


 


 


  


 


 


- 88 -


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

SELECTED DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


  First

 Second

  Third

  Fourth

  Total

  First

 Second

  Third

  Fourth

  Total

2004

            

Operating Revenues

  $136,604  $119,742  $119,423  $154,639  $530,408

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties

   —     —     3,458   —     3,458

Operating Income

   36,090   36,439   34,278   53,846   160,653

Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   19,011   19,318   17,822   32,227   88,378

Net Income

   19,011   19,318   17,822   32,227   88,378

Basic Earnings per Share

-Before Accounting Change

  $0.59  $0.59  $0.55  $0.99  $2.72

Diluted Earnings per Share

-Before Accounting Change

  $0.58  $0.59  $0.54  $0.98  $2.69

Basic Earnings per Share

  $0.59  $0.59  $0.55  $0.99  $2.72

Diluted Earnings per Share

  $0.58  $0.59  $0.54  $0.98  $2.69

2003

                        

Operating Revenues

  $135,916  $126,756  $125,471  $121,248  $509,391  $135,916  $126,756  $125,471  $121,248  $509,391

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   87,926   —     5,870   —     93,796

Operating Income

   (46,691)  34,850   43,630   34,798   66,587

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties

   87,926   —     5,870   —     93,796

Operating Income (Loss)

   (46,691)  34,850   43,630   34,798   66,587

Income (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   (32,376)  17,904   23,220   19,231   27,979

Net Income (Loss)(1)

   (39,223)  17,904   23,220   19,231   21,132   (39,223)  17,904   23,220   19,231   21,132

Basic Earnings per Share(1)

  $(1.23) $0.56  $0.73  $0.60  $0.66

Diluted Earnings per Share(1)

  $(1.23) $0.55  $0.73  $0.60  $0.65

2002

            

Operating Revenues

  $75,073  $89,584  $85,549  $103,550  $353,756

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   1,063   —     —     1,657   2,720

Operating Income (Loss)

   4,996   9,850   15,111   19,131   49,088

Net Income (Loss)

   (798)  2,121   6,125   8,655   16,103

Basic Earnings per Share

  $(0.03) $0.07  $0.19  $0.27  $0.51

Diluted Earnings per Share

  $(0.03) $0.07  $0.19  $0.27  $0.50

Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share

-Before Accounting Change(1)

  $(1.02) $0.56  $0.73  $0.60  $0.87

Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share

-Before Accounting Change(1)

  $(1.02) $0.55  $0.73  $0.60  $0.87

Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share(1)

  $(1.23) $0.56  $0.73  $0.60  $0.66

Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share(1)

  $(1.23) $0.55  $0.73  $0.60  $0.65

(1)Net income reported in Form 10-Q as of September 30, 2003 has been revised to reflect the reversal of the adoption of SFAS 150. This reversal resulted in an increase of $0.6 million or $0.02 per common and diluted share for the three months then ended.

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

- 89 -


ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

As of the end of December 31, 2003,2004, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

There have beenwere no significant changes in the Company’s internal controlscontrol over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in other factors that could significantly affectaccordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls subsequentcontrol over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the daterisk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the Company carried out its evaluation.degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm has audited management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 as stated in their report which appears herein. This report appears on page 50.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

PART III

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The information under the caption “Election of Directors”, “Audit Committee” and “Code of Business Conduct” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 20042005 annual stockholders’ meeting is incorporated by reference.

- 90 -


ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 20042005 annual stockholders’ meeting is incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information under the captions “Beneficial Ownership of Over Five Percent of Common Stock”, “Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers”, and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 20042005 annual stockholders’ meeting is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

None.

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information under the caption “Fees Billed by Independent Registered Public AccountantsAccounting Firm for Services in 2003 and 2002” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 20042005 annual stockholders’ meeting is incorporated by reference.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

A. INDEX

 

1. Consolidated Financial Statements

1.Consolidated Financial Statements

 

See Index on page 43.49.

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules

2.Financial Statement Schedules

 

None.

- 91 -


3. Exhibits

 

The following instruments are included as exhibits to this report. Those exhibits below incorporated by reference herein are indicated as such by the information supplied in the parenthetical thereafter. If no parenthetical appears after an exhibit, copies of the instrument have been included herewith.

 

Exhibit

Number


 

Description


3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company amended September 6, 2001 (Form 10-K for 2001).
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (Form 8-K for July 2, 2002).
3.4 Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Form 8-K for July 2, 2002).
4.1 Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
4.2 Certificate of Designation for Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Form 10-K for 1994).
4.3 Rights Agreement dated as of March 28, 1991, between the Company and The First National Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A the form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Form 8-A, File No. 1-10477).
  

(a)    Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement dated February 24, 1994 (Form 10-K for 1994).

  

(b)    Amendment No. 2 to the Rights Agreement dated December 8, 2000 (Form 8-K for December 21, 2000).

4.4 Certificate of Designation for 6% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (Form 10-K for 1994).
4.5 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 1995, among the Company, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, as agent and the banks named therein.
  

(a)    Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated September 15, 1995 (Form 10-K for 1995).

  

(b)    Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated December 24, 1996 (Form 10-K for 1996).

