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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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1999
FORM 10-K
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(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-13108
Vastar Resources, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 95-4446177
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
15375 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079
(Address of principal executive (Zip Code)
offices)
(281) 584-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
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Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [_]
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common equity held by non-
affiliates on March 1, 2000, based on the closing price on the New York Stock
Exchange composite tape on that date of $54 3/4, was $965,424,489.
As of March 1, 2000, there were 97,649,450 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2000, which will be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1999,
are incorporated by reference into Part III.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page
---- ----
PART I
1.
and 2. Business and Properties......................................... 1
General Development of Business................................. 1
Proposed BP Amoco/ARCO Merger................................... 1
Producing Properties and Exploitation Assets.................... 2
Exploration..................................................... 4
Historical Results.............................................. 5
Reserve Replacement............................................. 6
Proved Reserves................................................. 7
Marketing....................................................... 7
Risk Management................................................. 8
Seasonality..................................................... 9
Regulation...................................................... 9
Section 29 Tax Credits.......................................... 10
Human Resources................................................. 11
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995.................................. 12
3. Legal Proceedings............................................... 14
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............. 15
Executive Officers of the Registrant............................ 16
PART II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters........................................................ 18
Item Page
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6. Selected Financial Data......................................... 18
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.......................................... 19
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...... 27
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................... 28
9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure........................................... 57
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............. 58
11. Executive Compensation.......................................... 58
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.. 58
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................. 58
PART IV
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-
K.............................................................. 59
i
PART I
Items 1. and 2. Business and Properties.
General Development of Business
Vastar Resources, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in September 1993. We
are one of the leading independent oil and gas (non-integrated) exploration and
production companies in the United States. Our exploration and production
operations are concentrated in four premier producing regions of the United
States--the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Coast, San Juan Basin and Mid-Continent. We
market most of our natural gas nationwide through Southern Company Energy
Marketing L.P., a limited partnership in which we currently own a 40 percent
interest. We directly market our crude oil and natural gas liquids nationwide.
We primarily draw from an inventory of internally generated prospects to
find and develop oil and gas reserves using, where appropriate, cost-effective
advances in technology to reduce the risks associated with oil and gas
exploration and development. As of December 31, 1999, our proved reserves were
approximately 4,074 Bcfe*. Of this amount approximately 65 percent are gas
reserves and 35 percent are liquids* reserves. Our 1999 capital spending was
$664 million. We operate our business and report all our operations as one
business segment.
Atlantic Richfield Company ("ARCO") owns 80,000,001 shares, or 81.9 percent,
of our outstanding common stock. For more information about the relationship
between Vastar and ARCO, including potential conflicts of interest, see Note 4
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 13 in this Form 10-
K.
Proposed BP Amoco/ARCO Merger
In March 1999, ARCO entered into a merger agreement with BP Amoco p.l.c.,
which provides for the merger of a subsidiary of BP Amoco p.l.c. with and into
ARCO. On February 3, 2000, the members of the United States Federal Trade
Commission ("FTC") voted 3-2 to oppose the merger. On February 5, 2000, the FTC
filed suit in United States District Court seeking a preliminary injunction to
halt the merger. In addition, the state governments of California, Oregon and
Washington have filed suit in United States District court to halt the merger.
The closing of the merger will depend, among other things, on the outcome of
these lawsuits. Over the years, ARCO and Vastar have entered into a number of
agreements, including technology assignments and licenses, services agreements
and insurance agreements. These agreements are more fully described in our
proxy statement relating to our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders (which,
pursuant to SEC rules, will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 1999)
and copies of many of these agreements have also been filed with the SEC. We do
not anticipate that the rights and obligations of the parties under these
agreements, including any termination rights, will be materially affected by
the merger. Any amendments to these agreements would have to be negotiated and
agreed to by us. We do not believe that the termination of any or all of the
above-listed agreements with ARCO would have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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* As generally used in the oil and gas business and in this document the
following terms have the following meanings:
Boe= barrel of oil equivalent MMBbl= million barrels MMcfd= million cubic feet per day
Bbl= barrel MBbld= thousand barrels per day Mcfe= thousand cubic feet equivalent
Bcf= billion cubic feet MMbld= million barrels per day MMcfe= million cubic feet equivalent
Bcfd= billion cubic feet per day MMBtu= million British thermal units MMcfed= million cubic feet
Bcfe= billion cubic feet equivalent Mcf= thousand cubic feet equivalent per day
BTU= British thermal unit MMcf= million cubic feet
MBbl= thousand barrels Mcfd= thousand cubic feet per day
When we refer to oil and gas in "equivalents," we are doing so to compare
quantities of oil with quantities of gas or to express these different
commodities in a common unit. In calculating Mcf and Bbl equivalents, we use a
generally recognized standard in which one Bbl is equal to six Mcf. When we use
the word "liquids" in this document we are referring to crude oil, condensate
and natural gas liquid products.
1
Vastar and ARCO are also parties to a tax sharing agreement which requires
Vastar, as a member of ARCO's consolidated tax group, to pay its share of the
group's federal and certain state income taxes to ARCO. If the merger is
consummated, we expect that the agreement would continue to govern consolidated
tax matters involving Vastar and ARCO. If any amendments become necessary as a
result of the merger, they will have to be negotiated and agreed to by us.
Producing Properties and Exploitation Assets
Our principal producing areas are offshore Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Coast
region (south Texas, southeast Texas and south Louisiana), the San Juan/Rockies
region (northwest New Mexico, southwest Colorado and Wyoming) and the Mid-
Continent region (northeast Texas, Oklahoma, northern Louisiana, Arkansas and
Kansas). The following table shows our gas and liquids reserves as of December
31, 1999, and our average production during 1999 for each of our principal
producing areas:
December 31, 1999
Proved Reserves Average 1999 Production
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Gas Liquids Total Gas Liquids Total
(Bcf) (MMBbl) (Bcfe) (MMcfd) (MBbld) (MMcfed)
----- ------- ------ ------- ------- --------
Gulf of Mexico.................... 865 186.7 1,985 469 44.4 735
Gulf Coast........................ 204 31.8 395 78 9.3 134
San Juan/Rockies.................. 805 2.1 818 315 1.0 321
Mid-Continent..................... 777 16.5 876 216 5.3 248
----- ----- ----- ----- ---- -----
Total........................... 2,651 237.1 4,074 1,078 60.0 1,438
The following table shows our natural gas and liquids production for each of
the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
1999 1998 1997
----- ----- -----
Natural Gas Production (MMcfd)
Gulf of Mexico.............................................. 469 393 334
Gulf Coast.................................................. 78 80 81
San Juan/Rockies............................................ 315 300 269
Mid-Continent............................................... 216 215 198
----- ----- -----
Total..................................................... 1,078 988 882
Liquids Production (MBbld).................................... 60.0 50.1 50.7
Total Production (MMcfed)..................................... 1,438 1,289 1,186
Our average prices for natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids and
our average costs per unit for each of the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997 were as follows:
Years Ended December
31,
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1999 1998 1997
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Average sales price per Mcf of natural gas............... $ 2.07 $ 1.89 $ 2.38
Average wellhead price per Mcf of natural gas............ $ 2.01 $ 1.85 $ 2.03
Average realized price per Bbl of crude oil.............. $16.67 $14.47 $20.93
Average realized price per Bbl of natural gas liquids.... $12.64 $ 9.40 $13.24
Average production cost per Mcfe*........................ $ 0.46 $ 0.46 $ 0.47
Average selling, general and administrative expenses per
Mcfe.................................................... $ 0.11 $ 0.11 $ 0.15
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* Includes operating expenses and taxes other than income taxes.
2
We calculate our average sales price per Mcf of natural gas by dividing our
total annual natural gas sales revenue by our total annual natural gas sales
volume. Our average wellhead price per Mcf of natural gas is determined by
dividing (1) our total annual natural gas sales revenues, less the cost of the
natural gas we purchased(/1/), the expenses we incurred in transporting our
natural gas to the sales delivery point and the margins we generated from our
natural gas marketing activities, by (2) our total annual natural gas
production volume. Vastar's average realized price per barrel of crude oil and
natural gas liquids is determined by dividing (1) our total annual sales
revenue for each commodity product, less the cost of the volumes of that
commodity we purchased and the expenses we incurred in transporting those
volumes to the sales delivery point, by (2) our total annual production volume
for that commodity.
Gulf of Mexico
In general, properties in the Gulf of Mexico have high production rates and
reserves deplete more rapidly than onshore properties. The Gulf of Mexico is
divided into two general areas, the shelf and deepwater. As used in this Form
10-K, deepwater means water deeper than 1,000 feet. We have reserves in both
the shelf and the deepwater. Through 1999 our production has come from the
shelf. Our first deepwater reserves were discovered in 1998 on the King
Prospect (Mississippi Canyon 764), in which we own a 50 percent gross working
interest.(/2/) Work is currently underway to develop these reserves. We expect
production by mid-2000 at a rate determined by existing platform capacity.
In total, our current production portfolio in the Gulf of Mexico includes 38
key fields we operate and 22 fields that others operate. Generally, the
operator of an oil and gas property is entitled to make decisions for itself
and any co-owners regarding the development, operation and maintenance of the
property. A joint operating agreement that defines the operator's
responsibilities usually governs operation of a property with more than one
owner.
Our Gulf of Mexico assets also include ownership interests in four gas
processing plants, which process gas produced primarily in the Gulf of Mexico.
We operate approximately 67 percent of our production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Our assets in the Gulf of Mexico represented 49 percent of our total reserves
as of December 31, 1999. We invested approximately 68 percent of our total 1999
capital program in this region.
Gulf Coast
Our properties in the Gulf Coast area include 12 key fields. Our Gulf Coast
assets include ownership interests in three gas processing plants located in
southeast Texas and south Louisiana and approximately 0.9 million net acres of
mineral fee(/3/) acreage located primarily in southeast Texas. Most of our
properties in this area have been producing natural gas since the 1940s and
1950s and are relatively mature.
We operate approximately 73 percent of our production in the Gulf Coast
area. Our assets in the Gulf Coast area represented 10 percent of our total
reserves as of December 31, 1999. We invested approximately 8 percent of our
total 1999 capital program in this region.
San Juan/Rockies
The San Juan Basin, located in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New
Mexico, is one of the largest gas basins in the United States in terms of
proved reserves. Development of our properties in the San Juan Basin's
Fruitland coal seam began in the late 1980s. Our production from the coal seam
fields, specifically the Ignacio Blanco Fruitland field (located in
southwestern Colorado) and the Basin Fruitland field (located in northwestern
New Mexico), is long-lived. We have increased our
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(1) These purchase costs do not include the cost of natural gas purchased from
third parties for processing at our natural gas processing plants.
(2) A working interest owner has the right to drill and produce the minerals on
the land and is entitled to the production, subject to a royalty obligation
(often 1/8 onshore and 1/6 offshore) and certain costs of exploration,
development and production.
(3) A "mineral fee" is an interest in real property in which the owner owns all
of the rights to the minerals as compared to a mineral lease in which the
lessee's rights end at the expiration of the lease term.
3
production of these coal seam fields for several consecutive years through
compression expansions, facility debottlenecking, well workovers and, more
recently, in-fill drilling. Although we expected production rates in these
fields to level off in 1999, new stimulation techniques, in-fill drilling work
and new compression facilities, increased production in 1999. We anticipate
production rates in these fields will level off in late 2000 and begin to
decline over time. Most of this coal seam production qualifies for Internal
Revenue Code Section 29 coal seam tax credits, which can be applied against
regular federal income tax liability and are available through 2002. During
1999, we realized Section 29 tax credits for all qualified production,
including production from the Fruitland coal formation, of approximately $93
million. See "Section 29 Tax Credits" following for further information.
We also have production and reserves in the conventional reservoirs in the
San Juan Basin, which are long-lived. In addition, we have production and
reserves in the Green River and Powder River basins in Wyoming. We operate
approximately 72 percent of our production in the San Juan/Rockies area. Our
assets in the San Juan/Rockies area represented 20 percent of our total
reserves as of December 31, 1999. We invested approximately 10 percent of our
total 1999 capital program in this region.
Mid-Continent
Our properties in the Mid-Continent region include 20 key fields located
primarily in the Hugoton, Anadarko, Arkoma and Ardmore basins and the Arklatex
areas. These properties are characterized by relatively long-lived production,
shallow decline rates and low lease operating costs. In addition, we have
ownership interests in two gas processing plants in this region.
We operate approximately 78 percent of our production in the Mid-Continent
area. Our assets in the Mid-Continent area represented 21 percent of our total
reserves as of December 31, 1999. We invested approximately 14 percent of our
total 1999 capital program in this region.
Exploration
Exploration Assets
We own approximately 4.0 million net leasehold and mineral fee acres located
primarily in the four major producing areas described above. At December 31,
1999, this land position included 2.4 million net undeveloped acres, including
mineral fee acreage totaling 1.0 million net undeveloped acres. This land
position provides the resource base for our exploration prospects.
The following table summarizes our acreage position as of December 31, 1999:
Developed Undeveloped
Acreage Acreage
----------- -----------
Gross Net Gross Net
----- ----- ----- -----
(in thousands)
Gulf of Mexico.......................................... 838 485 1,368 1,037
Arkansas................................................ 108 80 94 53
Colorado................................................ 51 46 1 1
Kansas.................................................. 162 120 26 12
Louisiana............................................... 137 98 84 44
New Mexico.............................................. 116 53 0 0
Oklahoma................................................ 319 212 149 52
Texas................................................... 785 479 1,377 951
Wyoming................................................. 20 9 256 182
Other................................................... 39 16 120 52
----- ----- ----- -----
Total................................................. 2,575 1,598 3,475 2,384
4
Assuming no development were to occur, approximately 5 percent of our
undeveloped net leasehold acreage as of December 31, 1999 will expire in each
of the next five years.
We were active in offshore lease sales in 1999, purchasing 18 blocks
totaling approximately 70 thousand net acres for approximately $11.5 million.
At December 31, 1999, our Gulf of Mexico holdings were slightly over 1.5
million net developed and undeveloped acres.
As of December 31, 1999, we owned or had rights to 3-D seismic data covering
approximately 6,471 blocks offshore and 4,635 square miles onshore and 1.7
million miles of 2-D seismic data covering our producing properties and
unexplored acreage in our portfolio.
The Gulf of Mexico deepwater is an important new potential growth area for
Vastar. Most of the discoveries by the industry in this area to date have been
oil reserves. As of December 31, 1999, we had a working interest in
approximately 132 deepwater blocks comprised of approximately 525 thousand net
undeveloped acres and had approximately 3,114 blocks of 3-D seismic data in the
deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
As of the filing date of this Form 10-K, we have no production in the Gulf
of Mexico deepwater.
In September 1996, we signed a contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling
Company for the major upgrade and operation of the semisubmersible rig Ocean
Victory for a three-year deepwater drilling program in the Gulf of Mexico,
which began in November 1997. We have three one-year options to renew the term
of the contract, subject to renegotiating the day rates. The Ocean Victory is
capable of drilling in water depths of up to 5,500 feet.
In December 1998, we entered into an agreement with R&B Falcon Drilling Co.
for the operation of a semisubmersible, ultra-deepwater drilling rig, for a
three-year deepwater drilling program in the Gulf of Mexico. The drilling rig,
which we have named "Deepwater Horizon," is being designed and built by R&B
Falcon with a capability of drilling in water depths of up to 8,000 feet.
Delivery of the rig to us is scheduled for 2001. We have several options
relating to the term and pricing under the contract including the option to
extend the term of the contract for up to an additional five years.
1999 Activity
During 1999, we drilled 59 gross (37 net) exploratory wells, resulting in 40
gross (23 net) successes. The "net" number of wells is the sum of our whole or
fractional interests in each of the wells.
Historical Results
Our exploration and development drilling activity (including recompletions)
since 1997 is set forth in the following table:
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---
Exploratory Wells
Productive................................... 40 23 32 23 28 18
Dry.......................................... 19 14 24 16 23 15
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Total...................................... 59 37 56 39 51 33
Development Wells
Productive................................... 338 198 323 187 308 162
Dry.......................................... 34 30 50 35 40 27
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Total...................................... 372 228 373 222 348 189
5
The following table shows the approximate number of our oil and gas wells in
the process of drilling as of December 31, 1999. We had no wells in the process
of evaluation and testing or suspended as of December 31, 1999.
Development Exploratory
Wells Wells
------------ ------------
Gross Net Gross Net
------ ----- ------ -----
Wells Drilling................................... 16 14 7 5
The following table sets forth the number of productive oil and gas wells in
which we owned an interest as of December 31, 1999:
Company- Total
Operated Productive
Wells Wells
----------- -----------
Gross Net Gross Net
----- ----- ----- -----
Gas.................................................. 1,430 1,224 2,793 1,467
Oil.................................................. 522 403 1,390 600
Total(1)........................................... 1,952 1,627 4,183 2,067
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(1) Includes approximately 362 gross (132 operated by Vastar) and 174 net (106
operated by Vastar) multiple completions.
Reserve Replacement
Producing oil and gas reservoirs are, in general, characterized by declining
production rates. As a result of these decline trends, we must find and develop
or acquire new reserves to offset natural field declines at a competitive cost.
In 1999, we increased our proved reserves from a beginning of the year balance
of approximately 3,700 Bcfe to an end of year balance of approximately 4,074
Bcfe.
The following table sets forth our historical finding and development costs,
proved property acquisition costs and proved reserve additions for each of the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
Years Ended December
31,
----------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ -------- ------
(millions of dollars)
Finding and Development Costs
Unproved property acquisition costs................... $ 14.0 $ 52.5 $ 89.7
Exploration costs..................................... 267.9 241.0 228.1
Development costs..................................... 354.8 411.7 315.5
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Total finding and development costs................. 636.7 705.2 633.3
Proved property acquisition costs..................... 61.1 463.4 71.2
------ -------- ------
Total reserve replacement costs....................... $697.8 $1,168.6 $704.5
====== ======== ======
Years Ended December
31,
----------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ -------- ------
Proved Reserve Additions (Bcfe)
Extensions and discoveries.......................... 762 530 327
Revisions........................................... 19 103 130
Improved recovery................................... 47 5 19
------ -------- ------
Total reserve additions, excluding purchases of
minerals in place.................................. 828 638 476
Purchases of minerals in place........................ 151 414 213
------ -------- ------
Total reserve additions................................. 979 1,052 689
====== ======== ======
Finding and development costs (per Mcfe)................ $ 0.77 $ 1.10 $ 1.33
Reserve replacement costs (per Mcfe).................... $ 0.71 $ 1.11 $ 1.02
6
See Consolidated Financial Statements--Supplemental Information--Oil & Gas
Producing Activities in this Form 10-K for further information.
Proved Reserves
The following table sets forth our estimated net proved natural gas and
liquids reserves as of December 31, 1999:
Proved Reserves
---------------------------
Developed Undeveloped Total
--------- ----------- -----
Natural gas (Bcf)................................ 2,057 594 2,651
Liquids (MMBbl).................................. 108.3 128.8 237.1
Total proved reserves (Bcfe)*.................... 2,707 1,367 4,074
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*In calculating Mcf and Bbl equivalents, one Bbl is equal to six Mcf.
Our engineers estimate proved natural gas and liquids reserve quantities in
accordance with guidelines established by the SEC. Ryder Scott Company, L.P.,
who are independent petroleum engineers, reviewed approximately 59 percent of
our reserve estimates. A copy of a review letter by Ryder Scott is filed as an
exhibit to this Form 10-K. All information in this Form 10-K relating to oil
and gas reserves is net to the Company's interest unless stated otherwise. See
Consolidated Financial Statements--Supplemental Information--Oil and Gas
Producing Activities in this Form 10-K for further information.
Marketing
In August 1997, we entered into an agreement with Southern Energy, Inc., a
subsidiary of The Southern Company, to create a new energy services company by
combining most of the natural gas and power trading and marketing operations of
the two companies. The new company, Southern Company Energy Marketing L.P., is
owned by subsidiaries of Southern Energy and Vastar. Southern Company Energy
Marketing's core business is trading and marketing natural gas, electricity and
other energy-related commodities. It also provides energy and energy-related
commodities, products and services to customers in North America. It began gas
marketing on September 1, 1997, and power marketing on January 1, 1998.
