UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

[X]   Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

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:  1-08246

 

 

Southwestern Energy Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

71-0205415

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

 

 

 

2350 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 125, Houston, Texas

77032

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

 

(281) 618-4700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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.  Yesx     Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yesx  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o     No x 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class

Outstanding as of October 27, 2009

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

(including associated stock purchase rights)

345,295,309





 


SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY


INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

Item 2.

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

29

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

40

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

41

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

42

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

42

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

42

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

42

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

42

Item 5.

Other Information

42

Item 6.

Exhibits

43


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


All statements, other than historical fact or present financial information, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements that address activities, outcomes and other matters that should or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, production and reserve growth and other plans and objectives for our future operations, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. We have no obligation and make no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.


Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations and other statements in this Form 10-Q identified by words such as “anticipate,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “believe,” “predict,” “budget,” “projection,” “goal,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target” or similar expressions.


You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices and cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with forward-looking statements, risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to:

 

·

the timing and extent of changes in market conditions and prices for natural gas and oil (including regional basis differentials);

·

our ability to transport our production to the most favorable markets or at all;

·

the timing and extent of our success in discovering, developing, producing and estimating reserves;

·

the economic viability of, and our success in drilling, our large acreage position in the Fayetteville Shale play overall as well as relative to other productive shale gas plays;

·

our ability to fund our planned capital investments;

·

our ability to determine the most effective and economic fracture stimulation for the Fayetteville Shale formation;



1


 

 

·

the impact of federal, state and local government regulation, including any increase in severance taxes;

 

·

the costs and availability of oilfield personnel services and drilling supplies, raw materials, and equipment and services, including pressure pumping equipment and crews in the Arkoma basin;

·

our future property acquisition or divestiture activities;

·

the effects of weather;

·

increased competition;

·

the financial impact of accounting regulations and critical accounting policies;

·

the comparative cost of alternative fuels;

·

conditions in capital markets, changes in interest rates and the ability of our lenders to provide us with funds as agreed;

·

credit risk relating to the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by our counterparties; and

·

any other factors listed in the reports we have filed and may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).


We caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for and development, production and sale of natural gas and oil. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, third-party interruption of sales to market, inflation, lack of availability of goods and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating proved natural gas and oil reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures and the other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the “2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), and all quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequently thereto, including this Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Qs”).


Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this Form 10-Q occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We specifically disclaim all responsibility to publicly update any information contained in a forward-looking statement or any forward-looking statement in its entirety and therefore disclaim any resulting liability for potentially related damages.


All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

2


 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands, except share/per share amounts)

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

$         369,963 

 

$         433,698 

 

$      1,110,051 

 

$      1,167,403 

Gas marketing

 113,642 

 

 226,889 

 

 356,652 

 

 568,032 

Oil sales

 1,805 

 

 9,565 

 

 4,680 

 

 38,816 

Gas gathering

 17,443 

 

 12,662 

 

 50,871 

 

 30,134 

Other

 96 

 

 185 

 

 (968)

 

 7,090 

 

 502,949 

 

 682,999 

 

 1,521,286 

 

 1,811,475 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas purchases – midstream services

 112,956 

 

 225,149 

 

 353,323 

 

 560,490 

Gas purchases – gas distribution

 ― 

 

 ― 

 

 ― 

 

 61,439 

Operating expenses

 38,898 

 

 23,877 

 

 96,576 

 

 77,903 

General and administrative expenses

 31,942 

 

 21,055 

 

 84,851 

 

 70,536 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 113,833 

 

 105,230 

 

 355,988 

 

 300,478 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 ― 

 

 ― 

 

 907,812 

 

 ― 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 8,282 

 

 8,648 

 

 23,963 

 

 24,793 

 

 305,911 

 

 383,959 

 

 1,822,513 

 

 1,095,639 

Operating Income (Loss)

 197,038 

 

 299,040 

 

 (301,227)

 

 715,836 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on debt

 13,761 

 

 14,205 

 

 41,671 

 

 46,950 

Other interest charges

 740 

 

 482 

 

 2,269 

 

 1,749 

Interest capitalized

 (9,224)

 

 (8,109)

 

 (31,913)

 

 (21,595)

 

 5,277 

 

 6,578 

 

 12,027 

 

 27,104 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income

 554 

 

 2,354 

 

 1,088 

 

 2,530 

Gain on Sale of Utility Assets

 ― 

 

 57,264 

 

 ― 

 

 57,264 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 192,315 

 

 352,080 

 

 (312,166)

 

 748,526 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 (20,704)

 

 61,000 

 

 (56,204)

 

 107,500 

Deferred

 94,809 

 

 72,715 

 

 (62,378)

 

 176,732 

 

 74,105 

 

 133,715 

 

 (118,582)

 

 284,232 

Net income (loss)

 118,210 

 

 218,365 

 

 (193,584)

 

 464,294 

Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 (44)

 

 197 

 

 (108)

 

 547 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Southwestern Energy

$         118,254 

 

$         218,168 

 

$       (193,476)

 

$         463,747 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy stockholders – Basic

$               0.34 

 

$               0.64 

 

$             (0.56)

 

$               1.36 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy stockholders - Diluted

$               0.34 

 

$               0.63 

 

$             (0.56)

 

$               1.34 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 343,717,232 

 

 342,312,845 

 

 343,087,065 

 

 341,595,957 

Diluted

 349,000,241 

 

 346,712,565 

 

 343,087,065 

 

 346,459,853 


 

See the accompanying notes which are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2009

 

2008

ASSETS

(in thousands)

Current Assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$                   9,659 

 

$               196,277 

Accounts receivable

 199,011 

 

 254,557 

Inventories

 30,309 

 

 50,377 

Hedging asset

 230,278 

 

 343,320 

Other

 64,579 

 

 38,732 

Total current assets

 533,836 

 

 883,263 

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment:

 

 

 

Gas and oil properties (using the full cost method), including costs excluded from amortization of $624.4 million in 2009 and $540.6 million in 2008

 6,015,561 

 

 4,836,077 

Gathering systems

 500,867 

 

 341,474 

Gas in underground storage

 13,349 

 

 13,349 

Other

 179,815 

 

 138,014 

Total property and equipment

 6,709,592 

 

 5,328,914 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 2,882,350 

 

 1,615,307 

Property and equipment, net

 3,827,242 

 

 3,713,607 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 97,065 

 

 163,288 

TOTAL ASSETS

$            4,458,143 

 

$            4,760,158 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

Short-term debt

$                   1,200 

 

$                 61,200 

Accounts payable

 348,518 

 

 451,597 

Taxes payable

 21,180 

 

 31,951 

Interest payable

 9,914 

 

 20,857 

Advances from partners

 71,526 

 

 70,603 

Hedging liability

 12,281 

 

 10,899 

Current deferred income taxes

 81,059 

 

 122,448 

Other

 15,838 

 

 10,758 

Total current liabilities

 561,516 

 

 780,313 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

 958,300 

 

 674,200 

 

 

 

 

Other Liabilities:

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 632,890 

 

 721,707 

Long-term hedging liability

 10,265 

 

 5,934 

Pension and other postretirement liabilities

 12,560 

 

 15,436 

Other long-term liabilities

 53,047 

 

 44,605 

 

 708,762 

 

 787,682 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

Southwestern Energy stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 540,000,000 shares, issued 345,256,980 shares in 2009 and 343,624,956 in 2008

 3,453 

 

 3,436 

Additional paid-in capital

 827,040 

 

 811,492 

Retained earnings

 1,256,501 

 

 1,449,977 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 136,999 

 

 247,665 

Common stock in treasury, 203,472 shares in 2009 and 225,050 in 2008

 (4,316)

 

 (4,740)

Total Southwestern Energy stockholders’ equity

 2,219,677 

 

 2,507,830 

Noncontrolling interest

 9,888 

 

 10,133 

Total equity

 2,229,565 

 

 2,517,963 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$            4,458,143 

 

$            4,760,158 


 

See the accompanying notes which are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$              (193,584)

 

$                464,294 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 357,218 

 

 301,801 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 907,812 

 

 ― 

Deferred income taxes

 (62,378)

 

 176,732 

Impairment of natural gas inventory and other

 5,459 

 

 ― 

Gain on sale of utility assets

 ― 

 

 (57,264)

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

 6,535 

 

 (5,956)

Stock-based compensation expense

 8,699 

 

 5,379 

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 ― 

 

 (392)

Distributions to noncontrolling interest in partnership

 (137)

 

 (508)

Change in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 55,546 

 

 (59,690)

Inventories

 7,284 

 

 (32,397)

Accounts payable

 (61,416)

 

 115,388 

Taxes payable

 (10,771)

 

 67,834 

Interest payable

 (10,943)

 

 9,784 

Advances from partners and customer deposits

 923 

 

 24,432 

Deferred tax benefit – stock options

 ― 

 

 (42,197)

Other assets and liabilities

 (20,721)

 

 (533)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 989,526 

 

 966,707 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

 

 

Capital investments

 (1,374,047)

 

 (1,287,324)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 ― 

 

 732,924 

Net proceeds from sale of utility assets

 ― 

 

 213,721 

Other

 (4,585)

 

 (816)

Net cash used in investing activities

 (1,378,632)

 

 (341,495)

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

 

 

Payments on short-term debt

 (60,600)

 

 (600)

Payments on revolving long-term debt

 (879,400)

 

 (1,843,600)

Borrowings under revolving long-term debt

 1,164,100 

 

 1,001,400 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 ― 

 

 600,000 

Debt issuance costs and revolving credit facility costs

 ― 

 

 (8,895)

Excess tax benefit for stock-based compensation

 ― 

 

 42,197 

Change in bank drafts outstanding

 (25,783)

 

 5,402 

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 4,171 

 

 3,240 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 202,488 

 

 (200,856)

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 (186,618)

 

 424,356 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year (1)

 196,277 

 

 1,832 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$                   9,659 

 

$                426,188 


(1) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year for 2008 include $1.1 million classified as “held for sale.”  See Note 4 for additional information.



See the accompanying notes which are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwestern Energy Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional

 

 

 

Other

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Stock in

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Issued

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Treasury

 

Interest

 

Total

 

(in thousands)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

 343,625 

 

$    3,436 

 

$ 811,492 

 

$1,449,977 

 

$      247,665 

 

$   (4,740)

 

$       10,133 

 

$  2,517,963 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (193,476)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (108)

 

 (193,584)

Change in value of derivatives

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (111,255)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (111,255)

Change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 589 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 589 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (108)

 

 (304,250)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 — 

 

 — 

 

 11,190 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 11,190 

Exercise of stock options

 1,618 

 

 17 

 

 4,154 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 4,171 

Issuance of restricted stock

 22 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

Cancellation of restricted stock

 (8)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

Treasury stock – non-qualified plan

 — 

 

 — 

 

 204 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 424 

 

 — 

 

 628 

Distributions to noncontrolling interest in partnership

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (137)

 

 (137)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2009

 345,257 

 

$    3,453 

 

$ 827,040 

 

$1,256,501 

 

$      136,999 

 

$   (4,316)

 

$         9,888 

 

$  2,229,565 


 


See the accompanying notes which are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$     118,210 

 

$     218,365 

 

$   (193,584)

 

$     464,294 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in value of derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current period reclassification to earnings (1)

 (101,336)

 

 32,129 

 

 (289,432)

 

 67,775 

Current period ineffectiveness (2)

 4,969 

 

 (19,748)

 

 5,021 

 

 6,533 

Current period change in derivative instruments (3)

 (5,383)

 

 513,785 

 

 173,156 

 

 (23,970)

Total change in value of derivatives

 (101,750)

 

 526,166 

 

 (111,255)

 

 50,338 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of utility – divestiture, curtailment and settlement  (4)

 — 

 

 9,040 

 

 — 

 

 9,040 

Current period change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities (5)

 199 

 

 (3,890)

 

 589 

 

 (3,471)

Total change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities

 199 

 

 5,150 

 

 589 

 

 5,569 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 16,659 

 

 749,681 

 

 (304,250)

 

 520,201 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 (44)

 

 197 

 

 (108)

 

 547 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy

$       16,703 

 

$     749,484 

 

$   (304,142)

 

$     519,654 


(1) Current period reclassification to earnings is net of ($65.4), $19.7, ($180.9) and $41.5 million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


(2) Current period ineffectiveness is net of $3.2, ($12.1), $3.2 and $4.0 million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


(3) Current period change in derivative instruments is net of ($3.5), $314.9, $109.5 and ($14.7) million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


(4) Sale of utility – divestiture, curtailment and settlement is net of $5.5 and $5.5 million in taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.