4.7 Note Purchase Agreement dated November 14, 1997, among the Company and the purchasers named therein (Form 10-K for 1997).
4.8 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 26, 2001 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers listed therein (Form 8-K for August 30, 2001).
4.9 Credit Agreement dated as of October 28, 2002 among the Company, the Banks Parties Hereto and Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

(a)    Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated December 10, 2004.

10.1 Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between the Company and Charles P. Siess, Jr. (Form 10-K for 1995).
10.2 Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and Certain Officers (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.3 Letter Agreement dated January 11, 1990, between Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
10.4 Form of Annual Target Cash Incentive Plan of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
10.5 Form of Incentive Stock Option Plan of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
  

(a) First Amendment to the Incentive Stock Option Plan (Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to S-8 dated April 26, 1993).

10.6 Form of Stock Subscription Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
10.7 Transaction Agreement between Cabot Corporation and the Company dated February 1, 1991 (Registration Statement No. 33-37455).

Exhibit
Number


Description


10.8 Tax Sharing Agreement between Cabot Corporation and the Company dated February 1, 1991 (Registration Statement No. 33-37455).
10.9 Amendment Agreement (amending the Transaction Agreement and the Tax Sharing Agreement) dated March 25, 1991 (incorporated by reference from Cabot Corporation’s Schedule 13E-4, Am. No. 6, File No. 5-30636).

- 92 -


Exhibit

Number


Description


10.10  Savings Investment Plan & Trust Agreement of the Company (Form 10-K for 1991).
   

(a)    First Amendment to the Savings Investment Plan dated May 21, 1993 (Form S-8 dated November 1, 1993).

   

(b)    Second Amendment to the Savings Investment Plan dated May 21, 1993 (Form S-8 dated November 1, 1993).

   

(c)    First through Fifth Amendments to the Trust Agreement (Form 10-K for 1995).

   

(d)    Third through Fifth Amendments to the Savings Investment Plan (Form 10-K for 1996).

10.11  Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements of the Company (Form 10-K for 1991).
10.12  Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release (Tax Issues) between Cabot Corporation and the Company dated July 7, 1992 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1992).
10.13  Agreement of Merger dated February 25, 1994, among Washington Energy Company, Washington Energy Resources Company, the Company and COG Acquisition Company (Form 10-K for 1993).
10.14  1990 Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan of the Company (Form S-8 dated June 23, 1990).
   

(a)    First Amendment to 1990 Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan (Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 dated March 7, 1994).

   

(b)    Second Amendment to 1990 Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan (Form 10-K for 1995).

10.15  Second Amended and Restated 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the Company (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.16  Second Amended and Restated 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.17  Employment Agreement between the Company and Ray R. Seegmiller dated September 25, 1995 (Form 10-K for 1995).
10.18  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and Certain Officers (Form 10-K for 1997).
10.19  Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company as Amended September 1, 2001 (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.20  Trust Agreement dated September 2000 between Harris Trust and Savings Bank and the Company (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.21  Lease Agreement between the Company and DNA COG, Ltd. dated April 24, 1998 (Form 10-K for 1998).
10.22  Credit Agreement dated as of December 17, 1998, between the Company and the banks named therein (Form 10-K for 1998).
10.23  Letter Agreement with Puget Sound Energy Company dated September 21, 1999 (Form 10-K for 1999).
10.24  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 20, 2001, among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, COG Colorado Corporation, Cody Company and the shareholders of Cody Company (Form 8-K for June 28, 2001).
   

(a)    Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 10, 2001 to the Agreement and plan of Merger, dated June 20, 2001, among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, COG Colorado Corporation, Cody Company and the shareholders of Cody Company (Form 8-K for August 30, 2001).

   

(b)    Closing Agreement dated August 16, 2001 (Form 8-K for August 30, 2001).

10.25  Employment Agreement between the Company and Dan O. Dinges dated August 29, 2001 (Form 10-K for 2001).
10.262004 Incentive Plan (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).
10.272004 Performance Award Agreement (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).
10.282004 Annual Target Cash Incentive Plan Measurement Criteria for Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (Form 8-K for February 10, 2005).
10.29Form of Restricted Stock Awards Terms and Conditions for Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (Form 8-K for February 10, 2005).
21.1  Subsidiaries of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation.
23.1  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPLLP.
23.2  Consent of Miller and Lents, Ltd.
23.3  Consent of Brown, Drew & Massey, LLP
28.1Miller and Lents, Ltd. Review LetterLLP.
31.1  302 Certification – Chairman, President and Chief Executive OfficerOfficer.
31.2  302 Certification – Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerOfficer.
32.1  906 CertificationCertification.
99.1  Miller and Lents, Ltd. Review Letter.

B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

None- 93 -


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 17th2nd of February 2004.March 2005.

 

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Dan O. Dinges


  

Dan O. Dinges

  

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/ Dan O. Dinges


Dan O. Dinges

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ Scott C. Schroeder


Scott C. Schroeder

  

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal (Principal Financial Officer)

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ Henry C. Smyth


Henry C. Smyth

  

Vice President, Controller and Treasurer

(Principal (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ Robert F. Bailey


Robert F. Bailey

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ John G. L. Cabot


John G. L. Cabot

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ James G. Floyd


James G. Floyd

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ Robert Kelley


Robert Kelley

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ C. Wayne Nance


C. Wayne Nance

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ P. Dexter Peacock


P. Dexter Peacock

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

/s/ William P. Vititoe


William P. Vititoe

  

Director

 

February 17, 2004

March 2, 2005

 

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