10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K (Y.E. 12/31/2002) Form 10-K (Y.E. 12/31/2002)
Table of Contents

2002

 


 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

Form 10-K

 

x    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

 

OR

 

¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                          to                         

 

Commission File Number:  1-10662

 


 

XTO Energy Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

75-2347769

 

810 Houston Street,
Fort Worth, Texas

 

76102

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (817) 870-2800

 

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

 

Title of Each Class


    

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered


Common Stock, $.01 par value, including preferred
stock purchase rights

    

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), 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 be 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-K.    ¨

 

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

 

Aggregate market value of the Common Stock based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 28, 2002 (the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter), held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant on that date was approximately $2,377,000,000

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 19, 2003—169,424,779

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(To The Extent Indicated Herein)

 

Part III of this Report is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Commission no later than April 30, 2003.

 



Table of Contents

 

XTO ENERGY INC.

 

2002 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item


      

Page


Part I

1. and 2.

 

Business and Properties

    

3.

 

Legal Proceedings

    

4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

    

Part II

5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

    

6.

 

Selected Financial Data

    

7.

 

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

    

7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

    

8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

    

9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

    

Part III

10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

    

11.

 

Executive Compensation

    

12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

    

13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

    

14.

 

Controls and Procedures

    

Part IV

15.

 

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

    

 


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PART I

 

Items 1. and 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

 

General

 

XTO Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries (“the Company” or “XTO”) are engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and exploration of producing oil and gas properties, and in the production, processing, marketing and transportation of oil and natural gas. The Company was formerly known as Cross Timbers Oil Company and changed its name to XTO Energy Inc. in June 2001.

 

Our corporate internet web site is www.xtoenergy.com. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor relations section of our web site, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

We have grown primarily through acquisitions of proved oil and gas reserves, followed by development and exploitation activities and strategic acquisitions of additional interests in or near such acquired properties. Growth for the next year or more is expected to be primarily internally generated and will be supplemented by incremental acquisitions. Given expected significant property divestitures by major energy, merchant energy, power generating and utility companies, larger strategic acquisitions could be made during the next year.

 

Our corporate headquarters are located in Fort Worth, Texas at 810 Houston Street (telephone 817-870-2800). Our proved reserves are principally located in relatively long-lived fields with well-established production histories concentrated in the following areas:

 

    the East Texas Basin;
    the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas and Oklahoma;
    the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado;
    the Hugoton Field of Oklahoma and Kansas;
    the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma;
    the Green River Basin of Wyoming;
    the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico;
    the Middle Ground Shoal Field of Alaska’s Cook Inlet; and
    the Colquitt, Cotton Valley, Logansport and Oaks fields of northwestern Louisiana.

 

We use the following volume abbreviations throughout this Form 10-K. “Equivalent” volumes are computed with oil and natural gas liquid quantities converted to Mcf on an energy equivalent ratio of one barrel to six Mcf.

 

–  

 

Bbl

  

Barrel (of oil or natural gas liquids)

–  

 

Bcf

  

Billion cubic feet (of natural gas)

–  

 

Bcfe

  

Billion cubic feet equivalent

–  

 

Mcf

  

Thousand cubic feet (of natural gas)

–  

 

Mcfe

  

Thousand cubic feet equivalent

–  

 

MMBtu

  

One million British Thermal Units, a common energy measurement

–  

 

Tcf

  

Trillion cubic feet (of natural gas)

–  

 

Tcfe

  

Trillion cubic feet equivalent

 

Our estimated proved reserves at December 31, 2002 were 56.3 million Bbls of oil, 2.9 Tcf of natural gas and 25.4 million Bbls of natural gas liquids, based on December 31, 2002 prices of $29.69 per Bbl for oil, $4.41 per Mcf for gas and $17.86 per Bbl for natural gas liquids. Approximately 72% of December 31, 2002 proved reserves, computed on an Mcfe basis, were proved developed reserves. Increased proved reserves during 2002 were primarily the result of acquisitions and development and exploitation activities, partially offset by production. During 2002, our daily average production was 13,033 Bbls of oil, 513,925 Mcf of gas and 5,068 Bbls of natural gas liquids. Fourth quarter 2002 daily average production was 13,024 Bbls of oil, 551,356 Mcf of gas and 5,856 Bbls of natural gas liquids.


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Our properties have relatively long reserve lives and highly predictable production profiles. Based on December 31, 2002 proved reserves and projected 2003 production, the average reserve-to-production index of our proved reserves is 14.6 years. In general, these properties have extensive production histories and production enhancement opportunities. While the properties are geographically diversified, the major producing fields are concentrated within core areas, allowing for substantial economies of scale in production and cost-effective application of reservoir management techniques gained from prior operations. As of December 31, 2002, we owned interests in 8,467 gross (4,506.6 net) wells, and we operated wells representing 93% of the present value of cash flows before income taxes (discounted at 10%) from estimated proved reserves. The high proportion of operated properties allows us to exercise more control over expenses, capital allocation and the timing of development and exploitation activities in our fields.

 

We have generated a substantial inventory of approximately 2,000 potential development drilling locations. Estimated net potential reserves associated with this inventory approach 2.9 Tcfe. Approximately one-third of these potential reserves are included in December 31, 2002 proved undeveloped reserves. Drilling plans are dependent upon product prices and the availability of drilling equipment.

 

We employ a disciplined acquisition program refined by senior management to augment our core properties and expand our reserve base. Our engineers and geologists use their expertise and experience gained through the management of existing core properties to target properties to be acquired with similar geological and reservoir characteristics.

 

We operate gas gathering systems in East Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Wyoming, the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Hugoton Field of Kansas and Oklahoma, and Major, Woods and Woodward counties, Oklahoma. We also operate gas processing plants in the Hugoton Field and the Cotton Valley Field of Louisiana. Gas gathering and processing operations are only in areas where we have production and are considered activities which add value to our natural gas production and sales operation.

 

We market our gas production and the gas output of our gathering and processing systems. A large portion of natural gas is processed and the resultant natural gas liquids are marketed by unaffiliated third parties. We use fixed price physical sales contracts and futures, forward sales contracts and other price risk management instruments to hedge pricing risks.

 

History of the Company

 

The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1990 to ultimately acquire the business and properties of predecessor entities that were created from 1986 through 1989. Our initial public offering of common stock was completed in May 1993.

 

During 1991, we formed Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by conveying a 90% net profits interest in substantially all of the royalty and overriding royalty interests then owned in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, and a 75% net profits interest in seven nonoperated working interest properties in Texas and Oklahoma. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CRT.” From 1996 to 1998, we purchased 1,360,000, or 22.7%, of the outstanding units, at a total cost of $18.7 million. The Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to two million, or 33%, of the outstanding units at a cost not to exceed $28.5 million. In June 1998, XTO and Cross Timbers Royalty Trust filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the Company’s 1,360,000 units for sale in a public offering. The registration statement was filed in anticipation of improving commodity prices and related market conditions for oil and gas equities. The registration statement was amended in June 2001. Our sale of these units is dependent upon commodity prices and related market conditions for oil and gas.

 

In December 1998, we formed the Hugoton Royalty Trust by conveying an 80% net profits interest in principally gas-producing operated working interests in the Hugoton area of Kansas and Oklahoma, the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma and the Green River Basin of Wyoming. These net profits interests were conveyed to the trust in exchange for 40 million units of beneficial interest. We sold 17 million units in the trust’s initial public offering in 1999 and 1.3 million units pursuant to an employee incentive plan in 1999 and 2000. Hugoton Royalty Trust units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HGT.”


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Industry Operating Environment

 

The oil and gas industry is affected by many factors that we generally cannot control. Governmental regulations, particularly in the areas of taxation, energy and the environment, can have a significant impact on operations and profitability. Crude oil prices are determined by global supply and demand. Oil supply is significantly influenced by production levels of OPEC member countries, while demand is largely driven by the condition of worldwide economies, as well as weather. Our natural gas prices are generally determined by North American supply and demand. Weather has a significant impact on demand for natural gas since it is a primary heating resource. Its increased use for electrical generation has kept natural gas demand elevated throughout the year, removing some of the seasonal swing in prices. See “General – Product Prices” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” regarding recent price fluctuations and their effect on our results.

 

Business Strategy

 

The primary components of our business strategy are:

 

    acquiring long-lived, operated oil and gas properties,

 

    increasing production and reserves through aggressive management of operations and through development, exploitation and exploration activities,

 

    hedging a portion of our production to stabilize cash flow and protect the return on development projects, and

 

    retaining management and technical staff that have substantial experience in the Company’s core areas.

 

Acquiring Long-Lived, Operated Properties. We seek to acquire long-lived, operated producing properties that:

 

    contain complex multiple-producing horizons with the potential for increases in reserves and production,

 

    are in core operating areas or in areas with similar geologic and reservoir characteristics, and

 

    present opportunities to reduce expenses per Mcfe through more efficient operations.

 

We believe that the properties we acquire provide opportunities to increase production and reserves through the implementation of mechanical and operational improvements, workovers, behind-pipe completions, secondary recovery operations, new development wells and other development activities. We also seek to acquire facilities related to gathering, processing, marketing and transporting oil and gas in areas where we own reserves. Such facilities can enhance profitability, reduce costs, and provide marketing flexibility and access to additional markets. The ability to successfully purchase properties is dependent upon, among other things, competition for such purchases and the availability of financing to supplement internally generated cash flow.

 

Increasing Production and Reserves. A principal component of our strategy is to increase production and reserves through aggressive management of operations and low-risk development. We believe that our principal properties possess geologic and reservoir characteristics that make them well suited for production increases through drilling and other development programs. We have generated an inventory of approximately 2,000 potential drilling locations. Additionally, we review operations and mechanical data on operated properties to determine if actions can be taken to reduce operating costs or increase production. Such actions include installing, repairing and upgrading lifting equipment, redesigning downhole equipment to improve production from different zones, modifying gathering and other surface facilities and conducting restimulations and recompletions. We may also initiate, upgrade or revise existing secondary recovery operations.


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Exploration Activities. During 2003, we plan to focus our exploration activities on projects that are near currently owned productive fields. We believe that we can prudently and successfully add growth potential through exploratory activities given improved technology, our experienced technical staff and our expanded base of operations. We have allocated approximately $20 million of our $400 million 2003 development budget for exploration activities.

 

Hedging Activities. We enter futures contracts, collars and basis swap agreements, as well as fixed price physical delivery contracts. Our policy is to routinely hedge a portion of our production at commodity prices management deems attractive. While there is a risk we may not be able to realize the benefit of rising prices, management plans to continue its hedging strategy because of the benefits provided by predictable, stable cash flow, including:

 

    Ability to more efficiently plan and execute our development program, which facilitates predictable production growth,

 

    Ability to enter long-term arrangements with drilling contractors, allowing us to continue development projects when product prices decline,

 

    More consistent returns on investment, and

 

    Better utilization of our personnel.

 

Experienced Management and Technical Staff. Most senior management and technical staff have worked together for over 20 years and have substantial experience in our core operating areas. Bob R. Simpson and Steffen E. Palko, co-founders of the Company, were previously executive officers of Southland Royalty Company, one of the largest U.S. independent oil and gas producers prior to its acquisition by Burlington Northern, Inc. in 1985.

 

Other Strategies. We may also acquire working interests in producing properties that we will not operate if such interests otherwise meet our acquisition criteria. We attempt to acquire nonoperated interests in fields where the operators have a significant interest to protect, including potential undeveloped reserves that will be exploited by the operator. We may also acquire nonoperated interests in order to ultimately accumulate sufficient ownership interests to operate the properties.

 

We also attempt to acquire a portion of our reserves as royalty interests. Royalty interests have few operational liabilities because they do not participate in operating activities and do not bear production or development costs.

 

Royalty Trusts. We have created and sold units in publicly traded royalty trusts. Sales of royalty trust units allow us to more efficiently capitalize our mature, lower growth properties. We may create and sell interests in additional royalty trusts in the future.

 

Business Goals. In December 2002, we announced our strategic goals for 2003 of increasing gas production by 15% over 2002 levels and increasing all production, including oil and natural gas liquids, by approximately 12% on an Mcfe basis. To achieve these growth targets, we plan to drill about 309 (255 net) development wells and perform approximately 385 (283 net) workovers and recompletions in 2003. Approximately 85% of these planned wells are classified as proved undeveloped reserves on our current reserve report.