(5) Current period change in the value of pension and other postretirement liabilities is net of $0.1, ($2.3), $0.3 and ($2.1) million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

 

See the accompanying notes which are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7


 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION


Southwestern Energy Company (including its subsidiaries, collectively, the “Company,” “Southwestern,” “we,” “us,” “its,” and “our”) is an independent energy company primarily focused on the exploration and production of natural gas. The Company engages in natural gas and oil exploration and production and natural gas gathering and marketing through its subsidiaries. Southwestern’s exploration and production (“E&P”) activities are currently concentrated in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas. Southwestern’s marketing and gas gathering business (“Midstream Services”) is concentrated in the core areas of its E&P operations. 


The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information relating to the Company’s organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been appropriately condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.


The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report include all normal and recurring material adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. It is recommended that these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (“2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K”).


The Company’s significant accounting policies, which have been reviewed and approved by the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, are summarized in Note 1 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


In June 2009, the Company implemented the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”).  The implementation establishes the FASB ASC as the source of authoritative accounting principles to be applied in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The FASB ASC does not change GAAP and its implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


On January 1, 2009, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 810-10, “Consolidation – Overall,” which establish accounting and reporting standards for (1) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by others, (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests, (3) changes in the controlling ownership interest, (4) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and (5) disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the controlling and noncontrolling owners.  The implementation resulted in changes to the Company’s presentation for noncontrolling interests and did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  


On January 1, 2009, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging – Overall,” which require enhanced disclosure about (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  The implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.


On January 1, 2009, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Overall,” which require the fair value application for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.


On June 30, 2009, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 825-10, “Financial Instruments – Overall,” which require that the (1) fair value disclosures required for certain financial instruments be included in interim financial statements and (2) public companies disclose the method and significant assumptions used

 

8


 

 

to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments and to discuss any changes of method or assumptions, if any, during the reporting period. The implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  


On June 30, 2009, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 855-10, “Subsequent Events – Overall,” which establish the general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Among other things, the Company is now required to disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. The implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.


Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s financial statements to conform to the 2009 presentation. The effects of the reclassifications were not material to the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


(2)

GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES


The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for costs related to the exploration, development, and acquisition of natural gas and oil reserves. Under this method, all such costs (productive and nonproductive), including salaries, benefits and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities are capitalized and amortized on an aggregate basis over the estimated lives of the properties using the units-of-production method. These capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test that limits such pooled costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved natural gas and oil reserves discounted at 10 percent (standardized measure) plus the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties. Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash expense.  The expense may not be reversed in future periods, even though higher natural gas and oil prices may subsequently increase the ceiling. Full cost companies must use the prices in effect at the end of each accounting quarter, including the impact of derivatives qualifying as hedges, to calculate the ceiling value of their reserves. However, commodity price increases subsequent to the end of a reporting period but prior to the release of a periodic report may be utilized to calculate the ceiling value of reserves.


At March 31, 2009, the net capitalized costs of our gas and oil properties exceeded the ceiling by approximately $558.3 million (net of tax) and resulted in a non-cash ceiling test impairment in the first quarter of 2009. Using the quoted market price for Henry Hub natural gas on October 23, 2009 of $4.98 per MMBtu and $77.75 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate oil, adjusted for market differentials, the Company’s net book value of natural gas and oil properties did not exceed the ceiling amount and did not result in a ceiling test impairment in the third quarter. The ceiling value of the Company’s reserves based upon quoted market prices at September 30, 2009 of $3.30 per MMBtu for Henry Hub natural gas and $67.00 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate oil, adjusted for market differentials, would have exceeded the ceiling amount by $228.3 million (net of taxes), including the effect of hedges.  Cash flow hedges of gas production in place increased the ceiling value by approximately $347.7 million and $208.2 million at September 30, 2009 and October 23, 2009, respectively.  Decreases in market prices as well as changes in production rates, levels of reserves, evaluation of costs excluded from amortization, future development costs and service costs could result in future ceiling test impairments.

 

9


 

 

(3)

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table presents the computation of earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern      Energy (in thousands)

$          118,254 

 

$          218,168 

 

$        (193,476)

 

$          463,747 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average outstanding

 343,717,232 

 

 342,312,845 

 

 343,087,065 

 

 341,595,957 

Issued upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options

 4,859,651 

 

 3,971,851 

 

 — 

 

 4,445,642 

Effect of issuance of nonvested restricted common shares

 423,358 

 

 427,869 

 

 — 

 

 418,254 

Weighted average and potential dilutive outstanding(1)

 349,000,241 

 

 346,712,565 

 

 343,087,065 

 

 346,459,853 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern  Energy stockholders – basic

$                0.34 

 

$                0.64 

 

$              (0.56)

 

$                1.36 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern  Energy stockholders – diluted

$                0.34 

 

$                0.63 

 

$              (0.56)

 

$                1.34 


 (1)

Options for 640,105 shares and 53,303 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2009 because they would have had an antidilutive effect.  Options for 40,705 shares and 78,936 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2008 because they would have had an antidilutive effect.  Due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, options for 6,964,471 shares and 844,051 shares of restricted stock were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation.  Options for 349,410 shares and 40,597 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 because they would have had an antidilutive effect.


(4)

DIVESTITURES


In November 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of the capital stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Arkansas Western Gas Company (“AWG”), for $224 million plus working capital. On July 1, 2008, the transaction was closed and the Company received $223.5 million (net of expenses related to the sale).  In order to receive regulatory approval for the sale and certain related transactions, the Company paid $9.8 million to AWG for the benefit of its customers. The Company recorded a $57.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale of AWG in the third quarter of 2008. The operating results and cash flows from AWG through June 30, 2008 are included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows. As a result of completion of the sale of AWG, the Company is no longer engaged in any natural gas distribution operations.


In the second quarter of 2008, the Company sold certain natural gas and oil leases, wells and gathering equipment in its Fayetteville Shale play for $518.3 million.  Additionally, in the second and third quarters of 2008, the Company sold various natural gas and oil properties in the Gulf Coast and Permian Basin for approximately $240 million in the aggregate.  All proceeds from the sales of natural gas and oil properties were credited to the full cost pool. The operating results and cash flows from the divested properties are included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008.

 

10


 


 

(5)

DEBT

 

The components of debt as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following:


 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt:

 

 

 

7.625% Senior Notes due 2027, putable at the holders’ option in 2009

$                        ― 

 

$                 60,000 

7.15% Senior Notes due 2018

 1,200 

 

 1,200 

Total short-term debt

 1,200 

 

 61,200 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

Variable rate (1.126% at September 30, 2009) unsecured revolving credit facility

 284,700 

 

 ― 

7.5% Senior Notes due 2018

 600,000 

 

 600,000 

7.21% Senior Notes due 2017

 40,000 

 

 40,000 

7.15% Senior Notes due 2018

 33,600 

 

 34,200 

Total long-term debt

 958,300 

 

 674,200 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

$               959,500 

 

$               735,400 


The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility which expires in February 2012 (“Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion which may be increased to $1.25 billion at any time upon the Company’s agreement with its existing or additional lenders. As of September 30, 2009, the Company had $284.7 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.126%. In the second quarter of 2009, the 7.625% Senior Notes were put to the Company and the Company utilized funds available under the Credit Facility to pay the note holders $62.1 million in principal and accrued interest on May 1, 2009.

 

The Credit Facility is currently guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries, SEECO, Inc. (“SEECO”), Southwestern Energy Production Company (“SEPCO”) and Southwestern Energy Services Company (“SES”) and requires additional subsidiary guarantors if certain guaranty coverage levels are not satisfied.  In addition to the subsidiary guarantees, the Credit Facility restricts the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to incur debt and contains covenants which impose certain restrictions on the Company.  Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company may not issue total debt in excess of 60% of its total capital, must maintain a certain level of equity, and must maintain a ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense of 3.5 or above. At September 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of its debt agreements.


(6)

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT


The Company is exposed to commodity price risk which impacts the predictability of its cash flows related to the sale of natural gas and oil.  The primary risk managed by the Company’s use of certain derivative financial instruments is commodity price risk.  These derivative financial instruments allow the Company to limit its price exposure to a portion of its projected natural gas sales.  At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s derivative financial instruments consisted of price swaps, costless collars and basis swaps. A description of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is provided below:


Fixed price swaps  

The Company receives a fixed price for the contract and pays a floating market price to the counterparty.

 

Floating price swaps

The Company receives a floating market price from the counterparty and pays a fixed price.

 

Costless-collars  

Contain a fixed floor price (put) and a fixed ceiling price (call). If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, the Company receives the fixed price and pays the market price. If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.



11


 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

Matched and unmatched arrangements that guarantee a price differential for natural gas from a specified delivery point. The Company receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract.   


GAAP requires that all derivatives be recognized in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and be measured at fair value. Under GAAP, certain criteria must be satisfied in order for derivative financial instruments to be classified and accounted for as either a cash flow or a fair value hedge.  Accounting for qualifying hedges requires a derivative’s gains and losses to be recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on derivatives that are not elected for hedge accounting treatment or that do not meet hedge accounting requirements are recorded in earnings.


The Company utilizes counterparties for its derivative instruments that it believes are credit-worthy at the time the transactions are entered into and the Company closely monitors the credit ratings of these counterparties. Additionally, the Company performs both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable. However, the recent events in the financial markets demonstrate there can be no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations to the Company.


None of the Company’s derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features other than one derivative instrument which expires in December 2009. The credit-risk-related contingent feature, which requires the posting of cash collateral, is triggered when a net liability owed to that counterparty exceeds a threshold amount.  The required cash collateral amount is equal to the net liability owed to the counterparty less the threshold amount. This derivative instrument was in a net asset position as of September 30, 2009 and no amounts have been remitted as collateral to the counterparty.  The Company has not incurred any credit-related losses associated with its derivative activities and believes that its counterparties will continue to be able to meet their obligations under these transactions.


The balance sheet classification of the assets and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments are summarized below at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:


 

 

Derivative Assets

 

 

 2009

 

2008

 

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

 

(in thousands)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed and floating price swaps

 

Hedging asset

 

$         136,638 

 

Hedging asset

 

$         174,985 

Costless-collars

 

Hedging asset

 

93,640 

 

Hedging asset

 

165,671 

Fixed and floating price swaps

 

Other Assets

 

20,762 

 

Other Assets

 

66,349 

Costless-collars

 

Other Assets

 

 6,409 

 

Other Assets

 

 26,202 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$         257,449 

 

 

 

$         433,207 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Hedging asset

 

$                  ― 

 

Hedging asset

 

$             2,664 

Basis swaps

 

Other Assets

 

 ― 

 

Other Assets

 

 1,844 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$                  ― 

 

 

 

$             4,508 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

 

 

 

$         257,449 

 

 

 

$         437,715 


 

12


 

 

 

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

 

(in thousands)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed and floating price swaps

 

Hedging liability

 

$                946 

 

Hedging liability

 

$             2,679 

Costless-collars

 

Hedging liability

 

729 

 

Hedging liability

 

5,670 

Fixed and floating price swaps

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

7,101 

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

557 

Costless-collars

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

 769 

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

 5,142 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$             9,545 

 

 

 

$           14,048 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Hedging liability

 

$           10,606 

 

Hedging liability

 

$             2,550 

Basis swaps

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

 2,395 

 

Long-term hedging liability

 

 235 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$           13,001 

 

 

 

$             2,785 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

 

 

 

$           22,546 

 

 

 

$           16,833 


Cash Flow Hedges

 

The reporting of gains and losses on cash flow derivative hedging instruments depends on whether the gains or losses are effective at offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the gains and losses on the derivative hedging instrument are recorded in other comprehensive income until recognized in earnings during the period that the hedged transaction takes place. The ineffective portion of the gains and losses from the derivative hedging instrument is recognized in earnings immediately.