In forming the new marketing venture, Vastar received $40 million and a 40
percent ownership interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing. Southern
Energy holds the remaining 60 percent ownership interest. Our interest in
Southern Company Energy Marketing, can be reduced by any one or a combination
of the following:
. on July 1, 2001, Southern Energy's interest will automatically increase,
for no additional consideration, to 75 percent and our interest will
decrease to 25 percent;
. during the year 2002, Southern Energy has an option to purchase an
additional 5 percent interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing from
Vastar for $80 million (the "Southern Call Option");
. on January 1, 2003, Vastar has an option to sell to certain subsidiaries
of Southern Energy its remaining interest for $210 million (or $130
million if the Southern Call Option has been exercised);
. under limited conditions, Southern Energy has an option, which expires
December 31, 2007, to purchase our entire interest in the Venture for
$580 million (or $500 million if the Southern Call Option has been
exercised) or a certain multiple of earnings, whichever is higher; and
. upon a change of control of either Vastar or Southern Energy (as
applicable, the "COC Party") the other party may have the right to
purchase the percentage interest of the COC Party in Southern Company
Energy Marketing.
There are various provisions contained in the agreements between Vastar and
Southern Energy relating to:
. minimum cash distributions;
7
. guarantees of Southern Company Energy Marketing and indemnifications of
the partners; and
. long-term gas sales and purchases between Vastar and Southern Company
Energy Marketing.
These and other aspects of Southern Company Energy Marketing are explained
in more detail in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in
this Form 10-K.
We did not include in our transfer of assets to Southern Company Energy
Marketing our gas processing plant assets and related businesses or certain of
our longer-term gas marketing contracts with cogeneration facilities. These
marketing contracts with cogeneration facilities have an average remaining
contract term of approximately 11 years. In 1999, we delivered an average of 73
MMcfd under these contracts for an average price of approximately $2.69 per
Mcf.
In July 1999, we entered into agreements with an unrelated third party that
have the effect of monetizing the value of approximately 25 MMcfd to be sold
under one of the long-term gas sales contracts with a cogeneration facility
described in the paragraph above. This long-term gas sales contract has a
remaining life of approximately 11 years. Pursuant to the agreements, we
received an immediate payment of $88.0 million (net of transaction costs) that
is recorded as a deferred liability and will be amortized as the underlying
contract volumes are delivered.
Before September 1, 1997, the date on which Southern Company Energy
Marketing began marketing most of our natural gas, we sold most of the natural
gas production controlled by us to our wholly owned subsidiary, Vastar Gas
Marketing, Inc. Gas "controlled" by us includes our proprietary production,
royalty gas, call rights on third-party gas and gas obtained through joint
operating agreements. Vastar Gas sold this gas at floating, market-based
prices. Vastar Gas obtained its gas supply from Vastar and also purchased gas
from third parties, including producers and other gas marketing companies. Most
of these third-party purchases were 30-day spot transactions, which Vastar Gas
used primarily in support of its trading activities, to minimize transportation
costs and to facilitate management of its long-term commitments.
We directly market all our proprietary crude oil production. Our crude oil
sales averaged 115.6 MBbld in 1999. In marketing our crude oil production, we
buy, sell and/or exchange barrels of crude oil with other parties as an
alternative to physical transportation and to achieve other efficiencies. In
accounting for these transactions, the purchases, sales and/or exchanges
represent most of the difference between our crude oil production and our total
crude oil sales volumes. We realized an average price of $16.67 per Bbl for our
crude oil in 1999.
We also directly market our proprietary NGL (natural gas liquids)
production. Our NGL production in 1999 totalled 15.0 MBbld, a 14 percent
increase, as compared to 1998. The improvement was due primarily to selective
decisions during the second quarter of 1999 to re-start the extraction of NGLs
from certain wet gas streams because of favorable NGL processing economics that
continued through the end of 1999. The average price we realized for NGLs in
1999 was $12.64 per Bbl.
There have been no instances in the last three years in which either our
subsidiary, Vastar Gas, or we were unable to meet any significant delivery
commitment for any of our products.
Risk Management
As a result of the volatility in commodity prices for natural gas and crude
oil, Vastar is susceptible to significant fluctuations in revenues and cash
flows. To manage our exposure to price risk, we use financial hedging
arrangements. These hedging arrangements have the effect of locking in for
specified periods (at predetermined prices or ranges of prices) the prices we
will receive for the natural gas or crude oil volumes to which the hedge
relates. These arrangements are structured to reduce our exposure to commodity
price decreases, but they can also limit the benefit we might otherwise receive
during periods of rising commodity prices. Our risk management activity is
generally accomplished through exchange-traded futures contracts and over-the-
counter options. In accordance with our internal hedging policies, we do not
engage in hedging arrangements for volumes in excess of our proprietary
production.
8
In 1999, Southern Company Energy Marketing used hedging arrangements to
manage its fixed-price purchase and sale commitments, as well as to provide
fixed-price commitments as a service to its customers and suppliers. Although
Southern Company Energy Marketing attempts to balance its fixed-price physical
and financial purchase and sales contracts in terms of contract volumes and
timing of delivery obligations, it is possible that net open positions will
exist from time to time. It has established specific guidelines relative to the
amount of these net open positions. In addition, it has set up certain internal
controls to monitor its positions against these guidelines which are required
to be and have been approved by Vastar. However, to the extent that Southern
Company Energy Marketing has an open position, it is exposed to risk from
fluctuating market prices. Assuming that Southern Energy and its subsidiaries
perform their obligations to us and our subsidiaries as required under the
various agreements between the parties, our exposure to these risks is
substantially reduced. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in this Form 10-K.
For additional information relating to risk management, see Item 7--
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in
this Form 10-K.
Seasonality
Historically, demand for natural gas has been seasonal in nature, with peak
demand and typically higher prices occurring during the colder winter months.
However, in recent years, given the increasing demand for natural gas as a fuel
source for electric power generation and the increasing electricity consumption
during the summer months, the seasonal nature of natural gas prices appears to
be abating.
Regulation
Our ability to economically produce and sell our oil and gas production is
affected and could possibly be restrained by a number of factors, including
federal, state and local laws and regulations. A significant portion of our
production is located on federal or Indian oil and gas leases. These leases are
administered by the Minerals Management Service, the Bureau of Land Management
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which are agencies of the United States
Department of the Interior. These leases are generally issued through
competitive bidding, contain standardized terms and require compliance with
detailed regulations and orders. Before drilling for oil and gas on these
leases, lessees must obtain permits and approvals from one or more of these
agencies (and from other federal agencies such as the Coast Guard, Army Corps
of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency). Each of these agencies
has adopted regulations that require production facilities to meet stringent
engineering, construction and environmental specifications and govern the
plugging and abandonment of wells and the removal of production facilities.
In addition, the states in which we operate regulate drilling and operating
activities (by requiring, among other things, drilling permits, bonds and
operations reports) and environmental and conservation matters (including
unitization and pooling of oil and gas properties and the establishment of
"allowables" or maximum production rates). Some states adjust allowable
production to the market demand for oil and gas. These rules or orders can
affect our profitability if they prevent us from producing quantities of oil
and gas sufficient to meet our market opportunities. Also, some counties and
municipalities regulate drilling and production operations in a similar manner.
Our operations are also subject to extensive federal, state and local laws
and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission,
transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. Environmental
permits are required for the operation of some of our facilities. These permits
are subject to revocation, modification and renewal. Further, governmental
authorities have the power to enforce their regulations and can impose fines,
issue injunctions or both. These environmental laws and regulations continue to
change and may become more onerous or restrictive in the future. We do not
anticipate that we will be required to spend amounts that are material in
relation to our total capital expenditures program to comply with environmental
laws and regulations. However, inasmuch as these laws and regulations are
frequently changed, we
9
cannot accurately predict the ultimate cost of our compliance with
environmental laws and regulations.
Our domestic competitors are generally subject to the same environmental
laws and regulations. We believe that our circumstances and potential
expenditures are comparable to those faced by these competitors. However,
future environmentally related capital expenditure requirements, liabilities
and costs could be a major factor affecting our future income and cash flow.
Section 29 Tax Credits
Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code provides an income tax credit
against regular federal income tax liability for sales of our production of
certain fuels produced from nonconventional sources (including natural gas from
coal seams and tight sands formations). Fuels qualifying for these credits must
be produced from wells drilled after December 31, 1979, and before January 1,
1993, and sold before January 1, 2003. These tax credits are subject to a
number of other limitations. The credit for natural gas from coal seams is
adjusted for inflation, and we estimated that it will be approximately $1.05
per MMBtu for 1999. The credit for tight sands gas is not adjusted annually and
will be $0.52 per MMBtu in 1999.
The natural gas production from wells drilled on certain of our properties,
primarily in the San Juan Basin, qualifies for the Section 29 tax credit. We
generated approximately $93 million of Section 29 tax credits in 1999.
Approximately 97 percent of this amount is attributable to production of
natural gas from coal seams.
Vastar and its subsidiaries join with ARCO and ARCO's domestic subsidiaries
in filing a consolidated federal income tax return. Vastar and ARCO are parties
to a tax sharing agreement, which requires Vastar as a member of ARCO's
consolidated tax group to pay its share of the group's federal and certain
state income taxes to ARCO. Vastar's share of these taxes is generally the
amount of tax it would have to pay if Vastar and its subsidiaries filed tax
returns as a separate consolidated tax group. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement
with ARCO, we are paid currently for Internal Revenue Code Section 29 ("Section
29") tax credits that reduce the ARCO consolidated tax group's income tax
liability in the current period. Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, our
Section 29 tax credits can be used to reduce the ARCO consolidated tax group's
regular income tax liability after foreign tax credits (the "Regular Tax"), but
not below the ARCO consolidated tax group's tentative minimum tax liability. If
Section 29 tax credits are not used by the ARCO consolidated tax group due to
this limitation, the unused credits are generally carried forward to be used by
ARCO and by us in a subsequent year. To the extent that the Section 29 credits
generated in a year exceed the Regular Tax, the excess Section 29 credits are
not allowed to be carried forward.
During the third quarter of 1999, we entered into a Third Amendment to the
Tax Sharing Agreement with ARCO. The Third Amendment implements certain tax
assumptions made in a Stock Purchase Agreement entered into with ARCO in 1998.
Under the Stock Purchase Agreement, we agreed to acquire the stock of Western
Midway Company from ARCO for $470 million, which amount was later adjusted
after closing to approximately $437 million (the Adjusted Purchase Price). We
also agreed that, for the purposes of the Tax Sharing Agreement, our tax basis
in the Western Midway Company assets on the closing date of the acquisition
would be equal to the Adjusted Purchase Price. ARCO agreed to indemnify and
hold us harmless in the event that our actual tax basis is determined to be
less than the Adjusted Purchase Price.
The Third Amendment also changes a provision in the Tax Sharing Agreement
dealing with the compensation due to us for our Section 29 tax credits in the
event we are no longer consolidated with ARCO for federal income tax purposes
("deconsolidation"). Under the Tax Sharing Agreement prior to the Third
Amendment, we were entitled to be paid for our Section 29 tax credits that are
being carried forward on the ARCO consolidated tax group's return in the event
of deconsolidation, but only to the extent those tax credits were also being
carried forward on Vastar's pro forma federal tax return (i.e., the pro forma
federal income tax return that is prepared by Vastar pursuant to the Tax
Sharing Agreement as if Vastar were not part of the ARCO consolidated tax
group). In the event of deconsolidation, the Third Amendment allows us to be
paid for our Section 29 tax credits carried
10
forward on the ARCO consolidated tax group's return whether or not we are also
carrying forward those tax credits on our pro forma federal tax return.
Human Resources
We had 1,151 employees as of December 31, 1999. We believe our relationships
with our employees are satisfactory. We have a total of 147 employees covered
by collective bargaining agreements with the following unions: Paper, Allied-
Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (41 employees); and
the Atlantic Independent Union (106 employees). The numbers in this paragraph
exclude persons who are employed by Southern Company Energy Marketing.
11
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF
THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
General
We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and
potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties
that can affect Vastar and to take advantage of the "safe harbor" protection
for forward-looking statements afforded under federal securities laws.
From time to time, Vastar's management or persons acting on our behalf make
forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential security holders
about Vastar. These statements may include projections and estimates
concerning the timing and success of specific projects and Vastar's future (1)
income, (2) oil and gas production, (3) oil and gas reserves and reserve
replacement and (4) capital spending. Forward-looking statements are generally
accompanied by words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe,"
"expect," "anticipate," "plan," "goal" or other words that convey the
uncertainty of future events or outcomes. In addition, sometimes we will
specifically describe a statement as being a forward-looking statement and
refer to this Cautionary Statement. These statements by their nature are
subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and will be influenced
by various factors. Should any of the assumptions underlying a forward-looking
statement prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially.
In addition, except for the historical information contained in this Form
10-K, the matters discussed in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements
that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual
results could differ materially based on numerous factors, including those set
forth below.
We believe the factors discussed below are important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-
looking statement made herein or elsewhere by us or on our behalf. The factors
listed below are not necessarily all of the important factors. Unpredictable
or unknown factors not discussed herein could also have material adverse
effects on actual results of matters that are the subject of forward-looking
statements. We do not intend to update our description of important factors
each time a potential important factor arises. We advise our stockholders that
they should (1) be aware that important factors not described below could
affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and (2) use caution and
common sense when analyzing our forward-looking statements.
Volatility and Level of Hydrocarbon Commodity Prices
Historically, natural gas, crude oil and NGLs prices have been volatile.
These prices rise and fall based on changes in market demand and changes in
the political, regulatory and economic climate and other factors that affect
commodities markets generally and are outside of our control. Some of our
projections and estimates are based on assumptions as to the future prices of
natural gas, crude oil and NGLs. These price assumptions are used for planning
purposes. We expect our assumptions will change over time and that actual
prices in the future may differ from our estimates. Any substantial or
extended decline in the actual prices of natural gas, crude oil and/or NGLs
could have a material adverse effect on (1) Vastar's financial position and
results of operations (including reduced cash flow and borrowing capacity),
(2) the quantities of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil reserves that we can
economically produce, (3) the quantity of estimated proved reserves that may
be attributed to our properties, (4) our ability to fund our capital program
and (5) the full utilization of Section 29 tax credits.
Production Rates and Reserve Replacement
Projecting future rates of oil and gas production is inherently imprecise.
Producing oil and gas reservoirs generally have declining production rates.
Production rates depend on a number of factors, including geological,
geophysical and engineering factors, weather, production curtailments or
restrictions, prices for natural gas, NGLs and crude oil, available
transportation capacity, market demand and the political, economic and
regulatory climate.
Another factor affecting production rates is our ability to replace
depleting reservoirs with new reserves through exploration success or
acquisitions. Exploration success is difficult to predict,
12
particularly over the short term, where results can vary widely from year to
year. Moreover, our ability to replace reserves over an extended period depends
not only on the total volumes found, but also on the cost of finding and
developing such reserves. Depending on the general price environment for
natural gas, NGLs and crude oil, our finding and development costs may not
justify the use of resources to explore for and develop such reserves. There
can be no assurances as to the level or timing of success, if any, that we will
be able to achieve in finding and developing or acquiring additional reserves.
Acquisitions that result in successful exploration or exploitation projects
require assessment of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control.
There can be no assurance that any acquisition of property interests by us will
be successful and, if unsuccessful, that such failure will not have an adverse
effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Reserve Estimates
Our forward-looking statements may be predicated on our estimates of our oil
and gas reserves. All of the reserve data in this Form 10-K or otherwise made
by or on behalf of Vastar are estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective
process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that
cannot be measured in an exact way. There are numerous uncertainties inherent
in estimating quantities of proved natural gas and liquids reserves. Projecting
future rates of production and timing of future development expenditures is
also inexact. Many factors beyond our control affect these estimates. In
addition, the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of
available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment.
Therefore, it is common that estimates made by different engineers will vary.
The results of drilling, testing and production after the date of an estimate
may also require a revision of that estimate, and these revisions may be
material. As a result, reserve estimates are generally different from the
quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered.
Laws and Regulations
Our forward-looking statements are generally based on the assumption that
the legal and regulatory environment will remain stable. Changes in the legal
and/or regulatory environment could have a material adverse effect on our
future results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to
economically produce and sell our oil and gas production is affected and could
possibly be restrained by a number of legal and regulatory factors, including
federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting (1) oil and gas
production, including allowable rates of production by well or proration unit,
(2) taxes applicable to Vastar and/or our production (3) the amount of oil and
gas available for sale, (4) the availability of adequate pipeline and other
transportation and processing facilities and (5) the marketing of competitive
fuels.
Our operations are also subject to extensive federal, state and local laws
and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission,
transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. These
environmental laws and regulations continue to change and may become more
onerous or restrictive in the future. Our forward-looking statements are
generally based upon the expectation that we will not be required in the near
future to expend amounts to comply with environmental laws and regulations that
are material in relation to our total capital expenditures program. However,
inasmuch as such laws and regulations are frequently changed, we are unable to
accurately predict the ultimate cost of such compliance.
Drilling and Operating Risks
Our drilling operations are subject to various risks common in the industry,
including cratering, explosions, fires and uncontrollable flows of oil, gas or
well fluids. In addition, approximately half of our operations are currently
offshore and subject to the additional hazards of marine operations, such as
loop currents, capsizing, collision and damage or loss from severe weather. Our
drilling operations are also subject to the risk that no commercially
productive natural gas or oil reserves will be encountered. The cost of
drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain, and drilling
operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of
factors, including drilling conditions, pressure or irregularities in
formations, equipment failures or accidents and adverse weather conditions.
Competition
Vastar's forward-looking statements are generally based on a stable
competitive
13
environment. Competition in the oil and gas industry is intense in the lower 48
states. We actively compete for reserve acquisitions and exploration leases and
licenses, as well as in the gathering and marketing of natural gas, crude oil
and NGLs. Our competitors include the major oil companies, independent oil and
gas concerns, individual producers, natural gas, crude oil and NGLs marketers
and major pipeline companies, as well as participants in other industries
supplying energy and fuel to industrial, commercial and individual consumers.
To the extent our competitors have greater financial resources than currently
available to us, we may be disadvantaged in effectively competing for certain
reserves, leases and licenses. Recently announced consolidations in the
industry may enhance the financial resources of certain of our competitors.
From time to time, the level of industry activity may result in a tight
supply of labor or equipment required to operate and develop oil and gas
properties. The availability of drilling rigs and other equipment, as well as
the level of rates charged, may have an effect on our ability to compete and
achieve success in our exploration and production activities.
In marketing our production, we compete with other producers and marketers
on such factors as deliverability, price, contract terms and quality of product
and service. Southern Company Energy Marketing, the 40 percent owned venture
through which most of our natural gas is marketed, competes with the same types
of competitors and on the same basis described above. It also competes in the
power and other energy businesses with other energy producers and marketers.
Competition for the sale of power and such other energy commodities among
competing suppliers is influenced by various factors, including price,
availability, technological advancements, reliability and creditworthiness. In
making projections with respect to natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and power
marketing, we assume no material decrease in the availability of natural gas,
NGLs, crude oil and power for purchase.
We believe that the location of our properties, our expertise in
exploration, drilling and production operations, the experience of our
management and the efforts and expertise of Southern Company Energy Marketing
generally enable us to compete effectively. In making projections with respect
to numerous aspects of our business, we generally assume that there will be no
material change in competitive conditions that would adversely affect us.