 

We have budgeted $400 million for our 2003 drilling programs, which is expected to be funded by cash flow from operations. We plan to spend about 65% of the development budget in East Texas and about 20% in aggregate in the Arkoma and San Juan Basins, and the balance evenly allocated to Alaska, Permian Basin and Hugoton Royalty Trust properties. Exploration expenditures are expected to be approximately 5% of the 2003 budget. Costs of strategic property acquisitions during 2003 may reduce the amount currently budgeted for development and exploration. We may reevaluate our budget and drilling programs in the event of significant changes in oil and gas prices to focus on opportunities offering the highest rates of return and may increase our budget. Our ability to achieve these production and proved reserves goals will depend on the success of these planned drilling programs or, if property acquisitions are made in place of a portion of the drilling program, the success of those acquisitions.


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Acquisitions

 

During 1998, we acquired producing properties for a total cost of $340 million. The East Texas Basin Acquisition was the largest of these acquisitions. The purchase closed in April 1998 at a price of $245 million, which was reduced to $215 million by a $30 million production payment sold to EEX Corporation. In September 1998, we acquired oil-producing properties in the Middle Ground Shoal Field of Alaska’s Cook Inlet in exchange for 5.7 million shares of our common stock along with certain price guarantees and a non-interest bearing note payable of $6 million, resulting in a total purchase price of $45 million. We also acquired primarily gas-producing properties in northwest Oklahoma and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico for an estimated purchase price of $31 million. The 1998 acquisitions increased reserves by approximately 16.3 million Bbls of oil and 311.3 Bcf of gas.

 

In 1999, the Company and Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. acquired the common stock of Spring Holding Company, a private oil and gas company, for a combination of cash and XTO Energy’s common stock totaling $85 million. The Company and Lehman each owned 50% of a limited liability company that acquired the common stock of Spring. In September 1999, we acquired Lehman’s 50% interest in Spring for $44.3 million. This acquisition included oil and gas properties located in the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas and Oklahoma with a purchase price of $235 million. After purchase accounting adjustments and other costs, the cost of the properties was $257 million. We also acquired, with Lehman as 50% owner, Arkoma Basin properties from affiliates of Ocean Energy, Inc. for $231 million. We acquired Lehman’s interest in the Ocean Energy Acquisition in March 2000 for $111 million. The 1999 acquisitions, including Lehman’s 50% interest in the Spring and Ocean Energy acquisitions, increased reserves by approximately 2.8 million Bbls of oil and 494.7 Bcf of natural gas.

 

During 2000, we acquired oil- and gas-producing properties for a total cost of $32 million, including $11 million paid to Lehman in March 2000 in excess of our investment in the Ocean Energy Acquisition. There were no individually significant acquisitions in 2000.

 

During 2001, we acquired predominantly gas-producing properties for a total cost of $242 million. In January 2001, we acquired gas properties in East Texas and Louisiana for $115 million from Herd Producing Company, Inc., and in February 2001, we acquired gas properties in East Texas for $45 million from Miller Energy, Inc. and other owners. In August 2001, we acquired primarily underdeveloped acreage in the Freestone area of East Texas for approximately $22 million. The 2001 acquisitions increased reserves by approximately 248.3 Bcf of natural gas, approximately 50% of which were proved undeveloped.

 

During 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties for a total cost of $358.1 million. In March 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties for $20 million in the East Texas Freestone Trend. In May 2002, we acquired properties in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming for $101 million. These properties were immediately exchanged with Marathon Oil Company for properties with the same value in East Texas and Louisiana. In July, we purchased gas-producing properties in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico for $43 million and in December 2002, we purchased coalbed methane gas-producing properties located in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico for $153.8 million from J.M. Huber Corporation. The 2002 acquisitions increased reserves by approximately 449,000 Bbls of oil, 330.4 Bcf of natural gas and 2.2 million Bbls of natural gas liquids. Approximately 10% of these reserves were proved undeveloped.

 


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Significant Properties

 

The following table summarizes proved reserves and discounted present value, before income tax, of proved reserves by major operating areas at December 31, 2002:

 

    

Proved Reserves


  

Discounted

Present Value

before Income Tax

of Proved Reserves


 

(in thousands)

  

Oil (Bbls)


  

Gas (Mcf)


  

Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls)


  

Natural Gas Equivalents (Mcfe)


  

East Texas

  

4,799

  

1,518,593

  

2,793

  

1,564,145

  

$

2,688,170

  

49.2

%

Arkoma Basin

  

35

  

471,727

  

—  

  

471,937

  

 

872,659

  

16.0

%

San Juan Basin

  

1,614

  

536,132

  

22,640

  

681,656

  

 

867,613

  

15.9

%

Hugoton Royalty Trust (a)

  

2,607

  

302,158

  

—  

  

317,800

  

 

483,126

  

8.8

%

Permian Basin

  

29,796

  

33,654

  

—  

  

212,430

  

 

362,945

  

6.6

%

Alaska Cook Inlet

  

15,869

  

—  

  

—  

  

95,214

  

 

136,708

  

2.5

%

Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (b)

  

1,453

  

10,877

  

—  

  

19,595

  

 

30,587

  

0.6

%

Other

  

176

  

8,040

  

—  

  

9,096

  

 

19,490

  

0.4

%

    
  
  
  
  

  

Total

  

56,349

  

2,881,181

  

25,433

  

3,371,873

  

$

5,461,298

  

100.0

%

    
  
  
  
  

  


(a)   Includes 1,784,000 Bbls of oil and 206,856,000 Mcf of gas and discounted present value before income tax of $330,746,000 related to our ownership of approximately 54% of Hugoton Royalty Trust units at December 31, 2002. The remainder is our retained interests in the properties underlying the trust’s net profits interests.
(b)   Includes 646,000 Bbls of oil and 7,089,000 Mcf of gas and discounted present value before income tax of $18,002,000 related to our ownership of approximately 23% of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust units at December 31, 2002. The remainder is our retained interests in the properties underlying the trust’s net profits interests.

 

East Texas Area

 

We began operations in the East Texas area in 1998 with the purchase of 251 Bcfe of reserves in eight major fields. These properties are located in East Texas and northwestern Louisiana and produce primarily from the Rodessa, Travis Peak, Cotton Valley sandstone, Bossier sandstone and Cotton Valley limestone formations between 7,000 feet and 13,000 feet. Development in the East Texas area has more than doubled reserves since acquisition, and with our 2002 acquisitions, we now have an interest in more than 186,000 gross (145,000 net) acres and a current development inventory of 800 to 1,000 wells with an estimated 2.2 Tcfe of reserve potential. We own an interest in 1,221 gross (1,094.4 net) wells which we operate and 139 gross (19.7 net) wells operated by others. We also own the related gathering facilities.

 

Freestone Trend

 

The Freestone Trend area is located in the western shelf of the East Texas Basin in Freestone, Robertson, Limestone and Leon counties. This area includes the Freestone, Bald Prairie, Bear Grass, Oaks, Teague, Farrar, Dew and Luna fields and was our most active gas development area in 2002, where 130 gross (108.2 net) gas wells were drilled and ten workovers were performed. Initial development was concentrated in the Travis Peak formation, but is now focused on multi-pay development of the deeper horizons including the Cotton Valley and Bossier sandstones, and Cotton Valley limestone. A 27-mile pipeline system, completed in January 2002, connects the major fields and allows multiple exit points for marketing. Currently transporting 225,000 Mcf per day, our gathering system was increased to more than 400,000 Mcf per day. We plan to continue our expansion efforts in this area by drilling approximately 144 wells in 2003.

 

Other East Texas Fields

 

Other fields in the East Texas area include Willow Springs, Opelika, Cotton Valley, Colquitt, Tri-Cities, Whelan, North Lansing and Logansport which provide opportunities for field extensions and infill drilling. In 2002, we drilled seven wells and performed 43 workovers in these fields. In 2003, we plan to drill five wells and perform 60 workovers. As a part of our 2002 acquisition from Marathon, we acquired an interest in a Cotton Valley gas plant that we now


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operate. This plant processes approximately 2,500 Bbls of natural gas liquids per day, primarily from our own production in the surrounding wells.

 

Arkoma Basin Area

 

During 1999, we acquired 480 Bcfe of reserves and a gas gathering system in the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Arkoma Basin, discovered in the 1920s, extends from central Arkansas into southeastern Oklahoma and is known for shallow production decline rates, multiple formations and complex geology. XTO controls 40% of Arkansas production from the Arkoma Basin and is the largest natural gas producer in Arkansas with over 500,000 gross acres of leasehold. We own an interest in 918 gross (650.6 net) wells which we operate and 677 gross (122.4 net) wells operated by others. Of these wells, 150 gross (99.5 net) operated wells and 78 gross (15.1 net) nonoperated wells are dual completions. Our fault-block analysis technique has identified trapped hydrocarbons in offsetting and new reservoirs across the basin. During 2002, we drilled 54 wells and completed 136 workovers, 40 of which were stimulation/recompletions and 40 of which were wellhead compressor installations. Our properties can be separated into three distinct areas which are the Arkansas Fairway trend, the Arkansas Overthrust trend and the Oklahoma Cromwell/Atoka trend.

 

Arkansas Fairway Trend

 

The Arkansas Fairway trend comprises multiple sandstones at depths ranging from 2,500 to 7,500 feet in the Atoka and Morrow intervals. In 2002, the Orr and Hale sandstones were targets for our drilling in the Aetna, Silex and Cecil fields where 21 wells were drilled and 55 workovers were performed. Drilling was concentrated in the Aetna and Cecil fields where compression was also upgraded. In 2003, we plan to drill 31 wells.

 

Arkansas Overthrust Trend

 

The Arkansas Overthrust trend area, located south of the Arkansas Fairway trend, typically has multiple thrust faults that created isolated reservoirs. Production is found at varying depths, ranging from 3,500 to 7,500 feet, in the Chismville, Booneville and Gragg fields. This extremely complex geology requires an ongoing process to develop the best exploitation opportunities. The use of electric imaging logs has enhanced the process of identifying new well locations. In 2002, 160-acre well spacing was approved which added 30 to 40 potential well locations in the Booneville and Chismville fields. Reduced well spacing in the Gragg Field may occur in 2003. We drilled 19 wells in this area in 2002 and completed 74 workovers. In 2003, we plan to drill 13 wells.

 

Oklahoma Cromwell/Atoka Trend

 

The Oklahoma Cromwell/Atoka trend of southeastern Oklahoma was originally developed in the 1970s targeting the Cromwell sandstones, with the Atoka and Wapanuka limestones as secondary objectives. Development activities were concentrated in the Ashland and South Pine Hollow fields where 14 wells were drilled and 7 workovers were performed in 2002. In 2003, there will be approximately ten wells drilled in this area.

 

Hugoton Royalty Trust Areas

 

A substantial portion of properties in the Mid-Continent area, the Hugoton area and the Green River Basin of the Rocky Mountains are subject to an 80% net profits interest conveyed to the Hugoton Royalty Trust as of December 1998. We sold 45.7% of our Hugoton Royalty Trust units in 1999 and 2000.

 

Mid-Continent Area

 

XTO is one of the largest producers in the Major and Woodward counties, Oklahoma area of the Anadarko Basin. We operate 570 gross (493.9 net) wells and have an interest in 142 gross (37.5 net) wells operated by others. Oil and gas were first discovered in the Major County area in 1945. The fields in the Major and Woodward counties area are characterized by oil and gas production from a variety of structural and stratigraphic traps. Productive zones range from 6,500 to 9,400 feet and include the Oswego, Red Fork, Inola, Chester, Manning, Mississippian, Hunton and Arbuckle formations.


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Development in the Major County area focuses on mechanical improvements, restimulations and recompletions to shallower zones and development drilling. During 2002, we participated in the drilling of eight gross (5.5 net) wells in the northwestern portion of the county, targeting the Mississippian formation. We have budgeted six drill wells and 11 workovers in Major County for 2003. We were also very active in Woodward County, Oklahoma, where 10 gross (9.0 net) wells were drilled which targeted the Chester formation. In 2003, we plan to drill up to 12 wells and to perform as many as five workovers.

