Exhibit 99.1
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FOR RELEASE | | FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT |
October 26, 2006 | | Scott Schroeder (281) 589-4993 |
Cabot Oil & Gas Reports Record Third Quarter Net Income,
Along With Production Gains
HOUSTON, October 26, 2006- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG) today announced record third quarter net income, which was a record even before recording a $143.6 million after-tax gain from the strategic sale of its offshore and south Louisiana assets that closed September 29, 2006. Reported financial results for the quarter included net income of $189.0 million or $3.92 per share, cash flow from operations of $86.7 million and discretionary cash flow of $21.5 million. The discretionary cash flow figure was reduced by a $101.4 million tax provision related to the asset sale, to be funded from the sale proceeds.
Results for the quarter, after removing the benefit of the sale, would have been: net income of $45.4 million, or $0.94 per share, cash flow from operations of $86.7 million (unchanged) and discretionary cash flow of $122.9 million, all record levels for the third quarter. These results compare favorably to last year’s third quarter reported numbers of $33.8 million, or $0.69 per share, $59.0 million and $92.9 million for net income, earnings per share, cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flow, respectively.
Driving the positive results was a 12 percent increase in production, along with increases in oil price realizations. “Each region continues to contribute to the equivalent production increase,” said Dan O. Dinges, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am pleased with our production growth and our existing hedge position that improved our gas price realizations by $0.41 per Mcf in the softening commodity price environment we experienced in the third quarter.”
For the quarter, natural gas price realizations were essentially flat at $6.76 per Mcf compared to last year’s third quarter. Oil prices improved 52 percent to $69.80 per barrel as the absolute oil price strengthened between periods.
The quarterly expense comparison indicates increases in year-over-year direct operations expense, DD&A, G&A expense and interest expense. This was offset by reductions in exploration, stock compensation, brokered natural gas cost and other taxes. The net effect to expenses was an increase of eight percent, in line with expectations.
“The third quarter built on the production momentum we experienced in the second quarter,” commented Dinges. “Our fourth quarter production profile will reflect the results of our recent divestiture, but production coming from our remaining Gulf Coast assets is expected to increase in the fourth quarter.”
Year-to-Date
The reported numbers year-to-date were $289.0 million for net income, $356.1 million for cash flow from operations and $251.0 million for discretionary cash flow (which includes $101.4 million reduction due to the sale). Without the gain on the sale, these results would have been $145.4, $356.1 (unchanged), and $352.4 million, respectively, which compares to $89.9, $247.1, and $255.2 million for last year’s comparable period.
For the nine-months of 2006, Cabot’s $145.4 million net income level before the asset sale nearly matched the 2005 full year net income of $148.4 million, which is the current record annual net income level for the Company. Driving the results was an eight percent increase in production, a 17 percent increase in natural gas price realizations and a 51 percent increase in oil price realizations, offset by cost increases.
“Cabot is establishing itself as an industry leader in pure organic production growth,” added Dinges. “Though we have sold our non-core south Louisiana and offshore properties, we still expect to see absolute production growth in 2006.”
Because of the sale closing at the end of the quarter, Cabot was unable to reduce its debt until early October. Accordingly, the debt balance at September 30, 2006 was $400.0 million with $322.1 million in cash and $909.8 million in equity, giving Cabot a net debt to adjusted total capitalization ratio of 7.9 percent (see attached reconciliation for details of this measurement).
Conference Call
Listen in live to Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation’s 2006 third quarter financial and operating results discussion with financial analysts on Thursday, October 26, at 4:00pm EDT (3:00pm CDT) atwww.cabotog.com. A teleconference replay will also be available at (800) 642-1687, (U.S./Canada) or (706) 645-9291 (International), pass code 7016094. A replay will be available through Saturday, October 28, 2006. The latest financial guidance, including the Company’s hedge positions, along with a replay of the web cast, which will be archived for one year, are available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website atwww.cabotog.com.
