UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                                       
                                       
                                   FORM 10-Q
                                       


X    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE
     30, 1997MARCH 31, 1998

                                      OR
                                       
     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___ TO ___




Commission                                   IRS Employer
  File                           State of  Identification
Number      Registrant        Incorporation    Number


1-7810  Energen Corporation        Alabama     63-0757759
2-38960 Alabama Gas Corporation    Alabama     63-0022000



                            2101 Sixth Avenue North
                           Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                         Telephone Number 205/326-2700
                            http://www.energen.com
                                       
Alabama  Gas  Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of  Energen  Corporation,
meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of  Form
10-Q and is therefore filing this Form with reduced disclosure format pursuant
to General Instruction H(2).

Indicate  by  a check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act
of  1934  during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that  the
registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject  to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  X  NO ____


Indicate  the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes  of
common stock, as of August 12, 1997:May 11, 1998:


Energen Corporation      $0.01 par value  13,170,62429,158,505 shares
Alabama Gas Corporation  $0.01 par value   1,972,052 shares

1






                                       
                ENERGEN CORPORATION AND ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION
                FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1997MARCH 31, 1998
                                       
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                       

Page

                   PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)


Item 1.  Financial Statements

  (a)  Consolidated Statements of Income of Energen       Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corporation
       3

  (b)  Consolidated Balance Sheets of Energen
        Corporation                                  . . . . . . 4

 (c)  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of
       Energen Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corporation                           6

 (d)  Statements of Income of Alabama Gas
       Corporation. . . . . . . .Corporation                                  7

  (e)   Balance Sheets of Alabama Gas Corporation. . . . . . . . . . .Corporation    8

 (f)(e)  Statements of Cash Flows of Alabama Gas
       Corporation. . . . . .10Corporation                                 10

  (g)   Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . .11Statements     11

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . .14Operations        15

        Selected Business Segment Data of Energen
         Corporation                                . . . . . . .1819


                          PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5.   Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192. Changes in Securities                       20

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
         Holders                                    20

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1920


SIGNATURES                                          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

2
21


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
ENERGEN CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)