 

We operate a gathering system and pipeline in the Major County area. The gathering system collects gas from over 400 wells through 300 miles of pipeline in the Major County area. The gathering system has current throughput of approximately 19,500 Mcf per day, 70% of which is produced from Company-operated wells. Estimated capacity of the gathering system is 40,000 Mcf per day. Gas is delivered to a processing plant owned and operated by a third party, and then transmitted by a Company-operated residue pipeline to a connection with an interstate pipeline.

 

Hugoton Area

 

The Hugoton Field, discovered in 1922, covers parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas and is the largest gas field in North America with an estimated five million productive acres. XTO owns an interest in 376 gross (353.0 net) wells that we operate and 80 gross (18.8 net) wells operated by others. During 2002, development of the Hugoton area included four successful recompletions to the Towanda formation. We also continued our restimulation program in the Chase intervals by completing 33 restimulations in 2002. We plan to perform 35 Chase restimulations during 2003.

 

Approximately 75% of our Hugoton gas production is delivered to the Tyrone Plant, a gas processing plant we operate. During 1998, we completed the acquisition of approximately 70 miles of low pressure gathering lines, increasing production by 3,500 Mcf per day. During 1999 and 2000, we installed additional lateral compressors that lowered the line pressure and increased production in various areas of the Hugoton Field.

 

Green River Basin

 

The Green River Basin is located in southwestern Wyoming. We have interests in 185 gross (183.5 net) wells that we operate and 36 gross (4.2 net) wells operated by others in the Fontenelle Field area. Gas production began in the Fontenelle area in the early 1970s and the producing reservoirs are the Cretaceous-aged Frontier, Baxter and Dakota sandstones at depths ranging from 7,500 to 10,000 feet. Development potential for the fields in this area include deepening and opening new producing zones in existing wells, drilling new wells and adding compression to lower line pressures. Development activities in the Fontenelle Field were delayed for most of 2002 by pipeline limitations and price volatility. During 2003, we plan to perform five workovers and may drill up to five wells in the Green River Basin.

 

San Juan Basin Area

 

The San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado contains the second largest deposit of natural gas reserves in North America. We acquired a large portion of our interests in the San Juan Basin in December 1997 with the purchase of approximately 290 Bcfe from Amoco Corporation. In 2002, we purchased approximately 212 Bcfe from Marathon Oil Company and J. M. Huber Corporation and extended our coalbed methane operations into Colorado. We have now identified more than 400 potential drilling locations with approximately 350 Bcfe reserve potential. XTO owns an interest in 879 gross (716.3 net) wells that it operates and 830 gross (201.5 net) wells operated by others. Of these wells, 142 gross (124.8 net) operated wells and 129 gross (27.6 net) nonoperated wells are dual completions. In 2002, we participated in the drilling of 47 wells and completed 240 workovers. Drilling focused on the Fruitland Coal formation at shallow intervals of 3,000 feet or less and the Mesaverde and Dakota formations at depths of 3,000 to 7,500 feet. During 2003, we plan to drill 60 to 70 wells and perform 150 to 200 workovers and recompletions, including installation of as many as 40 wellhead compressors and 25 pumping units.

 

Fruitland Coal and Pictured Cliffs Formations

 

XTO has centered its Fruitland Coal development efforts on trend extensions. Our coalbed methane play is focused on the northwestern portion of the Basin surrounding the city of Farmington, New Mexico and in the southwestern portion of Colorado. We drilled one Fruitland Coal well in 2002 and


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plan to drill an additional 29 wells in 2003. A request to reduce current spacing of coalbed methane wells from 320 acres to 160 acres was approved by regulatory authorities in October 2002, adding more than 80 potential well locations.

 

Mesaverde and Dakota Formations

 

Eighty-acre spacing was approved in January 2002, which now allows wells to be drilled with multiple zone targets. We have identified more than 200 potential well locations that will allow deeper drilling through the Dakota to the Burro Canyon and Morrison sandstones. The reduced spacing will generate significant future development opportunities, and additional test wells are planned for 2003. In 2002, we drilled 28 Dakota and 18 Mesaverde wells. Thirty-one drill wells are planned for 2003.

 

Permian Basin Area

 

University Block 9. The University Block 9 Field is located in Andrews County, Texas and was discovered in 1953. We own interests in 79 gross (73.3 net) operated wells. Productive zones are of Wolfcamp, Pennsylvanian and Devonian age and range from 8,400 to 10,000 feet. Development potential includes proper wellbore utilization, recompletions, infill drilling and improvement of waterflood efficiency.

 

Development in 2002 focused on the Devonian, Grayburg & Wolfcamp formations. This field was one of our most active oil development areas during 2002 where XTO drilled seven wells, including four horizontal sidetrack wells. We also discovered a new shallow Grayburg producing interval. During 2003, we plan to drill up to 11 wells.

 

Prentice Field. The Prentice Field is located in Terry and Yoakum counties, Texas. Discovered in 1950, the Prentice Field produces from carbonate reservoirs in the Clear Fork and Glorieta formations at depths ranging from 6,800 to 7,700 feet. The Prentice Field has been separated into several waterflood units for secondary recovery operations. The Prentice Northeast Unit was formed in 1964 with waterflood operations commencing a year later. Development potential exists through infill drilling and improvement of waterflood efficiency. Tertiary recovery potential also exists through carbon dioxide flooding.

 

We operate the Prentice Northeast Unit, where we have a 91.6% working interest in 204 wells. We also own an interest in 81 gross (2.0 net) nonoperated wells. During 2002, we continued our 10-acre development drilling program by drilling eight gross (7.4 net) vertical wells in the Prentice Field. During 2003, we plan to continue our expansion of the potential infill area by drilling as many as eight wells.

 

Wasson Field. The Wasson Field, discovered in 1936, is located in Gaines and Yoakum counties, Texas and produces from the San Andres formation at depths ranging from 4,500 to 6,300 feet. The Cornell Unit was formed in 1965 and has development potential that exists through infill drilling and improvement of waterflood efficiency. We have a 68.4% working interest in the unit. In 2002, we drilled three 10-acre infill oil wells and one gas cap well, and in 2003 we plan to drill three oil wells and three gas cap wells in this area.

 

Alaska Cook Inlet Area

 

In September 1998, we acquired a 100% working interest in two State of Alaska leases and the offshore installations in the Middle Ground Shoal Field of the Cook Inlet. The properties included 27 wells, two operated production platforms set in 70 feet of water about seven miles offshore, and a 50% interest in certain operated production pipelines and onshore processing facilities.

 

Oil was discovered in the Cook Inlet in 1966 and, to date, more than 120 million Bbls have been produced. The field is separated into East and West flanks by a crestal fault. Waterflooding of the East Flank has been successful, but the West Flank has not been fully developed or efficiently waterflooded. Production is primarily from multiple zones within the Miocene-Oligocene-aged Tyonek formation between 7,000 feet and 10,000 feet subsea.

 

In 2002, we completed an East Flank simulation study. One East Flank and three West Flank wells were drilled in 2002. Three additional East Flank wells are planned for 2003.


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Reserves

 

The following are definitions of terms used in the following disclosures of oil and natural gas reserves:

 

Proved reserves—Estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids which, upon analysis of geologic and engineering data, appear with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in the future from known oil and gas reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

 

Proved developed reserves—Proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.

 

Proved undeveloped reserves—Proved reserves which are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required.

 

Estimated future net revenues—Also referred to herein as “estimated future net cash flows.” Computational result of applying current prices of oil and gas (with consideration of price changes only to the extent provided by existing contractual arrangements) to estimated future production from proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves.

 

Present value of estimated future net cash flows—Also referred to herein as “standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows” or “standardized measure.” Computational result of discounting estimated future net revenues at a rate of 10% annually.

 

The following are estimated quantities of proved reserves and related cash flows as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000:

 

    

December 31


(in thousands)

  

2002


  

2001


  

2000


Proved developed:

                    

Oil (Bbls)

  

 

47,178

  

 

41,231

  

 

46,334

Gas (Mcf)

  

 

2,042,661

  

 

1,452,222

  

 

1,328,953

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

  

 

19,367

  

 

14,774

  

 

16,448

Mcfe

  

 

2,441,931

  

 

1,788,252

  

 

1,705,645

Proved undeveloped:

                    

Oil (Bbls)

  

 

9,171

  

 

12,818

  

 

12,111

Gas (Mcf)

  

 

838,520

  

 

783,256

  

 

440,730

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

  

 

6,066

  

 

5,525

  

 

5,564

Mcfe

  

 

929,942

  

 

893,314

  

 

546,780

Total proved:

                    

Oil (Bbls)

  

 

56,349

  

 

54,049

  

 

58,445

Gas (Mcf)

  

 

2,881,181

  

 

2,235,478

  

 

1,769,683

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

  

 

25,433

  

 

20,299

  

 

22,012

Mcfe

  

 

3,371,873

  

 

2,681,566

  

 

2,252,425

Estimated future net cash flows:

                    

Before income tax

  

$

10,528,450

  

$

3,756,602

  

$

15,239,560

After income tax

  

$

7,384,215

  

$

2,876,728

  

$

10,291,946

Present value of estimated future net cash flows,
discounted at 10%:

                    

Before income tax

  

$

5,461,298

  

$

1,947,441

  

$

7,748,632

After income tax

  

$

3,873,585

  

$

1,522,049

  

$

5,262,030

 

Miller and Lents, Ltd., an independent petroleum engineering firm, prepared the estimates of our proved reserves and the future net cash flows (and related present value) attributable to proved reserves at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. As prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, such proved reserves were estimated using


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oil and gas prices and production and development costs as of December 31 of each such year, without escalation. Year-end 2002 average realized prices used in the estimation of proved reserves were $29.69 per Bbl for oil, $4.41 per Mcf for gas and $17.86 per Bbl for natural gas liquids. See Note 15 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding estimated proved reserves.

 

Estimated future net cash flows, and the related 10% discounted present value, of year-end 2002 proved reserves are significantly higher than at year-end 2001 because of significantly lower product prices used in the estimation of year-end 2001 proved reserves. Year-end 2001 prices were $17.39 per Bbl for oil, $2.36 per Mcf for gas and $8.70 per Bbl for natural gas liquids.

 

Uncertainties are inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond our control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating subsurface accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and the interpretation thereof. As a result, estimates by different engineers often vary, sometimes significantly. In addition, physical factors such as the results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate, as well as economic factors such as change in product prices, may justify revision of such estimates. Accordingly, oil and gas quantities ultimately recovered will vary from reserve estimates.

 

During 2002, we filed estimates of oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2001 with the U.S. Department of Energy on Form EIA-23. These estimates are consistent with the reserve data reported for the year ended December 31, 2001 in Note 15 to Consolidated Financial Statements, with the exception that Form EIA-23 includes only reserves from properties operated by the Company.

 

Exploration and Production Data

 

For the following data, “gross” refers to the total wells or acres in which we own a working interest and “net” refers to gross wells or acres multiplied by the percentage working interest owned by us. Although many wells produce both oil and gas, a well is categorized as an oil well or a gas well based upon the ratio of oil to gas production.

 

Producing Wells

 

The following table summarizes producing wells as of December 31, 2002, all of which are located in the United States:

 

    

Operated Wells


  

Nonoperated Wells


  

Total (a)


    

Gross


  

Net


  

 Gross 


  

    Net    


  

Gross


  

Net


Oil

  

613

  

538.4

  

1,824

  

122.6

  

2,437

  

661.0

Gas

  

4,097

  

3,437.4

  

1,933

  

408.2

  

6,030

  

3,845.6

    
  
  
  
  
  

Total

  

4,710

  

3,975.8

  

3,757

  

530.8

  

8,467

  

4,506.6

    
  
  
  
  
  

(a)   One gross (1.0 net) oil well and 518 gross (285.8 net) gas wells are dual completions.


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Drilling Activity

 

The following table summarizes the number of wells drilled during the years indicated. As of December 31, 2002, we were in the process of drilling 54 gross (42.3 net) wells.