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Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading independent natural gas producer with substantial interests onshore Gulf Coast; the West, with the Rocky Mountains and Mid-Continent; the East and in Canada. For additional information, visit the Company’s Internet homepage atwww.cabotog.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements regarding future financial performance and results and the other statements which are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, the market price (including regional basis differentials) of natural gas and oil, results of future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs, and other factors detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
CABOT OIL & GAS RESULTS — Page 4
OPERATING DATA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
PRODUCED NATURAL GAS (Bcf) & OIL (MBbl) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Natural Gas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gulf Coast | | | 8.0 | | | | 6.3 | | | | 23.9 | | | | 21.0 | |
West | | | 6.2 | | | | 5.9 | | | | 17.3 | | | | 17.3 | |
East | | | 5.8 | | | | 5.5 | | | | 17.5 | | | | 15.7 | |
Canada | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 1.8 | | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 20.7 | | | | 18.0 | | | | 60.5 | | | | 54.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Crude/Condensate/Ngl | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gulf Coast | | | 321 | | | | 364 | | | | 1,025 | | | | 1,191 | |
West | | | 54 | | | | 45 | | | | 167 | | | | 127 | |
East | | | 6 | | | | 7 | | | | 19 | | | | 20 | |
Canada | | | 1 | | | | 5 | | | | 8 | | | | 14 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 382 | | | | 421 | | | | 1,219 | | | | 1,352 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equivalent Production (Bcfe) | | | 23.0 | | | | 20.5 | | | | 67.8 | | | | 62.9 | |
| | | | |
PRICES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Produced Gas Sales Price ($/Mcf) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gulf Coast | | $ | 7.13 | | | $ | 6.67 | | | $ | 7.41 | | | $ | 6.26 | |
West | | $ | 5.84 | | | $ | 5.91 | | | $ | 6.19 | | | $ | 5.38 | |
East | | $ | 7.41 | | | $ | 7.75 | | | $ | 8.09 | | | $ | 6.90 | |
Canada | | $ | 5.09 | | | $ | 8.04 | | | $ | 6.10 | | | $ | 5.95 | |
Total(1) | | $ | 6.76 | | | $ | 6.77 | | | $ | 7.22 | | | $ | 6.16 | |
| | | | |
Crude/Condensate Price ($/Bbl) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gulf Coast | | $ | 70.10 | | | $ | 43.93 | | | $ | 66.71 | | | $ | 42.72 | |
West | | $ | 68.53 | | | $ | 60.77 | | | $ | 64.99 | | | $ | 54.21 | |
East | | $ | 64.67 | | | $ | 59.22 | | | $ | 63.29 | | | $ | 52.98 | |
Canada | | $ | 69.53 | | | $ | 52.94 | | | $ | 65.90 | | | $ | 42.23 | |
Total(1) | | $ | 69.80 | | | $ | 46.05 | | | $ | 66.42 | | | $ | 43.92 | |
| | | | |
WELLS DRILLED | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross | | | 110 | | | | 88 | | | | 301 | | | | 229 | |
Net | | | 92 | | | | 72 | | | | 248 | | | | 177 | |
Gross Success Rate | | | 96 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 95 | % |
(1) | These realized prices include the realized impact of derivative instruments. |
CABOT OIL & GAS RESULTS — Page 5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | | 2005 |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Natural Gas Production | | $ | 140,261 | | $ | 121,477 | | $ | 436,931 | | | $ | 337,566 |
Brokered Natural Gas | | | 17,075 | | | 18,756 | | | 67,389 | | | | 60,768 |
Crude Oil and Condensate | | | 26,435 | | | 21,336 | | | 80,283 | | | | 57,250 |
Other | | | 973 | | | 188 | | | 5,703 | | | | 2,131 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 184,744 | | | 161,757 | | | 590,306 | | | | 457,715 |
| | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brokered Natural Gas Cost | | | 15,282 | | | 16,550 | | | 59,924 | | | | 53,549 |
Direct Operations - Field and Pipeline | | | 19,893 | | | 14,246 | | | 55,478 | | | | 43,171 |
Exploration | | | 13,561 | | | 16,665 | | | 39,972 | | | | 47,396 |
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | | | 35,914 | �� | | 30,670 | | | 108,104 | | | | 90,492 |
General and Administrative (excluding Stock-Based Compensation) | | | 7,566 | | | 5,417 | | | 26,295 | | | | 20,510 |
Stock-Based Compensation(1) | | | 3,149 | | | 4,262 | | | 11,784 | | | | 6,829 |