Natural Gas Marketing Matters
In connection with the formation and operation of Southern Company Energy
Marketing, we entered into agreements with Southern Company Energy Marketing
and certain subsidiaries of The Southern Company and have credit exposure to
these companies and certain of their affiliates. For more detailed information
relating to these arrangements and exposure, see the information under the
heading "Marketing" above and Notes 5 and 13 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
In making projections with respect to a variety of financial and other
matters, we assume that (1) we will receive annual minimum cash distributions
owed to us by Southern Company Energy Marketing, (2) Southern Company Energy
Marketing will pay for the gas delivered to them under the Gas Purchase and
Sale Agreement, (3) we will have the ability to meet our minimum monthly
quantity obligations under the Gas Purchase and Sale Agreement with Southern
Company Energy Marketing and (4) we will not be required to make payment on any
guarantee which we have issued to secure obligations of Southern Company Energy
Marketing or, to the extent we make any payment on a guarantee, we will receive
the indemnification payments from Southern Energy to which we are entitled.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Vastar and its subsidiaries are involved in a number of lawsuits and
proceedings before administrative agencies, all of which have arisen in the
ordinary course of business in operating our properties and in conducting the
business affairs of a former operating division of ARCO and Vastar Gas.
Further, under the Cross-Indemnification Agreement dated as of October 1, 1993,
between Vastar and ARCO, we assumed all liabilities incurred before or after
the effective date of the General Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated
October 8, 1993, as modified as of December 13, 1993 and December 22, 1993,
between Vastar and ARCO that
14
are associated with the ownership or operation of the properties conveyed to us
as described in the agreement, except for scheduled litigation and other
liabilities stated in the agreement.
We do not believe that any ultimate liability resulting from any of the
claims and suits referred to in the paragraph above will have a material
adverse effect on Vastar's financial position or results of operation.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1999.
15
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Set forth below is certain information about the executive officers (as such
term is defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended) of Vastar as of March 1, 2000.
Name, Age and Present Business Experience During Past Five Years and Period Served
Position With Vastar as Officer(1)
--------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
Michael E. Wiley, 49.... Mr. Wiley has been a Director of Vastar since September 1993
Chairman of the Board and was elected Chairman of the Board in December 1996. He has
and Director been President and Chief Operating Officer of ARCO since
September 1998. He was an Executive Vice President of ARCO
from March 1997 to September 1998 and a Director from June
1997 to May 1998. He was President of Vastar from September
1993 to March 1997 and Chief Executive Officer from January
1994 to March 1997. He held the position of Senior Vice
President of ARCO from June 1993 to June 1994. He held the
position of President of ARCO Oil and Gas Company from June to
October 1993. Previously, from 1991 to 1993, he was a Vice
President of ARCO and Manager of ARCO Exploration and
Production Technology. From 1989 to 1991, he was Vice
President of ARCO Oil and Gas Company's Southern District. Mr.
Wiley joined ARCO in 1972.
Charles D. Davidson, Mr. Davidson was elected President and Chief Executive Officer
50..................... in March 1997 and has been a Director of Vastar since March
President, Chief 1994. From September 1993 to March 1997, he served as a Senior
Executive Officer and Vice President of Vastar and, from December 1992 to October
Director 1993, he held the position of Senior Vice President of the
Eastern District for ARCO Oil and Gas Company. From 1988 to
December 1992, he held various positions with ARCO Alaska,
Inc. Mr. Davidson joined ARCO in 1972.
Phillip A. Gobe, 47..... Mr. Gobe has been a Senior Vice President of Vastar since May
Senior Vice President 1997. From March 1995 to May 1997, he served as Vice
President, Human Resources of ARCO International Oil and Gas
Company. From June 1993 to March 1995, he was the Vice
President, Human Resources of ARCO Alaska, Inc. Before these
assignments, Mr. Gobe served as Operations Manager--Prudhoe
Bay of ARCO from October 1991 to June 1993. Before October
1991, Mr. Gobe held various positions of increasing
responsibility with ARCO. Mr. Gobe joined ARCO in 1976.
Steven J. Shapiro, 47... Mr. Shapiro has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Senior Vice President, Officer of Vastar since December 1993 and a Director of Vastar
Chief Financial Officer since January 1994. He was also Treasurer of Vastar from
and Director January 1994 until December 1995. He was the President of ARCO
Coal Australia Inc. from October 1991 to December 1993.
Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Planning
of ARCO from 1990 to October 1991. From 1988 to 1990, he was
Assistant Treasurer for ARCO, serving in both Los Angeles and
London. Mr. Shapiro joined ARCO in 1977.
16
Name, Age and Present Business Experience During Past
Position With Vastar Five Years and Period Served as Officer(1)
--------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
Robert P. Strode, 43.... Mr. Strode has been a Senior Vice President of Vastar since
Senior Vice President July 1998. From February 1997 to July 1998, he held the
position of Vice President of Vastar. He held the position of
Managing Director, Exploration of ARCO British Limited from
January 1996 to February 1997. From June 1994 to January 1996,
he was Vice President, Exploration and Land of ARCO Alaska,
Inc. From September 1993 to June 1994, he was North Alaska
Exploration Manager of ARCO Alaska, Inc. From 1991 to
September 1993, he was Manager, Exploration-Offshore, for ARCO
Oil and Gas Company and, from 1986 to 1991, he was District
Geophysicist, both onshore and offshore, of ARCO Oil and Gas
Company. Mr. Strode joined ARCO in 1979.
Jeffrey M. Bender, 48... Mr. Bender has been Vice President of Human Resources for
Vice President of Human Vastar since October 1993. From February 1990 to October 1993,
Resources he held the position of Manager Organizational and Human
Resource Development for ARCO Oil and Gas Company. Prior to
that he held a variety of HR management positions with
increasing responsibility with ARCO Chemical, ARCO Metals and
ARCO Petroleum Products Company. Mr. Bender joined ARCO in
1975.
Albert D. Hoppe, 55..... Mr. Hoppe has been Vice President and General Counsel since
Vice President, General May 1, 1994 and Secretary of Vastar since May 25, 1994. He
Counsel and Secretary served as General Attorney for ARCO Coal Company, Denver,
Colorado, from June 1992 through April 1994. Previously, from
1976 until 1992, he held various positions in the ARCO legal
department in Dallas and Houston, Texas. Before joining ARCO
in 1976, he was an Assistant United States Attorney in Kansas
City, Missouri.
Joseph P. McCoy, 48..... Mr. McCoy has been Vice President and Controller of Vastar
Vice President and since June 1994 and was designated Principal Accounting
Controller Officer, effective July 1, 1994. He held the position of Vice
President of Finance, Planning and Control of ARCO Alaska,
Inc. from November 1989 to May 1994. Previously, he was
Assistant Controller of ARCO from February 1987 to November
1989. From 1984 to February 1987, Mr. McCoy served as
Controller of ARCO Coal Company and then as Controller of ARCO
Transportation Company. Mr. McCoy joined ARCO in 1974.
Pamela S. Pierce, 45.... Mrs. Pierce has been Vice President of Business Development
Vice President of for Vastar since February 1996. From January 1993 to February
Business Development 1996, she held the position of Offshore Business Unit Manager
for ARCO and subsequently Vastar. She held the position of
Vice President of Safety, Health, Environmental and External
Affairs for ARCO Oil and Gas Company from September 1991 to
January 1993. Prior assignments included Manager of Operations
and Technical Services, and various positions of increasing
responsibility with ARCO and ARCO Alaska, Inc. Mrs. Pierce
joined ARCO in 1977.
- --------
(1) ARCO division names used in the descriptions of business experience of
Vastar's executive officers are the names that were in effect at the time
such officers held such positions. In some instances, these ARCO divisions
have been combined or reorganized and, accordingly, activities thereof are
presently conducted under different division names.
Vastar's bylaws provide that each officer shall hold office until his or
her successor is elected or appointed and qualified or until his or her
death, resignation or removal by the board of directors.
17
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
1999 1998
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1stQ 2ndQ 3rdQ 4thQ 1stQ 2ndQ 3rdQ 4thQ
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Common Stock: Market price per share
High.................. $ 52 5/16 $ 59 $ 70 1/2 $ 65 3/16 $ 43 7/16 $ 48 5/8 $ 47 5/16 $ 48 15/16
Low................... $ 37 7/8 $ 45 7/8 $ 51 11/16 $ 51 15/16 $ 31 3/4 $ 41 1/16 $ 37 9/16 $ 38 1/2
Cash Dividends.......... $0.075 $0.075 $0.075 $0.075 $0.075 $0.075 $0.075 $0.075
The principal market in which shares of Vastar common stock, $0.01 par
value, are traded is the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: VRI). The
source of the prices in the table above is the New York Stock Exchange
composite tape.
On March 1, 2000, the approximate number of holders of record of common
stock was 97,649,450 and the high price per share was $54 3/4 and the low price
per share was $52 13/16.
The declaration and payment of dividends are at the discretion of our board
of directors and the amount thereof will depend on our results of operations,
financial condition, contractual restrictions, cash requirements, future
prospects and other factors our board of directors deem relevant. In addition,
the agreement relating to our $1.1 billion bank credit facility contains
financial and other covenants, including covenants that may, under certain
circumstances, have the effect of limiting our ability to pay dividends. This
credit agreement and its amendments are incorporated by reference as exhibits
to this Form 10-K.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data set forth below for the five years ended
December 31, 1999 should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Form 10-K.
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
(millions of dollars,
except per share amounts and
ratios)
Net sales and other operating revenues.......... $1,107 $ 887 $ 986 $ 946 $ 703
Total expenses (excluding income taxes)......... 990 890 779 754 683
Net income...................................... 213 136 240 220 103
Basic earnings per share........................ 2.19 1.40 2.47 2.26 1.06
Cash dividends per common share................. 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Total assets.................................... 2,710 2,574 1,925 1,939 1,552
Long-term debt.................................. 975 1,289 672 778 759
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges*............. 3.2 1.8 5.9 5.1 2.0
- --------
* The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings
by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings include income before income
taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest, amortization of
debt expense and the estimated interest component of rental expense.
18
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
The following information should be read in connection with the information
contained in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
General
In March 1999, Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), who currently owns
80,000,001 (81.9 percent) shares of our outstanding common stock, entered into
a merger agreement with BP Amoco p.l.c. which provides for the merger of a
subsidiary of BP Amoco p.l.c. with and into ARCO. On February 3, 2000, the
members of the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to oppose
the merger. On February 5, 2000, the FTC filed suit in United States District
Court seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the merger. In addition, the
state governments of California, Oregon and Washington have also filed suit in
United States District court to halt the merger. The closing of the merger will
depend on, among other things, the outcome of these lawsuits.
In October 1998, we acquired interests in an additional 23 producing fields
on the Gulf of Mexico shelf through a three-company transaction involving
Vastar, ARCO and Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S. Inc.
In August 1997, Vastar and Southern Energy, Inc., combined most of their
natural gas and power trading and marketing operations forming Southern Company
Energy Marketing L.P. We currently hold, through subsidiaries, a 40 percent
interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing. Southern Energy, through its
subsidiaries, currently holds a 60 percent interest. Southern Company Energy
Marketing began gas marketing on September 1, 1997, and power marketing on
January 1, 1998.
We account for our interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing using the
equity method of accounting. Therefore, for periods after September 1, 1997,
our consolidated results no longer reflect gas marketing activities in the
individual line items of the financial statements. As a result of this change
in accounting method and to make it easier to compare 1999 and 1998 to 1997, we
are providing statistical and financial results for 1997 as if the equity
method of accounting had been used throughout 1997. These financial and
statistical results are called "pro forma" results. The pro forma results are
based on historical information and do not reflect the actual results that
would have occurred had Southern Company Energy Marketing been in existence
during all of 1997. For more information on our investment in Southern Company
Energy Marketing and related matters, refer to the section titled "Marketing"
in Items 1 and 2 and Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in this Form 10-K.
Sales and production volumes and price statistics for the specified periods
were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------
Pro forma As Reported
1999 1998 1997 1997
------ ------ --------- -----------
Total Production (MMcfed)................... 1,438 1,289 1,186 1,186
Natural Gas:
Sales (MMcfd)............................... 1,447 1,399 1,325 2,684
Average production (MMcfd).................. 1,078 988 882 882
Average sales price (per Mcf)............... $ 2.07 $ 1.89 $ 2.25 $ 2.38
Average wellhead price (per Mcf)............ $ 2.01 $ 1.85 $ 2.03 $ 2.03
Crude Oil:
Sales (MBbld)............................... 115.6 117.4 103.1 103.1
Average production (MBbld).................. 45.0 36.9 34.7 34.7
Average realized price (per Bbl)............ $16.67 $14.47 $20.93 $20.93
NGLs:
Average production (MBbld).................. 15.0 13.2 16.0 16.0
Average realized price (per Bbl)............ $12.64 $ 9.40 $13.24 $13.24
19
Below are the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997. These statements of income are based on our audited Consolidated
Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
For the Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
Pro forma As Reported
1999 1998 1997 1997
-------- ------- --------- -----------
(Millions of Dollars)
REVENUES
Natural gas
Sales............................. $1,094.6 $ 964.7 $1,086.4 $ 2,331.3
Purchases......................... (312.6) (313.4) (462.2) (1,634.4)
Delivery expense.................. (17.7) (4.3) 0.9 (51.5)
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net sales....................... 764.3 647.0 625.1 645.4
Crude oil
Sales............................. 712.6 580.8 747.4 747.4
Purchases......................... (433.5) (380.9) (476.7) (476.7)
Delivery expense.................. (5.4) (5.1) (5.9) (5.9)
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net sales....................... 273.7 194.8 264.8 264.8
NGLs and other
Sales............................. 87.9 56.9 101.6 227.9
Purchases/other................... (18.7) (11.7) (24.2) (151.7)
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net sales....................... 69.2 45.2 77.4 76.2
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net sales and other operating
revenues........................... 1,107.2 887.0 967.3 986.4
Earnings from equity affiliate...... 18.1 16.1 14.4 4.7
Other revenues...................... 50.2 38.0 22.6 22.6
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net revenues.................... 1,175.5 941.1 1,004.3 1,013.7
EXPENSES
Operating expenses.................. 194.0 166.3 153.9 153.9
Exploration expenses................ 184.6 210.6 175.5 175.5
Selling, general and administrative
expenses........................... 54.7 53.4 54.2 63.3
Taxes other than income taxes....... 49.1 47.3 49.7 50.0
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization....................... 430.7 352.0 288.6 288.6
Interest............................ 77.3 60.3 47.8 47.8
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Total expenses.................. 990.4 889.9 769.7 779.1
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Income before income taxes.......... 185.1 51.2 234.6 234.6
Income tax benefit.................. (28.0) (85.2) (5.9) (5.9)
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net income...................... $ 213.1 $ 136.4 $ 240.5 $ 240.5
======== ======= ======== =========
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 1999 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1998.
Our net income for 1999 was $213.1 million, up 56 percent, compared to
$136.4 million for 1998. This increase was primarily due to higher average
sales prices for all commodities, higher production and lower exploration
expenses. Total production increased 12 percent in 1999 to 1,438 MMcfed.
Our natural gas sales revenues increased by 13 percent to $1,094.6 million
for 1999 as compared to 1998. The increase in revenues was a result of a 10
percent increase in average sales price and a 9 percent growth in gas
production.
Our average natural gas wellhead prices for 1999 increased approximately 16
cents per Mcf as compared to 1998. The average price for natural gas sold at
Henry Hub, Louisiana (a benchmark from
20
which general natural gas price trends can be analyzed) during 1999 was $2.29
per Mcf compared to $2.13 per Mcf for 1998. In addition to this general market
increase in natural gas prices in 1999 as compared to 1998, two offsetting
factors are reflected in our average wellhead price. We experienced widening
basis differentials between Henry Hub and the locations where we sold our gas
production (effectively lower prices) in 1999 as compared to 1998. Offsetting
the higher price differentials was a $16.5 million gain associated with our
hedging activity for 1999. Hedging activity for 1998 resulted in a $1.0 million
gain.
Our average natural gas production for 1999 increased by 90 MMcfd to 1,078
MMcfd as compared to 1998. The higher production level was a result of (1)
natural gas production volumes added from our interests in 23 Gulf of Mexico
shelf fields we acquired October 31, 1998 and (2) production increases we
achieved from new field startups and operational improvements at West Cameron
645, Mississippi Canyon 148, the San Juan Basin and other fields. These
increases more than offset the impact of (1) natural production declines that
normally occur in oil and gas fields over time and (2) property sales we
completed in 1999.
Our crude oil sales revenues for 1999 increased by 23 percent to $712.6
million as compared to 1998. This increase was due to higher average market
prices for the year. During 1999 crude oil prices were volatile, as reflected
in the range of crude oil prices for NYMEX-WTI-at-Cushing from a low of $11.38
per Bbl during February 1999 to a high of $27.98 per Bbl in November 1999.
The average price for 1999 for NYMEX-WTI-at-Cushing was $17.82 per Bbl, an
increase of 18 percent when compared to the average price in 1998 of $15.10 per
Bbl. As a result of an agreement by OPEC countries to limit production, crude
oil prices began to improve late in the first quarter of 1999. Our realized
price for crude oil did not recognize the full extent of the general market
price increase because of a widening of the basis differential between the Gulf
Coast crude market and the NYMEX-WTI-at-Cushing benchmark (effectively lowering
the price we received) and a $3.2 million hedging loss we incurred in 1999.
Our average crude oil production for 1999 increased 22 percent to 45.0 MBbl
per day as compared to 1998. Our crude oil production increased primarily as a
result of volumes produced from our interests in 23 Gulf of Mexico shelf fields
that we acquired October 31, 1998. In addition, 1998 production levels were
negatively impacted by the storm-related shut-in of production at selected
fields during the third quarter of 1998. Production increases in 1999 more than
offset the impact of natural field declines.
Net sales revenues for NGLs and other for 1999 were 53 percent higher as
compared to 1998. Our net NGL and other sales revenues for 1999 reflect both an
increase in commodity prices and an increase in NGL production as compared to
1998. NGL prices often fluctuate with the price of crude oil, and as crude oil
prices increased in 1999, NGL prices generally followed the same trend. As
prices improved, the economics of extracting natural gas liquids were more
favorable than bypassing the processing plants and selling the wet gas stream
as natural gas. As a result, our NGL production improved 14 percent in 1999 as
compared to 1998.
Our other revenues for 1999 were $12.2 million higher as compared to 1998.
The 1999 amount included net gains of $29.7 million associated with the sale of
our interests in selected fields. The 1998 amount included net gains of $21.3
million, including $17.7 million associated with the formation of Southern
Company Energy Marketing.
Our 1999 operating expenses were $194.0 million, 17 percent higher than
1998, due to the additional operating costs associated with our interests in 23
Gulf of Mexico shelf fields that we acquired October 31, 1998. On a cost per
unit basis, the impact of the cost increase was somewhat mitigated by the
higher production level. Operating expenses were 37 cents per Mcfe in 1999
compared to 35 cents per Mcfe in 1998, a 6 percent increase.
Our exploration expenses for 1999 were $26.0 million lower than 1998,
primarily as a result of lower dry hole expenses. Our dry hole expenses for
1999 were $66.8 million, as compared to $84.2 million for 1998. This reduction
in dry hole expense was due to a higher success rate (40 successes of 59 gross
wells decisioned) in 1999 compared to our 1998 program (32 successes of 56
gross wells decisioned).
Our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses increased 22 percent
for 1999 as compared
21
to 1998. The increase resulted primarily from increased production and higher
average depletive write-off rates. Depreciation, depletion and amortization
expenses for 1999 included $8.1 million for impairment of proved properties
compared to $32.8 million for 1998.
Our interest expense for 1999 increased $17.0 million as a result of higher
average outstanding long-term debt levels during 1999 compared to the prior
year. The increase in average outstanding long-term debt is associated with the
financing of our acquisition of interests in 23 Gulf of Mexico shelf fields on
October 31, 1998. The following table summarizes our debt outstanding at the
dates indicated:
Average
Year March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, for year
- ---- --------- -------- ------------- ------------ --------
(Millions of Dollars)
1999..................... $1,267.1 $1,248.0 $1,067.7 $ 975.0 $1,139.5
1998..................... $ 715.7 $ 770.9 $ 867.2 $1,288.6 $ 910.6
Our income tax benefit for 1999 decreased as compared to 1998 as a result of
higher pre-tax income. The income tax benefit for 1999 includes the net benefit
of $92.5 million of Section 29 tax credits. The income tax benefit for 1998
includes $104.0 million for Section 29 tax credits. Section 29 tax credits for
1999 were lower than 1998 as a result of accounting adjustments and lower tax
credit eligible production.
Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1997
For the purpose of simplifying this analysis and to aid the reader's
understanding, we are comparing 1998 results to the pro forma 1997 results.
Our net income for 1998 was $136.4 million, compared to $240.5 million for
1997. This 43 percent earnings decrease was primarily due to lower commodity
prices for all of our products and increased depreciation, depletion and
amortization expense. Increased natural gas production partially offset the
decrease.
Natural gas sales decreased to $964.7 million for 1998 as compared to
$1,086.4 million for 1997. The lower revenues were primarily due to lower
commodity prices partially offset by an increase in our natural gas production.
Natural gas purchases during 1998 decreased by 32 percent from 1997, again
primarily due to lower commodity prices.
Average natural gas wellhead prices for 1998 decreased 18 cents per Mcf from
1997 levels to $1.85 per Mcf. This was due to lower commodity prices. The 1998
average price for gas sold at Henry Hub, Louisiana (a benchmark from which
general natural gas price trends can be analyzed) was $2.13 per Mcf compared to
$2.62 per Mcf in 1997. Our 1998 wellhead price decline was less than the
general market at Henry Hub because (1) the prices for our production in the
San Juan Basin did not decline as much as at Henry Hub and (2) our natural gas
hedging activity for 1998 resulted in a $1.0 million gain as compared to a
$49.0 million loss in 1997.
Our average 1998 natural gas production increased by 106 MMcfd from 1997. We
increased gas production in (1) many of our offshore fields, including
Mississippi Canyon 148, High Island 117 and Ship Shoal 126 and (2) several
onshore fields, including the Ignacio Blanco Fruitland fields in Colorado and
the Deep Anadarko trend in Oklahoma. Contributing to this increase was our
acquisition of 23 Gulf of Mexico properties. These increases more than offset
the impact of natural decline in production that occurs in oil and gas fields
and the decrease in production due to the storm-related shut-ins in the Gulf of
Mexico in the third quarter of 1998.
Crude oil sales for 1998 decreased $166.6 million from 1997, primarily due
to lower commodity prices. The market price declined significantly in 1998 as
reflected in the 1998 average price for NYMEX-WTI-at-Cushing (a crude oil price
benchmark from which general crude oil price trends can be analyzed) of $15.10
per Bbl compared to the 1997 average price of $21.29 per Bbl.
Our average crude oil production in 1998 increased from 1997 levels. This
increase was primarily a result of the addition of production from the 23 Gulf
of Mexico properties acquired October 31, 1998, successful exploitation efforts
at the Eugene Island 175 field and production increases
22
at the West Cameron 66 and Ship Shoal 126 fields. These increases were
partially offset by the shut-in of production at selected Gulf of Mexico fields
related to hurricanes and tropical storms during the third quarter of 1998.
Net sales for NGLs (natural gas liquids) and other products were lower in
1998 as compared to 1997. Net NGL sales were affected by both a decrease in NGL
commodity prices and a decrease in our NGL production. NGL prices often
fluctuate with the price of crude oil and as crude oil prices decreased in
1998, NGL prices generally followed the same trend. Our lower NGL production
was primarily due to selective decisions by us and other operators to bypass
the NGL extraction process in order to capture a higher value in the natural
gas price.
Other revenues increased during 1998 as compared to 1997 primarily due to a
$17.7 million pre-tax gain associated with the $40.0 million payment received
in 1998 as a result of the formation of Southern Company Energy Marketing.
Exploration expenses for 1998 increased as compared to 1997. The increase in
expenses was primarily due to higher expenses associated with the drilling of
wells in which we did not find oil and gas in commercially producible
quantities (dry holes). Dry hole expenses were $84.2 million in 1998, as
compared to $56.5 million in 1997. This increase was primarily due to two
unsuccessful partner-operated deepwater wildcat wells at Garden Banks 258 and
Atwater Valley 136. In addition, we also experienced higher drilling rig rates
in the first three quarters of 1998 compared to 1997.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased in 1998 by $63.4
million. The increase included higher expenses as a result of higher production
volumes and an impairment writedown (a determination that the value of oil and
gas which may ultimately be produced from a property is less than the
unamortized historical cost of that property in our financial records) of $32.8
million in 1998, primarily associated with three offshore fields and one
onshore field. We also had higher average write-off depletion rates in 1998
associated with the start-up of higher cost wells.
Interest expense for 1998 increased $12.5 million as compared to 1997. The
increase is the result of higher average outstanding debt levels during 1998 as
compared to 1997. The increase in debt levels was primarily due to additional
borrowings used to finance the acquisition of the 23 Gulf of Mexico properties
in October 1998.
The income tax benefit of $85.2 million for 1998 was greater than the income
tax benefit for 1997 because of lower pre-tax earnings and higher tax credits.
The income tax benefit for 1998 and 1997 included the net benefit of $104.0
million and $91.7 million, respectively, of Internal Revenue Code Section 29
tax credits for non-conventional fuels.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
In 1999, our operating activities provided cash flows of $940.3 million as
compared to $447.9 million for 1998. This increase was primarily due to (1)
higher production volumes and product prices, (2) the effect of monetizing the
value of one of our long-term gas sales contracts (described below) and (3) a
decrease in our working capital position during 1999 as compared to an increase
in the prior year.
In July 1999, we entered into price swap agreements with unrelated third
parties that have the effect of monetizing the value of one of our long-term
gas sales contracts. This particular contract is associated with gas sales to a
certain cogeneration facility, has a remaining life of approximately 11 years
and had an expected average price of approximately $3.00 per Mcf for 1999.
Pursuant to these agreements, we received an immediate payment of $88.0 million
(net of transaction costs) that has been recorded as a deferred liability and
will be amortized as the underlying contract volumes are delivered.
Investing Activities
Our net cash used in investing activities in 1999 was $568.1 million, which
was lower when compared to 1998. Our 1999 capital spending decreased as a
result of our decision to defer some capital projects in the first half of the
year because of the uncertainty in the low commodity price environment
experienced during the early part of the year.
Proceeds from asset sales were $64.9 million in 1999, compared to $47.7
million received in 1998.
23
The following table summarizes our capital investments in the past three
years:
For the Years Ended
December 31,
----------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ -------- ------
(Millions of Dollars)
Exploratory drilling................................ $197.2 $ 161.4 $149.2
Development drilling................................ 241.3 317.9 242.3
Property acquisitions............................... 75.1 515.9 160.9
Other additions..................................... 117.4 98.9 77.1
------ -------- ------
Total additions to property, plant and
equipment........................................ 631.0 1,094.1 629.5
Geological and geophysical.......................... 32.9 39.3 42.4
------ -------- ------
Total capital program............................. $663.9 $1,133.4 $671.9
====== ======== ======
The 1998 property acquisitions included the acquisition of 23 Gulf of Mexico
shelf fields (also referred to as Vastar Offshore) for approximately $437.0
million. We paid $137.0 million in cash and assumed $300.0 million debt owing
to ARCO. In our Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1998,
the $300.0 million debt to ARCO is reflected as a non-cash financing and
investing activity. We repaid the $300.0 million debt to ARCO in the first
quarter of 1999.
Financing Activities
Our financing activities used $335.9 million of cash flow during 1999. These
financing activities included a $313.6 million net decrease in long-term debt.
In March 1999, we issued $300.0 million (face amount) of 6.5 percent
unsecured notes, due March 2009. During the first quarter of 1999, we repaid
$300.0 million of debt to ARCO.
In April 1998, we issued $100.0 million of 6.0 percent Putable/Callable
Notes due April 2000/2010. These notes are subject to a put and a call on April
20, 2000. The net proceeds of $99.9 million we received from the sale of the
notes were used to pay down debt incurred under our commercial paper program.
The holders of these notes have the right to require us to purchase the notes
on April 20, 2000 under certain terms and conditions. This right is called a
"put." The terms of the notes included a provision under which we may require
the holders to sell the notes to us on April 20, 2000 under certain terms and
conditions. The term for this right is a "call." We sold this call right to
Union Bank of Switzerland, London branch, for $2.5 million.
Vastar periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with the
objective of managing interest rate risk. In 1998, we entered into an interest
rate swap covering $100.0 million related to the putable/callable notes. The
swap effectively changed the 6.0 percent fixed rate to a floating rate. In
1999, the effective interest rate we paid on these notes was 5.3 percent. The
financial impact of settling this swap in 1999 was $0.5 million favorable. The
fair value (our unrealized pre-tax gain or loss) for this swap was $0.1 million
loss at December 31, 1999.
We are party to an amended and restated revolving credit agreement dated as
of March 31, 1997, which permits us to borrow $1.1 billion under a committed
bank line of credit. The agreement expires March 31, 2002. As of December 31,
1999, we had no debt outstanding under this agreement.
Under our Commercial Paper Program, which we established in 1996, we can
sell up to $1.1 billion (outstanding at any one time) of unsecured notes with
maturities of up to 270 days. Sales of our notes are made in non-public
transactions to qualified institutional and other sophisticated investors. In
the agreements relating to this program, we agreed to maintain credit lines
sufficient to support payment of the notes. At December 31, 1999, we had $226.3
million outstanding under this program as compared to $219.0 million
outstanding as of December 31, 1998. The interest rate on the notes fluctuates
during the year as notes are repaid and reissued at market interest rates. The
average interest rate on all our commercial paper borrowing during 1999 was 5.3
percent. The interest rate on our commercial paper borrowings at December 31,
1999 was 6.6 percent.
24
Other Activities
In September 1996, we entered into a contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling
Company (Diamond) for the major upgrade and operation of a semisubmersible
drilling rig, Ocean Victory, for a three-year deepwater drilling program in the
Gulf of Mexico, which began in November 1997. Since November 1997, scheduled
increases in the day rates and our request of Diamond to make improvements to
the rig have resulted in higher costs during the remaining contract term. This
contract has a remaining life of 1.2 years as of December 31, 1999. Our
estimated remaining costs for this contract and related contracts for support
boats are approximately $72.0 million. This amount does not take into
consideration any reimbursements we might receive from partners or potential
partners. We have three one-year options to renew the term of the contract,
subject to renegotiating the day rates.
In December 1998, we entered into an agreement with R&B Falcon Drilling Co.
for the operation of a semisubmersible, ultra-deepwater drilling rig, Deepwater
Horizon, for a three-year deepwater-drilling program in the Gulf of Mexico. The
drilling program is scheduled to commence in 2001. This contract has an
anticipated cost of approximately $220.0 million, before any reimbursements
from partners or potential partners and operating cost escalations. We have
several options relating to the term and pricing of the contract, including the
option to extend the term of the contract for up to five additional years.
We announced a 2000 capital-spending program of $850.0 million, which we
expect to fund primarily from internally generated cash flows. In addition, we
believe our internally generated cash flow together with access to external
capital resources can provide adequate financial flexibility to take advantage
of any potential strategic business opportunities we would consider in 2000.
These projections are subject to various risks and uncertainties described in
our "Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the Private Litigation Reform Act of
1995" contained in Items 1 and 2 in this Form 10-K. Actual capital spending
could differ materially from our projections.
Vastar's ratios of earnings to fixed charges was 3.2 for December 31, 1999,
1.8 for December 31, 1998, and 5.9 for December 31, 1997. For this calculation,
earnings include income before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges
include interest, amortization of debt expenses and the estimated interest
component of rental expense.
Risk Management and Market-Sensitive Instruments
The following discussion of our risk-management activities includes
"forward-looking statements" that involve various risks and uncertainties.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-
looking statements. For further information on these risks and uncertainties,
refer to the "Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the Private Litigation
Reform Act of 1995" in Items 1 and 2 in this report on Form 10-K.
We use various financial instruments for non-trading purposes in the normal
course of our business to manage and reduce price volatility and other market
risks associated with our natural gas and petroleum liquids production. This
activity is referred to as hedging. We structure these arrangements to reduce
our exposure to commodity price decreases, but they can also limit the benefit
we might otherwise receive from commodity price increases. Our risk management
activity is generally accomplished by purchasing and/or selling exchange-traded
futures and over-the-counter options.
As a result of all of our hedging transactions for natural gas and crude
oil, we realized a pre-tax gain of approximately $13.3 million in 1999, and a
pre-tax gain of approximately $1.8 million in 1998 and a pre-tax loss of
approximately $48.9 million in 1997.
25
The following table summarizes our open hedging positions as of December 31,
1999:
Financial Average Weighted
Product Instrument Time Period Volume Average Prices
------- ---------- ------------- --------- ---------------------
Gas................ Collars Jan--Mar 2000 400 MMcfd $ 2.54/Mcf-$ 3.27/Mcf
Gas................ Puts Sold Jan--Mar 2000 400 MMcfd $2.12/Mcf
Oil................ Collars Jan--Dec 2000 23 MBbld $18.80/Bbl-$23.31/Bbl
Oil................ Puts Sold Jan--Dec 2000 23 MBbld $15.80/Bbl
A "collar" is a financial instrument or a combination of financial
instruments which establishes a range of prices to be received relating to a
set commodity volume. This arrangement, in effect, allows us to receive no less
than a stated minimum or floor price per unit of volume and no more than a
stated maximum or ceiling price per unit of volume.
A "put" is an option contract that gives the holder the right to sell a
stated volume of the underlying commodity at a specified price for a certain
fixed period of time.
A "call" is an option contract that gives the holder the right to buy a
stated volume of the underlying commodity at a specified price for a certain
fixed period of time.
The hedging instruments which we had in place as of December 31, 1999, have
the effect of providing a market price not to exceed the ceiling price of the
collar or a market price plus a premium when the market price is less than the
floor price of the collar.
The fair value (our unrealized pre-tax gain or loss for our 2000 hedged
transactions in place as of December 31, 1999, was $6.9 million gain for
natural gas and a $7.0 million loss for crude oil. This hypothetical gain/loss
is calculated based on brokers' forward price quotes and NYMEX forward price
quotes as of December 31, 1999, which, for the year 2000, averaged $2.41 per
Mcf for natural gas and $22.73 per Bbl for crude oil. The actual gains or
losses we will realize from our hedge transactions may vary significantly due
to the fluctuation of prices in the commodity markets. For example, a
hypothetical 10 percent increase in the forward price quotes would decrease the
unrealized gain for natural gas hedges by approximately $2.4 million and
increase the unrealized loss for crude oil hedges by approximately $10.1
million. In order to calculate the hypothetical gain/loss, the relevant
variables are (1) the type of commodity, (2) the delivery price and (3) the
delivery location. We do not take into account the time value of money because
of the short-term nature of our hedging instruments. These calculations may be
used to analyze the gains and losses we might realize on our financial hedging
contracts and do not reflect the effects of price changes on our actual
physical commodity sales. During 1999, natural gas prices fluctuated between
$1.65 per Mcf and $3.08 per Mcf (Henry Hub) and crude oil prices fluctuated
between $11.38 per Bbl and $27.98 per Bbl (NYMEX-WTI-at-Cushing).
We also have long-term natural gas sales contracts with certain cogeneration
facilities. Approximately 62 MMcfd of the approximately 87 MMcfd of natural gas
volumes related to these contracts are for a fixed price of approximately $2.45
per Mcf for 2000. In July 1999, we entered into agreements with an unrelated
third party that have the effect of monetizing the remaining 25 MMcfd. As of
December 31, 1999, these contracts have a remaining life of approximately 11
years.
During 1999, our long-term sales commitments did not exceed the total of our
proprietary production and the other natural gas production we control through
call rights with third-party producers and marketing agreements with royalty
owners.
Our borrowings under our commercial paper program and $1.1 billion committed
bank line of credit are subject to the risk of interest rate fluctuation.
Assuming the principal amount of our 1999 borrowings had remained unchanged,
higher interest rates would have increased our interest expense. For example, a
10 percent increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate (a benchmark pursuant
to which the Company's interest rates may be set) would have increased our 1999
interest expense by $1.5 million.
Vastar periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with the
objective of managing interest rate risk. In 1998, we entered into an interest
rate swap covering $100.0 million related to the
26
putable/callable notes. The swap effectively changed the 6.0 percent fixed rate
to a floating rate. In 1999, the effective interest rate we paid on these notes
was 5.3 percent. The financial impact of settling this swap in 1999 was $0.5
million favorable. The fair value (our unrealized pre-tax gain or loss) for
this swap was $0.1 million loss at December 31, 1999.
New Accounting Standards
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This standard requires us to recognize all
of our derivative and hedging instruments in our statements of financial
position as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. In
addition, all hedging relationships must be designated, documented and
reassessed periodically. On July 7, 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board delayed the effective date of SFAS 133 for one year. The delay, published
as SFAS No. 137, applies to quarterly and annual financial statements. SFAS No.
133, as revised by SFAS No. 137, is effective for all fiscal quarters of all
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. We are continuing to evaluate the
impact the provisions of these standards will have on us.
Environmental Matters
At December 31, 1999, we had accrued $138.8 million for (1) the total
estimated cost, net of salvage value, of plugging and abandoning our oil and
gas wells, and dismantling our oil and gas platforms and facilities as required
by contract, regulation or law and (2) the estimated costs of restoration and
reclamation of land associated with these facilities. This accrual for
dismantlement and restoration costs includes a component for compliance with
environmental laws and regulations. These costs include expenses that may be
incurred for the removal of contaminants and site restoration. For more
information on this accrual, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in this Form 10-K.
At December 31, 1999, we did not have a separate environmental remediation
reserve for superfund or similar clean-up sites. During 1999, 1998 and 1997, we
did not incur any significant charges to income for environmental remediation
costs and made no related payments. For further information on environmental
and remediation costs, see Notes 2 and 10 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
We estimate our environment-related capital expenditures have averaged
approximately $25 million per year over the past three years. Our operating
expenses include ongoing costs of controlling or disposing of pollutants, and
we estimate these costs have averaged approximately $10 million per year.