As of September 30, 2009, the Company had cash flow hedges on the following volumes of gas production:


Natural Gas (Bcf):

 

 

 

Fixed price swaps:

 

2009

 15.0 

2010

 36.0 

2011

 20.0 

 

 

Costless-collars:

 

2009

 18.0 

2010

 14.0 


As of September 30, 2009, the Company recorded a net gain to other comprehensive income related to its hedging activities of $147.6 million. These amounts are net of a deferred income tax liability recorded as of September 30, 2009 of $90.5 million.  The amount recorded in other comprehensive income will be relieved over time and taken to the statement of operations as the physical transactions being hedged occur. Assuming the market prices of gas futures as of September 30, 2009 remain unchanged, the Company would expect to transfer an aggregate after-tax net gain of approximately $136.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months.  Gains or losses from derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reflected as adjustments to gas sales in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Gas sales included a realized gain from settled contracts of $470.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 compared to a realized loss of $109.4 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008.  Volatility in earnings and other comprehensive income may occur in the future as a result of the application of the Company’s derivative activities.

 

13


 

 

The following tables summarize the before tax effect of all cash flow hedges on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

(Effective Portion)

 

 

For the three months ended

September 30,

 

For the nine months ended

September 30,

Derivative Instrument

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed price swaps

 

$            (6,114)

 

$          491,985 

 

$          183,699 

 

$          (75,002)

Costless-collars

 

$            (2,741)

 

$          272,457 

 

$            98,951 

 

$            52,683 

Matched-basis swaps

 

$                   — 

 

$                 488 

 

$                   — 

 

$              4,678 



 

 

Classification of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other

 

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings

(Effective Portion)

 

 

Comprehensive Income

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

into Earnings

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Derivative Instrument

 

(Effective Portion)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed price swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$      116,216 

 

$      (47,763)

 

$      282,264 

 

$    (110,709)

Costless-collars

 

Gas Sales

 

$        50,487 

 

$        (5,794)

 

$      188,060 

 

$           (966)

Matched-basis swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$               — 

 

$          1,683 

 

$               — 

 

$          2,308 



 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

(Ineffective Portion)

 

 

Classification of Gain (Loss)

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

Recognized in Earnings

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Derivative Instrument

 

(Ineffective Portion)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed price swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$          4,760 

 

$        18,789 

 

$          4,931 

 

$        (4,049)

Costless-collars

 

Gas Sales

 

$          3,415 

 

$        13,062 

 

$          3,300 

 

$        (6,487)


Fair Value Hedges

 

For fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item are recognized in current earnings.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company had fair value hedges on the following volumes of gas production:


Natural Gas (Bcf):

 

 

 

Floating price swaps:

 

2009

 0.1 

2010

 0.3 

2011

 0.1 

2012

 0.1 


The following table summarizes the before tax effect of all fair value hedges on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

 

Income Statement Classification

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

 

Realized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

Derivative Instrument

 

of Gain (Loss)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating price swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$            (14)

 

$          (400)

 

 $         (370)

 

$          (699)

 

14


 

The following table summarizes the before tax effect of all fair value hedges on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

 

Income Statement Classification

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

 

Realized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

Derivative Instrument

 

of Gain(Loss)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating price swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$            (41)

 

$            (65)

 

 $        1,338 

 

$          (841)


Other Derivative Contracts


Although the Company’s basis swaps meet the objective of managing commodity price exposure, these trades are typically not entered into concurrent with the Company’s derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges and therefore do not generally qualify for hedge accounting. Basis swap derivative instruments that do not qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values under hedging assets, other assets and hedging liabilities, and all realized and unrealized gains and losses related to these contracts are recognized immediately in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of gas sales. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, gas sales included an unrealized loss of $14.7 million for non-qualifying basis swaps. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, gas sales included an unrealized gain of $16.6 million for non-qualifying basis swaps.  


As of September 30, 2009, the Company had basis swaps on the following volumes of gas production that did not qualify for hedge treatment:


Natural Gas (Bcf):

 

 

 

Basis Swaps:

 

2009

 22.1 

2010

 46.5 

2011

 9.0 


The following table summarizes the before tax effect of basis swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

 

Income Statement Classification

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

 

Realized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

Derivative Instrument

 

of Gain (Loss)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$       (8,657)

 

$       (5,150)

 

 $      (4,370)

 

$       11,980 


The following table summarizes the before tax effect of basis swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

 

Income Statement Classification

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

 

Realized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings

Derivative Instrument

 

of Gain(Loss)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Gas Sales

 

$     (14,725)

 

$       16,557 

 

 $      (3,004)

 

$       18,616 


 

15


 

 

(7)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

At September 30, 2009, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets and current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short term nature. For debt and commodity hedges, the following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value:


Debt: The fair values of the Company’s 7.5% Senior Notes due 2018, 7.21% Senior Notes due 2017 and 7.15% Senior Notes due 2018 were based on the September 30, 2009 yield of the Company’s publicly-traded debt. The yield of the Company’s publicly-traded 7.5% Senior Notes due 2018 was 7.3% at September 30, 2009.  Borrowings of $284.7 million under the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility at September 30, 2009 approximate fair value.


Commodity Hedges: The fair value of all hedging financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties.  The amounts are based on quoted market prices, best estimates obtained from counterparties and an option pricing model, when necessary, for price option contracts.


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were as follows:


 

2009

 

2008

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$            9,659 

 

$            9,659 

 

$        196,277 

 

$        196,277 

Total debt

$        959,500 

 

$        968,401 

 

$        735,400 

 

$        648,616 

Commodity hedges

$        234,903 

 

$        234,903 

 

$        421,410 

 

$        421,410 


Effective January 1, 2008, the Company partially implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Overall,” which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. Additionally, on January 1, 2008, the Company implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC 825-10, “Financial Instruments – Overall,” which allow an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. The Company does not plan to elect to use the fair value option for any of its financial instruments that are not currently measured at fair value.


GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the tables below, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels:


Level 1 valuations -

Consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority.


Level 2 valuations -

Consist of quoted market information for the calculation of fair market value.


Level 3 valuations -

Consist of internal estimates and have the lowest priority.

 

Pursuant to GAAP, the Company has classified its derivatives into these levels depending upon the data relied on to determine the fair values. The Company’s fixed-price and floating-price swaps are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations using the NYMEX futures index and are designated as Level 2. The fair values of costless-collars and basis swaps are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward commodity price curves or quotes obtained from counterparties to the agreements and are designated as Level 3.

 

16


 

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:


 

September 30, 2009

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

Markets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Assets/Liabilities

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

at Fair Value

Derivative assets

$                        — 

 

$                   157,400 

 

$                     100,049 

 

$                257,449 

Derivative liabilities

 — 

 

 (8,047)

 

 (14,499)

 

 (22,546)

Total

$                        — 

 

$                   149,353 

 

$                       85,550 

 

$                234,903 


The table below presents reconciliations for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009. The fair values of Level 3 derivative instruments are estimated using proprietary valuation models that utilize both market observable and unobservable parameters. Level 3 instruments presented in the table consist of net derivatives valued using pricing models incorporating assumptions that, in management’s judgment, reflect the assumptions a marketplace participant would have used at September 30, 2009.


Total net gains and losses for Level 3 derivatives for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 are provided below:


 

For the three months ended

September 30, 2009

 

For the nine months ended

September 30, 2009

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

$                      140,606 

 

$                      182,823 

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 40,874 

 

 175,945 

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 (49,814)

 

 (85,810)

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 (46,116)

 

 (187,408)

Transfers into/out of Level 3

 — 

 

 — 

Balance at September 30, 2009

$                        85,550 

 

$                        85,550 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings relating to derivatives still held as of September 30, 2009

$                        (5,242)

 

$                      (11,463)


(8)

SEGMENT INFORMATION


The Company’s reportable business segments have been identified based on the differences in products or services provided. Revenues for the E&P segment are derived from the production and sale of natural gas and crude oil. The Midstream Services segment generates revenue through gathering fees associated with the transportation of natural gas to market and through the marketing of both Company and third-party produced gas volumes. Revenues for the Natural Gas Distribution segment arose from the transportation and retail sale of natural gas by AWG. As a result of the disposition of AWG on July 1, 2008, the Company no longer has any natural gas distribution operations.


Summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income, defined as operating revenues less operating costs and expenses.  The “Other” column includes items not related to the Company’s reportable segments including real estate and corporate items.

 

17


 

 

 

Exploration

 

 

 

Natural

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

Midstream

 

Gas

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

Services

 

Distribution

 

Other

 

Total

 

(in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$      371,864 

 

$      131,085 

 

$               — 

 

$               — 

 

$      502,949 

Intersegment revenues

 (830)

 

 229,126 

 

 — 

 

 112 

 

 228,408 

Operating income (loss)

 172,038 

 

 25,100 

 

 — 

 

 (100)

 

 197,038 

Interest and other income(1)

 551 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 3 

 

 554 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 108,432 

 

 5,205 

 

 — 

 

 196 

 

 113,833 

Interest expense(1)

 3,819 

 

 1,458 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 5,277 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes(1)

 65,268 

 

 8,875 

 

 — 

 

 (38)

 

 74,105 

Assets

 3,775,982 

 

 596,611 

 

 — 

 

 85,550 

(2)

 4,458,143 

Capital investments(3)

 333,927 

 

 64,986 

 

 — 

 

 9,860 

 

 408,773 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$      443,327 

 

$      239,550 

 

$               — 

 

$             122 

 

$      682,999 

Intersegment revenues

 14,846 

 

 443,621 

 

 — 

 

 112 

 

 458,579 

Operating income

 280,607 

 

 18,254 

 

 — 

 

 179 

 

 299,040 

Interest and other income (loss)(1)

 2,357 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (3)

 

 2,354 

Gain on sale of utility assets

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 57,264 

 

 57,264 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 102,015 

 

 3,179 

 

 — 

 

 36 

 

 105,230 

Interest expense(1)

 4,026 

 

 2,552 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 6,578 

Provision for income taxes(1)

 105,921 

 

 5,966 

 

 — 

 

 21,828 

 

 133,715 

Assets

 3,374,462 

 

 482,138 

 

 — 

 

 507,406 

(2)

 4,364,006 

Capital investments(3)

 415,690 

 

 54,222 

 

 — 

 

 1,709 

 

 471,621 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$   1,113,524 

 

$      407,523 

 

$               — 

 

$             239 

 

$   1,521,286 

Intersegment revenues

 8,276 

 

 683,326 

 

 — 

 

 336 

 

 691,938 

Operating income (loss)

 (381,422)

(4)

 80,254 

 

 — 

 

 (59)

 

 (301,227)

Interest and other income(1)

 1,079 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 9 

 

 1,088 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 341,920 

 

 13,506 

 

 — 

 

 562 

 

 355,988 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 907,812 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 907,812 

Interest expense(1)

 9,671 

 

 2,356 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 12,027 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes(1)

 (148,163)

 

 29,601 

 

 — 

 

 (20)

 

 (118,582)

Assets

 3,775,982 

 

 596,611 

 

 — 

 

 85,550 

(2)

 4,458,143 

Capital investments(3)

 1,186,409 

 

 167,442 

 

 — 

 

 14,350 

 

 1,368,201 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

$   1,097,839 

 

$      598,557 

 

$      114,957 

 

$             122 

 

$   1,811,475 

Intersegment revenues

 50,076 

 

 1,129,697 

 

 2,753 

 

 336 

 

 1,182,862 

Operating income

 661,403 

 

 43,417 

 

 10,733 

 

 283 

 

 715,836 

Interest and other income (loss)(1)

 2,798 

 

 — 

 

 (270)

 

 2 

 

 2,530 

Gain on sale of utility assets

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 57,264 

 

 57,264 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 289,352 

 

 7,586 

 

 3,431 

 

 109 

 

 300,478 

Interest expense(1)

 17,603 

 

 7,184 

 

 2,317 

 

 — 

 

 27,104 

Provision for income taxes(1)

 245,499 

 

 13,768 

 

 3,095 

 

 21,870 

 

 284,232 

Assets

 3,374,462 

 

 482,138 

 

 — 

 

 507,406 

(2)

 4,364,006 

Capital investments(3)

 1,155,025 

 

 133,545 

 

 3,574 

 

 4,877 

 

 1,297,021 


(1)

Interest income, interest expense and the provision (benefit) for income taxes by segment are allocated as they are incurred at the corporate level.

