The Company currently has a $200 million revolving credit facility with a bank group consisting of Hibernia National Bank, BNP-Paribas, Wells Fargo Bank Texas, NA, BankOne, NA, Fleet National Bank, Bank of Scotland and First Union National Bank (the “Banks”). The credit facility is available through July 1, 2003. Advances pursuant to this credit facility are limited to a borrowing base, which is presently $200 million. The Company may elect to use either the London interbank offered rate, or LIBO rate, plus a margin of 1.125% to 1.50%, or the prime rate plus a margin of 0% or 0.25%, with margins on both rates determined on the average outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. The borrowing base is redetermined semi-annually by the Banks based upon reserve evaluations of Evergreen’s oil and gas properties. An average annual commitment fee of 0.375% is charged quarterly for any unused portion of the credit line. The agreement is collateralized by substantially all domestic oil and gas properties and guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The credit agreement also contains certain net worth, leverage and ratio requirements. At June 30, 2001, Evergreen had $148.5 million of outstanding borrowings under this credit facility. Due to the recent property acquisition, the Company currently has $154 million of outstanding debt as of August 3, 2001 with a current average interest rate of approximately 6%. To limit the amount of exposure to interest rate fluctuations, in April 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
The Company’s 2001 capital budget excluding the recent Lorencito property acquisition is estimated to be approximately $75 million. Of this total, approximately $58 million will be directed to Evergreen’s coalbed methane operations in the Raton Basin, which includes about $23 million for infrastructure, approximately $27 million for the drilling and completion of more than 120 wells, and about $8 million primarily for recompletions and equipment. Approximately $5 million of the 2001 capital budget will be spent on the Company’s coalbed methane project in the United Kingdom, approximately $5 million on the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland tight gas sands project and the remaining $7 million largely will be used for domestic and international exploration projects. The Company estimates that based on projected production and current gas prices, the anticipated 2001 operating cash flows will exceed estimated capital expenditures.
Capital spending in the first two quarters of 2001 totaled $52 million, excluding the Lorencito transaction. These additions included $17 million to drill and complete 80 Raton Basin gas wells, $16 million for the Raton Basin gas collection system, $6 million related to other Raton Basin development costs, $4 million for domestic exploration projects, and $3 million for international exploration projects. The remaining amount of approximately $6 million primarily consisted of capital expenditures by the Company’s wholly-owned well service company including the subsidiary’s purchase of a coil tubing unit and two workover rigs. The Company anticipates that the capital expenditure budget may be increase due to its accelerated drilling schedule and the Lorencito acquisition.
The Company has reallocated capital expenditures to accelerate the Raton Basin development. The Company anticipates drilling 130 to 140 wells during 2001. Through June 30, 2001, the Company had drilled a total of 80 wells in the Raton Basin. As of August 3, 2001, the Company has drilled a total of 95 wells.
The number of wells anticipated to be drilled in the United Kingdom has been reduced to 5 or 6 wells in 2001, and anticipated capital costs have also been reduced from $10.5 million to $5.2 million. The reduction in the drilling program is due to the regulatory environment, which includes delays in approvals from local planning commissions for drilling permits.
In July 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of the additional 35% ownership in LGG and 35% working interest in Lorencito. The total purchase price for the properties was $19.2 million and is subject to post-closing adjustments. The Company estimates that it will spend approximately $2.5 million on these properties on workovers and recompletions and other costs to stimulate production during 2001. The Company anticipates that it will commence drilling operations during 2002.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $56,996,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2001, as compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $8,796,000 for the same period in 2000. The increase was primarily due to the increase in natural gas production and natural gas prices in 2001.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $54,524,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2001, versus $30,584,000 for the same period in 2000. The increase in 2001 was primarily due to the costs associated with the drilling of 80 wells and the addition of various gas collection projects.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $575,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2001, as compared to $24,405,000 in the same period during 2000. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in borrowings on the Company’s line of credit as a result of higher cash flows provided by operating activities.
Effective January 1, 2001, Evergreen adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Under SFAS No. 133, all derivative instruments, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.