 

    

Year Ended December 31


 
    

2002


    

2001


    

2000


 
    

Gross


    

Net


    

Gross


    

Net


    

Gross


    

Net


 

Development wells:

                                         

Completed as—

                                         

Oil wells

  

27

 

  

15.5

 

  

85

 

  

33.0

 

  

48

 

  

29.9

 

Gas wells

  

303

 

  

227.2

 

  

282

 

  

200.3

 

  

172

 

  

114.6

 

Non-productive

  

13

 

  

5.9

 

  

15

 

  

5.9

 

  

9

 

  

1.3

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

  

343

 

  

248.6

 

  

382

 

  

239.2

 

  

229

 

  

145.8

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

Exploratory wells:

                                         

Completed as—

                                         

Oil wells

  

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

1

 

  

0.5

 

  

4

 

  

2.8

 

Gas wells

  

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

4

 

  

2.3

 

  

1

 

  

0.5

 

Non-productive

  

3

 

  

1.5

 

  

2

 

  

1.8

 

  

1

 

  

0.5

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

  

3

 

  

1.5

 

  

7

 

  

4.6

 

  

6

 

  

3.8

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

Total (a)

  

346

 

  

250.1

 

  

389

 

  

243.8

 

  

235

 

  

149.6

 

    

  

  

  

  

  


(a)   Included in totals are 75 gross (11.2 net) wells in 2002, 125 gross (16.5 net) wells in 2001 and 66 gross (8.5 net) wells in 2000 drilled on nonoperated interests.

 

Acreage

 

The following table summarizes developed and undeveloped leasehold acreage in which we own a working interest as of December 31, 2002. Excluded from this summary is acreage related to royalty, overriding royalty and other similar interests.

 

    

Developed Acres (a)(b)


  

Undeveloped Acres


    

Gross


  

Net


  

Gross


  

Net


Arkansas

  

519,538

  

226,413

  

26,619

  

19,433

Oklahoma

  

464,406

  

325,194

  

15,126

  

7,149

Texas

  

324,642

  

210,739

  

49,390

  

36,536

New Mexico

  

255,858

  

170,630

  

1,520

  

1,531

Kansas

  

66,670

  

58,169

  

—  

  

—  

Louisiana

  

53,202

  

26,554

  

—  

  

—  

Wyoming

  

45,007

  

30,241

  

572

  

315

Colorado

  

28,651

  

16,282

  

—  

  

—  

Other

  

23,803

  

11,595

  

509

  

955

    
  
  
  

Total

  

1,781,777

  

1,075,817

  

93,736

  

65,919

    
  
  
  

(a)   Developed acres are acres spaced or assignable to productive wells.

 

(b)   Certain acreage in Oklahoma and Texas is subject to a 75% net profits interest conveyed to the Cross Timbers Royalty Trust, and in Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming is subject to an 80% net profits interest conveyed to the Hugoton Royalty Trust.

 


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Oil and Gas Sales Prices and Production Costs

 

The following table shows the average sales prices per unit of production and the production expense and taxes, transportation and other expense per Mcfe quantities produced for the indicated period:

 

    

Year Ended December 31


    

2002


  

2001


  

2000


Sales prices:

                    

Oil (per Bbl)

  

$

24.24

  

$

23.49

  

$

27.07

Gas (per Mcf)

  

$

3.49

  

$

4.51

  

$

3.38

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)

  

$

14.31

  

$

15.41

  

$

19.61

Production expense per Mcfe

  

$

0.57

  

$

0.57

  

$

0.53

Taxes, transportation and other expense per Mcfe

  

$

0.25

  

$

0.33

  

$

0.35

 

Delivery Commitments

 

Under a production payment, we have committed to deliver 16 Bcf (13.0 Bcf net to XTO’s interest) beginning approximately September 2006. Delivery of the committed volumes is in East Texas. See Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As partial consideration for an acquisition, we agreed to sell gas volumes of 35,000 Mcf per day in 2003 at specified discounts from index prices. Delivery of 20,000 Mcf per day of these volumes is from the San Juan Basin, with the remainder from the East Texas Basin.

 

As part of an acquisition, we assumed a commitment to sell 6,800 Mcf of gas per day in Arkansas through April 2003 at prices which are adjusted by the monthly index price. The prices ranged from $0.46 to $0.72 per Mcf in 2002.

 

The Company’s production and reserves are adequate to meet the above sales commitments.

 

Competition and Markets

 

We face competition from other oil and gas companies in all aspects of our business, including acquisition of producing properties and oil and gas leases, marketing of oil and gas, and obtaining goods, services and labor. Many of our competitors have substantially larger financial and other resources. Factors that affect XTO’s ability to acquire producing properties include available funds, available information about the property and our standards established for minimum projected return on investment. Gathering systems are the only practical method for the intermediate transportation of natural gas. Therefore, competition for natural gas delivery is presented by other pipelines and gathering systems. Competition is also presented by alternative fuel sources, including heating oil and other fossil fuels. Because of the long-lived, high margin nature of our oil and gas reserves and management’s experience and expertise in exploiting these reserves, management believes that it effectively competes in the market.

 

Our ability to market oil and gas depends on many factors beyond our control, including the extent of domestic production and imports of oil and gas, the proximity of our gas production to pipelines, the available capacity in such pipelines, the demand for oil and gas, and the effects of weather and state and federal regulation. We cannot assure that we will always be able to market all of our production at favorable prices. The Company does not currently believe that the loss of any of our oil or gas purchasers would have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

Decreases in oil and gas prices have had and could have in the future an adverse effect on our acquisition and development programs, proved reserves, revenues, profitability, cash flow and dividends. See Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “General—Product Prices.”


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Federal and State Regulations

 

There have been, and continue to be, numerous federal and state laws and regulations governing the oil and gas industry that are often changed in response to the current political or economic environment. Compliance with this regulatory burden is often difficult and costly and may carry substantial penalties for noncompliance. The following are some specific regulations that may affect us. We cannot predict the impact of these or future legislative or regulatory initiatives.

 

Federal Regulation of Natural Gas

 

The interstate transportation and sale for resale of natural gas is subject to federal regulation, including transportation rates charged and various other matters, by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”). Federal wellhead price controls on all domestic gas were terminated on January 1, 1993, and none of our gathering systems are currently subject to FERC regulation. We cannot predict the impact of future government regulation on any natural gas facilities.

 

Although FERC’s regulations should generally facilitate the transportation of gas produced from our properties and the direct access to end-user markets, the future impact of these regulations on marketing XTO’s production or on its gas transportation business cannot be predicted. The Company, however, does not believe that it will be affected differently than competing producers and marketers.

 

Federal Regulation of Oil

 

Sales of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids are not currently regulated and are made at market prices. The net price received from the sale of these products is affected by market transportation costs. A significant part of our oil production is transported by pipeline. Under rules adopted by FERC effective January 1995, interstate oil pipelines can change rates based on an inflation index, though other rate mechanisms may be used in specific circumstances. These rules have had little effect on our oil transportation cost.

 

State Regulation

 

Oil and gas operations are subject to various types of regulation at the state and local levels. Such regulation includes requirements for drilling permits, the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operations of wells and waste prevention. The production rate may be regulated and the maximum daily production allowable from oil and gas wells may be established on a market demand or conservation basis. These regulations may limit production by well and the number of wells that can be drilled.

 

We may become a party to agreements relating to the construction or operations of pipeline systems for the transportation of natural gas. To the extent that such gas is produced, transported and consumed wholly within one state, such operations may, in certain instances, be subject to the state’s administrative authority charged with regulating pipelines. The rates that can be charged for gas, the transportation of gas, and the construction and operation of such pipelines would be subject to the regulations governing such matters. Certain states have recently adopted regulations with respect to gathering systems, and other states are considering similar regulations. New regulations have not had a material effect on the operations of our gathering systems, but XTO cannot predict whether any further rules will be adopted or, if adopted, the effect these rules may have on its gathering systems.

 

Federal, State or Native American Leases

 

Our operations on federal, state or Native American oil and gas leases are subject to numerous restrictions, including nondiscrimination statutes. Such operations must be conducted pursuant to certain on-site security regulations and other permits and authorizations issued by the Bureau of Land Management, Minerals Management Service and other agencies.

 


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Environmental Regulations

 

Various federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, directly impact oil and gas exploration, development and production operations, and consequently may impact our operations and costs. Management believes that we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. To date, we have not expended any material amounts to comply with such regulations, and management does not currently anticipate that future compliance will have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of XTO.

 

Employees

 

We had 867 employees as of December 31, 2002. None of the employees are represented by a union. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

 

Executive Officers of the Company

 

The executive officers of the Company are elected by and serve until their successors are elected by the Board of Directors.

 

Bob R. Simpson, 54, was a co-founder of XTO with Mr. Palko and has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 1, 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Simpson served as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or held similar positions with the Company since 1986. Mr. Simpson was Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development (1979-1986) and Tax Manager (1976-1979) of Southland Royalty Company.

 

Steffen E. Palko, 52, was a co-founder of XTO with Mr. Simpson and has been Vice Chairman and President or held similar positions with the Company since 1986. Mr. Palko was Vice President—Reservoir Engineering (1984-1986) and Manager of Reservoir Engineering (1982-1984) of Southland Royalty Company.

 

Louis G. Baldwin, 53, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer or held similar positions with the Company since 1986. Mr. Baldwin was Assistant Treasurer (1979-1986) and Financial Analyst (1976-1979) at Southland Royalty Company.

 

Keith A. Hutton, 44, has been Executive Vice President—Operations or held similar positions with the Company since 1987. From 1982 to 1987, Mr. Hutton was a Reservoir Engineer with Sun Exploration & Production Company.

 

Vaughn O. Vennerberg II, 48, has been Executive Vice President—Administration or held similar positions with the Company since 1987. Prior to that time, Mr. Vennerberg was employed by Cotton Petroleum Corporation and Texaco Inc. (1979-1986).

 

Bennie G. Kniffen, 52, has been Senior Vice President and Controller or held similar positions with the Company since 1986. From 1976 to 1986, Mr. Kniffen held the position of Director of Auditing or similar positions with Southland Royalty Company.

 


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Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On April 3, 1998, a class action lawsuit, styled Booth, et al. v. Cross Timbers Oil Company, was filed against us in the District Court of Dewey County, Oklahoma. The action was filed on behalf of all persons who, at any time since June 1991, have been paid royalties on gas produced from any gas well within the State of Oklahoma under which we have assumed the obligation to pay royalties. The plaintiffs allege that we reduced royalty payments by post-production deductions and entered into contracts with subsidiaries that were not arm’s-length transactions. The plaintiffs further allege that these actions reduced the royalties paid to the plaintiffs and those similarly situated, and that such actions are a breach of the leases under which the royalties are paid. These deductions allegedly include production and post-production costs, marketing costs, administration costs and costs incurred by us in gathering, compressing, dehydrating, processing, treating, blending and/or transporting the gas produced. We contend that, to the extent any fees are proportionately borne by the plaintiffs, these fees are established by arm’s-length negotiations with third parties or, if charged by affiliates, are comparable to fees charged by third party gatherers or processors. We further contend that any such fees enhance the value of the gas or the products derived from the gas. The parties have signed a settlement agreement under which we will pay $2.5 million to settle the plaintiffs claims for the period January 1, 1993 through June 30, 2002. Our portion of this liability, net of amounts allocable to Hugoton Royalty Trust units we do not own, is $2.1 million, which has been accrued in our financial statements. The court has tentatively approved the settlement, subject to a fairness hearing in April 2003.

 

On October 17, 1997, an action, styled United States of America ex rel. Grynberg v. Cross Timbers Oil Company, et al., was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma against us and certain of our subsidiaries by Jack J. Grynberg on behalf of the United States under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The plaintiff alleges that we underpaid royalties on gas produced from federal leases and lands owned by Native Americans in amounts in excess of 20% during at least the past 10 years as a result of mismeasuring the volume of gas and incorrectly analyzing its heating content. The plaintiff also alleges that we have failed to pay the fair market value of the carbon dioxide produced. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the plaintiff has made similar allegations in over 70 actions filed against more than 300 other companies. The plaintiff seeks to recover the amount of royalties not paid, together with treble damages, a civil penalty of $5,000 to $10,000 for each violation and attorney fees and expenses. The plaintiff also seeks an order for us to cease the allegedly improper measuring practices. After its review, the Department of Justice decided in April 1999 not to intervene and asked the court to unseal the case. The court unsealed the case in May 1999. A multi-district litigation panel ordered that the lawsuits against us and other companies filed by Grynberg be transferred and consolidated to the federal district court in Wyoming. We believe that the allegations of this lawsuit are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. Any potential liability from this claim cannot currently be reasonably estimated, and no provision has been accrued in our financial statements.