(2)

Other assets represent corporate assets not allocated to segments and assets, including cash and cash equivalents, for non-reportable segments.

(3)

Capital investments include reductions of $4.2 million and $12.4 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively, and a reduction of $3.0 million and an increase of $7.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively, relating to the change in accrued expenditures between periods.

(4)

The operating loss for the E&P segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes a $907.8 million non-cash ceiling test impairment of our natural gas and oil properties resulting from the significant decline in natural gas prices as of March 31, 2009 that was incurred during the first quarter of 2009.


 

18


 

 

Included in intersegment revenues of the Midstream Services segment are $158.6 million and $407.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $515.6 million and $1,035.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for the marketing of the Company’s E&P sales. Intersegment sales by the E&P segment and Midstream Services segment to the Natural Gas Distribution segment during 2008 were priced in accordance with terms of existing contracts and current market conditions. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, furniture and fixtures, prepaid debt and other costs. Corporate general and administrative costs, depreciation expense and taxes other than income are allocated to the segments. All of the Company’s operations are located within the United States.


(9)

INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES


Interest payments totaling $52.6 million and $37.0 million were made for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


Income tax payments totaling $0.1 million and $46.5 million were made for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company received a $41.8 million income tax refund.  


The current and deferred tax portions of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are summarized below:


 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

$          (20,704)

 

$           61,000 

 

$         (56,204)

 

$         107,500 

Deferred

 94,809 

 

 72,715 

 

 (62,378)

 

 176,732 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

$           74,105 

 

$         133,715 

 

$       (118,582)

 

$         284,232 


For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized an increase of approximately $50 million in unrecognized tax benefits related to alternative minimum taxes associated with uncertain tax positions. These unrecognized tax benefits were subsequently reduced, and as of September 30, 2009, the Company has no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not expect to be subject to current income taxes in 2009.  

 

(10)

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS


Environmental Risk


The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company’s policy is to accrue environmental and cleanup related costs of a non-capital nature when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount can be reasonably estimated. Management believes any future remediation or other compliance related costs will not have a material effect on the financial position or reported results of operations of the Company.


Litigation


The Company is subject to litigation and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the results of such litigation and claims currently pending will not have a material effect on the financial position or reported results of operations of the Company.

 

19


 

 

(11)

EQUITY

 

On April 8, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved and the Company entered into, a Second Amended and Restated Rights Agreement (“Rights Agreement”), dated as of April 9, 2009, between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., which amended, restated, superseded and replaced the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of April 12, 1999, as amended. The Rights Agreement extends the term of the agreement until April 8, 2019 and amends each Right (which initially represented the right to purchase one share of the Common Stock) to represent the right to purchase, when exercisable, a unit consisting of one one-thousandth of a share (“Unit”) of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”) at a purchase price of $150.00 per Unit (“Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment.


In connection with the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors approved the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights (“Certificate of Designation”) establishing the Series A Preferred Stock, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 9, 2009, and reserved 1,000,000 shares for issuance under the Rights Agreement.  


Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation, when issued, each share of the Series A Preferred Stock entitles the holder thereof to 1,000 votes, subject to adjustment, on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. Except as otherwise set forth in the Certificate of Designation or provided by law, the holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of the Common Stock will vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company.


(12)

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


The Company has incentive plans that provide for the issuance of equity awards, including stock options and restricted stock. These plans are discussed more fully in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


For the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded compensation cost of $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense related to stock options. Additional amounts of $0.5 million and $1.5 million for the same respective periods were directly related to the acquisition, exploration and development activities for the Company’s gas and oil properties and were capitalized into the full cost pool. As of September 30, 2009, a total of $8.5 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options not yet vested is expected to be recognized over future periods. For the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded compensation cost of $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense related to stock options. Additional amounts of $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the same respective periods were directly related to the acquisition, exploration and development activities for the Company’s gas and oil properties and were capitalized into the full cost pool.   


For the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded compensation cost of $1.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense related to restricted stock grants. Additional amounts of $0.9 million and $2.8 million for the same respective periods were directly related to the acquisition, exploration and development activities for the Company’s gas and oil properties and were capitalized into the full cost pool. As of September 30, 2009, there was $14.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares of restricted stock. For the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded compensation cost of $1.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense related to restricted stock grants. Additional amounts of $0.9 million and $2.2 million for the same respective periods were directly related to the acquisition, exploration and development activities for the Company’s gas and oil properties and were capitalized into the full cost pool.

 

20


 

 

The following tables summarize stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and provide information for options outstanding as of September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Average

 

Number

 

Exercise

 

of Options

 

Price

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 7,396,537 

 

$                     7.44 

Granted

 93,875 

 

 36.01 

Exercised

 (1,618,063)

 

 2.58 

Forfeited or expired

 (7,000)

 

 31.21 

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

 5,865,349 

 

$                     9.21 

Exercisable at September 30, 2009

 4,846,498 

 

$                     4.92 


For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 there were 93,875 options granted compared to 65,800 options granted during the first nine months of 2008. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 was $63.3 million and $57.4 million, respectively.


 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

Options

 

Average

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

Options

 

Average

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

Range of

 

Outstanding at

 

Exercise

 

Life

 

Value

 

Exercisable at

 

Exercise

 

Life

 

Value

Exercise Prices

 

September 30, 2009

 

Price

 

(Years)

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30, 2009

 

Price

 

(Years)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0.75 - $1.00

 

 1,019,351 

 

$     0.93 

 

 1.2 

 

 

 

 1,019,351 

 

$         0.93 

 

 1.2 

 

 

$1.01 - $2.50

 

 1,519,682 

 

 1.39 

 

 2.8 

 

 

 

 1,519,682 

 

 1.39 

 

 2.8 

 

 

$2.51 - $16.75

 

 1,627,234 

 

 4.10 

 

 3.5 

 

 

 

 1,627,234 

 

 4.10 

 

 3.5 

 

 

$16.76 - $30.00

 

 1,060,112 

 

 22.15 

 

 4.3 

 

 

 

 668,882 

 

 20.43 

 

 3.9 

 

 

$30.01 - $45.19

 

 638,970 

 

 32.53 

 

 6.2 

 

 

 

 11,349 

 

 39.50 

 

 5.8 

 

 

 

 

 5,865,349 

 

$     9.21 

 

 3.4 

 

$    196,334 

 

 4,846,498 

 

$         4.92 

 

 2.9 

 

$    183,010 


The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Average

 

Number

 

Grant Date

 

of Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

Unvested shares at December 31, 2008

 843,430 

 

$                   27.66 

Granted

 40,480 

 

 27.01 

Vested

 (50,797)

 

 28.46 

Forfeited

 (8,119)

 

 29.81 

Unvested shares at September 30, 2009

 824,994 

 

$                   27.55 


21


 

 

(13)

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

The Company has defined pension and postretirement benefit plans which cover substantially all of the Company’s employees.  Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs include the following components for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:


 

Pension Benefits

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$                1,287 

 

$                1,033 

 

$                3,861 

 

$                3,849 

Interest cost

 719 

 

 695 

 

 2,155 

 

 3,113 

Expected return on plan assets

 (703)

 

 (692)

 

 (2,107)

 

 (3,201)

Amortization of prior service cost

 84 

 

 84 

 

 251 

 

 328 

Amortization of net loss

 212 

 

 40 

 

 635 

 

 389 

Net periodic benefit cost

 1,599 

 

 1,160 

 

 4,795 

 

 4,478 

Curtailment and settlement cost(1)

 — 

 

 4,630 

 

 — 

 

 4,630 

Total benefit cost

$                1,599 

 

$                5,790 

 

$                4,795 

 

$                9,108 



 

Postretirement Benefits

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine month ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$                   174 

 

$                   126 

 

$                   522 

 

$                   456 

Interest cost

 33 

 

 31 

 

 101 

 

 186 

Expected return on plan assets

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (48)

Amortization of transition obligation

 16 

 

 15 

 

 48 

 

 59 

Amortization of prior service cost

 4 

 

 2 

 

 11 

 

 8 

Amortization of net loss

 2 

 

 — 

 

 6 

 

 34 

Net periodic benefit cost

 229 

 

 174 

 

 688 

 

 695 

Curtailment and settlement benefit(1)

 — 

 

 (216)

 

 — 

 

 (216)

Total benefit cost (benefit)

$                   229 

 

$                   (42)

 

$                   688 

 

$                   479 


(1)  Related to the sale of AWG and the resulting transfer of certain pension and other postretirement assets and liabilities to the purchaser of AWG.  Accordingly, the net curtailment and settlement cost was included as an offset to the gain recognized on the sale of AWG.


The Company currently expects to contribute $9.0 million to the pension plans and less than $0.1 million to the postretirement benefit plans in 2009. As of September 30, 2009, $7.4 million has been contributed to the pension plans and less than $0.1 million has been contributed to the postretirement benefit plans.


The Company maintains a non-qualified defined contribution supplemental retirement savings plan (“Non-Qualified Plan”) for certain key employees who may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their compensation, as permitted by the plan. Shares of the Company’s common stock purchased under the terms of the Non-Qualified Plan are presented as treasury stock. As of September 30, 2009, treasury stock held by the Company under the terms of the Non-Qualified Plan totaled 203,472 shares compared to 225,050 shares at December 31, 2008.


(14)

INVENTORY


The Company has one facility containing gas in underground storage.  The current portion of the gas is classified in inventory and carried at the lower of cost or market.  The non-current portion of the gas is classified in property and equipment and carried at cost.  The carrying value of the non-current gas is evaluated for recoverability when either events or changes in circumstances indicate that it may not be recoverable. Withdrawals of current gas in underground storage are accounted for by utilizing a weighted average cost method whereby gas withdrawn from storage is relieved at the weighted average cost of current gas remaining in the facility.

 

22


 

 

The Company’s current portion of natural gas inventory at September 30, 2009 is $12.3 million compared to $24.1 million at December 31, 2008. The Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to reduce the current portion of the Company’s natural gas inventory to the lower of cost or market as a result of low commodity prices at March 31, 2009.  No impairment charges were recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The non-cash charge for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is reflected as a reduction to other operating revenues in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  


Also included in current inventory at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, are $18.0 million and $26.3 million, respectively, of tubulars and other equipment used in the Company’s E&P segment. Tubulars and other equipment used by the Company’s segments are carried at the lower of cost or market and are accounted for by utilizing a moving weighted average cost method that is applied within specific classes of inventory items. Purchases of inventory are recorded at cost and inventory is relieved at the weighted average cost of items remaining within a specified inventory class.   


Other assets include $36.5 million at September 30, 2009, and $43.8 million at December 31, 2008, of inventory held by the Midstream Services segment consisting primarily of pipe that will be used to construct gathering systems for the Fayetteville Shale play.


(15)

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED


In December 2008, the FASB issued certain provisions of FASB ASC 715-20, “Defined Benefit Plans – Overall,” which require enhanced disclosures about the fair value measurements of employers’ plan assets in the Company’s year ending 2009 consolidated financial statements.  These required disclosures include: (a) investment policies and strategies; (b) major categories of plan assets; (c) information about valuation techniques and inputs to those techniques, including the fair value hierarchy classifications of the major categories of plan assets; (d) the effects of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets; and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The disclosures are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


(16)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION


The Company is providing unaudited condensed consolidating financial information for SEECO, SEPCO and SES, its subsidiaries that are guarantors of the Company’s registered public debt, and for its other subsidiaries that are not guarantors of such debt. These wholly owned subsidiary guarantors have jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s 7.625% Senior Notes and 7.21% Senior Notes. The subsidiary guarantees (i) rank equally in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the subsidiary guarantors; (ii) rank senior to all of the existing and future subordinated debt of the subsidiary guarantors; (iii) are effectively subordinated to any future secured obligations of the subsidiary guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations; and (iv) are structurally subordinated to all debt and other obligations of the subsidiaries of the guarantors.