The adoption of SFAS No. 133 resulted in a reduction to OCI on a pre-tax basis of $719,000, or $446,000 after-tax, for the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The reduction to OCI at January 1, 2001 was attributable to a commodity price swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge. The derivative loss included in OCI as of January 1, 2001 has been reclassified into earnings during the six months ended June 30, 2001.
Effective June 29, 2001, the two outstanding commodity price swap agreements the Company had in place were amended to accelerate the termination date from December 31, 2001 to July 31, 2001. In consideration for the amendment, the Company was paid approximately $8,827,000 by the counterparty. At June 30, 2001, the unrealized gains for two commodity swap contracts were $10,920,000, net of taxes of $4,150,000. The unrealized gains include the $8,827,000 as discussed above as well as the fair market value for the contracts through the amended termination date of July 31, 2001. The unrealized gains included in OCI as of June 30, 2001 will be reclassed into earnings ratably through December 31, 2001 as the production that was hedged under the terms of the original contracts is sold. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Evergreen’s production is generally sold at prevailing market prices. However, the Company periodically enters into hedging transactions for a portion of its production when market conditions are deemed favorable and natural gas prices exceed the Company’s minimum internal price targets. See “Item 3- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.”
The Company’s objective in entering into hedging transactions is to manage price fluctuations and achieve a more predictable cash flow. These transactions limit Evergreen’s exposure to declines in prices, but also limit the benefits Evergreen would realize if prices increase. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had entered into the following fixed-price physical delivery contracts to sell its gas production (the Company’s hedging contracts are denoted in MMBtu’s, which convert on an approximately 1-for-1 basis into Mcf):
• | 10 MMcf per day from July 1, 2001 through October 31, 2001 at a price of $2.65 per Mcf,
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• | 10 MMcf per day from July 1, 2001 through October 31, 2001 at a price of NYMEX less $0.20 less fuel and transportation costs,
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• | a maximum of 4 MMcf per day from July 1, 2001 through April 30, 2003 at a price of $2.40 per Mcf plus transportation costs, and
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• | 10 MMcf per day from July 1, 2001 through March 31, 2003 for the lesser of then current market price or a gross price of $2.45 per Mcf. |
In consideration for the extension of the last contract described above, Evergreen received $1,762,000 over the 12-month period ended October 31, 2000, which is being amortized over the contract term. As of June 30, 2001, $791,000 was recognized as deferred revenue and will be recognized as revenue in future periods.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company had two outstanding commodity price swap agreements. The contracts called for the Company to receive or make payments based upon the differential between the hedge price and the market gas price, as defined in the contract, for the notional quantity. One of the two contracts was for 10 MMcf per day at a hedge price of $6.10 per Mcf and the other contract was for 10 MMcf per day at a hedge price of $6.43 per Mcf. Effective June 29, 2001, these two agreements were amended to accelerate the termination date from December 31, 2001 to July 31, 2001. In consideration for the amendment, the Company was paid approximately $8,827,000 from the counterparty. At June 30, 2001, this $8.8 million is included in OCI and will be recognized as natural gas revenue ratably through December 31, 2001 as the production that was hedged under the terms of the original contracts is sold. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”. SFAS No. 141 improves the transparency of the accounting and reporting for business combinations by requiring that all business combinations be accounted for under a single method – the purchase method. This statement is effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001.
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. This statement applies to intangibles and goodwill acquired after June 30, 2001, as well as goodwill and intangibles previously acquired. Under this statement, goodwill as well as other intangibles determined to have an infinite life will no longer be amortized; however, these assets will be reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis. This statement is effective for the Company for the first quarter in the fiscal year ended December 2002. Management does not believe that the adoption of is this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Commodity Risk. The Company’s major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its gas production. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing price for crude oil and spot prices applicable to Evergreen’s United States natural gas production. Historically, prices received for gas production have been volatile and unpredictable. Pricing volatility is expected to continue. Gas price realizations ranged from a monthly low of $2.40 per Mcf to a monthly high of $10.02 per Mcf during the six months ended June 30, 2001.