Three months ended NineSix months ended June 30,June 30, (in thousands, March 31, March 31, except share data) 1998 1997 19961998 1997 1996 Operating Revenues Natural gas distribution $70,147 $77,225 $313,603 $312,553$161,747 $160,151 $257,502 $243,456 Oil and gas production activities 20,732 9,905 57,220 24,38736,226 22,791 66,359 36,488 Total operating revenues 90,879 87,130 370,823 336,940Revenues 197,973 182,942 323,861 279,944 Operating Expenses Cost of gas 30,519 37,577 155,891 161,64580,299 83,912 131,046 125,372 Operations 27,863 25,329 84,456 72,760and Maintenance 2,951 2,657 8,461 8,45134,385 32,001 68,526 62,103 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 14,413 10,588 37,435 27,56724,316 12,625 42,152 23,022 Taxes, other than income taxes 6,889 6,968 26,783 24,09014,547 12,806 24,569 19,894 Total operating expenses 82,635 83,119 313,026 294,513Expenses 153,547 141,344 266,293 230,391 Operating Income 8,244 4,011 57,797 42,42744,426 41,598 57,568 49,553 Other Income (Expense) Interest expense net of amounts capitalized (5,404) (3,240) (16,205) (9,926)(7,666) (5,856) (14,901) (10,801) Other, net 348 260 2,678 1,966507 1,155 1,325 2,330 Total other income (expense) (5,056) (2,980) (13,527) (7,960)(7,159) (4,701) (13,576) (8,471) Income Before Income Taxes 3,188 1,031 44,270 34,46737,267 36,897 43,992 41,082 Income taxes 181 (40) 7,555 7,688(3,025) 6,366 (2,427) 7,374 Net Income $3,007 $1,071 $36,715 $26,779$40,292 $30,531 $46,419 $33,708 Basic Earnings Per AverageAvg. Common Share $0.23 $0.10 $2.98 $2.44Share* $1.39 $1.21 $1.60 $1.41 Diluted Earnings Per Avg. Common Share* $1.37 $1.19 $1.59 $1.40 Dividends Per Common Share $0.30 $0.29 $0.90 $0.87 AverageShare* $0.155 $0.150 $0.310 0.300 Basic Avg. Common Shares Outstanding 13,109 11,020 12,328 10,991Outstanding* 29,027 25,311 28,956 23,874 *Share amounts reflect a 2-for-1 stock split effective March 2, 1998 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ENERGEN CORPORATION
March 31, 1998 September 30, 1997 (in thousands) (unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,200 $105,402 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,850 at March 31, 1998, and $3,185 at September 30, 1997 84,068 70,676 Inventories, at average cost Storage gas 16,747 25,367 Materials and supplies 7,646 7,281 Liquified natural gas in storage 3,616 3,630 Deferred gas cost 8,231 2,512 Deferred income taxes 12,559 7,438 Prepayments and other 18,458 19,859 Total current assets 159,525 242,165 Property, Plant and Equipment Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method 539,380 454,210 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 115,372 87,554 Oil and gas properties, net 424,008 366,656 Utility plant 603,284 583,630 Less accumulated depreciation 296,512 287,749 Utility plant, net 306,772 295,881 Other property, net 4,163 4,466 Total property, plant and equipment, net 734,943 667,003 Other Assets Deferred income taxes 11,065 1,144 Deferred charges and other 9,032 9,485 Total other assets 20,097 10,629 TOTAL ASSETS $914,565 $919,797 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ENERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES June 30,
(in thousands, March 31, 1998 September 30, 1997 1996 (in thousands) (Unaudited) ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipmentexcept share data) (unaudited) CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Utility plantLong-term debt due within one year $ 569,3071,859 $ 544,643 Less accumulated depreciation 282,413 268,110 Utility plant, net 286,894 276,533 Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method 358,066 224,469 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 71,586 60,152 Oil and gas properties, net 286,480 164,317 Other property, net 4,157 4,066 Total property, plant and equipment, net 577,531 444,916 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 8,838 17,0741,855 Notes payable to banks 46,000 202,000 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,989 at June 30, 1997 and $3,002 at September 30, 1996 50,932 42,353 Inventories, at average cost Storage gas 24,499 28,214 Materials and supplies 7,280 7,704 Liquefied natural gas in storage 3,426 2,417 Deferred gas costs 2,454 1,975payable 49,109 49,196 Accrued taxes 22,892 18,300 Customers' deposits 17,778 16,399 Amounts due from customers 5,043 (589)8,692 7,347 Accrued wages and benefits 11,976 13,719 Other 25,753 21,935 Total current liabilities 184,059 330,751 Deferred income taxes 8,374 7,995 PrepaymentsCredits and Other Liabilities Other 8,299 8,301 Total deferred credits and other 4,436 7,563 Total current assets 115,282 114,706 Other Assets Deferred taxes 407 (972) Deferred chargesliabilities 8,299 8,301 Commitments and other 11,101 10,760 Total other assets 11,508 9,788 TOTAL ASSETS $ 704,321 $ 569,410 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ENERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES June 30, September 30, 1997 1996 (in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) CAPITAL AND LIABILITIESContingencies -- -- Capitalization Preferred stock, cumulative $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized $ 0 $ 0-- -- Common shareholders' equityequity* Common stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,00075,000,000 shares authorized, 13,139,03129,090,378 shares outstanding at June 30, 1997,March 31, 1998, and 11,162,63428,796,218 shares outstanding at September 30, 1996 131 1121997 291 288 Premium on capital stock 142,704 86,833191,325 185,841 Capital surplus 2,802 2,802 Retained earnings 124,162 98,658149,645 112,212 Total common shareholders' equity 269,799 188,405344,063 301,143 Long-term debt 279,622 195,545378,144 279,602 Total capitalization 549,421 383,950 Current Liabilities Long-term debt due within one year 1,855 1,805 Notes payable to banks 34,000 59,000 Accounts payable 37,317 32,659 Accrued taxes 22,511 17,567 Customers' deposits 17,167 17,364 Amounts due customers 1,245 17,157 Accrued wages and benefits 13,599 11,584 Other 18,474 18,049 Total current liabilities 146,168 175,185 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities Deferred credits and other 8,732 10,275 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 8,732 10,275 Commitments and Contingencies 0 0722,207 580,745 TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES $704,321 $569,410 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5$914,565 $919,797 *Share amounts reflect a 2-for-1 stock split effective March 2, 1998 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ENERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES (Unaudited) Nine
Six months ended June 30,March 31, (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996 Operating Activities Net income $ 36,715 $26,779$46,419 $33,708 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 37,440 27,56742,152 23,022 Deferred income taxes, net (2,312) (572)(15,231) (683) Deferred investment tax credits, net (366) (365) Gain on sale of assets (898) (670)(235) (244) Net change in: Accounts receivable (8,579) (14,052)(13,392) (24,023) Inventories 3,130 4,0908,269 (1,107) Deferred gas cost (479) (756)(5,719) (1,585) Accounts payable - gas purchases 3,713 6,6964,380 5,580 Accounts payable other- trade 945 3,610(4,467) (6,467) Other current assets and liabilities (11,230) 10,37310,792 (17,108) Other, net 1,292 1,2402,859 (3,116) Net cash provided by operating activities 59,371 63,94075,827 7,977 Investing Activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (171,541) (68,941) Proceeds from sale of asset 1,688 2,478(110,612) (119,565) Payments on notes receivable 428 1,179423 356 Other, net 940 (84)1,784 627 Net cash used in investing activities (168,485) (65,368)(108,405) (118,582) Financing Activities Payment of dividends on common stock (11,217) (9,567)(8,980) (7,285) Issuance of common stock 52,968 2,527 Purchase of treasury stock 0 (1,978) Issuance of long-term debt 84,416 02,685 52,091 Reduction of long-term debt (870) (923) (898)Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 98,541 -- Payment of note payable issued to purchase U.S. Treasury securities (98,636) -- Net change in short-term debt (24,366) (13,300)(57,364) 62,050 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 100,878 (23,216)(64,624) 105,933 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (8,236) (24,644)(97,202) (4,672) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 105,402 17,074 36,695 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 8,838 $12,051
8,200 $12,402 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 STATEMENTS OF INCOME ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION (Unaudited)