The Company has not presented separate financial and narrative information for each of the subsidiary guarantors because it believes that such financial and narrative information would not provide any additional information that would be material in evaluating the sufficiency of the guarantees. The following unaudited condensed consolidating financial information summarizes the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the Company’s guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

23


 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$                 — 

 

$        485,382 

 

$          49,191 

 

$        (31,624)

 

$        502,949 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas purchases

 — 

 

 113,197 

 

 — 

 

 (241)

 

 112,956 

Operating expenses

 — 

 

 51,385 

 

 18,784 

 

 (31,271)

 

 38,898 

General and administrative expenses

 — 

 

 28,740 

 

 3,314 

 

 (112)

 

 31,942 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 — 

 

 108,502 

 

 5,331 

 

 — 

 

 113,833 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 — 

 

 7,457 

 

 825 

 

 — 

 

 8,282 

Total operating costs and expenses

 — 

 

 309,281 

 

 28,254 

 

 (31,624)

 

 305,911 

Operating income

 — 

 

 176,101 

 

 20,937 

 

 — 

 

 197,038 

Other income

 — 

 

 540 

 

 14 

 

 — 

 

 554 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 118,254 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (118,254)

 

 — 

Interest expense

 — 

 

 3,070 

 

 2,207 

 

 — 

 

 5,277 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 118,254 

 

 173,571 

 

 18,744 

 

 (118,254)

 

 192,315 

Provision for income taxes

 — 

 

 67,073 

 

 7,032 

 

 — 

 

 74,105 

Net income (loss)

 118,254 

 

 106,498 

 

 11,712 

 

 (118,254)

 

 118,210 

Less: Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 — 

 

 (44)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (44)

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy

$        118,254 

 

$        106,542 

 

$          11,712 

 

$      (118,254)

 

$        118,254 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$                 — 

 

$        669,394 

 

$          34,930 

 

$        (21,325)

 

$        682,999 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas purchases

 — 

 

 225,972 

 

 — 

 

 (823)

 

 225,149 

Operating expenses

 — 

 

 32,834 

 

 11,433 

 

 (20,390)

 

 23,877 

General and administrative expenses

 — 

 

 18,029 

 

 3,138 

 

 (112)

 

 21,055 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 — 

 

 101,762 

 

 3,468 

 

 — 

 

 105,230 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 — 

 

 7,785 

 

 863 

 

 — 

 

 8,648 

Total operating costs and expenses

 — 

 

 386,382 

 

 18,902 

 

 (21,325)

 

 383,959 

Operating income

 — 

 

 283,012 

 

 16,028 

 

 — 

 

 299,040 

Other income (loss)

 57,264 

 

 2,336 

 

 18 

 

 — 

 

 59,618 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 182,664 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (182,664)

 

 — 

Interest expense

 — 

 

 3,118 

 

 3,460 

 

 — 

 

 6,578 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 239,928 

 

 282,230 

 

 12,586 

 

 (182,664)

 

 352,080 

Provision for income taxes

 21,760 

 

 107,172 

 

 4,783 

 

 — 

 

 133,715 

Net income (loss)

 218,168 

 

 175,058 

 

 7,803 

 

 (182,664)

 

 218,365 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 — 

 

 197 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 197 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy

$        218,168 

 

$        174,861 

 

$            7,803 

 

$      (182,664)

 

$        218,168 


 

24


 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

Nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$                 — 

 

$     1,470,647 

 

$        141,507 

 

$        (90,868)

 

$     1,521,286 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas purchases

 — 

 

 354,129 

 

 — 

 

 (806)

 

 353,323 

Operating expenses

 — 

 

 139,101 

 

 47,201 

 

 (89,726)

 

 96,576 

General and administrative expenses

 — 

 

 75,689 

 

 9,498 

 

 (336)

 

 84,851 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 — 

 

 340,846 

 

 15,142 

 

 — 

 

 355,988 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 — 

 

 907,812 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 907,812 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 — 

 

 21,598 

 

 2,365 

 

 — 

 

 23,963 

Total operating costs and expenses

 — 

 

 1,839,175 

 

 74,206 

 

 (90,868)

 

 1,822,513 

Operating income (loss)

 — 

 

 (368,528)

 

 67,301 

 

 — 

 

 (301,227)

Other income

 — 

 

 1,066 

 

 22 

 

 — 

 

 1,088 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 (193,476)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 193,476 

 

 — 

Interest expense

 — 

 

 8,424 

 

 3,603 

 

 — 

 

 12,027 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 (193,476)

 

 (375,886)

 

 63,720 

 

 193,476 

 

 (312,166)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 — 

 

 (142,795)

 

 24,213 

 

 — 

 

 (118,582)

Net income (loss)

 (193,476)

 

 (233,091)

 

 39,507 

 

 193,476 

 

 (193,584)

Less: Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 — 

 

 (108)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (108)

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy

$      (193,476)

 

$      (232,983)

 

$          39,507 

 

$        193,476 

 

$      (193,476)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

Nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$                 — 

 

$     1,697,039 

 

$        205,755 

 

$        (91,319)

 

$     1,811,475 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas purchases

 — 

 

 585,748 

 

 79,120 

 

 (42,939)

 

 621,929 

Operating expenses

 — 

 

 83,130 

 

 42,752 

 

 (47,979)

 

 77,903 

General and administrative expenses

 — 

 

 55,144 

 

 15,793 

 

 (401)

 

 70,536 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 — 

 

 288,531 

 

 11,947 

 

 — 

 

 300,478 

Taxes, other than income taxes

 — 

 

 20,925 

 

 3,868 

 

 — 

 

 24,793 

Total operating costs and expenses

 — 

 

 1,033,478 

 

 153,480 

 

 (91,319)

 

 1,095,639 

Operating income

 — 

 

 663,561 

 

 52,275 

 

 — 

 

 715,836 

Other income (loss)

 57,264 

 

 2,777 

 

 (247)

 

 — 

 

 59,794 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 428,243 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (428,243)

 

 — 

Interest expense

 — 

 

 15,983 

 

 11,121 

 

 — 

 

 27,104 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 485,507 

 

 650,355 

 

 40,907 

 

 (428,243)

 

 748,526 

Provision for income taxes

 21,760 

 

 246,927 

 

 15,545 

 

 — 

 

 284,232 

Net income (loss)

 463,747 

 

 403,428 

 

 25,362 

 

 (428,243)

 

 464,294 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 — 

 

 547 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 547 

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwestern Energy

$        463,747 

 

$        402,881 

 

$          25,362 

 

$      (428,243)

 

$        463,747 


25


 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non- Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

September 30, 2009:


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


ASSETS


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$            9,580 

 

$                  — 

 

$                 79 

 

$                 — 

 

$            9,659 

Accounts receivable

 646 

 

 184,944 

 

 13,421 

 

 — 

 

 199,011 

Inventories

 — 

 

 29,380 

 

 929 

 

 — 

 

 30,309 

Other

 3,561 

 

 290,148 

 

 1,148 

 

 — 

 

 294,857 

Total current assets

 13,787 

 

 504,472 

 

 15,577 

 

 — 

 

 533,836 

Intercompany receivables

 1,683,361 

 

 (1,206,525)

 

 (469,208)

 

 (7,628)

 

 — 

Investments

 — 

 

 10,566 

 

 (10,565)

 

 (1)

 

 — 

Property and equipment

 66,442 

 

 6,025,730 

 

 617,420 

 

 — 

 

 6,709,592 

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (36,146)

 

 (2,792,245)

 

 (53,959)

 

 — 

 

 (2,882,350)

Net property and equipment

 30,296 

 

 3,233,485 

 

 563,461 

 

 — 

 

 3,827,242 

Investments in subsidiaries (equity method)

 1,514,736 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (1,514,736)

 

 — 

Other assets

 17,803 

 

 35,557 

 

 43,705 

 

 — 

 

 97,065 

Total assets

$     3,259,983 

 

$     2,577,555 

 

$        142,970 

 

$   (1,522,365)

 

$     4,458,143 

 










LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes payable

$        116,671 

 

$        250,582 

 

$          21,188 

 

$          (7,629)

 

$        380,812 

Other current liabilities

 1,980 

 

 173,822 

 

 4,902 

 

 — 

 

 180,704 

Total current liabilities

 118,651 

 

 424,404 

 

 26,090 

 

 (7,629)

 

 561,516 

Long-term debt

 958,300 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 958,300 

Other liabilities

 34,809 

 

 36,379 

 

 4,684 

 

 — 

 

 75,872 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 (81,342)

 

 678,334 

 

 35,898 

 

 — 

 

 632,890 

Total liabilities

 1,030,418 

 

 1,139,117 

 

 66,672 

 

 (7,629)

 

 2,228,578 

Total equity

 2,229,565 

 

 1,438,438 

 

 76,298 

 

 (1,514,736)

 

 2,229,565 

Total liabilities and equity

$     3,259,983 

 

$     2,577,555 

 

$        142,970 

 

$   (1,522,365)

 

$     4,458,143 


26


 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non- Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

December 31, 2008:


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


ASSETS


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$        195,969 

 

$                 — 

 

$               308 

 

$                 — 

 

$        196,277 

Accounts receivable

 404 

 

 250,687 

 

 3,466 

 

 — 

 

 254,557 

Inventories

 — 

 

 49,579 

 

 798 

 

 — 

 

 50,377 

Other

 3,835 

 

 377,455 

 

 762 

 

 — 

 

 382,052 

Total current assets

 200,208 

 

 677,721 

 

 5,334 

 

 — 

 

 883,263 

Intercompany receivables

 1,252,573 

 

 (896,577)

 

 (347,293)

 

 (8,703)

 

 — 

Investments

 — 

 

 10,309 

 

 (10,308)

 

 (1)

 

 — 

Property and equipment

 57,438 

 

 4,844,970 

 

 426,506 

 

 — 

 

 5,328,914 

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 (30,679)

 

 (1,548,927)

 

 (35,701)

 

 — 

 

 (1,615,307)

Net property and equipment

 26,759 

 

 3,296,043 

 

 390,805 

 

 — 

 

 3,713,607 

Investments in subsidiaries (equity method)

 1,822,057 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (1,822,057)

 

 — 

Other assets

 19,985 

 

 99,547 

 

 43,756 

 

 — 

 

 163,288 

Total assets

$     3,321,582 

 

$     3,187,043 

 

$          82,294 

 

$   (1,830,761)

 

$     4,760,158 

 










LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes payable

$        234,068 

 

$        325,057 

 

$          15,184 

 

$          (8,704)

 

$        565,605 

Other current liabilities

 1,810 

 

 210,087 

 

 2,811 

 

 — 

 

 214,708 

Total current liabilities

 235,878 

 

 535,144 

 

 17,995 

 

 (8,704)

 

 780,313 

Long-term debt

 674,200 

 

 ― 

 

 ― 

 

 — 

 

 674,200 

Other liabilities

 32,882 

 

 27,899 

 

 5,194 

 

 — 

 

 65,975 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 (139,341)

 

 845,593 

 

 15,455 

 

 — 

 

 721,707 

Total liabilities

 803,619 

 

 1,408,636 

 

 38,644 

 

 (8,704)

 

 2,242,195 

Total equity

 2,517,963 

 

 1,778,407 

 

 43,650 

 

 (1,822,057)

 

 2,517,963 

Total liabilities and equity

$     3,321,582 

 

$     3,187,043 

 

$          82,294 

 

$   (1,830,761)

 

$     4,760,158 

27


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$          32,924 

 

$        896,046 

 

$          60,556 

 

$                 — 

 

$        989,526 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 (10,462)

 

 (1,170,985)

 

 (192,600)

 

 — 

 

 (1,374,047)

Other

 5,466 

 

 (21,101)

 

 11,050 

 

 — 

 

 (4,585)

Net cash used in investing activities

 (4,996)

 

 (1,192,086)

 

 (181,550)

 

 — 

 