 

In February 2000, the Department of Interior notified us and several other producers that certain Native American leases located in the San Juan Basin had expired because of the failure of the leases to produce in paying quantities from February through August 1990. The Department of Interior demanded abandonment of the property as well as payment of the gross proceeds from the wells minus royalties paid from the date of the alleged cessation of production to present. We have reached a tentative settlement with the Department of Interior to pay $288,000 in settlement of all claims. The settlement should be finalized in second quarter 2003. Management’s estimate of the potential liability from this claim has been accrued in our financial statements.

 

In June 2001, we were served with a lawsuit styled Price, et al. v. Gas Pipelines, et al. (formerly Quinque case). The action was filed in the District Court of Stevens County, Kansas, against us and one of our subsidiaries, along with over 200 natural gas transmission companies, producers, gatherers and processors of natural gas. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of plaintiffs consisting of all similarly situated gas working interest owners, overriding royalty owners and royalty owners either from whom the defendants had purchased natural gas or who received economic benefit from the sale of such gas since January 1, 1974. The allegations in the case are similar to those in the Grynberg case; however, the Price case broadens the claims to cover all oil and gas leases (other than the Federal and Native American leases that are the subject of the Grynberg case). The complaint alleges that the defendants have mismeasured both the volume and heating content of natural gas delivered into their pipelines resulting in underpayments to the plaintiffs. Plaintiffs assert a breach of contract claim, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, common carrier liability, conversion, violation of a variety of Kansas statutes and other common law causes of action. The amount of damages was not specified in the complaint. In February 2002, we and one of our subsidiaries were dismissed from the

 


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suit and another subsidiary was added. A hearing on whether to certify the case as a class action was held in January 2003, and the decision of the court is pending. We elieve that the allegations of this lawsuit are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action. Any potential liability from this claim cannot currently be reasonably estimated, and no provision has been accrued in our financial statements.

 

We are involved in various other lawsuits and certain governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Company management and legal counsel do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these claims, including the lawsuits described above, will have a material effect on our financial position or liquidity, although an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on the operations of a given interim period or year.

 

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

 

No matters were submitted for a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2002.

 


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PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “XTO.” The following table sets forth quarterly high and low sales prices and cash dividends declared for each quarter of 2002 and 2001 (as adjusted for the four-for-three stock split effected on March 18, 2003 and the three-for-two stock split effected on June 5, 2001):

 

    

High


  

Low


  

Dividend


2002

                    

First Quarter

  

$

15.188

  

$

11.018

  

$

0.0075

Second Quarter

  

 

16.163

  

 

13.763

  

 

0.0075

Third Quarter

  

 

15.743

  

 

11.513

  

 

0.0075

Fourth Quarter

  

 

19.793

  

 

15.090

  

 

0.0075

2001

                    

First Quarter

  

$

15.475

  

$

9.407

  

$

0.0050

Second Quarter

  

 

16.300

  

 

10.313

  

 

0.0075

Third Quarter

  

 

12.375

  

 

9.225

  

 

0.0075

Fourth Quarter

  

 

14.475

  

 

9.938

  

 

0.0075

 

The determination of the amount of future dividends, if any, to be declared and paid is at the sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings and funds from operations, the level of our capital expenditures, dividend restrictions in our financing agreements, our future business prospects and other matters as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Our revolving credit agreement with banks restricts the amount of dividends to 25% of cash flow from operations, as defined, for the latest four consecutive quarterly periods. The Company’s 7½% senior notes and 8¾% senior subordinated notes also place certain restrictions on distributions to common stockholders, including dividend payments.

 

On February 18, 2003, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share payable on April 15, 2003 to stockholders of record on March 31, 2003. Because of the four-for-three stock split effected on March 18, 2003, this represents a 33% increase in the dividend rate. On March 19, 2003, we had approximately 683 stockholders of record.


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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table shows selected financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2002. Significant producing property acquisitions in each of the years presented, other than 2000, affect the comparability of year-to-year financial and operating data. See Items 1 and 2, Business and Properties, “Acquisitions.” All weighted average shares and per share data have been adjusted for the four-for-three stock split effected March 18, 2003 and the three-for-two stock splits effected in February 1998, September 2000 and June 2001. This information should be read in conjunction with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 15(a).

 

(in thousands except production, per share and per unit data)

  

2002


    

2001


    

2000


    

1999


    

1998


 

Consolidated Income Statement Data

                                            

Revenues:

                                            

Oil and condensate

  

$

115,324

 

  

$

116,939

 

  

$

128,194

 

  

$

86,604

 

  

$

56,164

 

Gas and natural gas liquids

  

 

681,147

 

  

 

710,348

 

  

 

456,814

 

  

 

239,056

 

  

 

182,587

 

Gas gathering, processing and marketing

  

 

11,622

 

  

 

12,832

 

  

 

16,123

 

  

 

10,644

 

  

 

9,438

 

Other

  

 

2,070

 

  

 

(1,371

)

  

 

(280

)

  

 

4,991

 

  

 

1,297

 

    


  


  


  


  


Total Revenues

  

$

810,163

 

  

$

838,748

 

  

$

600,851

 

  

$

341,295

 

  

$

249,486

 

    


  


  


  


  


Earnings (loss) available to common stock

  

$

186,059

(a)

  

$

248,816

(b)

  

$

115,235

(c)

  

$

44,964

(d)

  

$

(71,498

)(e)

    


  


  


  


  


Per common share

                                            

Basic

  

$

1.12

 

  

$

1.52

(f)

  

$

0.81

 

  

$

0.32

 

  

$

(0.55

)

    


  


  


  


  


Diluted

  

$

1.10

 

  

$

1.50

(f)

  

$

0.77

 

  

$

0.32

 

  

$

(0.55

)

    


  


  


  


  


Weighted average common shares outstanding

  

 

166,700

 

  

 

163,340

 

  

 

142,307

 

  

 

140,455

 

  

 

130,187

 

    


  


  


  


  


Dividends declared per common share

  

$

0.0300

 

  

$

0.0275

 

  

$

0.0167

 

  

$

0.0133

 

  

$

0.0533

 

    


  


  


  


  


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data

                                            

Cash provided (used) by:

                                            

Operating activities

  

$

490,842

 

  

$

542,615

 

  

$

377,421

 

  

$

133,301

 

  

$

(53,876

)

Investing activities

  

$

(736,817

)

  

$

(610,923

)

  

$

(133,884

)

  

$

(156,370

)

  

$

(376,564

)

Financing activities

  

$

254,119

 

  

$

67,680

 

  

$

(241,833

)

  

$

16,470

 

  

$

438,957

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

                                            

Property and equipment, net

  

$

2,370,965

 

  

$

1,841,387

 

  

$

1,357,374

 

  

$

1,339,080

 

  

$

1,050,422

 

Total assets

  

$

2,648,193

 

  

$

2,132,327

 

  

$

1,591,904

 

  

$

1,477,081

 

  

$

1,207,005

 

Long-term debt

  

$

1,118,170

 

  

$

856,000

 

  

$

769,000

 

  

$

991,100

 

  

$

920,411

 

Stockholders’ equity

  

$

907,786

 

  

$

821,050

 

  

$

497,367

 

  

$

277,817

 

  

$

201,474

 

Operating Data

                                            

Average daily production:

                                            

Oil (Bbls)

  

 

13,033

 

  

 

13,637

 

  

 

12,941

 

  

 

14,006

 

  

 

12,598

 

Gas (Mcf)

  

 

513,925

 

  

 

416,927

 

  

 

343,871

 

  

 

288,000

 

  

 

229,717

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

  

 

5,068

 

  

 

4,385

 

  

 

4,430

 

  

 

3,631

 

  

 

3,347

 

Mcfe

  

 

622,532

 

  

 

525,062

 

  

 

448,098

 

  

 

393,826

 

  

 

325,390

 

Average sales price:

                                            

Oil (per Bbl)

  

$

24.24

 

  

$

23.49

 

  

$

27.07

 

  

$

16.94

 

  

$

12.21

 

Gas (per Mcf)

  

$

3.49

 

  

$

4.51

 

  

$

3.38

 

  

$

2.13

 

  

$

2.07

 

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)

  

$

14.31

 

  

$

15.41

 

  

$

19.61

 

  

$

11.80

 

  

$

7.62

 

Production expense (per Mcfe)

  

$

0.57

 

  

$

0.57

 

  

$

0.53

 

  

$

0.53

 

  

$

0.53

 

Taxes, transportation and other expense (per Mcfe)

  

$

0.25

 

  

$

0.33

 

  

$

0.35

 

  

$

0.23

 

  

$

0.25

 

Proved reserves:

                                            

Oil (Bbls)

  

 

56,349

 

  

 

54,049

 

  

 

58,445

 

  

 

61,603

 

  

 

54,510

 

Gas (Mcf)

  

 

2,881,181

 

  

 

2,235,478

 

  

 

1,769,683

 

  

 

1,545,623

 

  

 

1,209,224

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

  

 

25,433

 

  

 

20,299

 

  

 

22,012

 

  

 

17,902

 

  

 

17,174

 

Mcfe

  

 

3,371,873

 

  

 

2,681,566

 

  

 

2,252,425

 

  

 

2,022,653

 

  

 

1,639,328

 

Other Data

                                            

Operating cash flow (g)

  

$

515,904

 

  

$

549,567

 

  

$

344,638

 

  

$

132,683

 

  

$

78,480

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (h)

  

 

5.6

 

  

 

7.7

 

  

 

2.8

 

  

 

1.9

 

  

 

—  

(i)

 


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(a)   Includes pre-tax effects of a derivative fair value gain of $2.6 million, gain on settlement with Enron Corporation of $2.1 million, non-cash incentive compensation of $27 million and an $8.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

(b)   Includes pre-tax effects of a derivative fair value gain of $54.4 million and non-cash incentive compensation of $9.6 million, and an after-tax charge of $44.6 million for the cumulative effect of accounting change.

 

(c)   Includes pre-tax effects of a gain of $43.2 million on significant asset sales, derivative fair value loss of $55.8 million and non-cash incentive compensation expense of $26.1 million.

 

(d)   Includes pre-tax effect of a $40.6 million gain on sale of Hugoton Royalty Trust units.

 

(e)   Includes pre-tax effects of a $93.7 million net loss on investment in equity securities and a $2 million, non-cash impairment charge.

 

(f)   Before cumulative effect of accounting change, earnings per share were $1.79 basic and $1.77 diluted.

 

(g)   Defined as cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities and exploration expense. Because of exclusion of changes in operating assets and liabilities and exploration expense, this cash flow statistic is different from cash provided (used) by operating activities, as is disclosed under generally accepted accounting principles and reconciled to operating cash flow as follows:

 

    

2002


  

2001


  

2000


    

1999


    

1998


 

Cash provided (used) by operating activities

  

$

490,842

  

$

542,615

  

$

377,421

 

  

$

133,301

 

  

$

(53,876

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

  

 

22,876

  

 

1,514

  

 

(33,830

)

  

 

(1,522

)

  

 

124,322

 

Exploration expense

  

 

2,186

  

 

5,438

  

 

1,047

 

  

 

904

 

  

 

8,034

 

    

  

  


  


  


Operating cash flow

  

$

515,904

  

$

549,567

  

$

344,638

 

  

$

132,683

 

  

$

78,480

 

    

  

  


  


  


 

We believe operating cash flow is a better liquidity indicator for oil and gas producers because of the adjustments made to cash provided (used) by operating activities, explained as follows:

    Adjustment for changes in operating assets and liabilities eliminates fluctuations related to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements, which can vary from period-to-period because of conditions we cannot control (for example, the day of the week on which the last day of the period falls), and results in attributing cash flow to operations of the period that provided (used) the cash flow.
    Adjustment for exploration expense is to provide an amount comparable to operating cash flow for full cost companies and to eliminate the effect of a discretionary expenditure that is part of our capital budget.

 

(h)   For purposes of calculating this ratio, earnings are before income tax and fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest costs, the portion of rentals considered to be representative of the interest factor and preferred stock dividends.

 

(i)   Fixed charges exceeded earnings by $108.4 million. Excluding the effect of items in (e) above, fixed charges exceeded earnings by $19 million.

 


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Item 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Item 6, “Selected Financial Data” and our Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 15(a). Throughout this discussion, the term “Mcfe” refers to thousands of cubic feet of gas equivalent quantities produced for the indicated period, with oil and natural gas liquid quantities converted to Mcf on an energy equivalent ratio of one barrel to six Mcf.

 

General

 

The events described below affect the comparability of results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and may impact future operations and financial condition.