The Company periodically enters into hedging activities on a portion of its projected natural gas production through a variety of financial and physical arrangements intended to support natural gas prices at targeted levels and to manage its exposure to gas price fluctuations. Evergreen may use futures contracts, swaps, options and fixed-price physical contracts to hedge its commodity prices. As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company amended its two commodity swap agreements on June 29, 2001 to terminate July 31, 2001. The Company consequently had no market risk related to the agreements at June 30, 2001.
Assuming gas production and the percentage of gas production not hedged under financial and physical contracts remain at June 30, 2001 levels, a ten percent decrease in spot gas prices would reduce the Company’s annual natural gas revenues by approximately $3.3 million.
Interest Rate Risk. The Company has risk exposure for interest rates on its outstanding debt. Historically, interest rates have been somewhat volatile. Interest rate volatility is expected to continue. The Company may enter into contractual obligations with a portion of its estimated outstanding debt to attempt to manage interest rate risk. Evergreen has historically had a very conservative capital structure. Due to the increased level of debt incurred as a result of the property acquisition in September 2000, management believes that it is appropriate to maintain the lowest interest rate possible.
At June 30, 2001, Evergreen had long-term debt outstanding of $148.5 million. The interest rates on the outstanding debt range from LIBO rate plus 1.125% to prime. Interest rates are variable, however, they may be fixed at Evergreen’s option for periods of time between 30 to 90 days. A 10% increase in short-term interest rates on the floating-rate debt outstanding at June 30, 2001 would equal approximately 60 basis points. Such an increase in interest rates would increase Evergreen’s 2001 annual interest expense by approximately $891,000, assuming borrowed amounts remain outstanding at current levels. To limit the amount of exposure to interest rate fluctuations, in April 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Foreign Currency Risk. Evergreen’s net assets, revenue and expense accounts from its U.K. subsidiary are based on the U.S. dollar equivalent of such amounts measured in the British pound sterling. Assets and liabilities of the U.K. subsidiary are translated to U.S. dollars using the applicable exchange rate as of the end of a reporting period. Revenues, expenses and cash flow are translated using the average exchange rate during the reporting period.
In 2000, the Company drilled 5 conventional coalbed methane wells and 4 interaction and gob gas wells in the U.K. Evergreen plans to drill up to an additional 5 to 6 wells during 2001. Any significant change in the exchange rate for the pound sterling would have an impact on the cost of the drilling program.
In 2001, the Company plans on drilling 4 tight gas sands wells in Northern Ireland and 2 tight gas sands wells in the Republic of Ireland. The Company’s assets, revenue and expense accounts are based on the U.S. dollar equivalent of such amounts measured in the British pound sterling and the Irish punt. The assets and liabilities of these projects are translated to U.S. dollars using the applicable exchange rate as of the end of a reporting period. Revenues, expenses and cash flow will be translated using the average exchange rate for the reporting period. Any significant change in the exchange rate for the pound sterling and/or punt would have an impact on the cost of this drilling program.
The Company measures its exposure to market risk at any point in time by comparing its open positions to a market risk of fair value. The market prices the Company uses to determine fair value are based on management’s best estimates, which consider various factors including closing exchange prices, volatility factors and the time value of money. At June 30, 2001, the Company was exposed to some market risk on its long-term debt, foreign currency and natural gas prices; however, management does not believe that such risk is material.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party to or which any of their property is subject.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
The following summarizes the votes at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 2, 2001:
Election of Directors – with terms expiring at the Annual Shareholders Meeting in 2004:
Name | For | Withheld |
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Dennis R. Carlton | 13,242,091 | 50,977 |
Mark S. Sexton | 11,780,589 | 1,512,479 |
Arthur L. Smith | 13,239,830 | 53,238 |
Ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2001
For | Against | Abstain |
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13,223,322 | 57,786 | 11,960 |
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits.
None.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly
caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| | EVERGREEN RESOURCES, INC. |
| | | (Registrant) |
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Date: | August 6, 2001 | By: | /s/ Kevin R. Collins
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| | | Kevin R. Collins |
| | | VP – Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
| | | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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