 (1,378,632)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany activities

 (416,805)

 

 296,040 

 

 120,765 

 

 — 

 

 — 

Payments on short-term debt

 (60,600)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (60,600)

Payments on revolving long-term debt

 (879,400)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (879,400)

Borrowings under revolving long-term debt

 1,164,100 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 1,164,100 

Change in bank drafts outstanding

 (25,783)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (25,783)

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 4,171 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 4,171 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 (214,317)

 

 296,040 

 

 120,765 

 

 — 

 

 202,488 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 (186,389)

 

 — 

 

 (229)

 

 — 

 

 (186,618)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 195,969 

 

 — 

 

 308 

 

 — 

 

 196,277 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$            9,580 

 

$                 — 

 

$                 79 

 

$                 — 

 

$            9,659 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$        (42,785)

 

$        974,474 

 

$          35,018 

 

$                 — 

 

$        966,707 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 (5,001)

 

 (1,133,008)

 

 (149,315)

 

 — 

 

 (1,287,324)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 213,721 

 

 684,494 

 

 48,430 

 

 — 

 

 946,645 

Other

 4,570 

 

 3,087 

 

 (8,473)

 

 — 

 

 (816)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 213,290 

 

 (445,427)

 

 (109,358)

 

 — 

 

 (341,495)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany activities

 455,417 

 

 (529,047)

 

 73,630 

 

 — 

 

 — 

Payments on short-term debt

 (600)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (600)

Payments on revolving long-term debt

 (1,843,600)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (1,843,600)

Borrowings under revolving long-term debt

 1,001,400 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 1,001,400 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 600,000 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 600,000 

Debt issuance costs and revolving credit facility costs

 (8,895)

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 (8,895)

Excess tax benefit for stock-based compensation

 42,197 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 42,197 

Change in bank drafts outstanding

 5,402 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 5,402 

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 3,240 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 — 

 

 3,240 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 254,561 

 

 (529,047)

 

 73,630 

 

 — 

 

 (200,856)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 425,066 

 

 — 

 

 (710)

 

 — 

 

 424,356 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 433 

 

 — 

 

 1,399 

(1)

 — 

 

 1,832 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$        425,499 

 

$                 — 

 

$               689 

 

$                 — 

 

$        426,188 

(1)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year for 2008 $1.1 million classified as “held for sale.”  See Note 4 for additional information.


(17)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


The Company evaluates subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued, which for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009, is October 29, 2009.  No additional subsequent events requiring disclosure were identified by the Company.

 

28


 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.


The following updates information as to Southwestern Energy Company’s financial condition provided in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and analyzes the changes in the results of operations between the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. For definitions of commonly used natural gas and oil terms used in this Form 10-Q, please refer to the “Glossary of Certain Industry Terms” provided in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in the “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” in the forepart of this Form 10-Q, in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part I and elsewhere in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part II in this Form 10-Q and any other Form 10-Q filed during the fiscal year. You should read the following discussion with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this Form 10-Q.


OVERVIEW


Southwestern Energy Company is an independent energy company primarily engaged in natural gas and crude oil exploration, development and production (“E&P”) within the United States.  We are also focused on creating and capturing additional value through our natural gas gathering and marketing businesses (“Midstream Services”). We have historically operated principally in three segments: E&P, Midstream Services and Natural Gas Distribution.  On July 1, 2008, we closed the sale of our utility subsidiary, Arkansas Western Gas Company (“AWG”) and, as a result, no longer have any natural gas distribution operations. The operating results and cash flows from AWG through June 30, 2008 are included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows, as applicable, and are not presented as “discontinued operations.” We refer you to Note 4 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for additional information.


We derive the vast majority of our operating income and cash flow from the natural gas production of our E&P business and expect this to continue in the future.  We expect that growth in our operating income and revenues will primarily depend on natural gas prices and our ability to increase our natural gas production.  Our ability to increase our natural gas production is dependent upon our ability to economically find and produce natural gas, our ability to control costs and our ability to market natural gas on economically attractive terms to our customers. In recent years, there has been significant price volatility in natural gas and crude oil prices due to a variety of factors we cannot control or predict.  These factors, which include weather conditions, political and economic events, and competition from other energy sources, impact supply and demand for natural gas, which in turn determines the sale prices for our production.  In addition, the prices we realize for our production are affected by our hedging activities as well as locational differences in market prices.  We are subject to credit risk relating to the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by counterparties in our hedging activities. The counterparties are primarily major investment and commercial banks which management believes present minimal credit risks. The credit quality of each counterparty and the level of financial exposure we have to each counterparty are closely monitored to limit our credit risk exposure. We have not incurred any counterparty losses related to non-performance and do not anticipate any losses given the information we have currently. However, given the current volatility in the financial markets, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.
 

As a result of the ongoing development of our Fayetteville Shale play and our improving well performance, we have experienced over 50% growth in our production volumes in the first nine months of 2009 as compared with the prior year. However, the increase in our revenues resulting from our production growth was more than offset by significantly lower realized prices for natural gas over the same period.  We expect our production growth over 2008, as discussed in more detail in our guidance below, to continue for the remainder of the year. We rely in part upon the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals built by Texas Gas Transmission, LLC (“Texas Gas”), a subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, to service our increased production from the Fayetteville Shale play.  We curtailed a portion of our natural gas production during the third quarter of 2009 as a result of inspections, repairs and maintenance relating to the remediation of pipe anomalies on the Fayetteville and Greenville Lateral. The remediation of the pipe anomalies by Texas Gas was pursuant to an agreement with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) entered during the second quarter 2009, which defined the testing protocol and remediation efforts that Texas Gas would need to complete in order to return to normal operating pressures, and for the Fayetteville Lateral, to operate at

 

29


 

 

higher than normal operating pressures. The testing protocol and remediation efforts include replacement of certain pipe joints, performing investigative digs to physically inspect the pipe sections and conducting metallurgical testing and analysis on a variety of pipe samples.  On October 8, 2009, Texas Gas announced it received authorization from the PHMSA to operate the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals at standard operating pressures with a capacity of 805,000 MMBtu per day. Texas Gas is continuing to perform the testing protocol required by PHMSA and, once that testing has been completed and the results known, expects to request from PHMSA the authority to operate the Fayetteville Lateral at higher than normal operating pressures under a special permit. In addition, Texas Gas plans to add compression in 2010 that will increase peak-day delivery capacities to approximately 1.0 Bcf per day on the Greenville Lateral, and assuming that the authority is received to operate the Fayetteville Lateral at higher than normal operating pressures, increase peak-day delivery capacities to approximately 1.3 Bcf per day on the Fayetteville Lateral. The compression for the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals has been approved by FERC. PHMSA retains discretion as to whether to grant, or to maintain in force, authority to operate a pipeline at higher than normal operating pressures. We cannot predict when or if the Fayetteville Lateral will be able to operate at higher capacities. In addition, PHMSA mandated repairs in conjunction with obtaining the special operating permit or any other substantial delay in obtaining the special operating permit from PHMSA could result in future curtailments of our capacity.  

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2008


Our natural gas and oil production increased to 73.2 Bcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2009, up 38% from the three months ended September 30, 2008.  The 20.3 Bcfe increase in 2009 production was primarily due to a 21.6 Bcf increase in net production from our Fayetteville Shale play as a result of our ongoing development program.  The average price realized for our gas production, including the effects of hedges, decreased approximately 41% to $5.06 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008.


We reported net income attributable to Southwestern Energy of $118.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, or $0.34 per diluted share, down from $218.2 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2008. Our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2008 include a $57.3 million pre-tax gain related to the sale of AWG in the third quarter of 2008.


Our E&P segment reported operating income of $172.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, down $108.6 million from the comparable period of 2008, primarily due to the effects of significantly lower gas and oil prices which decreased revenues by $257.6 million and an increase in operating costs and expenses of $21.4 million relating to our increased gas production which more than offset the higher revenues of $170.4 million realized from increased gas production volumes. Operating income for our Midstream Services segment was $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, up from $18.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, due to an increase of $15.1 million in gathering revenues and an increase of $0.9 million in the margin generated from our natural gas marketing activities, which were partially offset by a $9.2 million increase in operating costs and expenses, exclusive of gas purchase costs.

 

We had capital investments of $408.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, of which $333.9 million was invested in our E&P segment compared to $471.6 million for the same period of 2008, of which $415.7 million was invested in our E&P segment.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008


For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, our gas and oil production increased to 211.4 Bcfe, up 54% compared to the same period in 2008. The 74.4 Bcfe increase in 2009 production was due to a 79.2 Bcf increase in net production from our Fayetteville Shale play, partially offset by decreases in net production resulting from the sale of all of our producing properties in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast. The average price realized for our gas production, including the effects of hedges, decreased approximately 35% to $5.31 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period last year.


We reported a net loss attributable to Southwestern Energy of $193.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, or $0.56 per diluted share, down from net income attributable to Southwestern Energy of $463.7 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2008.  The loss includes the recognition of a $907.8 million, or $558.3 million net of taxes, non-cash ceiling test impairment of our natural gas and oil properties recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The ceiling test impairment was recognized as a result of a significant decline in

 

30


 

 

natural gas prices. Our operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 include a $57.3 million pre-tax gain related to the sale of AWG in the third quarter of 2008.     


Our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $381.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, down $1,042.8 million from the comparable period of 2008, due to the $907.8 million non-cash ceiling test impairment of our natural gas and oil properties, decreased prices realized from the sale of our production, and an increase in operating costs and expenses of $108.9 million relating to our increased gas production all of which more than offset the higher revenues of $593.5 million realized from increased gas production volumes. Operating income for our Midstream Services segment was $80.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, up from $43.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, due to a $59.7 million increase in gathering revenues and a $4.6 million increase in the margin generated from our natural gas marketing activities, which were partially offset by a $27.5 million increase in operating costs and expenses, exclusive of gas purchase costs.  Our Natural Gas Distribution segment, which was sold as of July 1, 2008, had operating income of $10.7 million as of the sale date that is included in our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

We had capital investments of $1,368.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, of which $1,186.4 million was invested in our E&P segment compared to $1,297.0 million for the same period of 2008, of which $1,155.0 million was invested in our E&P segment.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following discussion of our results of operations for our segments is presented before intersegment eliminations.  We evaluate our segments as if they were stand alone operations and accordingly discuss their results prior to any intersegment eliminations.  Interest expense, interest income, income tax expense, pension expense and stock-based compensation are discussed on a consolidated basis.  


Exploration and Production

 

 

 

 

For the three months

 

For the nine months

 

ended September 30,

 

ended September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues (in thousands)

$        371,034 

 

$        458,173 

 

$     1,121,800 

 

$     1,147,915 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties (in thousands)

$                 ― 

 

$                 ― 

 

$        907,812 

 

$                 ― 

Operating costs and expenses (in thousands)

$        198,996 

 

$        177,566 

 

$        595,410 

 

$        486,512 

Operating income (loss) (in thousands)

$        172,038 

 

$        280,607 

 

$      (381,422)

 

$        661,403 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas production (MMcf)

 72,982 

 

 52,375 

 

 210,791 

 

 134,892 

Oil production (MBbls)

 29 

 

 76 

 

 95 

 

 345 

Total production (MMcfe)

 73,150 

 

 52,832 

 

 211,358 

 

 136,964 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average gas price per Mcf, including hedges

$              5.06 

 

$              8.56 

 

$              5.31 

 

$              8.19 

Average gas price per Mcf, excluding hedges

$              2.85 

 

$              8.82 

 

$              3.16 

 

$              8.83 

Average oil price per Bbl

$            64.20 

 

$          125.33 

 

$            49.47 

 

$          112.37 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average unit costs per Mcfe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

$              0.76 

 

$              0.96 

 

$              0.76 

 

$              0.90 

General & administrative expenses

$              0.38 

 

$              0.33 

 

$              0.34 

 

$              0.38 

Taxes, other than income taxes

$              0.10 

 

$              0.15 

 

$              0.10 

 

$              0.15 

Full cost pool amortization

$              1.43 

 

$              1.86 

 

$              1.56 

 

$              2.03 


Revenues


Revenues for our E&P segment were down $87.1 million, or 19%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Lower natural gas and oil prices in the third quarter of 2009 decreased revenues by $257.6 million, which were partially offset by a $170.4 million increase in revenue attributable to increased production volumes.  E&P revenues were down $26.1 million, or 2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  This decrease was due to the negative $614.2 million impact of lower realized natural gas and oil prices, a $4.3 million non-cash impairment of our natural gas inventory and $1.1 million from other declines in our revenue which were partially offset by a $593.5 million increase attributable to increased production volumes. We expect our production volumes to continue to increase due to the development of our 

 

31


 

Fayetteville Shale play in Arkansas. Natural gas and oil prices are difficult to predict and subject to wide price fluctuations. As of October 27, 2009, we had hedged 33.0 Bcf of our remaining 2009 gas production, 50.0 Bcf of 2010 gas production and 30.0 Bcf of 2011 gas production to limit our exposure to price fluctuations. We refer you to Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q and to the discussion of “Commodity Prices” provided below for additional information.