 

Stock Splits. We effected three-for-two stock splits on September 18, 2000 and June 5, 2001 and a four-for-three stock split on March 18, 2003. All common stock shares, treasury stock shares and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect all stock splits.

 

2002 Acquisitions. During 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties at a total cost of $358.1 million funded by a combination of bank borrowings, proceeds from the Company’s sale of senior notes and operating cash flow. The acquisitions include:

 

    Freestone Trend Acquisition. In March 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties in the East Texas Freestone Trend for $20 million.

 

    Marathon East Texas Acquisition. In May 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties in East Texas and Louisiana from Marathon Oil Company through an exchange of properties in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming that were acquired from CMS Oil and Gas Company in May 2002 for $101 million.

 

    Marathon San Juan Basin Acquisition. In July 2002, we acquired gas-producing properties in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico for $43 million from Marathon Oil Company.

 

    Huber Acquisition. In December 2002, we acquired coalbed methane gas-producing properties in the San Juan Basin of Colorado for $153.8 million from J.M. Huber Corporation.

 

2001 Acquisitions. During 2001, we acquired predominantly gas-producing properties at a total cost of $242 million primarily funded by bank borrowings and operating cash flow. The acquisitions include:

 

    Herd Acquisition. In January 2001, we acquired gas properties in East Texas and Louisiana for $115 million from Herd Producing Company, Inc.

 

    Miller Acquisition. In February 2001, we acquired gas properties in East Texas for $45 million from Miller Energy, Inc. and other owners.

 

Hugoton Royalty Trust Sales. We created Hugoton Royalty Trust in December 1998 by conveying 80% net profits interests in producing properties in Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming. In April and May 1999, we sold 17 million units, or 42.5%, of Hugoton Royalty Trust in its initial public offering. Total proceeds from this sale were $148.6 million, which were used to reduce bank debt. Total gain on sale, including the sale of units pursuant to an employee incentive plan, was $40.6 million before income tax. In October and November 2000, we sold 1.2 million units, or approximately 3%, of Hugoton Royalty Trust pursuant to an employee incentive plan at a total gain of $11 million before income tax.

 

2000 Property Sales. In March 2000, we sold oil- and gas-producing properties in Crockett County, Texas and Lea County, New Mexico for total gross proceeds of $68.3 million.

 

2002, 2001 and 2000 Development and Exploration Programs. Gas development focused on the East Texas area and the Arkoma and San Juan basins during 2002 and 2001, and on the East Texas area and Fontenelle Unit during 2000. Oil

 


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development was concentrated in Alaska during 2002 and 2001 and in the University Block 9 Field during all three years. Exploration activity has been primarily geological and geophysical analysis, including seismic studies, of undeveloped properties. Exploratory expenditures were $2.2 million in 2002, $5.4 million in 2001 and $1 million in 2000. Exploration expense for 2001 includes dry hole expense of $2.2 million.

 

2003 Development and Exploration Program. We have budgeted $400 million for our 2003 development and exploration program, which is expected to be funded primarily by cash flow from operations. We anticipate exploration expenditures will be approximately 5% of the 2003 budget. The cost of any property acquisitions during 2003 may reduce the amount currently budgeted for development and exploration. The total capital budget, including acquisitions, will be adjusted throughout 2003 to focus on opportunities offering the highest rates of return.

 

Common Stock Transactions. In November 2000, we sold 13.2 million shares of common stock from treasury with net proceeds of approximately $126.1 million. The proceeds were used to reduce bank debt.

 

Treasury Stock Purchases. We periodically repurchase shares of our common stock as part of our strategic acquisition plans. We purchased on the open market 10.5 million shares at a cost of $41.4 million in 2000. As of March 20, 2003, 8.6 million shares remain under the May 2000 Board of Directors’ authorization to purchase an additional 9 million shares.

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock. In 2000 and 2001, all outstanding preferred stock was converted into 7.4 million shares of common stock.

 

Investment in Equity Securities. In 1998, we purchased what we believed to be undervalued oil and gas reserves by acquiring common stock of publicly traded independent oil and gas producers at a total cost of $167.7 million. For accounting purposes, we considered equity securities purchased in 1998 to be trading securities since they were purchased with the intent to resell in the near future, and therefore recognized unrealized investment gains and losses in the income statements. After selling a portion of these securities in 1998 and 1999, we sold our remaining investment in equity securities in 2000 for $43.7 million. We recognized a gain of $13.3 million in 2000 related to this investment.

 

Hedging Activities. We enter futures contracts, collars and basis swap agreements, as well as fixed price physical delivery contracts, to hedge our exposure to product price volatility. Our policy is to routinely hedge a portion of our production at commodity prices management deems attractive. While there is a risk we may not be able to realize the benefit of rising prices, management plans to continue its hedging strategy because of the benefits provided by predictable, stable cash flow.

 

During 2002, all hedging activities increased gas revenue by $95.4 million and decreased oil revenue by $1.3 million. All hedging activities increased gas revenue by $97 million in 2001. During 2000, hedging activities reduced gas revenue by $40.5 million and reduced oil revenue by $7.8 million.

 

The following summarizes our April 2003 through December 2004 natural gas and crude oil NYMEX hedging positions at March 20, 2003, excluding basis adjustments which have been separately hedged. Prices to be realized for hedged production may be less than these NYMEX prices because of location, quality and other adjustments. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

NATURAL GAS


 

    

Futures and Physical Contracts


  

Collars


  

Total Hedged Mcf per Day


    

Mcf per Day


  

Average NYMEX Price


  

Mcf per Day


  

NYMEX Price


  

Production Period


           

Ceiling


  

Floor


  

April—June 2003

  

450,000

  

$3.97

  

50,000

  

$

5.57

  

$

4.50

  

500,000

July—December 2003

  

400,000

  

$3.99

  

50,000

  

$

5.57

  

$

4.50

  

450,000

January—December 2004

  

150,000

  

$4.15

  

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

150,000

 


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CRUDE OIL


 

    

Three-Way Collars


    

Bbls per Day


  

Average NYMEX WTI Price


Production Period


     

Ceiling


  

Provisional Floor (a)


  

Strike (a)


April—June 2003

  

2,000

  

$33.90

  

$30.55

  

$24.15

July—September 2003

  

2,000

  

$31.38

  

$28.03

  

$21.63

October—December 2003

  

2,000

  

$29.97

  

$26.62

  

$20.22


(a)   At market prices within the range of the provisional floor and strike price, we will receive payment from the counterparty to effectively receive the provisional floor price. At market prices below the strike price, we will receive the market price plus $6.40, the spread between the provisional floor and strike price.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change for Derivatives. On January 1, 2001, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133 by recording a one-time after-tax charge of $44.6 million in the income statement for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and an unrealized loss of $67.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is an element of stockholders’ equity. The unrealized loss was related to the derivative fair value of cash flow hedges. The charge to the income statement was primarily related to our gas physical delivery contract with crude oil-based pricing.

 

Derivative Fair Value Gain/Loss. Realized and unrealized non-hedge derivative gains and losses are recorded in our income statements. We recorded a $2.6 million gain in 2002, a $54.4 million gain in 2001 and a $55.8 million loss in 2000 related to changes in fair value of non-hedge derivatives. The 2000 loss and $29.5 million of the 2001 gain are related to the change in fair value of call options that we sold in 1999 as part of our hedging activities. Because written call options do not provide protection against declining prices, they do not qualify for hedge or loss deferral accounting. Most of the remaining gain in 2001 is related to the change in fair value of a gas physical delivery contract with crude oil-based pricing, the loss on which was initially recorded in the cumulative effect of accounting change for derivatives.

 

Unrealized derivative gains and losses associated with cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2002, we have a net unrealized loss of $61.6 million (net of $33.1 million tax) in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The ultimate settlement value of these hedges will be recognized in the income statement as oil and gas revenue when the related production occurs through 2003 and 2004.

 

Enron Corporation Bankruptcy and Settlement. In December 2001, after Enron Corporation filed for bankruptcy, we had recorded a $21.4 million receivable from Enron and a $43.3 million Btu swap contract payable to Enron. In December 2002, we paid Enron Corporation $6 million in settlement of all claims, resulting in recognition of $14.1 million in gas revenue and a $2.1 million gain. See Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Extinguishment of Debt. We purchased and canceled $9.7 million of our 9¼% senior subordinated notes in April 2002, and redeemed the remaining $115.3 million of the 9¼% notes in June 2002. In November 2002, we purchased and canceled $11.8 million of our 8¾% senior subordinated notes. As a result of these transactions, we recorded a total pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.5 million, which includes the effects of redemption premium paid and expensing related deferred debt costs. We reported this loss as non-extraordinary in accordance with early adoption provisions of SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections, related to rescission of SFAS No. 4, Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt.

 

Incentive Compensation. Incentive compensation generally results from awards of performance shares, royalty trust options and stock appreciation rights, and subsequent changes in our stock price. Incentive compensation totaled $27 million in 2002, $9.6 million in 2001 and $26.1 million in 2000, which was primarily related to performance share grants, as well as royalty trust option exercises in 2000. As of December 31, 2002, there were 200,000 performance shares outstanding that vest when the common stock price reaches $20.00, 104,000 performance shares outstanding that vest when the common stock price reaches $20.63 and 9,000 performance shares that vest in 2003.

 


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Product Prices. In addition to supply and demand, oil and gas prices are affected by seasonal, political and other conditions we generally cannot control or predict.

 

Oil. Crude oil prices are generally determined by global supply and demand. Despite OPEC production increases in 2000, increased demand sustained higher prices. The West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) posted price reached $34.25 per Bbl in September 2000, then its highest level in ten years. Lagging demand, attributable to a worldwide economic slowdown, caused oil prices to decline during the remainder of 2001. OPEC members agreed to cut daily production by one million barrels in April 2001 and an additional one million barrels in September 2001 to adjust for weak demand and excess supply. The economic decline was accelerated by the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, placing further downward pressure on oil prices. OPEC cut an additional 1.5 million barrels per day for 2002. Oil prices increased during 2002 because of OPEC production discipline and rising uncertainty surrounding the Middle East. OPEC members agreed to increase daily oil production 1.5 million barrels beginning February 1, 2003, to help stabilize a volatile world market. With the war in Iraq, however, oil prices are expected to remain volatile. We use commodity price hedging instruments to reduce our exposure to oil price fluctuations. Excluding the effect of these hedging instruments, our average oil price was $24.52 in 2002 and $28.72 in 2000. We did not hedge oil prices in 2001 and our average oil price was $23.49. At March 14, 2003, the average NYMEX oil price for the following 12 months was $30.15 per Bbl. For first quarter 2003, we have hedged 6,000 Bbls per day of crude oil production at an average NYMEX price of $25.58 per Bbl. Excluding these hedged volumes, we estimate that a $1.00 per barrel increase or decrease in the average oil sales price would result in approximately a $4 million change in 2003 annual operating cash flow.

 

Gas. Natural gas prices are dependent upon North American supply and demand, which is affected by weather and economic conditions. Natural gas competes with alternative energy sources as a fuel for heating and the generation of electricity. At the beginning of 2000, NYMEX gas prices approximated $2.30 per MMBtu. Gas prices strengthened in 2000, reaching a record high of $10.10 per MMBtu in December 2000 as winter demand strained gas supplies. Gas prices declined during the remainder of 2001 because of fuel switching due to higher prices, milder weather and a weaker economy, which reduced the demand for gas to generate electricity and resulted in increased gas storage levels. As of December 31, 2001, the NYMEX gas price was $2.57 per MMBtu. Despite the winter of 2001-2002 being one of the warmest on record and resulting higher than average storage levels, gas prices increased during 2002 as a result of low levels of drilling activity, increased industrial demand, colder weather and international instability. At March 14, 2003, the average NYMEX gas price for the following 12 months was $5.37 per MMBtu. We use commodity price hedging instruments, including fixed price physical delivery contracts, to reduce our exposure to gas price fluctuations. Excluding the effect of these hedging instruments, our average gas price was $2.98 in 2002, $3.87 in 2001 and $3.70 in 2000. We have hedges in place on approximately 80% of expected 2003 gas production with an average NYMEX price of $3.98. We have also hedged 150,000 Mcf per day of natural gas production for 2004 at an average NYMEX price of $4.15 per Mcf. Excluding these hedged volumes, we estimate that a $0.10 per Mcf increase or decrease in the average gas sales price would result in a $3.9 million change in 2003 annual operating cash flow.