On the basis of our management's assessment of the ultimate amount and
timing of the contingencies associated with environmental matters, while no
assurances can be given, we do not expect that any expenses or judgments
related to these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Impact of the Year 2000
The Year 2000 issue stemmed from computer programs and embedded computer
chips being unable to distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000,
resulting in system failures or miscalculations that could cause operational
disruptions. It appears that planning and mitigating steps taken by us and
others were successful in that no major problems occurred. The few incidents
that did occur during the actual transition from 1999 to 2000 were quickly
analyzed and resolved and had only minimal business impacts. Since the start of
the project, we incurred and expensed approximately $4.9 million related to our
assessment of Year 2000 issues and the development and implementation of our
remediation plan. The total cost of the Year 2000 project, including expenses
we will incur in 2000, is currently estimated at approximately $5.0 million.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See (1) Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Risk Management and Market-Sensitive Instruments and
(2) Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form
10-K. For a description of accounting policies, see Note 2 of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
27
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Accountants....................................... 29
Consolidated Statement of Income for Each of the Three Years in the
Period Ended December 31, 1999......................................... 30
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1999 and 1998............. 31
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for Each of the Three Years in the
Period Ended December 31, 1999......................................... 32
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1999............................ 33
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. 34
Supplemental Information-Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)... 53
28
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Vastar Resources, Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of stockholders' equity
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vastar
Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States which require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
February 22, 2000
29
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Years Ended
December 31,
-------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- ------ -------
(Millions of Dollars,
except per share
amounts)
REVENUES
Net sales and other operating revenues............... $1,107.2 $887.0 $ 986.4
Earnings from equity affiliate....................... 18.1 16.1 4.7
Other revenues....................................... 50.2 38.0 22.6
-------- ------ -------
Net revenues....................................... 1,175.5 941.1 1,013.7
-------- ------ -------
EXPENSES
Operating expenses................................... 194.0 166.3 153.9
Exploration expenses................................. 184.6 210.6 175.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses......... 54.7 53.4 63.3
Taxes other than income taxes........................ 49.1 47.3 50.0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization............. 430.7 352.0 288.6
Interest............................................. 77.3 60.3 47.8
-------- ------ -------
Total expenses..................................... 990.4 889.9 779.1
-------- ------ -------
Income before income taxes........................... 185.1 51.2 234.6
Income tax benefit................................... (28.0) (85.2) (5.9)
-------- ------ -------
Net income......................................... $ 213.1 $136.4 $ 240.5
======== ====== =======
Basic earnings per share............................. $ 2.19 $ 1.40 $ 2.47
======== ====== =======
Diluted earnings per share........................... $ 2.16 $ 1.39 $ 2.46
======== ====== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
30
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31,
-----------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(Millions of
Dollars)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................. $ 40.6 4.3
Accounts receivable:
Trade.................................................... 130.5 110.0
Related parties.......................................... 86.9 130.9
Inventories................................................ 7.0 10.2
Prepaid expenses and other................................. 42.1 37.5
-------- --------
Total current assets................................... 307.1 292.9
Oil and gas properties and equipment, net.................... 2,320.2 2,220.8
Other long-term assets....................................... 82.7 60.3
-------- --------
Total assets........................................... $2,710.0 $2,574.0
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable:
Trade.................................................... $ 258.8 $ 179.2
Related parties.......................................... 6.3 9.8
Accrued liabilities........................................ 77.8 61.5
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.............................. 342.9 250.5
Long-term debt............................................... 975.0 1,288.6
Deferred liabilities and credits............................. 313.2 205.4
Deferred income taxes........................................ 272.9 214.3
-------- --------
Total liabilities...................................... 1,904.0 1,958.8
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, $0.01 par value: authorized, 110,000,000
shares; issued and
outstanding, 97,644,950 shares at December 31, 1999 and
97,403,340 shares
at December 31, 1998........................................ 1.0 1.0
Additional paid-in capital................................... 464.3 457.4
Accumulated earnings......................................... 340.7 156.8
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............................. 806.0 615.2
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $2,710.0 $2,574.0
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
31
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended
December 31,
-------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
(Millions of Dollars)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income......................................... $ 213.1 $ 136.4 $ 240.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization......... 430.7 352.0 288.6
Net change in deferred taxes..................... 58.6 40.2 71.9
Dry hole expense and amortization of unproved
properties...................................... 101.8 119.2 86.5
Gain on asset sales.............................. (29.7) (21.3) (14.6)
Earnings from equity affiliate................... (18.1) (16.1) (4.7)
Cash dividends from equity affiliate............. 5.8 2.9 --
Net change in accounts receivable, inventories
and accounts payable............................ 102.8 (117.4) 95.7
Other............................................ 75.3 (48.0) (8.7)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities...... 940.3 447.9 755.2
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to oil and gas properties and equipment,
including dry hole costs.......................... (631.0) (794.1) (629.5)
Proceeds from asset sales.......................... 64.9 47.7 18.3
Other.............................................. (2.0) 2.8 (21.0)
------- ------- -------
Net cash used by investing activities.......... (568.1) (743.6) (632.2)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock........................... 6.9 2.5 0.8
Proceeds from long-term debt....................... 604.9 474.3 145.5
Repayment of long-term debt........................ (918.5) (157.8) (251.8)
Dividends paid..................................... (29.2) (29.2) (29.2)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided (used) by financing
activities.................................... (335.9) 289.8 (134.7)
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents....................................... 36.3 (5.9) (11.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..... 4.3 10.2 21.9
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year........... $ 40.6 $ 4.3 $ 10.2
======= ======= =======
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest........................... $ 74.3 $ 55.9 $ 47.9
======= ======= =======
Cash received for income tax refunds............. $ 110.0 $ 85.5 $ 66.7
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
32
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common
Stock Additional Accumulated
Shares Common Paid-in Earnings
Issued Stock Capital (Deficit)
---------- ------ ---------- -----------
(Millions of Dollars)
Balance, January 1, 1997.............. 97,260,551 $1.0 $454.1 $(161.7)
Exercise of stock options........... 43,576 -- 0.8 --
Cash dividends declared ($0.30 per
share)............................. -- -- -- (29.2)
Net income.......................... -- -- -- 240.5
---------- ---- ------ -------
Balance, December 31, 1997............ 97,304,127 1.0 454.9 49.6
Exercise of stock options........... 99,213 -- 2.5 --
Cash dividends declared ($0.30 per
share)............................. -- -- -- (29.2)
Net income.......................... -- -- -- 136.4
---------- ---- ------ -------
Balance, December 31, 1998............ 97,403,340 1.0 457.4 156.8
Exercise of stock options........... 241,610 -- 6.9 --
Cash dividends declared ($0.30 per
share)............................. -- -- -- (29.2)
Net income.......................... -- -- -- 213.1
---------- ---- ------ -------
Balance, December 31, 1999............ 97,644,950 $1.0 $464.3 $ 340.7
========== ==== ====== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
33
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Formation of the Company and Basis of Presentation.
Vastar Resources, Inc. is an independent (non-integrated) oil and gas
company in the United States. We operate our business and report our operations
as one business segment. We are engaged in the exploration, development and
production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Our four
principal producing areas are offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore in the
Gulf Coast region (south Texas, southeast Texas and south Louisiana), the San
Juan/Rockies region (northwest New Mexico, southwest Colorado and Wyoming) and
the Mid-Continent region (northeast Texas, Oklahoma, northern Louisiana,
Arkansas and Kansas). Effective September 1, 1997, we began marketing most of
our natural gas through Southern Company Energy Marketing L.P., a limited
partnership, owned by subsidiaries of Vastar and The Southern Company. We
currently own a 40 percent interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing. We
directly market our proprietary crude oil and NGLs nationwide.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all
subsidiaries and ventures in which we hold a controlling interest. All material
intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Investments in
affiliates over which we can exercise influence and in which we own between 20
percent and 50 percent are accounted for using the equity method.
Cash Equivalents
Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, such as time
deposits, certificates of deposit and marketable securities other than equity
securities with original maturities of three months or less. We state our cash
equivalents at cost, which approximates market value.
Oil and Gas Properties
We use the successful efforts method to account for our oil and gas
properties. Under this method, all development costs and acquisition costs of
proved properties are capitalized and amortized on a unit-of-production basis
over the remaining life of proved developed reserves and proved reserves,
respectively. Costs of drilling exploratory wells are initially capitalized,
and later charged to expense upon the determination that the well does not
justify commercial development. Oil and gas unproved property costs are
capitalized and amortized on a composite basis, considering past success
experience and average property life.
We review oil and gas properties for potential impairment whenever
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
recoverable. We determine whether the carrying amount is recoverable by
comparing the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result
from use of an asset and its eventual disposition to the carrying amount of the
asset to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. For those oil and gas
properties for which the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted estimated
future cash flows, an impairment loss may be determined to exist. If an
impairment is determined to exist, the carrying amount of such properties is
adjusted to their estimated fair market value, net of plugging and abandonment
liabilities, based on relevant market information or discounted cash flows.
The costs of retired, sold or abandoned properties that constitute a part of
an amortization base are charged or credited, net of proceeds, to the
accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization reserve. Gains or losses
from the disposal of other properties are recognized in the current period.
Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals necessary to maintain
properties in operating condition are expensed as incurred. Major replacements
and renewals are capitalized.
General Plant
General plant includes gas plants, pipelines, buildings, boats, vehicles,
office furniture and equipment and other fixed assets. These items are recorded
at cost and are written off on the straight-line method based on the expected
lives of the individual assets or groups of assets.
34
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Inventories
Inventories are comprised principally of materials and supplies, and are
stated at the lower of cost (determined on an average basis) or market. Product
inventories are stated at the lower of current market value or cost and
represent approximately 16 percent of total year-end inventory. Cost is
determined under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
Dismantlement, Restoration and Reclamation Costs
The estimated costs, net of salvage value, of (1) dismantling facilities or
projects with limited lives, or (2) facilities that are required to be
dismantled by contract, regulation or law and (3) the estimated costs of
restoration and reclamation of land associated with these projects are accrued
on a unit-of-production basis during operations and classified as a deferred
liability. Such costs are included in depreciation, depletion and amortization
charges in the current period.
Income Taxes
Vastar and its subsidiaries join with ARCO and its domestic subsidiaries in
filing a consolidated federal income tax return. Vastar and ARCO are parties to
a tax sharing agreement which requires Vastar as a member of ARCO's
consolidated tax group to pay its share of the group's federal income taxes and
certain state taxes to ARCO. Vastar's share of these taxes is generally the
amount of federal income tax it would have to pay if Vastar and its
subsidiaries filed tax returns as a separate tax group. Under the tax sharing
agreement, Vastar is able to use its Section 29 tax credits to reduce its
federal income tax payments to ARCO by the greater of (1) the amount of these
credits which could be used by Vastar if its consolidated tax liability was
calculated on a stand-alone tax basis and (2) the amount of these credits used
by the ARCO consolidated tax group, in each case, less a 3.25 percent discount
on certain credits. Section 29 tax credits that are not used by Vastar in the
current year under the tax sharing agreement can generally be carried forward
and used in subsequent tax years.
Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, Section 29 tax credits can be used to
reduce the ARCO consolidated tax group's regular income tax liability after
foreign tax credits (the "Regular Tax"), but not below the ARCO consolidated
tax group's tentative minimum tax liability. If Section 29 tax credits are not
used by the ARCO consolidated tax group due to this limitation, the unused
credits are generally carried forward by us to be used in a subsequent year. To
the extent that the Section 29 tax credits generated in a year exceed the
Regular Tax, the excess Section 29 tax credits are not allowed to be carried
forward. For more information on taxes, see Note 11 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
State tax expense is computed using the applicable average tax rates for
both unitary and nonunitary state filings. State franchise taxes are also
calculated on a stand-alone basis.
We follow the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the
estimated future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the
financial book basis of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
tax basis.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is normally recognized from jointly owned properties as oil and gas
is produced and sold for our account. An overlift (i.e., when we sell gas in
excess of our entitlement) is recorded as a liability if it is significant in
quantity and the remaining underground reserves are not sufficient to satisfy
the deficiency. Underlifts (i.e., when we sell less gas than our entitlement)
are recorded only when contracts specify that lifting imbalances be settled in
cash. Overlifts and underlifts to be settled in cash are recorded as
adjustments to revenue. The recorded lifting imbalances at December 31, 1999
and 1998, were insignificant.
Hedging and Related Activities
We use various financial instruments for non-trading purposes in the normal
course of our
35
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
business to manage and reduce price volatility and other market risks
associated with our natural gas and petroleum liquids production. This activity
is referred to as hedging. Our hedging instruments have the effect of locking
in the prices we will receive for the volumes and the time periods identified
in the instruments. These arrangements are structured to reduce our exposure to
commodity price decreases, but they can also limit the benefit we might
otherwise receive from commodity price increases. Our risk management activity
is generally accomplished through exchange-traded futures and over-the-counter
options. These agreements are accounted for as hedges using the deferral method
of accounting. Gains and losses resulting from these transactions are deferred
and included in other assets or accrued liabilities, as appropriate, until the
physical production required by the contracts is delivered. At the time of
delivery, the resulting gains and losses are recognized as operating income in
our Consolidated Statement of Income.
The cash flows related to any recognized gains or losses associated with
these hedges are reported as cash flows from operations. If the hedge is
terminated prior to maturity, gains or losses are deferred and included in
income in the same period as the physical production required by the contracts
is delivered.
We also use derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. These
swaps primarily serve to hedge against interest rate exposure. These agreements
are accounted for as hedges using the accrual method of accounting. The
differences to be paid or received on swaps designated as hedges are included
in interest expense during the period to which the payment or receipt relates.
The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the counterparties are
included in other assets or accrued liabilities. The cash flows related to any
recognized gains or losses associated with these hedges are reported as cash
flows from operations.
The conditions to be met for a derivative instrument to qualify as a hedge
are the following: (1) the item to be hedged exposes us to price or interest
rate risk; (2) the derivative reduces our risk exposure and is designated as a
hedge at the time the derivative contract is entered into; and (3) at the
inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period there is a high
correlation of changes in the market value of the derivative instrument and the
fair value of the underlying item being hedged.
When the designated item associated with a derivative instrument matures, is
sold, extinguished or terminated, derivative gains or losses are recognized as
part of the gain or loss on sale or settlement of the underlying item. When a
derivative instrument is associated with an anticipated transaction that is no
longer expected to occur or if correlation no longer exists, the gain or loss
on the derivative is recognized in income to the extent the future results have
not been offset by the effects of price or interest rate changes on the hedged
item since the inception of the hedge.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for employee stock options in the manner prescribed by the
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25.
Use of Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Estimates with regard to these financial statements include the estimate of
proved oil and gas reserve volumes and the estimated future development,
dismantlement and abandonment costs used in determining amortization
provisions.
Reclassifications
Certain previously reported amounts have been restated to conform to
classifications adopted in 1999. These restatements did not impact our net
income or shareholders' equity.
36
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
3.Net Sales and Other Operating Revenues.
Net sales and other operating revenues were as follows for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
-------- ------- --------
(Millions of Dollars)
Sales and other operating revenues:
Unrelated parties................................ $1,085.8 778.5 $2,782.5
Related parties(1)............................... 809.3 823.9 524.1
-------- ------- --------
Total.......................................... 1,895.1 1,602.4 3,306.6
Less:
Purchases(2)..................................... (762.0) (704.3) (2,254.5)
Delivery expense................................. (25.9) (11.1) (65.7)
-------- ------- --------
Net sales and other operating revenues............. $1,107.2 $ 887.0 $ 986.4
======== ======= ========
- --------
(1)Average costs of related-party sales............ $ 722.2 $ 696.1 $ 409.0
(2)Related-party purchase cost..................... $ 77.7 $ 116.4 $ 196.7
4. Relationship with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO).
ARCO owns 80,000,001 shares (81.9 percent) of our outstanding common stock.
Vastar and ARCO have entered into an agreement granting ARCO certain rights as
a stockholder of Vastar. In order to allow ARCO to continue to include Vastar
as part of its "affiliated group" for federal income tax purposes, this
agreement gives ARCO the cumulative, continuing right to purchase from us, at
the then-current market price, the number of shares of common stock or
preferred stock, or both, as may be necessary to preserve that status.
Services Agreements
Vastar and ARCO (including ARCO subsidiaries) have entered into a number of
agreements under which Vastar and ARCO provide services to each other. The
principal agreements are as follows: (1) the ARCO Exploration and Production
Technical Services Agreement, effective as of October 1, 1993; and (2) the
Corporate Services Agreement, effective as of January 1, 1994. These agreements
were developed in connection with the establishment of Vastar by ARCO, and,
therefore, were not the result of arm's-length negotiations between independent
parties.
The technical services agreement includes a variety of oil and gas technical
services. The term of the technical services agreement is indefinite. Under the
corporate services agreement, ARCO provides us various telecommunications,
computer, financial, legal, insurance, internal audit and other administrative
services and we provide ARCO with certain financial and other services as
agreed. This agreement provides for an indefinite term. Charges under each of
these service agreements are determined based on usage or other methods that we
believe to be reasonable.
In connection with the technical services agreement on October 27, 1999,
Vastar and ARCO entered into an Assignment of Rights Agreement under which ARCO
assigned to us rights to intellectual property which had been developed by ARCO
on our behalf under the agreement. No additional consideration was paid to ARCO
for this assignment.
Crude Oil and NGL Purchase and Sale Agreements
As part of its marketing efforts, Vastar has and will in the future engage
in crude oil and NGL purchase and sale transactions with ARCO on a month-to-
month basis at market-based prices.
Acquisition of Gulf of Mexico Properties
During October 1998, we purchased from ARCO 100 percent of the capital stock
of Vastar Offshore, Inc., formerly named Western Midway Company, for
approximately $437.0 million in cash
37
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
and debt. We paid $137.0 million in cash and assumed Vastar Offshore's $300.0
million outstanding debt to ARCO. In the first quarter of 1999, we repaid ARCO
the $300.0 million of outstanding debt assumed from the purchase of Vastar
Offshore, Inc.
This acquisition was accomplished through a three-company transaction
involving Vastar, ARCO and Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S. Inc. At the time
we acquired Vastar Offshore, Vastar Offshore traded certain California
properties to Mobil for their interest in 23 producing fields in the Gulf of
Mexico and other related assets. Following the exchange, ARCO sold to Vastar
100 percent of the capital stock of Vastar Offshore.
The purchase price was negotiated between ARCO and us. A special committee
of our Board of Directors also approved the transaction. No member of the
special committee was an officer or employee of the Company or a director,
officer or employee of ARCO.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. The operating results
of Vastar Offshore have been included in our consolidated financial statements
since the date of acquisition.
ARCO's Merger Agreement with BP Amoco
In March 1999, ARCO entered into a merger agreement with BP Amoco p.l.c.
that provides for the merger of a subsidiary of BP Amoco p.l.c. with and into
ARCO. On February 3, 2000, the members of the United Stated Federal Trade
Commission ("FTC") voted 3-2 to oppose the merger. On February 5, 2000, the FTC
filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the
merger. In addition, the state governments of California, Oregon and Washington
have filed suit in U.S. District court to halt the merger. As described above,
ARCO and Vastar have entered into a number of agreements, including technology
assignments and licenses, services agreements and insurance agreements. Copies
of many of these agreements have been filed with the SEC. We do not anticipate
that the rights and obligations of the parties under these agreements,
including any termination rights, will be materially affected by the merger.
Any amendments to these agreements would have to be negotiated and agreed to by
us. We do not believe that the termination of any or all of the above-listed
agreements with ARCO would have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Vastar and ARCO are also parties to a tax sharing agreement (which we
discuss in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained
in this Form 10-K), which requires Vastar, as a member of ARCO's consolidated
tax group, to pay its share of the group's federal and certain state income
taxes to ARCO. If the merger is consummated, we expect that the agreement would
continue to govern consolidated tax matters involving Vastar and ARCO. If any
amendments become necessary as a result of the merger, they will have to be
negotiated and agreed to by us.
5. Southern Company Energy Marketing L.P.
In August 1997, we entered into an agreement with Southern Energy, Inc. to
create a new energy services company by combining most of the natural gas and
power trading and marketing operations of the two companies. The new company is
named Southern Company Energy Marketing L.P. Southern Company Energy Marketing
is owned by subsidiaries of Southern Energy and Vastar. Southern Company Energy
Marketing's core business is trading and marketing natural gas, electricity and
other energy-related commodities. It also provides energy and energy-related
commodities, products and services to customers in North America. It began gas
marketing on September 1, 1997, and power marketing on January 1, 1998.
Under the Formation Agreement, Southern Energy paid Vastar a cash payment of
$40 million and has an initial 60 percent ownership interest in Southern
Company Energy Marketing, with Vastar holding an initial 40 percent interest.
Vastar recorded a pre-tax gain of $17.7 million resulting from this transaction
in the first quarter of 1998.
For the first five years of operation, we are entitled to receive minimum
cash distributions from Southern Company Energy Marketing of $20 million for
the year 1998, $20 million for the year 1999, $25 million for the year 2000,
$30 million for the
38
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
year 2001 and $30 million for the year 2002. Our receipt of these cash
distributions is subject to certain exceptions.
We follow the equity method of accounting for our interest in SCEM and
recognize into income the greater of our interest in SCEM's earnings or our
minimum cash distribution. In 1999 and 1998, we recognized our accrued share
of minimum distributions, net of any applicable exceptions. In 1997, we
recognized our equity share of earnings for the four month period ending
December 31, 1997.