Production


Natural gas and oil production for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was up approximately 38%, from the comparable period in 2008, to 73.2 Bcfe, due to a 21.6 Bcf increase in net production from our Fayetteville Shale play as a result of our ongoing development program. Gas production represented nearly 100% of our total gas and oil equivalent production for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and was up approximately 39% to 73.0 Bcf compared to the same period in 2008. Net production from the Fayetteville Shale was 58.8 Bcf for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 37.2 Bcf for the same period in 2008.  Natural gas and oil production for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was up approximately 54%, from the comparable period in 2008, to 211.4 Bcfe, due to a 79.2 Bcf increase in net production from our Fayetteville Shale play as a result of our ongoing development program, which was partially offset by a decrease of 3.1 Bcfe in net production resulting from the sale of all of our producing properties in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast. Gas production represented nearly 100% of our total gas and oil equivalent production for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and was up approximately 56% to 210.8 Bcf compared to the same period in 2008. Net production from the Fayetteville Shale was 169.6 Bcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 90.4 Bcf for the same period in 2008.


In the second quarter of 2008, we completed the sale of 55,631 net acres, or approximately 6% of our December 31, 2007 total net acres in the Fayetteville Shale play, for $518.3 million. Production from the acreage sold was approximately 10.5 MMcf per day at the time of the sale. Additionally, we sold our Gulf Coast and Permian Basin properties in the second and third quarters of 2008.


We rely in part upon the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals built by Texas Gas, a subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, to service our increased production from the Fayetteville Shale play.  We curtailed a portion of our natural gas production during the third quarter of 2009 as a result of inspections, repairs and maintenance relating to the remediation of pipe anomalies on the Fayetteville and Greenville Lateral. The remediation of the pipe anomalies by Texas Gas was pursuant to an agreement with PHMSA entered during the second quarter 2009, which defined the testing protocol and remediation efforts that Texas Gas would need to complete in order to return to normal operating pressures, and for the Fayetteville Lateral, to operate at higher than normal operating pressures. The testing protocol and remediation efforts include replacement of certain pipe joints, performing investigative digs to physically inspect the pipe sections and conducting metallurgical testing and analysis on a variety of pipe samples.  On October 8, 2009, Texas Gas announced it received authorization from the PHMSA to operate the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals at standard operating pressures with a capacity of 805,000 MMBtu per day. Texas Gas is continuing to perform the testing protocol required by PHMSA and, once that testing has been completed and the results known, expects to request from PHMSA the authority to operate the Fayetteville Lateral at higher than normal operating pressures under a special permit. In addition, Texas Gas plans to add compression in 2010 that will increase peak-day delivery capacities to approximately 1.0 Bcf per day on the Greenville Lateral, and assuming that the authority is received to operate the Fayetteville Lateral at higher than normal operating pressures, increase peak-day delivery capacities to approximately 1.3 Bcf per day on the Fayetteville Lateral. The compression for the Fayetteville and Greenville Laterals has been approved by FERC. PHMSA retains discretion as to whether to grant, or to maintain in force, authority to operate a pipeline at higher than normal operating pressures. We cannot predict when or if the Fayetteville Lateral will be able to operate at higher capacities. In addition, PHMSA mandated repairs in conjunction with obtaining the special operating permit or any other substantial delay in obtaining the special operating permit from PHMSA could result in future curtailments of our capacity.   

 

We have increased our natural gas and oil production guidance for the fourth quarter of 2009 to 86 to 89 Bcfe, up from 74 to 82 Bcfe. Our guidance for 2009 natural gas and oil production is now 297 to 300 Bcfe, which is an increase of approximately 53% over our actual natural gas and oil production for 2008 of 194.6 Bcfe.  Of this total for 2009, approximately 243 to 245 Bcf is expected to come from the Fayetteville Shale play.  


32


 

 

Commodity Prices


The average price realized for our gas production, including the effects of hedges, decreased approximately 41% to $5.06 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased 35% to $5.31 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008. The change in the average price realized reflects changes in average spot market prices and the effects of our price hedging activities. We periodically enter into various hedging and other financial arrangements with respect to a portion of our projected natural gas and crude oil production in order to ensure certain desired levels of cash flow and to minimize the impact of price fluctuations, including fluctuations in locational market differentials (we refer you to Item 3 and Note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion).


Our hedging activities increased the average gas price $2.21 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to a decrease of $0.26 per Mcf for the same period in 2008.  Our hedging activities increased the average gas price $2.15 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to a decrease of $0.64 per Mcf for the same period in 2008. We had protected approximately 65% of our gas production for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 from the impact of widening basis differentials through our hedging activities and sales arrangements. Additionally, as of October 27, 2009, we have protected basis on approximately 50 Bcf of our remaining 2009 expected gas production through hedging activities and sales arrangements at a basis differential to NYMEX gas prices of approximately $0.25 per Mcf, excluding transportation charges and fuel charges. Disregarding the impact of hedges, the average price received for our gas production for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately $0.77 lower than average NYMEX spot prices, which represented the average locational basis differential. We typically sell our natural gas at a discount to NYMEX spot prices as a result of locational basis differentials, transportation and fuel charges.

  

As of October 27, 2009, we had NYMEX fixed price hedges in place on notional volumes of 15.0 Bcf of our remaining 2009 gas production at an average price of $8.41 per MMBtu and collars in place on notional volumes of 18.0 Bcf of our remaining 2009 gas production at an average floor and ceiling price of $8.42 and $11.04 per MMBtu, respectively.


As of October 27, 2009, we had NYMEX fixed price hedges in place on notional volumes of 36.0 Bcf of our 2010 gas production and 30.0 Bcf of our 2011 gas production and collars in place on notional volumes of 14.0 Bcf of our 2010 gas production.  Additionally, we have basis swaps on 22.1 Bcf for the remainder of 2009, 46.5 Bcf for 2010 and 9.0 Bcf for 2011, in order to reduce the effects of widening market differentials on prices we receive.


Operating Income


Operating income from our E&P segment was down 39% to $172.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $280.6 million for the same period in 2008.  The $108.6 million decrease in operating income was the result of a 19% decrease in revenues, as the revenue impact of the decline in gas prices more than offset the effect of the growth in our production volumes, and a 12% increase in operating costs and expenses. We recorded an operating loss from our E&P segment of $381.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, which represents a decline of $1,042.8 million, or 158%, from the same period in 2008.  The $1,042.8 million decrease in operating income was the result of a $907.8 million non-cash ceiling test impairment recorded in the first quarter resulting from lower natural gas prices, an increase in other operating costs and expenses of $108.9 million, or 22%, resulting from our significant production growth and a net decrease in revenue of $26.1 million, or 2%, as the decline in gas prices more than offset the effect of the growth in our production volumes during the period.


Operating Costs and Expenses


Lease operating expenses per Mcfe for our E&P segment were $0.76 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $0.96 for the same period in 2008. Lease operating expenses per Mcfe for our E&P segment were also $0.76 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $0.90 for the same period in 2008. The decreases primarily resulted from lower natural gas prices which decreased the cost of compressor fuel.  


General and administrative expenses per Mcfe were $0.38 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, up from $0.33 for the same period in 2008 primarily due to a $5.4 million increase in accrued employee incentive compensation expense which was only partially offset by the effects of our increased production volumes. In total, general and administrative expenses for our E&P segment were $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009

 

33


 

 

compared to $17.2 million for the same period in 2008. Payroll, employee incentive compensation, and other employee-related costs increased by $7.9 million as a result of the expansion of our E&P operations in the Fayetteville Shale play.


General and administrative expenses per Mcfe decreased 11% to $0.34 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, reflecting the effects of our increased production volumes. In total, general and administrative expenses for our E&P segment were $72.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $52.1 million for the same period in 2008.  The increase was primarily due to a $14.8 million increase in payroll, employee incentive compensation and other employee-related costs associated with the expansion of our E&P operations in the Fayetteville Shale play.


Taxes other than income taxes per Mcfe decreased to $0.10 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $0.15 for the same periods in 2008.  Taxes other than income taxes per Mcfe vary from period to period due to changes in severance and ad valorem taxes that result from the mix of our production volumes and fluctuations in commodity prices. Effective January 1, 2009, the State of Arkansas increased the severance tax on natural gas wells, new discovery gas wells and gas wells that produce below a specified level.  The new severance tax rates increase the severance taxes we pay with respect to all of our production within the State of Arkansas, including our Fayetteville Shale operations, and impacted our results of operations by increasing taxes other than income by $1.6 million or $0.02 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, and by $7.3 million or $0.03 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.


Our full cost pool amortization rate averaged $1.43 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $1.86 per Mcfe for the same period in 2008. For the first nine months of 2009, our full cost pool amortization rate averaged $1.56 per Mcfe compared to $2.03 per Mcfe for the same period in 2008. The decline in the average amortization rate for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 was primarily the result of the $907.8 million non-cash ceiling test impairment recorded in the first quarter of 2009.  The decline in the average amortization rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 was the result of the impairment recorded in 2009 as well as sales of natural gas and oil properties in the second and third quarters of 2008, the proceeds of which were credited to the full cost pool. The amortization rate is impacted by the timing and the amount of reserve additions and the costs associated with those additions, revisions of previous reserve estimates due to both price and well performance, impairments that result from full cost ceiling tests, proceeds from the sale of properties that reduce the full cost pool and the levels of costs subject to amortization.


Unevaluated costs excluded from amortization were $624.4 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $540.6 million at December 31, 2008. The increase in unevaluated costs since December 31, 2008, resulted primarily from a $49.1 million increase in our undeveloped leasehold acreage and seismic costs (with $24.3 million of the increase related to our Fayetteville Shale play) and a $6.7 million increase in our drilling activity.


The timing and amount of production and reserve additions could have a material impact on our per unit costs; if production or reserves additions are lower than projected, our per unit costs could increase.


Midstream Services

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

($ in thousands, except volumes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues – marketing

$            311,497 

 

$            649,521 

 

$            951,003 

 

$         1,648,126 

Revenues – gathering

$              48,714 

 

$              33,650 

 

$            139,846 

 

$              80,128 

Gas purchases – marketing

$            306,745 

 

$            645,701 

 

$            936,356 

 

$         1,638,127 

Operating costs and expenses

$              28,366 

 

$              19,216 

 

$              74,239 

 

$              46,710 

Operating income

$              25,100 

 

$              18,254 

 

$              80,254 

 

$              43,417 

Gas volumes marketed (Bcf)

 98.3 

 

 71.6 

 

 273.9 

 

 181.2 

Gas volumes gathered (Bcf)

 93.0 

 

 64.6 

 

 267.4 

 

 153.0 


Revenues


Revenues from our marketing activities were down 52% to $311.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, and were down 42% to $951.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The decreases in marketing revenues for the three- and nine-

 

34


 

month periods ended September 30, 2009 resulted from a decrease in the prices received for volumes marketed and were partially offset by increases in gas volumes marketed. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the price received for volumes marketed decreased 65% compared to the same period in 2008 and decreased 62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the volumes marketed increased 37% and increased 51% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008.