Three months ended NineSix months ended June 30,June 30,March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 1998 1997 19961998 1997 1996 Operating Revenues $70,147 $77,225 $313,603 $312,553$161,747 $160,151 $257,502 $243,456 Operating Expenses Cost of gas 31,074 38,154 157,667 163,61380,774 84,501 132,178 126,593 Operations 19,742 20,333 63,040 60,923 Maintenance 2,942 2,624 8,437 8,332and maintenance 23,493 24,588 48,494 48,793 Depreciation 5,906 5,410 17,463 15,6616,232 5,798 12,429 11,557 Income taxes Current 2,216 1,760 14,498 11,72218,874 12,259 21,022 12,281 Deferred, net (1,249) (938) (833) 820(4,820) (550) (5,747) 416 Deferred investment tax credits, net (122) (122) (365) (365)(117) (121) (234) (243) Taxes, other than income taxes 5,356 6,366 22,396 22,81410,918 10,712 18,170 17,040 Total operating expenses 65,865 73,587 282,303 283,520135,354 137,187 226,312 216,437 Operating Income 4,282 3,638 31,300 29,03326,393 22,964 31,190 27,019 Other Income Allowance for funds used during construction 84 131 385 81899 165 184 301 Other, net 38 (88) 327 (528)168 (86) 247 288 Total other income 122 43 712 290267 79 431 589 Interest Charges Interest on long-term debt 2,210 1,733 6,632 5,6052,211 2,211 4,422 4,422 Other interest expense 493 568 1,709 1,706503 669 1,071 1,216 Total interest charges 2,703 2,301 8,341 7,3112,714 2,880 5,493 5,638 Net Income $1,701 $1,380 $23,671 $22,012
$23,946 $20,163 $26,128 $21,970 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 BALANCE SHEETS ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION June 30, September 30, 1997 1996 (in thousands) (Unaudited) ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment Utility plant $569,307 $544,643 Less accumulated depreciation 282,413 268,110 Utility plant, net 286,894 276,533 Other property, net 342 394 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,309 803 Accounts receivable Gas 35,159 26,999 Merchandise 2,008 1,730 Other 419 2,955 Affiliated companies 2,691 10,582 Allowance for doubtful accounts (3,963) (2,985) Inventories, at average cost Storage gas 24,499 28,214 Materials and supplies 5,473 5,828 Liquefied natural gas in storage 3,426 2,417 Deferred gas costs 2,454 1,975 Amounts due from customers 5,043 (589) Deferred income taxes 6,590 6,344 Prepayments and other 2,047 5,150 Total current assets 88,155 89,423 Deferred Charges and Other Assets 7,926 7,467 TOTAL ASSETS $383,317 $373,817
March 31, 1998 September 30,1997 (in thousands) (unaudited) ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment Utility plant $603,284 $583,630 Less accumulated depreciation 296,512 287,749 Utility plant, net 306,772 295,881 Other property, net 337 347 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 7,435 2,580 Accounts receivable Gas 54,056 36,098 Merchandise 1,739 2,001 Other 3,764 1,442 Allowance for doubtful accounts (3,815) (3,156) Inventories, at average cost Storage gas 16,747 25,367 Materials and supplies 5,781 5,391 Liquified natural gas in storage 3,616 3,630 Deferred gas cost 8,231 2,512 Deferred income taxes 10,761 5,675 Prepayments and other 6,868 6,696 Total current assets 115,183 88,236 Deferred Charges and Other Assets 4,654 5,917 TOTAL ASSETS $426,946 $390,381 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 8 BALANCE SHEETS ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION (Unaudited) June 30,(in thousands, March 31, 1998 September 30, 1997 1996 (in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)(unaudited) CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES Capitalization Common shareholder's equity Common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized, 1,972,052 shares outstanding at June 30, 1997,March 31, 1998, and September 30, 19961997 $ 20 $ 20 Premium on capital stock 31,682 31,682 Capital surplus 2,802 2,802 Retained earnings 111,995 95,044129,343 106,894 Total common shareholder's equity 146,499 129,548163,847 141,398 Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 120,000 shares authorized, issuable in seriesseries- $4.70 Series 0 0-- -- Long-term debt 125,000 125,000 Total capitalization 271,499 254,548288,847 266,398 Current Liabilities Notes payable to banks 8,000 012,000 11,000 Accounts payable Trade 24,098 23,75832,488 28,923 Affiliated companies 0 1,512-- 4,984 Accrued taxes 21,927 18,06728,562 16,745 Customers' deposits 17,167 17,364 Supplier refunds due customers 269 16,66817,778 16,399 Other amounts due customers 976 4898,692 7,347 Accrued wages and benefits 5,666 4,4593,651 3,879 Other 8,601 10,61111,639 10,481 Total current liabilities 86,704 92,928114,810 99,758 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities Deferred income taxes 17,287 16,88316,342 16,739 Accumulated deferred investment tax credits 3,251 3,6172,895 3,130 Regulatory liability 3,864 5,0383,283 3,651 Customer advances for construction and other 712 803769 705 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 25,114 26,34123,289 24,225 Commitments and Contingencies 0 0-- -- TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES $383,317 $373,817$426,946 $390,381 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 9 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION (Unaudited) NineSix months ended June 30,March 31, (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996 Operating Activities Net Income $23,671 $22,012income $ 26,128 $21,970 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 17,463 15,66112,429 11,557 Deferred income taxes, net 158 820(5,747) 416 Deferred investment tax credits (366) (365)(234) (243) Net change in: Accounts receivable (4,924) (11,826)(17,567) (21,599) Inventories 3,061 4,0918,244 (720) Deferred gas costs (479) (756)cost (5,719) (1,585) Accounts payable - gas purchases 3,713 6,6964,380 5,580 Accounts payable - other trade (3,373) (3,937)(815) (3,729) Other current assets and liabilities (15,630) 19,60315,407 (18,919) Other, net (1,796) (3,245)930 (4,458) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 21,498 48,75437,436 (11,730) Investing Activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (28,663) (28,580)(23,455) (16,034) Net advances from affiliates 6,379 (7,967)(6,776) 12,802 Other, net 1,012 (265)330 629 Net cash used in investing activities (21,272) (36,812)(29,901) (2,603) Financing Activities Payment of dividends on common stock (3,680) (6,720) (9,555) Net change in short-term debt 8,000 01,000 24,000 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,280 (9,555)(2,680) 17,280 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,506 2,3874,855 2,947 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,580 803 727 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 2,3097,435 $ 3,1143,750 The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 10 NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ENERGEN CORPORATION AND ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION All adjustments to the unaudited financial statements which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods have been recorded. Such adjustments consisted of normal recurring items and immaterial adjustments. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996, 1995, and 1994,1995, included in the 19961997 Annual Report of Energen Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications were made to conform prior years' financial statements to the current quarter presentation. The Company's primarynatural gas distribution business is seasonal in character and influenced by weather conditions. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the fiscal year. 2. REGULATORY As an Alabama utility, Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco) is subject to regulation by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) which, in 1983, established the Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) rate-setting process. RSE was extended with modifications in 1985, 1987 and 1990. On October 7, 1996, RSE was extended, without change, for a five-year period through January 1, 2002. Under the terms of that extension, RSE will continue after January 1, 2002, unless, after notice to the Company and a hearing, the Commission votes to either modify or discontinue its operation. Under RSE as extended, the APSC conducts quarterly reviews to determine, based on Alagasco sAlagasco's projections and fiscal year-to-date performance, whether Alagasco sAlagasco's return on equity for the fiscal year will be within the allowed range of 13.15 percent to 13.65 percent. Reductions in rates can be made quarterly to bring the projected return within the allowed range; increases, however, are allowed only once each fiscal year, effective December 1, and cannot exceed 4 percent of prior-year revenues. RSE limits the utility sutility's equity upon which a return is permitted to 60 percent of total capitalization and provides for certain cost control measures designed to monitor Alagasco sAlagasco's operations and maintenance (O&M) expense. If the change in O&M expense per customer falls within 1.25 percentage points above or below the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Customers (index range), no adjustment is required. If, however, the change in O&M expense per customer exceeds the index range, three-quarters of the difference is returned to customers. To the extent the change is less than the index range, the utility benefits by one-half of the difference through future rate adjustments. Under RSE as extended, a $1.3an $11.8 million annual decreaseincrease in revenue became effective October 1, 1996, a $7.7 million annual increase became effective December 1, 1996, and a $1.5 