Southern Company Energy Marketing did not pay Vastar its $20 million
minimum distribution amount for 1998 and has advised us that they believe an
exception to our receipt of the 1998 minimum distribution applies. This
alleged exception relates to contract defaults by certain third parties with
which Southern Company Energy Marketing did business. On the basis of current
information, Vastar disagrees with Southern Energy's position. In light of the
dispute, in 1998 we recognized only $15.0 million of the $20 million minimum
cash distribution. In 1999 we received a cash distribution of $5.8 million
relating to the 1998 minimum distribution amount. We are continuing to work
with Southern Energy in an effort to appropriately resolve the remaining
disputed amount.
For 1999, Vastar has recorded and expects to receive approximately $16.8
million of the $20 million minimum distribution amount. The $3.2 million
reduction relates to our share of retention payments made to employees and
transition costs relating to Southern Company Energy Marketing's move of its
natural gas marketing activities from Houston to Atlanta. These items were
identified as "exclusion amounts" in the partnership agreement.
Our interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing, can be reduced by any
one or a combination of the following:
. on July 1, 2001, Southern Energy's interest will automatically increase,
for no additional consideration, to 75 percent and our interest will
decrease to 25 percent;
. during the year 2002, Southern Energy has an option to purchase an
additional five percent interest in Southern Company Energy Marketing
from Vastar for $80 million (the "Southern Call Option");
. on January 1, 2003, Vastar has an option to sell to certain subsidiaries
of Southern Energy its remaining interest for $210 million (or $130
million if the Southern Call Option has been exercised);
. under limited conditions, Southern Energy has an option, which expires
December 31, 2007, to purchase our entire interest in the Venture for
$580 million (or $500 million if the Southern Call Option has been
exercised) or a certain multiple of earnings, whichever is higher; and
. upon a change of control of either Vastar or Southern Energy (as
applicable, the "COC Party"), the other party may have the right to
purchase the percentage interest of the COC Party in Southern Company
Energy Marketing.
Vastar and Southern Energy have agreed to guarantee some of the obligations
of Southern Company Energy Marketing. The Board of Governors of Southern
Company Energy Marketing sets the total amount of guarantees that can be
issued. Vastar and Southern Energy have agreed, subject to certain
limitations, to indemnify each other for their share of any amounts paid under
these guarantees. Each company's share is equal to its ownership percentage in
Southern Company Energy Marketing at the time Southern Company Energy
Marketing incurs the guaranteed obligation. In any year, our obligation to
indemnify Southern Energy is limited to the amount that we have received from
Southern Company Energy Marketing in excess of the minimum cash distributions
described above for that year. Similarly, if we have not received our minimum
cash distribution from Southern Company Energy Marketing in any year, Southern
Energy has agreed to indemnify us for all amounts we pay under these
guarantees for that year.
We have also entered into a long-term Gas Purchase and Sale Agreement with
Southern Company Energy Marketing for a primary term expiring on December 31,
2007. Under this agreement we committed to sell, and Southern
39
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Company Energy Marketing committed to purchase (subject to certain partial
releases or early termination provisions), substantially all the natural gas
produced and owned or controlled by us within the lower 48 states of the United
States, Canada and Mexico, at market-based prices. This agreement excludes
certain volumes of our natural gas production from the commitment, and we have
reserved certain additional rights, including gas processing rights. The
agreement requires that we make available to Southern Company Energy Marketing
a minimum monthly quantity of natural gas, which can be purchased by us on the
open market if necessary. Natural gas sales under this contract began September
1, 1997.
Southern Company Energy Marketing's obligations to pay us under the Gas
Purchase and Sale Agreement, our minimum cash distributions described above and
amounts due to us on the exercise of our option described above are guaranteed
by Southern Energy. If Southern Energy does not maintain in effect an
investment grade rating from Moody's or Standard & Poors, Southern Energy has
agreed to provide credit enhancement to secure the payment of these guaranteed
obligations. As of February 22, 2000, Southern Energy maintains the required
investment grade rating.
Our equity investment in Southern Company Energy Marketing was $46.9 million
as of December 31, 1999 and $34.6 million as of December 31, 1998.
6.Related Party Transactions and Cost Allocations.
An analysis of related party settlements were as follows for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
----- ------ ------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Transactions with ARCO:
Sales to ARCO and its affiliates......................... $ 2.3 $119.9 $206.3
Purchases from ARCO...................................... 0.5 32.9 25.8
Administrative fees paid to ARCO (net)................... 12.3 15.9 16.2
Tax settlements received from ARCO....................... 109.7 86.4 68.7
Debt owed to ARCO (as of end of year).................... -- 300.0 --
Miscellaneous fees paid to ARCO.......................... 0.9 -- --
Transactions with Southern Company Energy Marketing:
Sales to Southern Company Energy Marketing............... 807.0 704.0 317.8
Purchases from Southern Company Energy Marketing......... 77.2 83.5 170.9
Loans to Southern Company Energy Marketing (as of end of
year)................................................... -- -- 9.6
7.Oil and Gas Properties and Equipment.
Oil and gas properties and equipment, at cost, and related accumulated
depreciation, depletion and amortization were as follows at December 31:
1999 1998
-------- --------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Proved properties............................................ $5,789.2 $5,665.8
Unproved properties.......................................... 263.7 284.2
General plant................................................ 235.0 225.9
-------- --------
Total oil and gas properties and equipment................... 6,287.9 6,175.9
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization.... 3,967.7 3,955.1
-------- --------
Net.......................................................... $2,320.2 $2,220.8
======== ========
40
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
We recognized a non-cash pre-tax charge of $8.1 million in 1999, $32.8
million in 1998 and $13.1 million in 1997 related to the impairment of oil and
gas properties which is included in depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense.
Our expenses for maintenance and repairs were $63.4 million in 1999, $57.4
million in 1998 and $55.0 million in 1997.
Leased Equipment
We lease buildings and computers. The leases on most of the buildings and
equipment contain renewal provisions. The following table summarizes our
estimated future minimum payments under operating leases that have remaining
noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 1999:
(Millions of Dollars)
2000................................................... $ 6.4
2001................................................... 5.3
2002................................................... 4.0
2003................................................... 3.2
2004................................................... 3.5
2005 and later years................................... $16.7
Our operating lease rental expense was approximately $7.3 million in 1999,
$6.2 million in 1998 and $6.2 million in 1997.
8.Accrued Liabilities.
Accrued liabilities were as follows at December 31:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
(Millions of Dollars)
Unrealized hedging gains.............................. $ 7.7 $ 15.6
Hedging payable....................................... 13.6 --
Property and production taxes......................... 14.2 9.0
Payroll liabilities................................... 10.0 9.4
Interest.............................................. 15.0 11.7
Other................................................. 17.3 15.8
---------- ----------
Total............................................... $ 77.8 $ 61.5
========== ==========
9.Long-Term Debt.
Long-term debt was comprised of the following at December 31:
1999 1998
------ --------
(Millions of
Dollars)
8.75% Notes, issued February 1995, due 2005................ $149.6 $ 149.6
6.95% Notes, issued November 1996, due 2006*............... 75.0 75.0
6.96% Notes, issued February 1997, due 2007*............... 75.0 75.0
6.39% Notes, issued January 1998, due 2008*................ 50.0 50.0
6.50% Notes, issued March 1999, due 2009................... 299.1 --
6.00% Putable/Callable Notes, issued April 1998, due
2000/2010................................................. 100.0 100.0
Notes due to ARCO, due 2003................................ -- 300.0
Revolving Credit Agreement................................. -- 320.0
Commercial Paper........................................... 226.3 219.0
------ --------
Total.................................................... $975.0 $1,288.6
====== ========
- --------
* Issuances pursuant to our Medium-Term Note Program.
41
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Revolving Credit Agreement
In December 1993, Vastar entered into an unsecured, revolving credit
agreement with a group of banks. As of December 31, 1999, commitments under
this facility, as amended to date, totaled $1.1 billion and the commitments
expire March 31, 2002. There was no debt outstanding under this facility as of
December 31, 1999. The revolving credit agreement contains certain covenants,
the most restrictive of which (1) require Vastar to maintain minimum levels of
tangible stockholders' equity and maintain certain financial ratios, (2)
restrict our ability to encumber our assets and (3) may restrict, under certain
circumstances, our ability to pay dividends.
Commercial Paper Program
Under our $1.1 Billion Commercial Paper Program, which we established in
1996, we can sell up to $1.1 billion (outstanding at any one time) of unsecured
notes with maturities of up to 270 days. Sales of our notes are made in non-
public transactions to qualified institutional and other sophisticated
investors. In the agreements relating to this program, we agreed to maintain
credit lines sufficient to support payment of the notes. At December 31, 1999,
we had $226.3 million of commercial paper notes outstanding under the program
as compared to $219.0 million on December 31, 1998. The interest rate on the
notes fluctuates during the year as notes are repaid and reissued at market
interest rates. The average interest rate on all of our commercial paper
borrowing during 1999 was 5.3 percent. The interest rate on the debt that was
outstanding on December 31, 1999 was 6.6 percent. The interest rate on the debt
that was outstanding on December 31, 1998 was 6.0 percent.
$500 Million Shelf Registration for Debt Securities
On November 14, 1994, Vastar filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission covering the issuance of up to $500 million
of debt securities. In 1995, we issued $150 million of 8.75 percent unsecured
notes, due in 2005, pursuant to this registration statement.
In the second quarter of 1995, we established a $250 Million Medium-Term
Note Program pursuant to this registration statement. Under the medium term
note program, we have issued $75.0 million of 6.95 percent unsecured ten-year
Notes due November 2006, $75.0 million of 6.96 percent unsecured ten-year Notes
due February 2007 and $50.0 million of 6.39 percent unsecured ten-year Notes
due January 2008. The net proceeds from these issuances were used for the
general obligations of Vastar.
In April 1998, we issued $100.0 million of 6.00% Putable/Callable Notes due
April 20, 2000/2010 pursuant to this registration statement. These notes are
subject to a put and a call on April 20, 2000. The notes were issued under the
Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1995, as supplemented. The $99.9 million in
net proceeds received from the sale of the notes were used to pay down debt
incurred under our commercial paper program. The holders of these notes have
the right to require us to purchase the notes on April 20, 2000 under certain
terms and conditions. This right is called a "put." The holders may be required
to sell the notes to us on April 20, 2000 under certain terms and conditions.
The term for this right is a "call." We sold our call right to Union Bank of
Switzerland, London branch, and received $2.5 million, which was also used to
pay down debt we incurred under our commercial paper program.
$300 Million Shelf Registration for Debt Securities
On May 27, 1999, Vastar filed a registration statement with the Securities
and Exchange Commission covering the issuance of up to $300 million of debt
securities. No debt has been issued pursuant to this registration statement.
Related Party Debt
In October 1998, we acquired Vastar Offshore, which owed $300.0 million to
ARCO. The debt was due March 9, 2003 and was repaid in the first quarter of
1999. The interest rate on this debt averaged 5.4 percent during the period it
was outstanding in 1999.
42
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Additional Information
The estimated fair value of total long-term debt was $956.4 million at
December 31, 1999 and $1,320.4 million at December 31, 1998. The fair value of
Vastar's long-term debt was based on quoted market prices.
Vastar periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with the
objective of managing interest rate risk. In 1998, we entered into an interest
rate swap covering $100.0 million related to the putable/callable notes. The
swap effectively changed the 6.0 percent fixed rate to a floating rate. In
1999, the effective interest rate we paid on these notes was 5.3 percent. The
financial impact of settling this swap in 1999 was $0.5 million favorable.
10.Deferred Liabilities and Credits.
Deferred liabilities and credits were as follows at December 31:
1999 1998
------ ------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Dismantlement and restoration................................. $138.8 $126.8
Deferred revenue on long term gas sales contract.............. 88.2 --
Pension and postretirement benefits........................... 29.2 25.8
Deferred compensation......................................... 17.3 14.0
Self insurance................................................ 12.5 12.5
Severance, sales and use taxes................................ 7.2 12.0
Other......................................................... 20.0 14.3
------ ------
Total....................................................... $313.2 $205.4
====== ======
We accrue amounts for the dismantling of facilities and plugging and
abandonment of wells on a unit-of-production basis. We accrued expenses of
approximately $34.1 million in 1999, $13.2 million in 1998 and $7.1 million in
1997. We paid approximately $22.1 million in 1999, $22.1 million in 1998 and
$17.1 million in 1997 to plug and abandon wells, dismantle fields, facilities
or projects and restore, reclaim and rehabilitate the land associated with
those projects. We estimate our ultimate liability for the dismantling of
facilities and plugging and abandonment of wells to be approximately $300
million.
11.Taxes.
Income Taxes
The components of the income tax benefit were comprised of the following for
the years ended December 31:
1999 1998 1997
------ ------- ------
(Millions of Dollars)
Federal:
Current........................................... $(87.2) $(124.5) $(80.7)
Deferred.......................................... 54.8 38.0 69.9
------ ------- ------
Total federal................................... (32.4) (86.5) (10.8)
------ ------- ------
State:
Current........................................... 0.6 (0.9) 2.9
Deferred.......................................... 3.8 2.2 2.0
------ ------- ------
Total state..................................... 4.4 1.3 4.9
------ ------- ------
Income tax benefit.................................. $(28.0) $ (85.2) $ (5.9)
====== ======= ======
43
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Reconciliation of income tax expense with tax at the federal statutory rate
is as follows for the years ended December 31:
1999 1998 1997
------- ------ -------
(Millions of Dollars)
Income before income taxes....................... $185.1 $51.2 $234.6
======= ====== =======
Tax at statutory rate............................ 64.8 17.9 82.1
Increase in taxes resulting from state income
taxes (net of federal effect)................... 2.8 0.9 3.2
Tax credits and other............................ (95.6) (104.0) (91.2)
------- ------ -------
Income tax benefit............................... $ (28.0) $(85.2) $ (5.9)
======= ====== =======
The major components of the net deferred tax liability were comprised of
the following at December 31:
1999 1998
------ ------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization......................... $353.4 $284.1
Other............................................................ 7.3 9.4
------ ------
Total deferred tax liabilities................................. 360.7 293.5
------ ------
Tax credits carried forward(1)................................... 17.2 16.1
Dismantlement and restoration.................................... 43.7 39.5
Pension and postretirement benefits.............................. 10.3 9.0
Deferred compensation............................................ 6.1 4.9
Self insurance................................................... 4.4 4.4
Other............................................................ 6.1 5.3
------ ------
Total deferred tax assets...................................... 87.8 79.2
------ ------
Net deferred income tax liability.............................. $272.9 $214.3
====== ======
- --------
(1) See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form
10-K for additional information on tax credits.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes were comprised of the following for the years
ended December 31:
1999 1998 1997
----- ----- -----
(Millions of
Dollars)
Production/severance....................................... $32.5 $29.2 $34.4
Property................................................... 11.1 12.9 9.8
Payroll and other.......................................... 5.5 5.2 5.8
----- ----- -----
Total.................................................... $49.1 $47.3 $50.0
===== ===== =====
44
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
12.Stockholders' Equity.
Dividends
During 1999, 1998 and 1997, Vastar paid quarterly cash dividends on its
common stock of $0.075 per share, totaling $0.30 per share, or $29.2 million,
each year.
13.Commitments and Contingencies.
Our operations and financial position continue to be affected from time to
time in varying degrees by domestic and foreign political developments as well
as legislation and regulations pertaining to restrictions on oil and gas
production, imports and exports, natural gas regulation, tax increases,
environmental regulations and cancellation of contract rights. Both the
likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly and
are not predictable. These uncertainties are part of a number of items that we
have taken and will continue to take into account in periodically establishing
accounting reserves.
Vastar and ARCO have agreements whereby we have agreed to indemnify ARCO
against certain claims or liabilities. Our indemnity obligations cover claims
and liabilities that could be made against ARCO relating to ARCO's historical
ownership and operation of the properties transferred by ARCO to us upon the
formation of Vastar. They also included liabilities under laws relating to the
protection of the environment and the workplace and liabilities arising out of
certain litigation described in the agreement. ARCO has agreed to indemnify us
with respect to other claims and liabilities and other litigation matters not
related to our business or properties as reflected in our consolidated
financial statements.
In September 1996, we entered into a contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling
Company for the major upgrade and operation of a semisubmersible drilling rig,
Ocean Victory, for a three-year deepwater drilling program in the Gulf of
Mexico, which began in November 1997. Since November 1997, scheduled increases
in the day rates and our request of Diamond to make improvements to the rig
resulted in higher costs during the remaining contract term. This contract has
a remaining life as of December 31, 1999 of 1.2 years. Our estimated remaining
costs for this contract and related contracts for support boats are
approximately $72.0 million. This amount does not take into consideration any
reimbursement that we might receive from partners or potential partners. We
have three one-year options to renew the term of the contract, subject to
renegotiating the day rates.
In December 1998, we entered into an agreement with R&B Falcon Drilling Co.
for the operation of a semisubmersible, ultra-deepwater drilling rig for a
three-year deepwater drilling program in the Gulf of Mexico. This drilling
program is scheduled to commence in 2001. This contract has an anticipated cost
of approximately $220.0 million, before any reimbursement from partners or
potential partners and operating cost escalations. We have several options
relating to the term and pricing of the contract including the option to extend
the term of the contract for up to five additional years.
Vastar and Southern Energy have agreed to guarantee certain obligations of
Southern Company Energy Marketing. Refer to Note 5 of these Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a description of these
obligations.
Vastar has significant credit risk exposure to Southern Company Energy
Marketing and Southern Energy. The credit risk exposure consists of three
principal items. First, Southern Company Energy Marketing has promised to make
certain minimum cash distributions to Vastar. Southern Energy has guaranteed
this obligation as well as the amounts due to Vastar upon the exercise of
Vastar's option to sell its remaining interest on January 1, 2003. Second,
Southern Company Energy Marketing is obligated to pay, and Southern Energy has
guaranteed payment, for gas purchased under the Gas Purchase and Sale Agreement
between Vastar and Southern Company Energy Marketing, pursuant to which Vastar
has agreed to sell substantially all of its production to Southern Company
Energy Marketing. Third, Vastar has been indemnified by Southern Energy, with
certain limitations, with respect to amounts that Vastar may be required to pay
under guarantees that Vastar has issued to
45
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
secure certain obligations of Southern Company Energy Marketing. If Southern
Energy does not maintain in effect an investment grade rating from Moody's or
Standard & Poors, Southern Energy has agreed to provide credit enhancement to
secure the payment of these guaranteed obligations. As of February 22, 2000,
Southern Energy maintains the required investment grade rating.
We have performed and continue to perform ongoing credit evaluations of our
other customers and generally do not require collateral on our credit sales.
Any amounts anticipated as uncollectible are charged to income and credited to
a valuation account. The amounts included in the allowance for uncollectible
accounts at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were insignificant.
Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuation in response
to changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market
uncertainty, weather conditions, governmental regulations, political conditions
and overall economic conditions.
We and our subsidiaries are involved in a number of lawsuits, all of which
have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that any
ultimate liability resulting from any of these suits will not have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
14.Exploration Expense.
Exploration expense was comprised of the following for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
(Million of Dollars)
Dry hole costs............................................. $ 66.8 $ 84.2 $ 56.5
Geological and geophysical................................. 32.9 39.3 42.4
Unproved properties amortization........................... 35.0 35.0 30.0
Staff...................................................... 41.6 42.4 39.0
Lease rentals.............................................. 8.3 9.7 7.6
------ ------ ------
Total.................................................... $184.6 $210.6 $175.5
====== ====== ======
15.Earnings Per Share (EPS).
The following table reflects earnings per share data for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
(Millions, except
per share amounts)
Basic earnings per share:
Income available to common shareholders.................. $213.1 $136.4 $240.5
Average shares of stock outstanding...................... 97.5 97.4 97.3
Basic earnings per share................................. $ 2.19 $ 1.40 $ 2.47
Diluted earnings per share:
Income available to common shareholders.................. $213.1 $136.4 $240.5
Incremental shares assuming the exercise of stock
options................................................. 0.9 0.5 0.3
Average shares of stock outstanding plus effect of
dilutive securities..................................... 98.4 97.9 97.6
Diluted earnings per share............................... $ 2.16 $ 1.39 $ 2.46
46
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
16.Employee Benefit Plans.