Taxes Other Than Income | | | 14,366 | | | 14,939 | | | 44,439 | | | | 37,053 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 109,731 | | | 102,749 | | | 345,996 | | | | 299,000 |
Gain on Sale of Assets(3) | | | 229,733 | | | 15 | | | 229,944 | | | | 74 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Operations | | | 304,746 | | | 59,023 | | | 474,254 | | | | 158,789 |
Interest Expense and Other | | | 6,978 | | | 5,339 | | | 19,151 | | | | 15,461 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change | | | 297,768 | | | 53,684 | | | 455,103 | | | | 143,328 |
Income Tax Expense | | | 108,748 | | | 19,928 | | | 165,651 | | | | 53,388 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change | | | 189,020 | | | 33,756 | | | 289,452 | | | | 89,940 |
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax(2) | | | — | | | — | | | (403 | ) | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 189,020 | | $ | 33,756 | | $ | 289,049 | | | $ | 89,940 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Earnings Per Share - Basic | | $ | 3.92 | | $ | 0.69 | | $ | 5.95 | | | $ | 1.84 |
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding | | | 48,230 | | | 48,951 | | | 48,548 | | | | 48,865 |
(1) | Includes the impact of the Company’s performance share and restricted stock amortization. In addition, the 2006 figure includes expense related to stock options and stock appreciation rights following the adoption of SFAS 123(R). |
(2) | Cumulative effect of accounting change relates to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment (revised 2004).” |
(3) | Gain on Sale of Assets is primarily due to the sale of offshore and certain south Louisiana properties. |
CABOT OIL & GAS RESULTS — Page 6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2006 | | December 31, 2005 |
Assets | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | $ | 547,007 | | $ | 230,312 |
Property, Equipment and Other Assets | | | 1,407,763 | | | 1,245,471 |
Deferred Income Taxes | | | 25,190 | | | 19,587 |
| | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 1,979,960 | | $ | 1,495,370 |
| | | | | | |
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | $ | 305,543 | | $ | 218,584 |
Long-Term Debt | | | 380,000 | | | 320,000 |
Deferred Income Taxes | | | 330,855 | | | 289,381 |
Other Liabilities | | | 53,778 | | | 67,194 |
Stockholders’ Equity | | | 909,784 | | | 600,211 |
| | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 1,979,960 | | $ | 1,495,370 |
| | | | | | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 189,020 | | | $ | 33,756 | | | $ | 289,049 | | | $ | 89,940 | |
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change | | | — | | | | — | | | | 403 | | | | — | |
Unrealized (Gain) / Loss on Derivatives | | | — | | | | (1,630 | ) | | | — | | | | 2,051 | |
Income Charges Not Requiring Cash | | | 39,141 | | | | 34,977 | | | | 119,963 | | | | 97,646 | |
Gain on Sale of Assets | | | (229,733 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | (229,944 | ) | | | (74 | ) |
Deferred Income Tax Expense | | | 9,482 | | | | 9,147 | | | | 31,514 | | | | 18,225 | |
Changes in Assets and Liabilities | | | 66,078 | | | | (33,865 | ) | | | 110,849 | | | | (8,073 | ) |
Stock-Based Compensation Tax Benefit | | | (859 | ) | | | — | | | | (5,756 | ) | | | — | |
Exploration Expense | | | 13,561 | | | | 16,665 | | | | 39,972 | | | | 47,396 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operations | | | 86,690 | | | | 59,035 | | | | 356,050 | | | | 247,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows From Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Expenditures | | | (120,157 | ) | | | (125,656 | ) | | | (344,620 | ) | | | (241,504 | ) |
Proceeds from Sale of Assets | | | 322,412 | | | | 286 | | | | 322,987 | | | | 996 | |
Exploration Expense | | | (13,561 | ) | | | (16,665 | ) | | | (39,972 | ) | | | (47,396 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by / (Used in) Investing | | | 188,694 | | | | (142,035 | ) | | | (61,605 | ) | | | (287,904 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows From Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of Common Stock Proceeds | | | 1,056 | | | | 508 | | | | 3,620 | | | | 4,088 | |
Net Increase in Debt | | | 50,000 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 10,000 | |
Increase in Book Overdrafts | | | — | | | | 25,691 | | | | — | | | | 25,691 | |
Purchase of Treasury Stock | | | (19,305 | ) | | | — | | | | (46,492 | ) | | | (571 | ) |