million annual decrease became effective April 1, 1997. Alagasco calculates a temperature adjustment to customers' monthly bills to remove the effect of departures from normal temperature on Alagasco sAlagasco's earnings. The calculation is performed monthly, and the adjustments to customerscustomers' bills are made in the same billing cycle the weather variation occurs. Alagasco sAlagasco's rate schedules for natural gas distribution charges contain a Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) rider, established in 1993, which permits the pass-throughpass- through to customers of changes in the cost of gas supply, including Gas Supply Realignment (GSR) surcharges imposed by Alagasco sAlagasco's suppliers resulting from changes in gas supply purchases related to the implementation of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 636. The APSC on October 7, 1996, issued an order providing for the refund to customers prior to January 31, 1997, of approximately $17 million of supplier refunds, including interest. The Company refunded these amounts to customers during January 1997. The refunds were collected from a variety of sources and most relate to the settlement of rate case and FERC Order 636 proceedings of Southern Natural Gas Company (Southern) as described herein.Company. In accordance with APSC-directed regulatory accounting procedures, Alagasco in 1989 began returning to customers excess utility deferred taxes which resulted from a reduction in the federal statutory tax rate from 46 percent to 34 percent using the average rate assumption method. This method provides for the return to ratepayers of excess deferred taxes over the lives of the related assets. In 1993 those excess taxes were reduced as a result of a federal tax rate increase from 34 percent to 35 percent. Remaining excess utility deferred taxes of $2.2$2.1 million are being returned to ratepayers over approximately 1413 years. At June 30, 1997,March 31, 1998, and September 30, 1996,1997, a regulatory liability related to income taxes of $3.9$3.3 million and $5$3.7 million, respectively, was included in the consolidated financial statements. FERC Regulation: In 1995 Southern filed3. CAPITAL STOCK On January 28, 1998, Energen announced a comprehensive settlement with2-for-1 split of the FERCCompany's common stock. The split was in the form of a Stipulation100 percent stock dividend and Agreement (the Settlement)was payable on March 2, 1998, to resolve all issues in Southern s six then-pending rate cases as well as to resolve all GSR and transition cost issues resulting from the implementationshareholders of FERC Order 636. Alagasco was a supporting party to the Settlement. The Settlement, as approved by the FERC, resolves all issues relating to GSR and other transition costs with respect to supporting parties. Alagasco estimates that it has a remaining GSR liability of approximately $0.1 million to be paid through December 1997 and approximately $0.7 million in other transition costs to be paid through Junerecord on February 13, 1998. Because these costs will be recovered in full from its customers, Alagasco recorded a regulatory asset of $0.8 million and $2.2 million at June 30, 1997, and September 30, 1996, respectively. 3. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On July 22, 1997, Taurus closed on the purchase of approximately 10 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) of domestic oil and gas reserves from United Meridian Corporation (UMC) for $9.6 million. These properties are located in TexasAll per-share amounts and the Rocky Mountains, and are partnumber of UMC's 1991 acquisition program in which Taurus already owned a 14 percent interest. Virtually all the reserves are proved producing. During July 1997, the Company issued an additional $85 million aggregate principal amountshares of its Medium-Term Notes, Series A. The terms of the notes ranged from 5 to 30 years at interest rates from 6.6 percent to 7.6 percent. Net proceeds from the sale are being used to repay a portion of the short-term debt incurred by the Company to fund the acquisition of various oil and gas properties by Taurus. Short-term debt in the amount of $85 million hascapital stock outstanding have been reclassified to long-term in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1997adjusted to reflect the issuance. On August 1,1997, Taurus acquired Amoco Corporation's Black Warrior Basin coalbed methane properties for $72 million. The properties include more than 260 producing wells and estimated net reservesstock split. Effective January 30, 1998, the Restated Certificate of 90 billion cubic feet (Bcf). Substantially all the reserves are classified as proved producing. Net annual productionIncorporation of Energen Corporation was amended to increase Energen's authorized common stock, par value $0.01 per share, from the Amoco wells currently exceeds 7 Bcf. Through the year 2002, production from all the wells qualifies for the nonconventional fuels tax credit.30,000,000 shares to 75,000,000 shares. 4. DERIVATIVE COMMODITY INSTRUMENTS Taurus periodicallyExploration Inc. (Taurus) enters into derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to the impact of price fluctuations on oil and gas production. Such instruments include regulated natural gas and crude oil futures contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and over-the-counterover-the- counter swaps and basis hedges with major energy derivative product specialists. These transactions are accounted for under the deferral (hedging)hedge method of accounting. Under this method, any unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a current receivable/payable and a deferred gain/loss. Realized gains and losses are deferred until the revenues from the related hedged volumes are recognized in the income statement. These realized deferred gains and losses are reflected in current liabilities or current assets, respectively. Cash flows from derivative instruments are recognized as incurred through changes in working capital. The Company had deferred losses of $10.8 million and $12.9 million on the balance sheet at March 31,1998, and September 30, 1997, respectively. At March 31, 1998, Taurus had entered into contracts and swaps for 16.8 Bcf of its remaining estimated 1998 flowing gas production at an average contract price of $2.11 per Mcf and for 405 MBbl of its remaining estimated flowing oil production at an average contract price of $18.47 per barrel. The program has been extended into fiscal year 1999 with contracts and swaps in place for 25.8 Bcf of flowing gas production at an average contract price of $2.32 per Mcf. Realized prices are anticipated to be lower than hedged prices due to basis differences and other factors. All hedge transactions are subject to the Company's risk management policy, approved by the Board of Directors, which does not permit speculative positions. To apply the deferralhedge method of accounting, management must demonstrate that a high correlation exists between the value of the derivative commodity instrument and the value of the item hedged. Management uses the historic relationships between the derivative instruments and the sales prices of the hedged volumes to ensure that a high level of correlation exists. 5. ACCOUNTING FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, requires that an impairment loss be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted estimated future cash flows of the asset. Accordingly, during the second quarter of 1998, Taurus recorded a pre- tax writedown of $4.7 million on certain oil and gas properties, adjusting the carrying amount of the properties to their fair value based upon expected future discounted cash flows. This writedown primarily reflects the impact of the recent decline in crude oil prices. The expense was recorded as additional depreciation, depletion and amortization. 6. RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE FASB In fiscal 1997,During the Company is required to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which establishes a fair value-based method of accounting for employee stock options. The Statement allows companies to continue to follow the accounting treatment prescribed by APB Opinion 25 with proper disclosure. The Company will continue to record its employee stock options under APB Opinion 25 and will make the required disclosures under SFAS 123. In the secondfirst quarter, the Company adopted SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which provides accounting and reporting standards for such transactions. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements. In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share (EPS), which specifies computation, presentation, and disclosure requirements for EPS. SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to that of the diluted computation (see Note 8). The Company also is required to adopt during fiscal 1998, SFAS No. 129, Disclosures of Information about Capital Structure, which establishes standardsStructure. It contains no change in disclosure requirements for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. The Company is requiredpublic entities that were previously subject to adopt these statements in its 1998 fiscal year.the requirements of Accounting Principles Board No. 10 and No. 15 and SFAS No. 47. As a result, SFAS No. 129 will have no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which requires the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in an entity's financial statements, and SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, which specifies revised guidelines for determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial information to be required. In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which revises employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company is required to adopt these statements in fiscal year 1999. The impact of these pronouncements on the Company currently is currently being evaluated.evaluated and is not expected to be material. 6.7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION ENERGEN CORPORATION Nine months ended June 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $14,844 $10,846 Income taxes paid $ 5,140 $ 1,745 Noncash investing activities (capitalized depreciation and allowance for funds used during construction) $ 508 $ 944 ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION Nine months ended June 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 Interest paid $ 9,570 $ 8,866 Income taxes paid $10,016 $ 3,535 Noncash investing activities (capitalized depreciation and allowance for funds used during construction) $ 508 $ 944
13Six months ended March 31, (in thousands) 1998 1997 Interest paid $13,195 $ 7,242 Income taxes paid $ 6,568 $ 3,124 Noncash investing activities (capitalized depreciation and allowance for funds used during construction) $ 267 $ 385 ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION Six months ended March 31, (in thousands) 1998 1997 Interest paid $ 5,871 $ 4,623 Income taxes paid $ 7,570 $ 5,827 Noncash investing activities (capitalized depreciation and allowance for funds used during construction) $ 267 $ 385 8. RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE* (in thousands,except per share amounts) Per share Per Share Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount Three months ended Three months ended March 31, 1998 March 31, 1997 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $40,292 29,027 $ 1.39 $ 30,531 25,311 $1.21 Effect of Dilutive Securities Long-range performance shares 121 121 Non-qualified stock options 212 117 Diluted EPS Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $40,292 29,360 $1.37 $ 30,531 25,549 $1.19 Six months ended Six months ended March 31, 1998 March 31,1997 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $46,419 28,956 $ 1.60 $ 33,708 23,874 $1.41 Effect of Dilutive Securities Long-range performance shares 115 112 Non-qualified stock options 191 103 Diluted EPS Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $46,419 29,262 $ 1.59 $ 33,708 24,089 $1.40 Share amounts reflect a 2-for-1 stock split effective March 2, 1998 (see Note 3) ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ConsolidatedEnergen's net income totaled $40.3 million ($1.39 per share) for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 was $3.0 million ($.23 per share)three months ended March 31,1998, and compared favorably with net income of $1.1$30.5 million ($.101.21 per share) recorded in the same period last year. Taurus Exploration Inc. (Taurus), Energen's oil and gas exploration and production subsidiary, realized net income of $1.2 million as compared to a net loss of $0.4 million in the same period last year, primarily due to a 11365 percent increase in oilnet income to $16.4 million. Gains resulting from production-related income and gas production volumes to 9.3 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe). Taurus also benefited from increased nonconventional fuels tax credits. Partially offsetting these gainscredits were increased depreciation, depletionpartially offset by a $3 million after-tax writedown of certain oil and amortization (DD&A) expense as well asgas properties under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121 and increased interest expense. Alagasco, Energen's natural gas utility, earned $1.7 million during the third fiscal quarter. This $0.3 million increase from the same period last year primarily was due to Alagasco's earning within itsan allowed range of return on a higher level of equity representing investment in utility plant. Alagasco's net income totaled $23.9 million in the current quarter and compared with $20.2 in the same quarter last year. For the 19971998 fiscal year-to-date, Energen's net income totaled $36.7$46.4 million ($2.981.60 per share) compared with $26.8 million$33.7 ($2.441.41 per share) for the first nine months of fiscal 1996.same period last year. Taurus's net income totaled $12.6$20.2 million and compared favorably with $4.7$11.4 million of net income in the first threehalf of fiscal quarters of 1996.1997. Alagasco's earnings increased $1.7$4.2 million to $23.7$26.1 million. Major factors contributing to Taurus's and Alagasco's financial success during the year-to-datecurrent period were the same as those influencing each subsidiary during the thirdsecond quarter. In addition, Taurus benefited from higher realized oil and gas prices. Revenues:Natural Gas Distribution: Natural gas distribution revenues decreased 9.2 percentvaried only slightly in quarter comparisons and increased $14 million for the year-to-date. For the quarter, as significantly warmer-than-normalresidential sales volumes increased due to weather that was 11.2 percent colder than in Alagasco's service territorythe prior year but were largely offset by decreased gas costs. A decrease in the commodity cost of gas which was offset partially by increased gas purchase volumes also contributed to a 324.4 percent decrease in residential sales volumes.cost of gas. For the year-to-date, weather that was 2210.7 percent warmercolder than the priorsame period last year hadcontributed to a 10.6 percent increase in residential sales volumes. Increased gas purchase volumes were offset partially by a decrease in the same negative impact on volumes, but a higher commodity cost of gas, which isresulting in a 4.4 percent increase in cost of gas. Gas price fluctuations are passed through ratesvolumetrically to customers offset the impact of weather incustomer via the nine-month period. Neither temperature variances nor gas price fluctuations affect Alagasco's residential operating margins, however, as theCompany's Gas Supply Adjustment rider. The temperature adjustment provision allows customer bills to be adjusted on a real-time basis so that temperature variances from normal do not affect Alagasco's operating margins. Operations and maintenance expenses in the current quarter and in the year-to- date comparisons remained relatively stable due to low inflation and customer growth during the period. A slight increase in depreciation expense for the quarter and year-to-date comparisons was due to normal growth of the utility's distribution system. Taxes other than income primarily reflect usage under normal temperature conditionsvarious state and gas costslocal business taxes as well as payroll-related taxes. State and local business taxes are passedgenerally based on gross receipts and fluctuate accordingly. As discussed more fully in Note 2, Alagasco is subject to regulation by the APSC. On October 7,1996, the APSC issued an order extending the Company's current rate-setting mechanism through January 1, 2002. Under the terms of that extension, RSE will continue after January 1, 2002, unless, after notice to the customer viaCompany and a hearing, the company'sCommission votes to either modify or discontinue its operation. Oil and Gas Supply Adjustment rider.Exploration and Production: Revenues from oil and gas production activities more than doubled in both periods due largelyrose 58.9 percent to $36.