We sponsor postretirement benefit plans. Our defined benefit pension plans
provide pension benefits to substantially all of our employees. The benefits
are based on years of service and the employee's compensation, primarily during
the last three years of service. With respect to future benefits which have not
yet been accrued, we have the right to modify the plans at any time.
Other postretirement benefit plans provide health care and life insurance to
substantially all of our employees who retire with Vastar having rendered the
required years of service, along with their spouses and eligible dependents.
Health care benefits are provided primarily through comprehensive indemnity
plans. Currently, we pay approximately 80 percent of the cost of such plans.
Life insurance benefits are based primarily on the employee's final
compensation and are also partially paid for by retiree contributions, which
vary based on coverage chosen by the retiree. We have the right to modify the
plans at any time.
Pension Other
Benefits Benefits
------------- --------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------ ----- ------ ------
(Millions of Dollars)
Plan obligations:
Benefit obligation at January 1............... $ 75.7 $67.2 $ 16.6 $ 14.2
Service cost................................ 4.6 3.8 1.2 1.1
Interest cost............................... 5.2 4.7 1.2 1.0
Actuarial loss (gain)....................... (17.6) 3.3 (3.4) 0.4
Transfers in................................ 0.7 -- -- --
Benefits paid............................... (1.0) (3.3) (0.2) (0.1)
------ ----- ------ ------
Benefit obligation at December 31............. $ 67.6 $75.7 $ 15.4 $ 16.6
====== ===== ====== ======
Plan assets:
Fair value of assets at January 1............. $ 72.1 $66.4 $ -- $ --
Actual return on assets..................... 11.7 8.8 -- --
Company contributions....................... -- 0.2 -- --
Transfers in................................ 1.9 -- -- --
Benefits paid............................... (1.0) (3.3) -- --
------ ----- ------ ------
Fair value of assets at December 31........... $ 84.7 $72.1 $ -- $ --
====== ===== ====== ======
Funded status:
Funded status of the plan................... $ 17.1 $(3.6) $(15.4) $(16.6)
Unrecognized transition obligation (asset).. (4.1) (4.5) -- --
Unrecognized prior service cost............. 2.0 2.2 -- --
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) and
other...................................... (24.1) (2.0) (4.7) (1.3)
------ ----- ------ ------
Total recognized (deferred liability)........... $ (9.1) $(7.9) $(20.1) $(17.9)
====== ===== ====== ======
The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations and fair
value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
December 31,
--------------
1999 1998
------ ------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Projected benefit obligations................................ $5.4 $6.5
Accumulated benefit obligations.............................. $2.5 $3.0
Fair value of plan assets.................................... -- --
47
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Weighted-average assumptions for both the pension and postretirement plans
as of December 31:
1999 1998 1997
----- ----- -----
Discount rate................................................. 8.00% 6.90% 7.00%
Expected return on plan assets................................ 10.5% 10.5% 10.5%
Rate of salary progression.................................... 4.0% 4.0% 4.0%
The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost
of health care benefits was assumed to be 7.0 percent for 1997 to 2001, after
which the rate was assumed to decrease to 5.0 percent and remain at that level
thereafter.
Pension
Benefits Other Benefits
----------------- --------------
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Millions of Dollars)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost............................... $ 4.6 $3.8 $4.0 $1.2 $1.1 $0.9
Interest cost.............................. 5.2 4.7 4.4 1.2 1.0 0.9
Expected return on plan assets............. (7.6) (6.9) (5.4) -- -- --
Amortization of unrecognized obligation at
transition................................ (0.4) (0.4) (0.4) -- -- --
Amortization of unrecognized prior service
cost...................................... 0.2 0.2 0.2 -- -- --
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) and
other..................................... 0.2 0.1 (0.3) -- -- --
----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net periodic benefit cost.................. $ 2.2 $1.5 $2.5 $2.4 $2.1 $1.8
===== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
If a one-percentage-point change is assumed, health care cost trend rates
would have the following effects:
1-Percentage 1-Percentage
point point
Decrease Increase
------------ ------------
(Millions of Dollars)
Total of service and interest costs................... $(0.3) $0.4
Postretirement benefit obligation..................... $(1.7) $2.1
We also make contributions to the Vastar Resources, Inc. Capital
Accumulation Plan, a 401(k) plan, which is a voluntary and contributory plan
for eligible employees. Our contributions, which are based on a percentage of
matching employee contributions, totaled $5.3 million in 1999, $5.0 million in
1998 and $4.9 million in 1997.
17. Financial Instruments.
We use various financial instruments for non-trading purposes in the normal
course of our business to manage and reduce price volatility and other market
risks associated with our natural gas and petroleum liquids production. This
activity is referred to as hedging. Hedging instruments have the effect of
locking in the prices that we will receive for the volumes and the time
periods identified in the instruments. These arrangements are structured to
reduce our exposure to commodity price decreases, but they can also limit the
benefit we might otherwise receive from commodity price increases. Our risk
management activity is generally accomplished through exchange-traded futures
and over-the-counter options. The counterparties to these transactions are
principally major financial institutions and major oil and gas and other
industrial companies. We monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties
and do not anticipate material nonperformance by the counterparties.
As a result of all of our hedging transactions for natural gas and crude
oil, we realized a pre-tax gain of approximately $13.3 million in 1999, a pre-
tax gain of approximately $1.8 million in 1998 and a pre-tax loss of
approximately $48.9 million in 1997.
We hedged 25 percent of our gas production in 1999 and 28 percent in 1998 and
1997. We hedged 14 percent of our crude oil production in 1999, 3 percent in
1998 and 32 percent in 1997.
48
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The following table summarizes our open hedging positions as of December 31,
1999.
Financial Average Weighted
Product Instrument Time Period Volume Average Prices
- ------- ---------- ----------- ------- --------------
Gas Collars Jan--Mar 2000 400 MMcfd $2.54/Mcf--$3.27/Mcf
Gas Puts Sold Jan--Mar 2000 400 MMcfd $2.12/Mcf
Oil Collars Jan--Dec 2000 23 MBbld $18.80/Bbl--$23.31/Bbl
Oil Puts Sold Jan--Dec 2000 23 MBbld $15.80/Bbl
A "collar" is a financial instrument or a combination of financial
instruments which establishes a range of prices to be received relating to a
set commodity volume. This arrangement, in effect, allows us to receive no less
than a stated minimum or floor price per unit of volume and no more than a
stated maximum or ceiling price per unit of volume.
A "put" is an option contract that gives the holder the right to sell the
underlying commodity at a specified price for a certain fixed period of time.
A "call" is an option contract that gives the holder the right to buy the
underlying commodity at a specified price for a certain fixed period of time.
The fair value (our unrealized pre-tax gain or loss) for 2000 hedged
transactions in place as of December 31, 1999 would be a $6.9 million gain for
natural gas and a $7.0 million loss for crude oil. This hypothetical loss is
calculated based on brokers' forward price quotes and NYMEX forward price
quotes as of December 31, 1999, which for 2000 averaged $2.41 per Mcf for
natural gas and $22.73 per Bbl for crude oil. The actual gains or losses we
realize from our hedge transactions may vary significantly due to the
fluctuation of prices in the commodity markets. For example, a hypothetical 10
percent increase in the forward price quotes would decrease the unrealized gain
by approximately $2.4 million for natural gas and increase the unrealized loss
by approximately $10.1 million for crude oil. In order to calculate the
hypothetical gain/loss, the relevant variables are (1) the type of commodity,
(2) the delivery price and (3) the delivery location. We do not take into
account the time value of money because of the short-term nature of our hedging
instruments. These calculations may be used to analyze the gains and losses we
might realize on our financial hedging contracts and do not reflect the effects
of price changes on our actual physical commodity sales. Natural gas prices
fluctuated between $1.65 per Mcf and $3.08 per Mcf (Henry Hub) and crude oil
prices fluctuated between $11.38 per Bbl and $27.98 per Bbl (NYMEX-WTI-at-
Cushing) during 1999.
18.Stock Options.
Options to purchase shares of our common stock have been granted to
executives, outside directors and key employees. Generally, the exercise price
of each stock option is equal to or greater than the fair market value of our
common stock at the date of grant and stock options vest one year after the
date of grant, become exercisable in increments of 25 percent per year and
expire ten years after the date of grant. However, certain stock options
granted to certain executive officers under Stock Option Conversion Agreements
in connection with our 1994 initial public offering were granted at less than
the $28.00 offering price and/or were exercisable upon the closing date of this
offering. In addition, stock options granted to outside directors vest 30 days
after grant and are exercisable six months after the date of grant.
Transactions during 1999, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Shares Price
--------- --------
Balance, January 1, 1997..................................... 1,351,891 $29.41
Granted.................................................... 509,250 29.78
Exercised.................................................. (43,576) 18.53
Forfeited/Canceled......................................... (15,000) 30.90
---------
Balance, December 31, 1997................................... 1,802,565 $30.83
Granted.................................................... 427,500 39.14
Exercised.................................................. (99,213) 25.85
Forfeited/Canceled......................................... (12,250) 34.38
---------
Balance, December 31, 1998................................... 2,118,602 $31.95
Granted.................................................... 458,430 39.93
Exercised.................................................. (241,610) 28.75
Forfeited/Canceled......................................... (13,250) 34.97
---------
Balance, December 31, 1999................................... 2,322,172 $33.74
=========
49
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The following table shows the shares of common stock available for option
grants and the weighted average fair value for options granted as of December
31:
1999* 1998 1997
------- -------- --------
Shares of common stock available for option grants... 36,120 281,300 686,500
Weighted average fair value for options granted...... $ 17.52 $ 16.94 $ 12.49
- --------
* On April 27, 1999, we filed with the SEC a Form S-8 registering an additional
200,000 shares of common stock under our Amended and Restated Executive Long-
Term Incentive Plan and thus made these shares available for option grants
under this plan.
A summary of the status of Vastar's fixed stock options as of December 31,
1999 and 1998 were as follows:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Number Weighted Average Number
Range of Outstanding Remaining Weighted Average Exercisable Weighted Average
Exercise Prices at 12/31 Contractual Life Exercise Price at 12/31 Exercise Price
--------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------- ----------------
1999:
$14.00 to $27.99...... 167,022 5.2 years $25.06 167,022 $25.06
$28.00 to $46.66...... 2,155,150 7.0 years $34.41 1,030,295 $31.79
1998:
$14.00 to $27.99...... 250,390 6.1 years $24.20 185,878 $23.90
$28.00 to $46.66...... 1,868,212 6.8 years $32.86 791,875 $31.02
Vastar applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 in accounting for
its fixed stock options. Accordingly, no compensation cost for options granted
has been recognized in the financial statements. Had compensation cost for
stock options been determined consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," our net income
and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
Net income (millions):
As reported.............................................. $213.1 $136.4 $240.5
Pro forma................................................ $210.2 $133.3 $238.3
Basic earnings per share:
As reported.............................................. $ 2.19 $ 1.40 $ 2.47
Pro forma................................................ $ 2.16 $ 1.37 $ 2.45
For purposes of determining the pro forma amounts presented above, the fair
value of each stock option grant is estimated on the American binomial option
pricing model with the following approximate weighted average assumptions:
1999 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
Dividend yield........................... 0.75 percent 0.75 percent 1.0 percent
Expected volatility...................... 30.6 percent 27.1 percent 23.3 percent
Interest rate............................ 5.6 percent 5.8 percent 6.6 percent
Expected term............................ 8 years 8 years 8 years
50
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Set forth in the table below are all of our outstanding stock options
granted under all of our stock option plans and programs for directors,
officers and employees as of December 31, 1999. The exercise price of stock
options ranges from $14.00 to $46.66 per share.
Vested and exercisable(1)........................................... 1.2 million
Vested and unexercisable............................................ 0.6 million
Non-vested.......................................................... 0.5 million
-----------
Total............................................................... 2.3 million
===========
- --------
(1) Stock options generally vest one year after the date of grant, become
exercisable in increments of 25 percent per year during the first four
years after the grant and expire ten years after the date of grant.
Our board of directors has adopted various arrangements that will become
operative upon a change of control of Vastar. One of these arrangements, our
Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan, provides that, if a
change of control occurs, all unexercisable and/or unvested stock options
granted under the plan will become immediately vested and exercisable. All
stock options granted under our other stock option plans and programs are
vested and exercisable.
In March 1999, ARCO, which owns approximately 81.9 percent of our common
stock, entered into a merger agreement with BP Amoco p.l.c. that provides for
the merger of a subsidiary of BP Amoco p.l.c. with and into ARCO. If this
transaction is consummated it would constitute a change of control under the
above-described arrangements, including our Amended and Restated Executive
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
For additional information on the change of control arrangements, refer to
our proxy statement relating to our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders, which
pursuant to SEC rules, we will file within 120 days of December 31, 1999.
Stock Repurchase Program
In January 2000, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, approved
a stock repurchase program to provide the common stock necessary to meet our
obligations under our stock option and other employee benefit plans. We have
been authorized to purchase common stock and to retain such stock as treasury
shares. However, the number of shares of stock that we can retain in treasury
at any one time is limited to 100,000 shares.
19.New Accounting Standards.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This standard requires us to recognize all
of our derivative and hedging instruments in our statements of financial
position as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. In
addition, all hedging relationships must be designated, documented and
reassessed periodically. On July 7, 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board delayed the effective date of SFAS 133 for one year. The delay, published
as SFAS No. 137, applies to quarterly and annual financial statements. SFAS No.
133, as revised by SFAS No. 137, is effective for all fiscal quarters of all
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. We are continuing to evaluate the
impact the provisions of these standards will have on us.
20.Subsequent Events (Unaudited).
On January 19, 2000, Vastar declared a cash dividend of $0.075 per share on
the common stock to be paid on March 7, 2000, to stockholders of record as of
February 11, 2000.
Under Vastar's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, Compensation
Subcommittee of the Board of Directors granted 387,325 stock options to our
company officers and other key personnel on March 1, 2000. For additional
information, see Note 18 to these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in
this Form 10-K.
51
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
21.Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited).
1999 1998
-------- ------
(Millions of
Dollars, except
per share
amounts)
Net revenues
Quarter ended:
March 31................................................... $ 239.4 $243.4
June 30.................................................... 281.7 228.7
September 30............................................... 316.1 217.3
December 31................................................ 338.3 251.7
-------- ------
Total...................................................... $1,175.5 $941.1
======== ======
Income (loss) before income taxes
Quarter ended:
March 31................................................... $ (5.4) $ 32.6
June 30.................................................... 40.0 11.6
September 30............................................... 75.3 21.5
December 31................................................ 75.2 (14.5)
-------- ------
Total...................................................... $ 185.1 $ 51.2
======== ======
Net income
Quarter ended:
March 31................................................... $ 19.0 $ 48.0
June 30.................................................... 48.3 32.8
September 30............................................... 71.1 37.6
December 31................................................ 74.7 18.0
-------- ------
Total...................................................... $ 213.1 $136.4
======== ======
Basic earnings per share
Quarter ended:
March 31................................................... $ 0.20 $ 0.49
June 30.................................................... 0.49 0.34
September 30............................................... 0.73 0.39
December 31................................................ 0.77 0.18
-------- ------
Total...................................................... $ 2.19 $ 1.40
======== ======
52
Supplemental Information
Oil and Gas Producing Activities
(Unaudited)
The SEC defines proved oil and gas reserves as those estimated quantities of
crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that geological and engineering data
demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from
known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved
developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to be
recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
These estimates of petroleum reserves do not include probable or possible
reserves.
With regard to our reserve estimates for natural gas and NGLs, we own
interests in nine gas processing plants in the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Coast and
Mid-Continent producing areas. As a result of this ownership interest, we have
natural gas processing rights for proved reserves contractually or economically
committed to these plants. These processing rights stem from a variety of
contracts, including wet gas purchase, Btu keep-whole and processing type
agreements, that we are a party to as a plant owner. NGL quantities include
those volumes allocated to our leasehold interest (equity) in gas that is
processed and those volumes attributable to our plant ownership resulting from
processing equity and third-party gas. The related shrinkage in natural gas
volumes resulting from processing has been excluded from the natural gas
reserve quantities. Approximately 5 percent of our total reserves are
attributable to our ownership in gas processing plants.
Proved oil and gas reserve quantities are based on estimates prepared by our
engineers in accordance with guidelines established by the SEC and
approximately 59 percent were reviewed by Ryder Scott Company Petroleum
Engineers, who are independent petroleum engineers. There are numerous
uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and
projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures.
The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be
construed as being exact. Estimated net quantities of proved oil and gas
reserves of Vastar were as follows:
Crude and Natural Gas Natural
Condensate Liquids Gas
(MMBbl) (MMBbl) (Bcf)
---------- ----------- -------
January 1, 1997
Proved reserves................................ 67.5 47.8 2,224
Proved developed reserves...................... 43.6 44.3 1,801
December 31, 1997
Proved reserves................................ 77.5 51.5 2,379
Proved developed reserves...................... 48.2 47.8 1,954
December 31, 1998
Proved reserves................................ 128.0 57.0 2,590
Proved developed reserves...................... 59.8 49.3 2,071
December 31, 1999
Proved reserves................................ 177.7 59.4 2,651
Proved developed reserves...................... 56.1 52.2 2,057
53
Supplemental Information
Oil and Gas Producing Activities
(Unaudited)
The changes in proved reserves for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1999, were as follows:
Crude and Natural Gas Natural
Condensate Liquids Gas
(MMBbl) (MMBbl) (Bcf)
---------- ----------- -------
Reserves at January 1, 1997...................... 67.5 47.8 2,224
Revisions of estimates........................... 0.3 4.7 100
Improved recovery................................ 0.6 -- 16
Purchases of minerals-in-place................... 4.3 4.0 163
Extension and discoveries........................ 17.5 2.0 210
Production....................................... (12.7) (5.8) (322)
Consumed in production........................... -- -- (5)
Sales of minerals-in-place....................... -- (1.2) (7)
----- ---- -----
Reserves at December 31, 1997.................... 77.5 51.5 2,379
Revisions of estimates........................... 4.1 6.0 42
Improved recovery................................ 0.1 -- 5
Purchases of minerals-in-place................... 22.3 3.1 262
Extension and discoveries........................ 37.5 2.6 289
Production....................................... (13.5) (4.8) (361)
Consumed in production........................... -- -- (6)
Sales of minerals-in-place....................... -- (1.4) (20)
----- ---- -----
Reserves at December 31, 1998.................... 128.0 57.0 2,590
Revisions of estimates........................... (1.7) 4.2 4
Improved recovery................................ 0.0 0.1 46
Purchases of minerals-in-place................... 4.4 2.6 109
Extension and discoveries........................ 68.5 1.3 343
Production....................................... (16.4) (5.5) (394)
Consumed in production........................... -- -- (7)
Sales of minerals-in-place....................... (5.1) (0.3) (40)
----- ---- -----
Reserves at December 31, 1999.................... 177.7 59.4 2,651
===== ==== =====
Costs, both capitalized and expensed, incurred in oil and gas producing
activities (including operating overhead) were as follows for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
(Millions of
Dollars)
Property acquisition costs:
Proved................................................... $ 61.1 $463.4 $ 71.2
Unproved................................................. 14.0 52.5 89.7
Exploration costs.......................................... 267.9 241.0 228.1
Development costs.......................................... 354.8 411.7 315.5
54
Supplemental Information
Oil and Gas Producing Activities
(Unaudited)
Results of operations for oil and gas producing activities (including
operating overhead) were as follows for the years ended December 31:
1999 1998 1997
-------- ------ --------
(Millions of Dollars)
REVENUES
Sales............................................. $1,121.6 $903.3 $1,046.1
Other revenues.................................... 48.6 18.4 20.9
-------- ------ --------
Total revenues.................................. 1,170.2 921.7 1,067.0
EXPENSES
Production costs.................................. 243.1 213.6 203.9
Exploration expenses.............................. 184.6 210.6 175.5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.......... 430.7 352.0 288.6
Other operating expenses.......................... 27.7 18.2 31.7
-------- ------ --------
Income before income taxes........................ 284.1 127.3 367.3
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............. 8.0 (57.3) 42.4
-------- ------ --------
Results of operations for oil and gas producing
activities......................................... $ 276.1 $184.6 $ 324.9
======== ====== ========
The difference between the above results of operations and the amounts
reported in our Consolidated Statement of Income is primarily attributable to
excluding (1) marketing and risk management related activities, (2) general
and administrative expense and (3) interest expense.