Stock-Based Compensation Tax Benefit | | | 859 | | | | — | | | | 5,756 | | | | — | |
Dividends Paid | | | (1,930 | ) | | | (1,958 | ) | | | (5,832 | ) | | | (5,254 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Financing | | | 30,680 | | | | 34,241 | | | | 17,052 | | | | 33,954 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase / (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | $ | 306,064 | | | $ | (48,759 | ) | | $ | 311,497 | | | $ | (6,839 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CABOT OIL & GAS RESULTS — Page 7
Selected Item Review and Reconciliation of Net Income and Earnings Per Share
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
As Reported - Net Income | | $ | 189,020 | | | $ | 33,756 | | | $ | 289,049 | | | $ | 89,940 | |
Reversal of Selected Items, Net of Tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on Sale of Assets | | | (143,675 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (143,806 | ) | | | (46 | ) |
Unrealized (Gain) / Loss on Derivatives | | | — | | | | (1,012 | ) | | | — | | | | 1,265 | |
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change | | | — | | | | — | | | | 403 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income Including Reversal of Selected Items | | $ | 45,345 | | | $ | 32,734 | | | $ | 145,646 | | | $ | 91,159 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As Reported - Net Earnings Per Share | | $ | 3.92 | | | $ | 0.69 | | | $ | 5.95 | | | $ | 1.84 | |
Per Share Impact of Reversing Selected Items | | | (2.98 | ) | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (2.95 | ) | | | 0.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Earnings Per Share Including Reversal of Selected Items | | $ | 0.94 | | | $ | 0.67 | | | $ | 3.00 | | | $ | 1.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding | | | 48,230 | | | | 48,951 | | | | 48,548 | | | | 48,865 | |
Discretionary Cash Flow Calculation and Reconciliation
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Discretionary Cash Flow | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As Reported - Net Income | | $ | 189,020 | | | $ | 33,756 | | | $ | 289,049 | | | $ | 89,940 | |
Plus: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change | | | — | | | | — | | | | 403 | | | | — | |
Unrealized (Gain) / Loss on Derivatives | | | — | | | | (1,630 | ) | | | — | | | | 2,051 | |
Income Charges Not Requiring Cash | | | 39,141 | | | | 34,977 | | | | 119,963 | | | | 97,646 | |
Gain on Sale of Assets | | | (229,733 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | (229,944 | ) | | | (74 | ) |
Deferred Income Tax Expense | | | 9,482 | | | | 9,147 | | | | 31,514 | | | | 18,225 | |
Exploration Expense | | | 13,561 | | | | 16,665 | | | | 39,972 | | | | 47,396 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discretionary Cash Flow | | | 21,471 | | | | 92,900 | | | | 250,957 | | | | 255,184 | |
Plus: Changes in Assets and Liabilities | | | 66,078 | | | | (33,865 | ) | | | 110,849 | | | | (8,073 | ) |
Less: Stock-Based Compensation Tax Benefit | | | (859 | ) | | | — | | | | (5,756 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operations | | $ | 86,690 | | | $ | 59,035 | | | $ | 356,050 | | | $ | 247,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Debt Reconciliation
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | 20,000 | |
Long-Term Debt | | | 380,000 | | | | 320,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Debt | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 340,000 | |
Stockholders’ Equity | | | 909,784 | | | | 600,211 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Capitalization | | $ | 1,309,784 | | | $ | 940,211 | |
| | |
Total Debt | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 340,000 | |
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | (322,123 | ) | | | (10,626 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Debt | | $ | 77,877 | | | $ | 329,374 | |
| | |
Net Debt | | $ | 77,877 | | | $ | 329,374 | |
Stockholders’ Equity | | | 909,784 | | | | 600,211 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Adjusted Capitalization | | $ | 987,661 | | | $ | 929,585 | |
| | |
Total Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio | | | 30.5 | % | | | 36.2 | % |
Less: Impact of Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 22.6 | % | | | 0.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Debt to Adjusted Capitalization Ratio | | | 7.9 | % | | | 35.4 | % |