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998, and 81.9 percent to $66.4 million for the year-to-date, primarily reflecting Taurus's current and prior- year property acquisitions. Natural gas production, for the quarter, increased volumes59.6 percent to 11 Bcf and prices. Oil and gasoil volumes increased 11397.4 percent to 361 MBbl. For the year-to-date, natural gas production increased 86.5 percent to 21.3 Bcf and oil volumes increased 82.3 percent to 620 MBbl. During 1997 Taurus acquired high BTU-content natural gas reserves in the San Juan Basin which yielded 194 MBbl in natural gas liquids in the current quarter and 370 MBbl for the year-to-date. The impact of higher production was slightly offset by lower realized gas and oil prices. For the quarter, gas sales prices decreased 4 percent to $2.43 per Mcf. Oil prices decreased 15.4 percent to $16.41 per barrel. For the year-to- date gas sales prices decreased slightly to $2.32 while oil prices decreased 10.2 percent to $16.72 per barrel. Natural gas liquids sold for an average price of $10.06 per barrel for the quarter and 121 percent$9.74 per barrel for the year-to-date primarily dueyear- to-date. Taurus enters into derivative commodity instruments to the acquisition of producing properties with development potential and to prior-year discoveries coming on-line. Third quarter production of 9.3 Bcfe compared to 4.4 Bcfe of production in the same period last year, while production in the first nine months of the year totaled 22.7 Bcfe compared with 10.3 Bcfe in the first nine months of fiscal 1996. After giving effect to hedged volumes, the average sales price of natural gas in the third quarter was $1.96 per Mcf as compared with $1.81 per Mcf in the prior-year period; in the year-to-date, gas prices averaged $2.19 per Mcf as compared with $1.90 per Mcf in the same period last year. Meanwhile, Taurus's sales price per barrel of oil averaged $18.03 in the third quarter versus $16.92 last year and $18.37 in the year-to-date versus $16.09 in the prior-year period. The Company utilizes several instruments as hedges to managehedge its exposure to energythe impact of price fluctuations on the sale of oil and gas production. TheseSuch instruments consist mainly ofinclude regulated natural gas and crude oil futures contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and over-the-counter swaps and basis hedges with major energy derivative product specialists and fixed-price sales contracts.specialists. All hedge transactions are subject to the Company's risk management policy, approved by the Board of Directors, which does not permit speculative positions. At June 30, 1997,March 31, 1998, Taurus hashad entered into contracts and swaps for 7.316.8 Bcf of its remaining estimated 1998 flowing gas production at an average contract price of $2.09$2.11 per Mcf and 153for 405 MBbl of its remaining estimated flowing oil production at an average contract price of $19.63$18.47 per barrel. The program has been extended into fiscal year 19981999 with contracts and swaps in place for 26.525.8 Bcf of flowing gas production at an average contract price of $2.14 per Mcf, and 433 MBbl of oil at an average contract price of $20.26 per barrel. For fiscal year 1999, there are contracts and swaps in place for 2.2 Bcf of gas production at an average contract price of $2.17$2.32 per Mcf. Realized prices are anticipated to be lower than hedged prices due to basis differencedifferences and other factors. To help mitigate this variance, the Company recently hedged the basis difference on 11.2 Bcf of its 1998 and 1999 San Juan Basin production. Operating Expenses: As with natural gas revenues, cost of gas is typically influenced by weather and gas prices. In the quarter, weather-related decreases in residential sales volumes coupled with a relatively stable commodity cost of gas resulted in an 18.8 percent overall decrease in cost of gas for the quarter. For the year-to-date, cost of gas decreased 3.6 percent, as the effect of warmer weather was partially offset byO&M expense increased commodity cost of gas. Operations and maintenance expense (O&M) increased $2.8$3.5 million for the quarter and $11.7$7.3 million in the current year-to-date primarily due to the significant growth in production and acquisition activity at Taurus. InLease operating expenses rose by $3.8 million and $8.5 million for the quarter lease operating expenses (LOE)and year-to-date, respectively. Exploration expense increased $2.8slightly for the quarter but was lower by $0.5 million while utility O&M remained relatively stable. Forfor the year-to-date Taurus's LOE rose $7.4 million and, at the utility, labor and related expenses and marketing costs increased.primarily due to less-than-anticipated drilling activity. Taurus's significantly higher production volumes generated the majority of the $3.8$11.3 million increase in DD&Adepreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) for the quarter and the $9.9$18.3 million increase for the year-to-date. However, that increase was somewhat offset by lowerAlso under SFAS No. 121, Taurus recorded additional DD&A rates dueexpense of $4.7 million (pretax) to the addition of long-lived assetswritedown certain oil and gas properties. The average depletion rate in the current year. Includedquarter was $0.91, excluding the effect of the writedown, compared to $0.83 for the same period last year and was $0.89 in the year-to-date was a $0.5 million increasecompared to $0.83 in DD&A at Taurus related to a 10 Bcf anticipated reserve revision. Some of these properties have undeveloped reserves, the remaining development of which could impact the final adjustment; accordingly future DD&A rates could be higher than currently anticipated. Normal plant growth at Alagasco contributed $0.5 million of the increase for the quarter and $1.8 million for the year-to-date. The Company'sprior-year period. Taurus's expense for taxes other than income primarily reflects various stateproduction- related taxes which were $1.5 million higher this quarter and local business taxes at Alagasco, and various payroll-related taxes and severance taxes at Taurus. State and local business taxes are generally based on gross receipts of Alagasco and fluctuate accordingly, while severance taxes are based on$3.6 higher for the value ofyear-to-date due to increased production. The Company has been examining the possibility of disposing of certain of its oil and gas properties which have 8 Bcf of proved reserves and had previously disclosed the possibility of a potential write-down to fair market value under SFAS No. 121 if the Company decided to dispose of the assets. Management has since determined that the properties may have development potential for Taurus and is actively pursuing options for development, either alone or with partners. Therefore, no write-down under SFAS 121 was required for these properties and, based on known facts and circumstances, no other properties are currently impaired. Non-Operating Items: Interest expense for the Company increased by $2.2$1.8 million in the quarter and $6.3 million for the year-to-date primarily due to interest recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of oil and gas properties$4.1 in the San Juan Basin.year-to-date. To help fund growth at Taurus, Energen issued $85 million of medium-term notes (MTNs) in July 1997 and $100 million of MTNs in February 1998. The Company also has increased its average borrowings under its short-term credit facilities and, infor the fourth quarter of the prior year, issued $40 million in Energen medium-term notes (MTNs) to fund the aggressive growth strategy currently under way at Taurus. In addition, Alagasco issued $25 million in MTNs in the fourth quarter of the prior year to repay short-term debt used to fund customer refunds, gas storage inventory replacement and facilities upgrade and acquisition.same purpose. The Company's effective tax rates are lower than statutory federal tax rates primarily due to the recognition of nonconventional fuelfuels tax credits and the amortization of investment tax credits. The Company's effective tax rates are expected to remain lower than statutory federal rates through December 31, 2002, as tax credits generated each year are expected to be fully recognized in the financial statements. Income tax expense remained virtuallydecreased in the samecurrent quarter and in both periodsthe year-to-date as the impact of higher consolidated pretax income was more than offset by significantly greater recognition of nonconventional fuelfuels tax credits on an interim basis in the current year. FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY OperatingCurrent year operating cash flow was $59.4$75.8 million compared to $63.9$8 million in the prior year. As previously discussed, theThe Company benefited from increased net income resulting from significantly higher oil and gas production volumes and higher realized oil and gas prices in the current year; however, the January 1997 payout to utility customers of approximately $17 million in supplier refunds (see Note 2) combined with otherproduction. Other working capital items, which are highly influenced by throughput and timing of payments, combined to more than offset thatcreate the remaining increase. Negatively affecting cashflow in the prior year was the payout of $17 million of supplier refunds to customers in January 1997. The Company invested $168.5$108.4 million primarily to fund Taurus's continued aggressive growth strategy. Inin the current year,year-to-date primarily in the addition of property, plant and equipment. Taurus has added $143$87.5 million in capital expenditures includingfor the $77year-to-date to acquire and develop oil and gas properties. Utility capital expenditures totaled $23.1 million San Juan Basin acquisition of approximately 225 Bcfe of proved reserves, the $8.2and represented primarily normal system distribution expansion and support facilities. The Company used $64.6 million acquisition of an estimated 10.7 Bcfe of reserves in southwest Mississippi from Griffin and Griffin Oil Company, and the $16 million investment for a 9 percent interest in a joint venturefinancing activities in the Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef area. Utility expenditures year-to-date totaled $28.3 million. Financing activities provided a source of $100.9 million in the current year primarily due to the issuance of $85year-to-date. The Company issued $100 million of medium-term notes in July 1997.long-term debt redeemable February 15, 2028. The $84.47.125 percent MTNs were priced at 99.416 percent to yield 7.173 percent. The $98.5 million in proceeds were used to repay borrowings under Energen's short-term debtcredit facilities incurred mainly to finance Taurus's acquisitiongrowth activity. For Alabama shares tax planning purposes, the Company borrowed $98.6 million in September 1997 to invest in short-term federal obligations. The Treasuries matured in early October and development strategy. In addition, Energen issued 1,725,000 shares of common stock in January 1997, generating netthe proceeds of $49.1 million.were used to repay the debt. FUTURE CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY The Company's previously-announced strategyCompany plans to growcontinue to implement its oil and gas exploration and production subsidiary involves investing more than $400 million in the acquisition of producing properties with development potential and more than $100 million in exploration and related development indiversified growth strategy. Over the five-year period ending September 30, 2000. In the second quarter,2002, Taurus acquired approximately 225 Bcfe of oil and gas reserves in the San Juan Basin for $77 million and plans to spend an additional $18.5 million over several years to fully develop these long-lived reserves. In the third quarter, Taurus spent $8.2invest approximately $750 million to purchase approximately 10.7 Bcfe of proved reserves$800 million to acquire and develop producing properties and to participate in southwest Mississippi from Griffinexploration and Griffin Oil Company. Approximately 85 percent of the estimated proved reserves are gas and almost 60 percent are developed and producing.related development. In fiscal 1998, Taurus plans to spend an additional $1.2in excess of $120 million, to develop the remaining 4.5 Bcfe of behind-pipe and proved undeveloped reserves. In three smaller transactions, Taurus acquired 5.6 Bcfe of predominantly natural gas reserves in Texas and Louisiana for $3.3 million. Approximately 40 percent of the proved reserves are developed and producing, and the Company expects to spend an additional $3.2including $64.5 million to fully develop the remaining behind-pipe and proved undeveloped reserves. Also in June, Taurus invested $16 million for a 9 percent interest in a joint venture with Sonat Exploration and United Meridian Corporation for future exploration of the Cotton Valley Pinnacle Reef trend. Since third quarter end, Taurus has made another major acquisition. On August 1st, the Company completed its purchase of Amoco Corporation's Black Warrior Basin coalbed methane properties for $72 million. The transaction included over 260 producing wells and estimated net proved reserves of 90 Bcf. Substantially all of the reserves are classified as proved producing. (For additional information, see Part II, Item 5). In addition, Taurus spent $9.6 million in July to purchase approximately 10 Bcfe of domestic oil and natural gas reserves located in Texas and the Rocky Mountains from United Meridian Corporation. During the remainder of 1997, exclusive of newon property acquisitions Taurus could spend another $9 million related to the drilling of exploratory wells.year-to-date. It should be noted that Taurus's continued ability to invest in property acquisitions over the five-year period ending September 30, 2000 will be significantly influenced by industry trends as the producing property acquisition market historically has historically been cyclical. From time to time, Taurus also may be engaged in negotiations to sell, trade or otherwise dispose of previously acquired property. During the first quarter of 1998, Taurus acquired approximately 79 Bcfe of proved oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin of west Texas from B.C. Oil and Gas Ltd. and certain affiliated companies for $43.3 million. More than half of the proved reserves are behind-pipe and undeveloped, and Taurus plans to spend an additional $17 million over the next two to three years to fully develop the behind-pipe, water flood and undeveloped reserve potential. Oil accounts for 70 percent of the estimated proved reserves. The properties include approximately 350 producing wells, of which Taurus will operate 248. Taurus also purchased an estimated 4.5 Bcfe of predominantly natural gas reserves in southwest Mississippi from Oxy USA Inc. for $7.1 million. In the second quarter, Taurus closed on a $17 million purchase of Gulf of Mexico properties from Chateau Oil and Gas Inc. In April 1998, Taurus subsequently sold approximately 20 percent of its share to a third party who will serve as the operating partner . Taurus's retained portion of the acquisition includes an estimated 9.8 Bcf of natural gas reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 45 percent of the proved reserves are developed and producing, and Taurus plans to spend another $0.7 million over the next several years to bring on-line the 55 percent of behind-pipe reserves. To finance Taurus's investment program, the Company will continue to utilize its total available short-term credit facilities to supplement internally generated cash flow, with long-term debt and equity providing permanent financing. To that end, in September 1996,In December 1997, Energen filed a $250$400 million shelf registration for debt and common stock. Under that registration, in February 1998 Energen issued $40 million aggregate principal amount of its Medium-Term Notes, Series A (Series A MTNs) in September 1996 and, in January 1997, issued 1.7 million shares of common stock generating $49.1 million in proceeds. During July 1997, Energen issued an additional $85$100 million of Series AB MTNs, the proceeds from which were used to repay short-termshort- term debt. Short-term debt in the amount of $85 million has been reclassified to long-term in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1997 to reflect the issuance. During the current year,first quarter, Energen has increased its available short-termshort- term credit facilities by $10 million to $166$228 million to accommodate the Taurus strategy.its growth plans. Utility capital expenditures could approximate $43.2 million in 1997 and primarily represent additions for normal distribution system expansion.renewal and expansion plus support facilities could approximate $60 million in fiscal 1998. Alagasco also will maintain an investment in storage working gas which is expected to average approximatelyapproximate $24 million in 1997.at the end of fiscal 1998. The utility anticipates funding these capital requirements through internally generated capital and the utilization of short-term credit facilities. As referred to in Note 1, Alagasco received amounts from Southern Natural Gas Company and other suppliers in settlement of matters before FERC. During January 1997, the Company refunded to its customers these amounts, including interest, for a total of approximately $17 million. Forward-Looking Statements and Risks: Certain statements in this report, including statements of future plans, objectives, and expected performance of the Company'sCompany and management's expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs,its subsidiaries, are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside the Company's control.their control which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Some of these include, but are not limited to, economic and competitive conditions, inflation rates, legislative and regulatory changes, financial market conditions, future business decisions, and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and most of which are beyond the control of the Company.predict. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond the control of the Company.expenditures. The total amount or timing of actual future production may vary significantly from the amount of reserves previously disclosed.and production estimates. In the event Taurus is unable to invest fully invest its planned acquisition expenditures, future operating revenues and proved reserves could be negatively affected. The drilling of exploratory wells can involve significant risk including that related to timing, outcomesuccess rates and cost overrun.overruns. These risks can be impacted by lease and rig availability, complex geology and other factors. The Company's resultsResults of operations and cash flows also could be affected by changingfuture oil and gas prices. Although Taurus makes use of futures, swaps and fixed price contracts to mitigate risk, fluctuations in oil and gas prices may affect the Company's financial position and results of operation.operations. Energen is evaluating its computer software to assess modifications needed for the year 2000. The Company also is communicating with its significant suppliers, customers, and other constituencies to determine the extent to which the Company's operations may be vulnerable to those third parties' failure to prepare for the year 2000 change. Costs associated with evaluation and testing are being expensed as incurred. The Company has not yet determined fully the total cost of the project but does not anticipate a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. OTHER Recent Pronouncements of the FASB In fiscal 1997,During the Company is required to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which establishes a fair value-based method of accounting for employee stock options. The Statement allows companies to continue to follow the accounting treatment prescribed by APB Opinion 25 with proper disclosure. The Company will continue to record its employee stock options under APB Opinion 25 and will make the required disclosures under SFAS 123. In the secondfirst quarter, the Company adopted SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which provides accounting and reporting standards for such transactions. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements. In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which specifies computation, presentation, and disclosure requirements for EPS. SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to that of the diluted computation (see Note 8). The Company also is required to adopt during fiscal 1998, SFAS No. 129, Disclosures of Information about Capital Structure, which establishes standardsStructure. It contains no change in disclosure requirements for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. The Company is requiredpublic entities that were previously subject to adopt these statements in its 1998 fiscal year.the requirements of Accounting Principles Board No. 10 and No. 15 and SFAS No. 47. As a result, SFAS No. 129 will have no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which requires the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in an entity's financial statements, and SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, which specifies revised guidelines for determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial information to be required. In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which revises employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company is required to adopt these statements in fiscal year 1999. The impact of these pronouncements on the Company currently is currently being evaluated. 18evaluated and is not expected to be material. SELECTED BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA ENERGEN CORPORATION Three months ended Nine months ended June 30, June 30, (in thousands, except share data) 1997 1996 1997 1996 Natural Gas Distribution Operating revenues (in thousands) Residential $42,218 $51,250 $210,113 $211,315 Commercial and industrial - small 15,769 19,091 75,310 76,520 Commercial and industrial - large 144 27 236 758 Transportation 7,805 6,706 25,648 23,652 Other 4,211 151 2,296 308 Total $70,147 $77,225 $313,603 $312,553 Volumes sold and transported(thousands of Mcf) Residential 4,528 6,695 26,079 32,672 Commercial and industrial - small 2,217 3,028 10,953 13,410 Commercial and industrial -large 4 5 21 24 Transportation 15,432 14,758 46,962 45,932 Total 22,181 24,486 84,015 92,038 Other data Depreciation and amortization $5,906 $5,410 $17,463 $15,661 Capital expenditures $12,629 $10,977 $29,048 $29,524 Operating income $5,121 $4,338 $44,592 $41,210 Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Operating revenues Natural gas $15,321 $5,774 $42,131 $14,620 Oil 4,372 3,266 10,703 6,973 Other 1,039 865 4,386 2,794 Total $20,732 $9,905 $57,220 $24,387 Sales volume - natural gas (thousands of Mcf) 7,831 3,192 19,240 7,676 Sales volume - oil (thousands of barrels) 243 193 583 433 Average sales price - natural gas (per Mcf) $ 1.96 $ 1.81 $ 2.19 $ 1.90 Average sales price - oil (per barrel) $ 18.03 $ 16.92 $18.37 $16.09 Other data Depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 8,427 $5,050 $19,727 $11,516 Capital expenditures $39,472 $6,016 $143,003 $40,316 Exploration expenditures $ 1,716 $1,771 $ 3,662 $ 2,999 Operating income $ 3,286 $ (197) $14,244 $ 1,920 Other Business Depreciation and amortization $ 80 $ 128 $ 245 $ 390 Capital expenditures $ 0 $ 27 $ 0 $ 45 Operating income $ 67 $ 99 $ 205 $ 245 Eliminations and Corporate Expenses Operating loss $ (230) $(229) $ (1,244) $(948)
18(Unaudited) Three months ended Six months ended (in thousands, except March 31, March 31, sales price data) 1998 1997 1998 1997 Natural Gas Distribution Operating revenues Residential $113,197 $112,372 $175,575 $167,895 Commercial and industrial - small 39,713 40,180 63,207 59,633 Transportation 10,495 9,290 19,852 17,843 Other (1,658) (1,691) (1,132) (1,915) Total $161,747 $160,151 $257,502 $243,456 Gas delivery volumes (MMcf) Residential 16,023 14,369 23,856 21,551 Commercial and industrial - small 6,219 5,718 9,675 8,753 Transportation 16,143 15,194 32,518 31,530 Total 38,385 35,281 66,049 61,834 Other data Depreciation and amortization $6,232 $ 5,798 $12,429 $11,557 Capital expenditures $15,066 $ 9,709 $23,380 $16,159 Operating income $40,330 $34,552 $46,231 $39,473 Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Operating revenues Natural gas $26,652 $17,424 $49,441 $26,810 Oil 5,922 3,546 10,367 6,331 Natural gas liquids 1,953 -- 3,602 -- Other 1,699 1,821 2,949 3,347 Total $36,226 $22,791 $66,359 $36,488 Sales volume Natural gas (MMcf) 10,973 6,875 21,277 11,409 Oil (MBbl) 361 183 620 340 Natural gas liquids (MBbl) 194 -- 370 -- Average sales price Natural gas (MMcf) $ 2.43 $ 2.53 $ 2.32 $ 2.35 Oil (barrel) $16.41 $ 19.39 $ 16.72 $18.61 Natural gas liquids (barrel) $10.06 -- $ 9.74 -- Other data Depreciation, depletion and amortization $18,084 $ 6,827 $29,723 $11,465 Capital expenditures $27,135 $95,142 $87,494 $103,531 Exploration expenditures $1,367 $ 1,301 $ 1,490 $1,946 Operating income $4,343 $ 7,282 $11,884 $11,106 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION On August 1, 1997, Taurus acquired Amoco Corporation's Black Warrior Basin coalbed methane properties for $72 million. The properties include more than 260 producing wells and estimated net proved reserves2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES Effective January 30, 1998, the Restated Certificate of 90 Bcf. Substantially allIncorporation of Energen Corporation was amended to increase Energen's authorized common stock, par value $0.01 per share, from 30,000,000 shares to 75,000,000. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Information with respect to the reserves are classified as proved producing. Net annual production from the Amoco wells currently exceeds 7 Bcf. Through the year 2002, production from all the wells qualifiesmeeting of Shareholders held January 28, 1998, is reported in Item 4 of Energen Corporation Form 10-Q for the nonconventional fuels tax credit. The Company used funds from its short-term credit facilities to finance this acquisition. (For additional information regarding the funding of Taurus's investment program, see Part I, Item 2, Future Capital Resources and Liquidity.) The Company previously announced this acquisition on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9,three months ended December 31, 1997. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a. Exhibits 27.1 Financial data schedule of Energen Corporation (for SEC purposes only) 27.2 Financial data schedule of Alabama Gas Corporation (for SEC purposes only) 27.3 Restated financial data schedule of Energen Corporation (for SEC purposes only) b. Reports on Form 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed for the three months ended June 30, 1997. A report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 1997 was filed with the Commission to report Taurus's acquisition of the properties referred to in Part II, Item 5. A report on Form 8-K dated August 11, 1997 was filed with the Commission to report the commencement of a solicitation of consents to certain proposed amendments (i) to the Indenture dated as of January 1, 1992 among Energen and Boatmen's Trust Company, as trustee (the Trustee), pursuant to which Energen's 8% Debentures due February 1, 2007 were issued and (ii) to the Indenture dated as of March 1, 1993 among Energen and the Trustee, pursuant to which Energen's Series 1993 Notes were issued. 19 31,1998. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ENERGEN CORPORATION ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION August 14, 1997May 11, 1998 By/s/ Wm. Michael Warren, Jr. Wm. Michael Warren, Jr. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Energen, Chairman and all subsidiaries, PresidentChief Executive Officer of Energen August 14, 1997Alagasco May 11, 1998 By/s/ G. C. Ketcham G. C. Ketcham Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer August 14, 1997of Energen and Alagasco May 11, 1998 By/s/ Grace B. Carr Grace B. Carr Controller of Energen May 11, 1998 By/s/ Paula H. Rushing Paula H. Rushing ControllerVice President-Finance of Alagasco 20