The standardized measure of discounted estimated future net cash flows and
changes therein related to proved oil and gas reserves were as follows for the
years ended December 31:
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
(Millions of Dollars)
Future cash inflows............................... $11,513.1 $6,891.7 $7,106.2
Future development and production costs........... 3,711.0 2,853.0 2,245.1
Future income tax expense......................... 2,149.0 799.8 1,159.6
--------- -------- --------
Future net cash flows............................. 5,653.1 3,238.9 3,701.5
10% annual discount............................... 2,177.8 1,092.4 1,264.3
--------- -------- --------
Standardized measure of discounted estimated
future net cash flows............................ $3,475.3 $2,146.5 $2,437.2
========= ======== ========
Primary changes in the standardized measure of discounted estimated future
net cash flows are as follows:
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- ----------
(Millions of Dollars)
Sales of oil and gas net of production
costs........................................ $(878.3) $(689.7) $ (842.2)
Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery
less related costs........................... 928.1 371.7 338.0
Purchases/Sales............................... 117.9 256.0 181.3
Revisions of estimates of reserves proved in
prior years:
Quantity estimates............................ 22.3 71.4 127.7
Net changes in price and production costs..... 1,418.1 (1,203.4) (2,671.2)
Accretion of discount......................... 256.9 308.4 502.1
Development costs incurred during the
period....................................... 354.8 411.7 315.4
Net change in income taxes.................... (775.5) 224.5 714.2
Other......................................... (115.5) (41.3) 111.8
-------- -------- ----------
Net change.................................... $1,328.8 $(290.7) $(1,222.9)
======== ======== ==========
55
Supplemental Information
Oil and Gas Producing Activities
(Unaudited)
Vastar's estimate of future cash inflows was generated by applying year-end
prices to the projected future sale of proved reserves, plus incremental
revenue from long-term contractual arrangements existing at year end. Year-end
cash market natural gas prices for eight trading hubs for the week of December
27, 1999, formed the basis for regional natural gas pricing standards. The
year-end cash market crude oil price for West Texas Intermediate on the last
trading day of 1999 formed the basis for the crude oil price standard.
Individual wellhead prices were generated against these pricing standards using
historical processing and transportation differentials.
Estimated future development and production costs are determined by
estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the
proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and
assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.
Estimated future income tax expense is calculated by applying the year-end
statutory tax rate (adjusted for permanent differences and tax credits) to
estimated future pre-tax net cash flow related to proved oil and gas reserves,
less the tax basis of the properties involved.
These estimates are furnished and calculated in accordance with requirements
of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC. Estimates of future
net cash flows presented do not represent management's assessment of future
profitability or future cash flow to Vastar. Management's investment and
operating decisions are based on reserve estimates that include proved reserves
as well as probable reserves, and on different price and cost assumptions from
those used here.
It should be recognized that applying current costs and prices and a 10
percent standard discount rate does not convey absolute value. The discounted
amounts arrived at are only one measure of the value of proved reserves.
56
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.
None.
57
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Information regarding our executive officers is included in Part I. For the
other information called for by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13, reference is made to
our definitive proxy statement for our 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to
be held on May 17, 2000, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after
December 31, 1999, and which is incorporated herein by reference, except for
the material included under the captions "Report of Compensation Committee" and
"Performance Graph."
58
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1 and 2 Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules: These
documents are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
in Item 8 hereof.
3 Exhibits:
3.1 Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vastar Resources, Inc.
("Vastar") filed with the State of Delaware on May 17, 1996 (filed as
Exhibit 3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1996)
3.2 By-Laws of Vastar (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing Common Stock (filed on June 23, 1994 as
Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 4 to Vastar's Registration Statement on
Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
4.2(a) Indenture dated as of January 1, 1995 between Vastar and NationsBank
of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1994)
4.2(b) Supplemental Indenture, dated May 18, 1995, by and among Vastar,
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Bank of
Montreal Trust Company, effective May 25, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 4 to
Vastar's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1995)
4.2(c) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 1998, by and
among the Company, Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee, and Bank
of Montreal Trust Company, as paying agent (filed as Exhibit 4 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
1998)
4.3 Vastar's $50,000,000 6.39% Medium-Term Notes Series A, due January 15,
2008--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.4 Vastar's $75,000,000 6.95% Medium Term Notes Series A, due November 8,
2006--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.5 Vastar's $75,000,000 6.96% Medium-Term Notes Series A, due February
26, 2007--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Vastar's report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.6 Vastar's $150,000,000 8.75% Notes, due February 1, 2005--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.7 Vastar's $100,000,000 6.50% Notes, due April 1, 2009--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.8 Vastar's $200,000,000 6.50% Notes, due April 1, 2009--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.9 Vastar's $100,000,000 6.00% Putable/Callable Notes, due April 20,
2010, Putable/Callable April 20, 2000--form of Note (filed as Exhibit
4.7 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 1999)
10.1(a) $800,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1995, among Vastar,
the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
Vastar's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1995)
59
10.1(b) Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 1996, among
Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit
10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 1996)
10.1(c) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1997,
among Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1997)
10.1(d) Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1998, among
Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit
10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June
30, 1998)
10.2 General Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated October 8, 1993,
modified as of December 13, 1993 and December 22, 1993, between Vastar
and Atlantic Richfield Company ("ARCO") (filed on January 28, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)
10.3 Cross-Indemnification Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's
Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.4(a) Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between Vastar and
ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.4 to Vastar's
Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.4(b) First Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1995,
between Vastar, F&H Pipeline Company, Grant Gathering Company,
Wilburton Hub, Inc., Vastar Gas Marketing, Inc. and ARCO (filed as
Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1995)
10.4(c) Second Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of January 1,
1995, between Vastar and its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto
and ARCO (filed as Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1997)
10.4(d) Third Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, effective as of October 30,
1998, between Vastar and its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto
and ARCO (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
10.5 Corporate Services Agreement, dated as of February 22, 1994, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on March 23, 1994 as Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment
No. 1 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.6(a) ARCO Exploration and Production Technology Technical Services
Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed
on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.7 to Vastar's Registration Statement
on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.6(b) Assignment of Rights Agreement, effective as of October 27, 1999, by
and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.7 Insurance Services Agreement, dated as of March 24, 1994, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on May 26, 1994 as Exhibit 10.8 to Amendment
No. 2 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.8 Technology Assignment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.11 to
Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.9 Technology Undivided Interest Assignment Agreement, dated as of
October 1, 1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.12 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)
60
10.10 Information Technology License Agreement, dated as of October 1,
1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit
10.13 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33- 74536)
10.11 Intellectual Property License Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993,
between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.14
to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.12 Third-Party Technology Assignment Agreement, dated as of October 1,
1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit
10.15 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.13 Share Purchase Option and Business Opportunities Agreement, dated as
of May 19, 1994, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on June 7, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement
on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.14 Form of Company's Indemnity Agreement with officers and directors
(filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.17 to Vastar's Registration
Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.15 Vastar Policy on Financial Counseling and Individual Income Tax
Service, effective January 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)(2)
10.16(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan,
effective as of March 24, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.6(b) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.16(b) First Amendment to Vastar Amended and Restated Supplementary
Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as
Exhibit 10.8 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.17(a) Vastar Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Vastar's
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.17(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.17(c) Second Amendment to Vastar Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.18(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan,
effective March 5, 1998 (filed as Appendix A to Vastar's Proxy
Statement dated March 23, 1998)(2)
10.18(b) First Amendment to Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive
Plan, effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September
30, 1999)(2)
10.19(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Executive Deferral Plan, effective as of
March 24, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.19(b) First Amendment to Vastar Executive Deferral Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.20 Vastar Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit
10.38 to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.21 Vastar Deferral Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.22 Vastar Retirement Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.50
to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.23(a) Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.40 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
61
10.23(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan, effective as
of March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.23(c) Second Amendment to Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan, effective
as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.24 Vastar Executive Long-Term Disability Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.25(a) Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.42
to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.25(b) Amendment No. 1 to the Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan,
effective as of August 5, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.39(a) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)(2)
10.25(c) Amendment No. 2 to the Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan,
effective as of January 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.35(c) to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998)(2)
10.26 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Michael E. Wiley (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.43 to Amendment
No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)(2)
10.27 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Steven J. Shapiro (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.44 to
Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.28 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Charles D. Davidson (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.45 to
Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.29 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Albert D. Hoppe (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.47 to Amendment
No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)(2)
10.30 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Joseph P. McCoy (filed as Exhibit 10.48 to Amendment No. 3 to
Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)(2)
10.31 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 25, 1994, between ARCO
and Vastar (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.49 to Amendment No. 3
to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.32(a) Vastar Executive Medical Plan, dated March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit
10.4 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 1999)(2)
10.32(b) First Amendment to Vastar Executive Medical Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.33(a) Vastar Comprehensive Management Medical Plan, dated March 10, 1999
(filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.33(b) First Amendment to Vastar Comprehensive Management Medical Plan,
effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
1999)(2)
10.34(a) Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan, effective as of July 1,
1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(a) to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.34(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan,
effective as of May 1, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(b) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
62
10.34(c) Amendment No. 2 to Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan,
effective as of March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(c) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.34(d) Third Amendment to Special Termination Allowance Plan, effective as
of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.35 Formation Agreement, dated as of August 8, 1997, by and between
Southern Energy Holdings, Inc. and Vastar Resources, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1997)
10.36 Gas Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated effective as of September 1,
1997, by and between Vastar Resources, Inc. and Southern Company
Energy Marketing L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997)
10.37 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1998, by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 1998)
10.38 Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12,
1998, by and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated
October 31, 1998)
10.39 Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30,
1998, by and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated
October 31, 1998)
10.40 Software License Agreement, effective October 27, 1999 by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.41 Throughput Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1999, by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.42 Bill of Sale from Atlantic Richfield Company to Vastar Resources,
Inc. effective November 1, 1999(1)
10.43 Summary of Material Terms of Agreements between Vastar Resources,
Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Company relating to the sale of Vastar
headquarters building(1)
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)
21 List of Subsidiaries of Vastar(1)
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP(1)
23.2 Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.(1)
27 Financial Data Schedule(1)
99.1 Review Letter of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.(1)
- --------
Unless otherwise noted, these exhibits are incorporated by reference to
the filings with the SEC as described. Vastar's SEC File Number is 1-
13108. ARCO's SEC File Number is 1-1196.
(1) Filed herewith.
(2) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be
filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
Copies of exhibits will be furnished upon prepayment of 25 cents per page.
Requests should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K: No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the
last quarter of the period covered by this report or from December 31,
1999 to the filling date of this report.
63
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
VASTAR RESOURCES, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ Charles D. Davidson
By:__________________________________
Charles D. Davidson
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Date: March 2, 2000
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Jimmie D. Callison Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Jimmie D. Callison
/s/ Terry G. Dallas Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Terry G. Dallas
/s/ Charles D. Davidson President, Chief March 2, 2000
Executive Officer and
- ----------------------------------- Director (principal
Charles D. Davidson executive officer)
/s/ Marie L. Knowles Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Marie L. Knowles
/s/ Robert C. LeVine Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Robert C. LeVine
/s/ Joseph P. McCoy Vice President and March 2, 2000
Controller
- ----------------------------------- (principal
Joseph P. McCoy accounting officer)
/s/ William D. Schulte Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
William D. Schulte
/s/ Steven J. Shapiro Senior Vice March 2, 2000
President,
- ----------------------------------- Chief Financial
Steven J. Shapiro Officer and
Director (principal
financial officer)
/s/ Donald R. Voelte, Jr. Director March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Donald R. Voelte, Jr.
/s/ Michael E. Wiley Chairman of the March 2, 2000
Board
- -----------------------------------
Michael E. Wiley
64
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
3 Exhibits:
3.1 Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vastar Resources, Inc.
("Vastar") filed with the State of Delaware on May 17, 1996 (filed as
Exhibit 3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1996)
3.2 By-Laws of Vastar (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing Common Stock (filed on June 23, 1994 as
Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 4 to Vastar's Registration Statement on
Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
4.2(a) Indenture dated as of January 1, 1995 between Vastar and NationsBank
of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1994)
4.2(b) Supplemental Indenture, dated May 18, 1995, by and among Vastar,
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Bank of
Montreal Trust Company, effective May 25, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 4 to
Vastar's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1995)
4.2(c) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 1998, by and
among the Company, Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee, and Bank
of Montreal Trust Company, as paying agent (filed as Exhibit 4 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
1998)
4.3 Vastar's $50,000,000 6.39% Medium-Term Notes Series A, due January 15,
2008--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.4 Vastar's $75,000,000 6.95% Medium Term Notes Series A, due November 8,
2006--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.5 Vastar's $75,000,000 6.96% Medium-Term Notes Series A, due February
26, 2007--form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Vastar's report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.6 Vastar's $150,000,000 8.75% Notes, due February 1, 2005--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.7 Vastar's $100,000,000 6.50% Notes, due April 1, 2009--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.8 Vastar's $200,000,000 6.50% Notes, due April 1, 2009--form of Note
(filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
4.9 Vastar's $100,000,000 6.00% Putable/Callable Notes, due April 20,
2010, Putable/Callable April 20, 2000--form of Note (filed as Exhibit
4.7 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 1999)
10.1(a) $800,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1995, among Vastar,
the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
Vastar's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1995)
10.1(b) Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 1996, among
Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit
10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 1996)
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
10.1(c) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1997,
among Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1997)
10.1(d) Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1998, among
Vastar, the Banks Parties thereto, the Co-Agents listed therein and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (filed as Exhibit
10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June
30, 1998)
10.2 General Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated October 8, 1993,
modified as of December 13, 1993 and December 22, 1993, between Vastar
and Atlantic Richfield Company ("ARCO") (filed on January 28, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)
10.3 Cross-Indemnification Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's
Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.4(a) Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between Vastar and
ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.4 to Vastar's
Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.4(b) First Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1995,
between Vastar, F&H Pipeline Company, Grant Gathering Company,
Wilburton Hub, Inc., Vastar Gas Marketing, Inc. and ARCO (filed as
Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1995)
10.4(c) Second Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of January 1,
1995, between Vastar and its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto
and ARCO (filed as Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1997)
10.4(d) Third Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, effective as of October 30,
1998, between Vastar and its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto
and ARCO (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)
10.5 Corporate Services Agreement, dated as of February 22, 1994, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on March 23, 1994 as Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment
No. 1 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.6(a) ARCO Exploration and Production Technology Technical Services
Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed
on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.7 to Vastar's Registration Statement
on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.6(b) Assignment of Rights Agreement, effective as of October 27, 1999, by
and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.7 Insurance Services Agreement, dated as of March 24, 1994, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on May 26, 1994 as Exhibit 10.8 to Amendment
No. 2 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.8 Technology Assignment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993, between
Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.11 to
Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.9 Technology Undivided Interest Assignment Agreement, dated as of
October 1, 1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.12 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)
2
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
10.10 Information Technology License Agreement, dated as of October 1,
1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit
10.13 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33- 74536)
10.11 Intellectual Property License Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1993,
between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.14
to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.12 Third-Party Technology Assignment Agreement, dated as of October 1,
1993, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit
10.15 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)
10.13 Share Purchase Option and Business Opportunities Agreement, dated as
of May 19, 1994, between Vastar and ARCO (filed on June 7, 1994 as
Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement
on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)
10.14 Form of Company's Indemnity Agreement with officers and directors
(filed on January 28, 1994 as Exhibit 10.17 to Vastar's Registration
Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.15 Vastar Policy on Financial Counseling and Individual Income Tax
Service, effective January 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995)(2)
10.16(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan,
effective as of March 24, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.6(b) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.16(b) First Amendment to Vastar Amended and Restated Supplementary
Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as
Exhibit 10.8 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.17(a) Vastar Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Vastar's
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.17(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.17(c) Second Amendment to Vastar Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.18(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan,
effective March 5, 1998 (filed as Appendix A to Vastar's Proxy
Statement dated March 23, 1998)(2)
10.18(b) First Amendment to Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive
Plan, effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September
30, 1999)(2)
10.19(a) Vastar Amended and Restated Executive Deferral Plan, effective as of
March 24, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.19(b) First Amendment to Vastar Executive Deferral Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.20 Vastar Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit
10.38 to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.21 Vastar Deferral Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.22 Vastar Retirement Plan for Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.50
to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.23(a) Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.40 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
3
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
10.23(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan, effective as
of March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.23(c) Second Amendment to Vastar Executive Life Insurance Plan, effective
as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.24 Vastar Executive Long-Term Disability Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)(2)
10.25(a) Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.42
to Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)(2)
10.25(b) Amendment No. 1 to the Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan,
effective as of August 5, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.39(a) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)(2)
10.25(c) Amendment No. 2 to the Vastar Executive Supplementary Savings Plan,
effective as of January 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.35(c) to
Vastar's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998)(2)
10.26 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Michael E. Wiley (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.43 to Amendment
No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)(2)
10.27 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Steven J. Shapiro (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.44 to
Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.28 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Charles D. Davidson (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.45 to
Amendment No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1)
(Registration No. 33-74536)(2)
10.29 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Albert D. Hoppe (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.47 to Amendment
No. 3 to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration
No. 33-74536)(2)
10.30 Conversion Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1994, between Vastar and
Joseph P. McCoy (filed as Exhibit 10.48 to Amendment No. 3 to
Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)(2)
10.31 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 25, 1994, between ARCO
and Vastar (filed on June 7, 1994 as Exhibit 10.49 to Amendment No. 3
to Vastar's Registration Statement on Form S-1) (Registration No. 33-
74536)
10.32(a) Vastar Executive Medical Plan, dated March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit
10.4 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 1999)(2)
10.32(b) First Amendment to Vastar Executive Medical Plan, effective as of
July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.33(a) Vastar Comprehensive Management Medical Plan, dated March 10, 1999
(filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.33(b) First Amendment to Vastar Comprehensive Management Medical Plan,
effective as of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
1999)(2)
10.34(a) Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan, effective as of July 1,
1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(a) to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.34(b) Amendment No. 1 to Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan,
effective as of May 1, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(b) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
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Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
10.34(c) Amendment No. 2 to Vastar Special Termination Allowance Plan,
effective as of March 10, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(c) to Vastar's
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999)(2)
10.34(d) Third Amendment to Special Termination Allowance Plan, effective as
of July 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999)(2)
10.35 Formation Agreement, dated as of August 8, 1997, by and between
Southern Energy Holdings, Inc. and Vastar Resources, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1997)
10.36 Gas Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated effective as of September 1,
1997, by and between Vastar Resources, Inc. and Southern Company
Energy Marketing L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10 to Vastar's report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997)
10.37 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1998, by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 1998)
10.38 Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12,
1998, by and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated
October 31, 1998)
10.39 Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30,
1998, by and between Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Vastar's report on Form 8-K dated
October 31, 1998)
10.40 Software License Agreement, effective October 27, 1999 by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.41 Throughput Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1999, by and between
Atlantic Richfield Company and Vastar Resources, Inc.(1)
10.42 Bill of Sale from Atlantic Richfield Company to Vastar Resources,
Inc. effective November 1, 1999(1)
10.43 Summary of Material Terms of Agreements between Vastar Resources,
Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Company relating to the sale of Vastar
headquarters building(1)
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)
21 List of Subsidiaries of Vastar(1)
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP(1)
23.2 Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.(1)
27 Financial Data Schedule(1)
99.1 Review Letter of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.(1)
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Unless otherwise noted, these exhibits are incorporated by reference to the
filings with the SEC as described. Vastar's SEC File Number is 1-13108.
ARCO's SEC File Number is 1-1196.
(1) Filed herewith.
(2) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be
filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
Copies of exhibits will be furnished upon prepayment of 25 cents per page.
Requests should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary.
5