 

Impairment Provision. We evaluate possible impairment of producing properties when conditions indicate they may be impaired. This evaluation is based on an assessment of recoverability of net property costs from estimated future net cash flows from those properties. Estimated future net cash flows are based on management’s best estimate of projected oil and gas reserves and prices. We have not recorded impairment of producing properties since a $2 million provision was recorded in 1998. If oil and gas prices significantly decline, we may be required to record impairment provisions for producing properties in the future, which could be material.

 

Results of Operations

 

2002 Compared to 2001

 

For the year 2002, net income was $186.1 million compared with net income of $248.8 million for 2001. Earnings for 2002 include a $17.5 million after-tax charge for non-cash incentive compensation, a $5.5 million after-tax charge for extinguishment of debt, a $1.3 million after-tax gain on settlement with Enron and a $1.7 million after-tax derivative fair value gain on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting. The 2001 earnings include a $44.6 million after-tax charge for adoption of the derivative accounting principle, SFAS No. 133, an after-tax derivative fair value gain of $35.3 million and a $6.4 million after-tax charge for incentive compensation and loss on sale of properties.

 


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Revenues for 2002 were $810.2 million, or 3% lower than 2001 revenues of $838.7 million. Oil revenue decreased $1.6 million, or 1%, because of a 4% decrease in oil production, partially offset by a 3% increase in oil prices from an average of $23.49 per Bbl in 2001 to $24.24 in 2002 (see “General – Product Prices – Oil” above). Decreased production is the result of natural decline, partially offset by development.

 

Gas and natural gas liquids revenue decreased $29.2 million, or 4%, because of a 23% decrease in gas prices from an average of $4.51 per Mcf in 2001 to $3.49 in 2002 and a 7% decrease in natural gas liquids prices from an average price of $15.41 per Bbl in 2001 to $14.31 in 2002 (see “General – Product Prices – Gas” above). These decreases were largely offset by a 23% increase in gas production and a 16% increase in natural gas liquids production. Increased production was attributable to the 2002 development program.

 

Gas gathering, processing and marketing revenues decreased $1.2 million primarily because of lower natural gas liquids prices and lower margins. Other revenues of $2.1 million in 2002 represent the gain on the Enron settlement. See Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Expenses for 2002 totaled $461.3 million as compared with total 2001 expenses of $327.8 million. Excluding derivative fair value (gain) loss, expenses for 2002 totaled $463.9 million, or 21% above total expenses of $382.2 million for 2001. Most expenses increased in 2002 because of acquisitions and development and related increased production.

 

Production expense increased $19.2 million, or 17%, because of higher production related to acquisitions and development. Production expense per Mcfe remained unchanged at $0.57. Our 2002 exploration expense was $2.2 million compared with the 2001 expense of $5.4 million, which includes dryhole costs of $2.2 million.

 

Taxes, transportation and other deductions decreased 10%, or $6.4 million, primarily because of lower product revenues, lower severance tax rates on new wells in East Texas and lower transportation fuel prices, partially offset by increased property taxes on certain new East Texas wells. With the combined effect of increased production, per Mcfe taxes, transportation and other decreased 24% from $0.33 to $0.25.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) increased $49.8 million, or 32%, primarily because of increased production and higher drilling costs. On an Mcfe basis, DD&A increased from $0.81 in 2001 to $0.90 in 2002.

 

General and administrative expense increased $22.9 million, or 58%, because of increased incentive compensation of $17.4 million and increased expenses from Company growth. Excluding incentive compensation, general and administrative expense per Mcfe remained unchanged at $0.15.

 

The decrease in derivative fair value gain, from $54.4 million in 2001 to $2.6 million in 2002, is primarily because of significant gains related to call options and the Enron Btu swap contract in 2001. These contracts terminated in 2001. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest expense decreased $2 million, or 4%, primarily because of an 18% decrease in the weighted average interest rate, partially offset by a 13% increase in weighted average borrowings related to property acquisitions and by decreased capitalized interest. Interest expense per Mcfe decreased 17% from $0.29 in 2001 to $0.24 in 2002. In 2002, we also recognized an $8.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of our 9¼% senior subordinated notes and a partial purchase and cancellation of our 8¾% senior subordinated notes. See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2001 Compared to 2000

 

For the year 2001, earnings available to common stock were $248.8 million compared with earnings of $115.2 million for 2000. Earnings for 2001 include a $44.6 million after-tax charge for adoption of the new derivative accounting principle, SFAS No. 133, an after-tax derivative fair value gain of $35.3 million and a $6.4 million after-tax charge for incentive compensation and loss on sale of properties. The 2000 earnings include a $7.3 million after-tax gain from the sale of Hugoton Royalty Trust units, a $13.1 million after-tax gain on sale of properties, an $8.8 million after-tax gain on investment in equity securities, a $17.3 million after-tax charge for incentive compensation and a $36.8 million after-tax  

 


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derivative fair value loss.

 

Revenues for 2001 were $838.7 million, or 40% above 2000 revenues of $600.9 million. Oil revenue decreased $11.3 million, or 9%, because of a 13% decrease in oil prices from an average of $27.07 per Bbl in 2000 to $23.49 in 2001 (see “General – Product Prices – Oil” above), partially offset by a 5% increase in oil production. Increased production was primarily because of the 2001 development program.

 

Gas and natural gas liquids revenue increased $253.5 million, or 56%, because of a 21% increase in gas production and a 33% increase in gas prices from an average of $3.38 per Mcf in 2000 to $4.51 in 2001 (see “General – Product Prices – Gas” above). These increases were partially offset by a 1% decrease in natural gas liquids production and a 21% decrease in natural gas liquids prices from an average price of $19.61 per Bbl in 2000 to $15.41 in 2001. Increased gas production was attributable to the 2001 development program. Decreased gas liquids production was primarily because higher gas prices in first quarter 2001 made ethane extraction uneconomical at some gas plants.

 

Gas gathering, processing and marketing revenues decreased $3.3 million primarily because of decreased processing margins. Other revenues declined $1.1 million primarily because of decreased gains on sale of properties.

 

Expenses for 2001 totaled $327.8 million as compared with total 2000 expenses of $388.7 million. Excluding derivative fair value (gain) loss, expenses for 2001 totaled $382.2 million, or 15% above total expenses of $332.9 million for 2000. Most expenses increased in 2001 because of acquisitions and development and related increased production.

 

Production expense increased $23 million, or 26%, because of increased production, as well as higher maintenance, overhead, fuel, pumper and workover expense. Production expense per Mcfe increased $0.04. Our 2001 exploration expense was $5.4 million compared with $1 million for 2000 because of dry hole costs of $2.2 million and increased geological and geophysical costs.

 

Taxes, transportation and other deductions increased 12%, or $7 million, primarily because of increased oil and gas revenues. Taxes, transportation and other per Mcfe decreased 6% from $0.35 to $0.33 primarily because of lower severance tax rates on certain new wells in East Texas.

 

DD&A increased $24.5 million, or 19%, primarily because of increased production and higher acquisition and drilling costs. On an Mcfe basis, DD&A increased slightly from $0.79 in 2000 to $0.81 in 2001.

 

General and administrative expense decreased $10.2 million, or 21%, because of decreased incentive compensation of $16.5 million which was partially offset by increased expenses from Company growth. Excluding incentive compensation, general and administrative expense per Mcfe increased from $0.14 in 2000 to $0.15 in 2001.

 

The derivative fair value gain of $54.4 million in 2001 primarily reflects the effect of decreased natural gas prices during the year on the fair value of outstanding call options and a gas physical delivery contract with crude oil-based pricing. The derivative fair value loss of $55.8 million in 2000 reflects the effect of increased prices during the period on the fair value of call options. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest expense decreased $23.3 million, or 30%, primarily because of a 19% decrease in the weighted average interest rate, an 11% decrease in weighted average borrowings and increased capitalized interest. Interest expense per Mcfe decreased 40% from $0.48 in 2000 to $0.29 in 2001.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from operating activities, borrowings against the revolving credit facility, occasional producing property sales (including sales of royalty trust units) and public offerings of equity and debt. Other than for operations, our cash requirements are generally for the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, and debt and dividend payments. Exploration and development expenditures and dividend

 


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payments have generally been funded by cash flow from operations. We believe that our sources of liquidity are adequate to fund our cash requirements in 2003.

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $490.8 million in 2002, compared with cash provided by operating activities of $542.6 million in 2001 and $377.4 million in 2000. Decreased operating cash flow from 2001 to 2002 was primarily because of decreased prices, while increased operating cash flow from 2000 to 2001 was primarily because of increased prices and production from acquisitions and development activity. Before changes in operating assets and liabilities and exploration expense, cash flow from operations was $515.9 million in 2002, $549.6 million in 2001 and $344.6 million in 2000. Cash flow from operations is largely dependent upon the prices received for oil and gas production. We have hedged approximately 80% of our projected 2003 gas production. See “Product Prices” under “General” above.

 

We do not have any investments in unconsolidated entities or persons that could materially affect the liquidity or the availability of capital resources.

 

Financial Condition

 

Total assets increased 24% from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2001 to $2.6 billion at December 31, 2002, primarily because of Company growth related to acquisitions and development. As of December 31, 2002, total capitalization was $2 billion, of which 55% was long-term debt. Capitalization at December 31, 2001 was $1.7 billion of which 51% was long-term debt. The increase in the debt-to-capitalization ratio from year-end 2001 to 2002 is primarily because of a change in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, from a gain to a loss position related to the effect of higher gas prices on hedge derivatives.

 

Working Capital

 

We generally maintain low cash and cash equivalent balances because we use available funds to reduce bank debt. Short-term liquidity needs are satisfied by bank commitments under the loan agreement (see “Financing” below). Because of this, and since our principal source of operating cash flows (i.e., proved reserves to be produced in the following year) cannot be reported as working capital, we often have low or negative working capital. The decrease from working capital of $37.5 million at December 31, 2001 to negative working capital of $41.1 million at December 31, 2002 was primarily attributable to the change in derivative fair value assets and liabilities, net of the related tax effects. Any cash settlement of hedge derivatives should be offset by increased or decreased cash flows from our sales of related production. Therefore, we believe that most of the changes in derivative fair value assets and liabilities are offset by changes in value of our oil and gas reserves. This offsetting change in value of oil and gas reserves, however, is not recorded in the financial statements.

 

None of our derivative contracts have margin requirements or collateral provisions which could require funding prior to the scheduled cash settlement date. When the monthly cash settlement amount under our hedge derivatives is calculated, if market prices are higher than the fixed contract prices, we are required to pay the contract counterparties. While this payment will ultimately be funded by higher prices received from sale of our production, production receipts lag payments to the counterparties by as much as six weeks. Any interim cash needs are funded by borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. Because of significant payments to counterparties in 2003, we have made draws on our bank debt, reducing our unused borrowing capacity to a low of $120 million in March 2003. We will repay these borrowings upon receipt of payment for our production.

 

Most of our receivables are from a diverse group of companies including major energy companies, pipeline companies, local distribution companies and end-users in various industries. Because of declining credit ratings of some of our customers, we have greater concentrations of credit with a few large integrated energy companies with investment grade ratings. Financial and commodity-based futures and swap contracts expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by the counterparty to the contracts. This exposure is diversified among major investment grade financial institutions. Letters of credit or other appropriate security are obtained as considered necessary to limit risk of loss.


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Financing

 

On December 31, 2002, borrowings under the revolving credit agreement with commercial banks were $605 million with unused borrowing capacity of $195 million. The interest rate of 2.84% at December 31, 2002 is based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.375%. Based on the value of our reserves, the borrowing base is $1.2 billion effective June 30, 2002, and the total bank commitment is $800 million. The borrowing base is redetermined annually based on the value and expected cash flow of our proved oil and gas reserves. If, at any time, senior debt exceeds the borrowing base then in effect, the banks may require that the excess be repaid within a year. Based on reserve values at December 31, 2002 and using parameters specified by the banks, we propose to increase the borrowing base to $1.8 billion. Assuming approval by the banks, this increase would be effective June 30, 2003. Borrowings under the loan agreement are due May 12, 2005, but may be prepaid at any time without penalty. We may renegotiate the loan agreement to increase borrowing capacity and extend the revolving facility.

 

Our Standard & Poors corporate credit rating is BB+ and our Moody’s credit rating is Ba1. None of our debt agreements have payment acceleration provisions in the event of a decline in our credit ratings.

 

In October 2001, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to potentially offer securities which could include debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. The total price of securities that can be offered is $600 million, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale. Net proceeds from the sale of such securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including reduction of bank debt. After we sold $350 million of 7½% senior notes in April 2002, $250 million remains available for future offerings under the shelf registration statement. See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

In 2002, exploration and development cash expenditures totaled $372.7 million compared with $386.5 million in 2001. We have budgeted $400 million for the 2003 development and exploration program. As we have done historically, we expect to fund the 2003 development program with cash flow from operations. Since there are no material long-term commitments associated with this budget, we have the flexibility to adjust our actual development expenditures in response to changes in product prices, industry conditions and the effects of our acquisition and development programs.

 

We plan to fund any future property acquisitions through a combination of cash flow from operations and proceeds from asset sales, bank debt, public equity or debt transactions. There are no restrictions under our revolving credit agreement that would affect our ability to use our remaining borrowing capacity for acquisitions of producing properties.

 

In 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of a total of 16.5 million shares of our common stock. During 2000, we repurchased 10.5 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $41.4 million, including 2.6 million shares repurchased under a 1998 Board authorization. No shares were repurchased in 2001 or 2002. As of March 20, 2003, 8.6 million shares are available for repurchase.

 

To date, we have not spent significant amounts to comply with environmental or safety regulations, and we do not expect to do so during 2003. However, new regulations, enforcement policies, claims for damages or other events could result in significant future costs.

 

Dividends

 

The Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.0033 per common share for the first and second quarter 2000, $0.0050 per common share for each quarter from the third quarter 2000 through first quarter 2001 and $0.0075 per common share each quarter for the remainder of 2001 and 2002. In February 2003, the Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2003 dividend of $0.01 per common share. Our ability to pay dividends is dependent upon available cash flow, as well as other factors. In addition, our debt agreements restrict the amount of common stock dividends and treasury stock repurchases to 25% of cash flow from operations, as defined, for the last four quarters.


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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The following summarizes our significant obligations and commitments to make future contractual payments as of December 31, 2002. We have not guaranteed the debt or obligations of any other party, nor do we have any other arrangements or relationships with other entities that could potentially result in unconsolidated debt.

 

Long-Term Debt. Borrowings under our senior bank revolving credit facility were $605 million at December 31, 2002. Bank debt is not due until May 2005, but may be prepaid at any date. We may renegotiate our bank debt to increase borrowing capacity and extend its maturity. At December 31, 2002, senior notes due in April 2012 totaled $350 million and senior subordinated notes due in November 2009 totaled $163.2 million. Subordinated debt may currently be redeemed at a price of approximately 104% of par. For further information regarding long-term debt, see Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Operating Leases. Our minimum lease payment commitments under noncancelable lease agreements totaled $91.8 million at December 31, 2002. Estimated annual payments under these lease agreements for the next five years are disclosed in Note 5 to Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimated annual payments total $16.7 million for 2003 and decline for subsequent years.

 

Guarantees. Under the terms of some of our operating leases, we have various residual value guarantees and other payment provisions upon our election to return the equipment under certain specified conditions. As of December 31, 2002, we estimate the total contingent payable under these guarantees does not exceed $5 million.

 

Drilling Contracts. We have drilling rig commitments of $42.5 million in 2003. Early termination of these contracts would require a termination fee of $7.5 million in lieu of these commitments. These costs are part of our budgeted capital expenditures of $400 million for 2003.

 

Derivative Contracts. We have entered into futures contracts and swaps to hedge our exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations. As of December 31, 2002, market prices generally exceeded the fixed prices specified by these contracts, resulting in a net derivative fair value loss at December 31, 2002 of $109.3 million, of which $87.4 million relates to contracts settling in 2003 and $21.9 million relates to contracts settling in 2004 through 2006. If market prices are higher than the contract prices when the cash settlement amount is calculated, we are required to pay the contract counterparties. While such payments will be funded by higher prices received from the sale of our production, production receipts may be received as much as six weeks after payment to counterparties and can result in draws on our revolving credit facility. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Post-Retirement Plans

 

We have a retiree medical plan that provides retirees (age 55 through 64 with at least five years of service) with health care benefits similar to those provided employees. Otherwise, retirement benefits are only provided through our defined contribution 401(k) plan. Post-retirement medical benefits are not prefunded, but are paid when incurred. We do not currently anticipate that retiree medical plan costs will be significant in relation to the Company’s future financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

We have limited related party transactions, as further disclosed in Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements. A company, partially owned by one of our directors, performed consulting services in connection with our acquisition of properties in East Texas, Louisiana and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico during 2002. See Note 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements. The director-related company received a fee of $2.4 million for these services, which was 1% of the total of the property purchase price and the related exchange transaction value. This director-related company received consulting fees of $994,000 in 2000 for consulting services performed in connection with our acquisition and divestiture programs.

 

In 1998, this same director-related company performed consulting services in connection with a producing property acquisition and was entitled to receive, at its election, either a 20% working interest or a 1% overriding royalty interest conveyed from our 100% working interest in the properties after payout of acquisition and operating costs. We acquired this potential interest from the director-related company and other parties in 2001 for a price of $15 million,


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pursuant to an independent fairness opinion. The director-related company received $10 million of the total purchase price.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our financial position and results of operations are significantly affected by accounting policies and estimates related to our oil and gas properties, proved reserves, and commodity prices and risk management, as summarized below.

 

Oil and Gas Property Accounting

 

Oil and gas exploration and production companies may elect to account for their property costs using either the “successful efforts” or “full cost” accounting method. Under the successful efforts method, unsuccessful exploratory well costs, as well as all exploratory geological and geophysical costs, are expensed. Under the full cost method, all exploration costs are capitalized, regardless of success. Selection of the oil and gas accounting method can have a significant impact on a company’s financial results. We use the successful efforts method of accounting and generally pursue acquisitions and development of proved reserves as opposed to exploration activities.

 

Property costs must be expensed through an impairment provision if in excess of the estimated future cash flows of proved reserves. We evaluate possible impairment of producing properties when conditions indicate that they may be impaired. Cash flow pricing estimates are based on existing proved reserve and production information and pricing assumptions that management believes are reasonable. Individually significant undeveloped properties are reviewed for impairment on a property-by-property basis, and impairment of other undeveloped properties is done on a total basis. Our impairment of producing properties has been limited to a $2 million provision recorded in 1998. Our impairment provisions have been limited, and we do not expect significant impairment provisions in the near future, because of our relatively low acquisition and development costs compared with current product prices. By comparison, full cost companies must record impairment under a “ceiling test” which is computed using discounted estimated future after-tax cash flows based on expected market prices. This results in more frequent and higher impairment provisions under the full cost method when prices decline significantly.

 

Oil and Gas Reserves

 

Our proved oil and gas reserves are estimated by independent petroleum engineers. Reserve engineering is a subjective process that is dependent upon the quality of available data and the interpretation thereof. Estimates by different engineers often vary, sometimes significantly. In addition, physical factors such as the results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate, as well as economic factors such as changes in product prices, may justify revision of such estimates. Because proved reserves are required to be estimated using prices at the date of the evaluation, estimated reserve quantities can be significantly impacted by changes in product prices. Accordingly, oil and gas quantities ultimately recovered and the timing of production may be substantially different from previous estimates.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of producing properties is computed on the unit-of-production method based on estimated proved oil and gas reserves. If estimated proved reserves decline, future DD&A expense will increase and net income will be reduced. A decline in proved reserves also can result in a required impairment provision, as discussed under “Oil and Gas Property Accounting” above.

 

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows and changes in such cash flows, as reported in Note 15 to Consolidated Financial Statements, are prepared using assumptions required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such assumptions include using year-end oil and gas prices and year-end costs for estimated future development and production expenditures. Discounted future net cash flows are calculated using a 10% rate. Changes in any of these assumptions could have a significant impact on the standardized measure. Accordingly, the standardized measure does not represent management’s estimated current market value of proved reserves.


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Commodity Prices and Risk Management

 

Commodity prices significantly affect our operating results, financial condition, cash flows and ability to borrow funds. Current market oil and gas prices are affected by supply and demand as well as seasonal, political and other conditions which we generally cannot control. Oil and gas prices and markets are expected to continue their historical volatility. See “General– Product Prices” above.

 

We attempt to reduce our price risk by entering into financial instruments such as futures contracts, collars and basis swap agreements, as well as fixed price physical delivery contracts. While these instruments secure a certain price and, therefore, a certain cash flow, there is the risk that we will not be able to realize the benefit of rising prices. These contracts also expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by the contract counterparties, all of which are major investment grade financial institutions. We attempt to limit our credit risk by obtaining letters of credit or other appropriate security. We also have sold call options as part of our hedging program. Call options, however, do not provide a hedge against declining prices, and there is the risk that the call sales proceeds will be less than the benefit a higher sales price would have provided.

 

While our price risk management activities decrease the volatility of cash flows, they may obscure our operating results and financial condition. As required under generally accepted accounting principles, we adopted SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001 with a significant charge to our income statement and equity related to recording derivative financial instruments at their market value. Subsequent to that date, we recorded significant derivative fair value gains in the 2001 income statement and equity related to decline in natural gas prices. During 2000, we recorded a significant loss related to the fair value of call options. In each instance, these are projected gains and losses to be realized upon settlement of these contracts in subsequent periods when related production occurs. These gains and losses are offset by increases and decreases in the market value of our proved reserves, which are not reflected in the financial statements. Derivatives that provide effective cash flow hedges are designated as hedges, and, to the extent the hedge is determined to be effective, we defer related fair value gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction occurs. Because hedge accounting is not required under generally accepted accounting principles, our operating results as reflected in our financial statements may not be comparable to other companies.

 

See Item 7A, “Commodity Price Risk” for the effect of price changes on derivative fair value gains and losses.

 

Accounting Changes

 

Effective January 1, 2003, we have adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 requires that the fair value of the liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate can be made. Under the method prescribed by SFAS No. 143, the retirement obligation is recorded as a liability at its estimated present value at the asset’s inception, with the offsetting charge to property cost. Periodic accretion of discount of the estimated liability is recorded in the income statement. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 143, we accrued for any estimated asset retirement obligation, net of estimated salvage value, as part of our calculation of depletion and depreciation. This method resulted in recognition of the obligation over the life of the property on a unit-of-production basis, with the estimated obligation netted in property cost as part of the accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization balance.

 

We have used an expected cash flow approach to estimate our asset retirement obligation under SFAS No. 143. As of the January 1, 2003 adoption date, we estimate a retirement obligation of $75 million, an increase in property cost of $61 million, a reduction of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of $17 million and a cumulative effect of accounting change gain, net of tax, of $2 million. As a result of adoption of SFAS No. 143, we estimate that in 2003 accretion of discount expense will be approximately $5 million, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense will decrease approximately $2 million.


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Accounting Pronouncements

 

During 2002 and January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued the following Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) and Interpretations (FIN):

 

    SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections. Effective April 1, 2002, we early adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 145 related to rescission of SFAS No. 4, Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt, by reporting such losses as non-extraordinary. SFAS No. 145 also amends the accounting for certain sale-leaseback transactions entered after May 15, 2002, and rescinds SFAS Nos. 44 and 64, and amends other pronouncements for technical corrections for financial statements issued after May 15, 2002. The effects of these other rescissions and amendments are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

    SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with exiting an activity (including restructurings) or disposal of long-lived assets be recognized when the liability is incurred and measured at the fair value of the liability. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are required to be applied to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, and are not currently expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

    SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation–Transition and Disclosure, which amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The statement also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The statement is required to be adopted for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

 

         A significant portion of our stock-based compensation is the award of performance shares, the fair value of which is fully expensed upon vesting when the target stock price is attained. We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 and do not currently plan to expense stock option awards pursuant to SFAS 123. We have early implemented the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148. See Notes 1 and 12 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    FIN No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. FIN No. 45 requires that a liability be recorded in the guarantor’s balance sheet upon issuance of certain guarantees. Initial recognition and measurement of the liability will be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. FIN No. 45 also requires disclosures about guarantees in financial statements for interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. FIN No. 45 is not expected to materially affect our consolidated financial statements. We have adopted the disclosure provisions of FIN No. 45 in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002.