Revenues from our gathering activities were up 45% to $48.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, and were up 75% to $139.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. The increase in gathering revenues for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008 resulted from an increase in the gas volumes gathered. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the volumes gathered increased 44% compared to the same period in 2008 and increased 75% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  


Of the total volumes marketed, production from our E&P operated wells accounted for 84% and 96% of the marketed volumes for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, production from our E&P operated wells accounted for 90% and 95% of the marketed volumes, respectively. Increases and decreases in marketing revenues due to changes in commodity prices are largely offset by corresponding changes in gas purchase expenses. Substantially all of the increase in gathering revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, resulted from increases in volumes gathered related to the Fayetteville Shale play. Gathering volumes, revenues and expenses for this segment are expected to continue to grow as reserves related to our Fayetteville Shale play are developed and production increases.

 

Operating Income


Operating income from our Midstream Services segment increased $6.8 million to $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $18.3 million for the same period in 2008, and increased $36.8 million to $80.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $43.4 million for the same period in 2008.  The increases in operating income primarily reflect the substantial increase in gas volumes marketed and gathered. The $6.8 million increase in operating income for three months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily due to a $15.1 million increase in gathering revenues and was partially offset by an increase in operating costs and expenses of $9.2 million. The $36.8 million increase in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily due to a $59.7 million increase in gathering revenues and was partially offset by an increase in operating costs and expenses of $27.5 million. The remaining changes in operating income were due to an increase of $0.9 million in the margin generated by our gas marketing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and an increase in the margin of $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Margins may fluctuate depending on the prices paid for commodities and the ultimate disposition of those commodities. The increases in volumes marketed and gathered for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008, primarily resulted from our increased E&P production volumes. We enter into hedging activities from time to time with respect to our gas marketing activities to provide margin protection. We refer you to Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” included in this Form 10-Q for additional information.


Natural Gas Distribution


Effective July 1, 2008, we sold all of the capital stock of AWG for $223.5 million (net of expenses related to the sale). In order to receive regulatory approval for the sale and certain related transactions, we paid $9.8 million to AWG for the benefit of its customers.  A gain on the sale of $57.3 million ($35.4 million after-tax) was recorded in the third quarter of 2008. As a result of the sale of AWG, we no longer have any natural gas distribution operations.  AWG provided operating income of $10.7 million through the sale date that is included in our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

Interest Expense and Interest Income


Interest costs, net of capitalization, decreased to $5.3 million and $12.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively, compared to $6.6 million and $27.1 million for the same periods in 2008. The decreases were primarily due to increased capitalized interest and a decline in our weighted average interest rate.  We capitalized interest of $9.2 million and $31.9 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively, compared to $8.1 million and $21.6 million for the same periods in 2008. Interest income for the

 

35


 

three month period ended September 30, 2009 was less than $0.1 million compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2008.  Interest income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 was $0.4 million compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2008. Interest income is recorded in other income in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.


Income Taxes


Our effective tax rate was 38.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded an income tax benefit of $118.6 million compared to an income tax expense of $284.2 million for the same period in 2008 primarily as a result of the $907.8 million non-cash impairment of our gas and oil properties. We do not expect to be subject to current income taxes in 2009.


Pension Expense


We incurred pension costs of $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2008.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, our pension costs were $5.5 million compared to $5.2 million for the same period in 2008.  Contributing to the increased pension expense were higher pension costs resulting from increases in average employee headcount.  


The amount of pension expense recorded is determined by actuarial calculations and is also impacted by the funded status of our plans.  We currently expect to contribute $9.0 million to our pension plans and less than $0.1 million to our other postretirement benefit plans in 2009. As of September 30, 2009, $7.4 million has been contributed to the pension plans and less than $0.1 million has been contributed to the postretirement benefit plans. The recent events in the financial markets may require changes in management’s assumptions relative to expected return on plan assets which could, in turn, adversely impact the funded status of our pension plans and increase the amount of future contribution requirements. For further information regarding our pension plans, we refer you to Note 13 in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.


Stock-Based Compensation


We recognized expense of $2.4 million and capitalized $1.4 million to the full cost pool for stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $1.8 million expensed and $1.4 million capitalized to the full cost pool for the comparable period in 2008. We recognized expense of $6.9 million and capitalized $4.3 million to the full cost pool for stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $5.0 million expensed and $3.2 million capitalized to the full cost pool for the comparable period in 2008. We refer you to Note 12 in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion of our equity based compensation plans.


Adoption of Accounting Principles


In June 2009, we implemented the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification.  The implementation establishes the FASB ASC as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The FASB ASC does not change GAAP and its implementation did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


On January 1, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 810-10, “Consolidation – Overall,” which establish accounting and reporting standards for (1) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by others, (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests, (3) changes in the controlling ownership interest, (4) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and (5) disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the controlling and noncontrolling owners.  The implementation resulted in changes to our presentation for noncontrolling interests and did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.  


On January 1, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging – Overall,” which require enhanced disclosure about (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (3) how derivative instruments and related

 

36


 

hedged items affect our financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  The implementation did not have a material impact on our Company’s results of operations and financial condition.


On January 1, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Overall,” which require the fair value application for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The implementation did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.


On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 825-10, “Financial Instruments – Overall,” which require that the (1) fair value disclosures required for certain financial instruments be included in interim financial statements and (2) public companies disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments and to discuss any changes of method or assumptions, if any, during the reporting period. The implementation did not have a material impact on our Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  


On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of FASB ASC Topic 855-10, “Subsequent Events – Overall,” which establish the general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Among other things, we are now required to disclose the date through which we have evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. The implementation did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.


In December 2008, the FASB issued certain provisions of FASB ASC 715-20, “Defined Benefit Plans – Overall,” which require enhanced disclosures about the fair value measurements of employers’ plan assets in our year ending 2009 consolidated financial statements.  These required disclosures include: (a) investment policies and strategies; (b) major categories of plan assets; (c) information about valuation techniques and inputs to those techniques, including the fair value hierarchy classifications of the major categories of plan assets; (d) the effects of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets; and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The disclosures are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


We depend primarily on internally-generated funds, our Credit Facility (we refer you to Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q and the section below under “Financing Requirements” for additional discussion of our Credit Facility) and funds accessed through debt and equity markets as our primary sources of liquidity. We may borrow up to $1.0 billion under our Credit Facility from time to time. The amount available under our Credit Facility may be increased up to $1.25 billion at any time upon our agreement with our existing or additional lenders. As of September 30, 2009, we had borrowings of $284.7 million under our Credit Facility compared to no borrowings at December 31, 2008.


In the second quarter of 2009, substantially all of the 7.625% Senior Notes were put to us by the note holders and resulted in the payment of approximately $62.1 million in principal and accrued interest on May 1, 2009.  We utilized funds available under the Credit Facility to pay the note holders.   


Net cash provided by operating activities increased 2% to $989.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $966.7 million for the same period in 2008, due to an increase in net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and changes in working capital accounts.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, requirements for our capital investments were funded from our cash and cash equivalents available at December 31, 2008, cash generated from our operating activities, and borrowings under our Credit Facility.


At September 30, 2009, our capital structure consisted of 30% debt and 70% equity. We believe that our operating cash flow and the available funds under our Credit Facility will be adequate to meet our anticipated capital and operating requirements for 2009. The credit status of the financial institutions participating in our Credit Facility could adversely impact our ability to borrow funds under the Credit Facility. While we believe all of the lenders under the facility have the ability to provide funds, we cannot predict whether each lender will be able to meet its obligation.


Our cash flow from operating activities is highly dependent upon the market prices that we receive for our natural gas and oil production. Natural gas and oil prices are subject to wide fluctuations and are driven by market supply and demand factors which are impacted by the overall state of the economy. The price received for our production is also

 

37


 

influenced by our commodity hedging activities, as more fully discussed in Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” and Note 6 in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q. Our commodity hedging activities are subject to the credit risk of our counterparties being financially unable to complete the transaction. We actively monitor the credit status of our counterparties, performing both quantitative and qualitative assessments based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable, and to date have not had any credit defaults associated with our transactions. However, any future failures by one or more counterparties could negatively impact our cash flow from operating activities.


Additionally, our short-term cash flows depend on the timely collection of receivables from our customers and partners. We actively manage this risk through credit management activities and through the date of this filing have not experienced any significant delays in collections. However, sustained inaccessibility of credit by our customers and partners could adversely impact our cash flows.


In the current global economic environment, we are unable to forecast with certainty our future level of cash flow from operations. Accordingly, we will adjust our discretionary uses of cash dependent upon available cash flow.


Capital Investments


Our capital investments increased to $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $1.3 billion for the same period in 2008. Our E&P segment investments were $1.2 billion for both the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.  Our E&P segment capitalized internal costs of $77.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $60.7 million for the comparable period in 2008.  These internal costs were directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities and are included as part of the cost of natural gas and oil properties. The increases in internal costs capitalized since 2008 have resulted from the addition of personnel and related costs in our exploration and development segment.


Although the remainder of our 2009 capital investment program is expected to be funded through cash and cash equivalents available at September 30, 2009, cash flow from operations and borrowings from our Credit Facility, we may adjust the level of our 2009 capital investments dependent upon the level of cash flow generated from operations and our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility.


Financing Requirements


Our total debt outstanding was $959.5 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $735.4 million at December 31, 2008. Our Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion, which may be increased up to $1.25 billion at any time upon our agreement with our existing or additional lenders. As of September 30, 2009, we had borrowings of $284.7 million under our Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.126% compared to no borrowings at December 31, 2008. The interest rate on the Credit Facility is calculated based upon our public debt rating and is currently 87.5 basis points over LIBOR. Our publicly traded notes are rated BB+ by Standard and Poor’s and we have a Corporate Family Rating of Ba2 by Moody’s. Any downgrades in our public debt ratings could increase our cost of funds under the Credit Facility.


Our Credit Facility contains covenants which impose certain restrictions on us. Under the Credit Facility, we may not issue total debt in excess of 60% of our total capital, must maintain a certain level of equity and must maintain a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of 3.5 or above. Additionally, there are certain limitations on the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred by our subsidiaries. Our Credit Facility’s financial covenants with respect to capitalization percentages exclude the noncontrolling interest in equity, the effects of non-cash entries that result from any full cost ceiling impairments, hedging activities and our pension and other postretirement liabilities. Therefore, under our Credit Facility our capital structure at September 30, 2009 would have been 27% debt and 73% equity. We were also in compliance with all of the other covenants of the Credit Facility at September 30, 2009. Although we do not anticipate any violations of our financial covenants, our ability to comply with those covenants is dependent upon the success of our exploration and development program and upon factors beyond our control, such as the market prices for natural gas and oil. If we are unable to borrow under our Credit Facility, we may have to decrease our capital investment plans.


At September 30, 2009, our capital structure consisted of 30% debt and 70% equity. Our debt as a percentage of capital increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to our increased debt levels and our net loss of $193.5 million and other changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Equity at

 

38


 

September 30, 2009 also includes an accumulated other comprehensive gain of $147.6 million related to our hedging activities and a loss of $10.6 million related to our pension and other postretirement liabilities. The amount recorded in equity for our hedging activities is based on current market values of our hedges at September 30, 2009 and does not necessarily reflect the value that we will receive or pay when the hedges are ultimately settled, nor does it take into account revenues to be received associated with the physical delivery of sales volumes hedged.


As part of our strategy to ensure a certain level of cash flow to fund our operations, at October 27, 2009 we have hedged 33.0 Bcf of our remaining 2009 gas production, 50.0 Bcf of our expected 2010 gas production and 30.0 Bcf of our expected 2011 gas production. The amount of long-term debt we incur will be dependent upon commodity prices and our capital investment plans. If commodity prices remain near their current prices, we may decrease and/or reallocate our planned capital investments.


Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments


We have various contractual obligations in the normal course of our operations and financing activities.  There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Contingent Liabilities and Commitments


Substantially all of our employees are covered by defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. We currently expect to contribute approximately $9.0 million to our pension plans and less than $0.1 million to our postretirement benefit plans in 2009. As of September 30, 2009, we have contributed $7.4 million to our pension plans and have contributed less than $0.1 million to our postretirement benefit plans. At September 30, 2009, we recognized a liability of $12.6 million as a result of the underfunded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans compared to a liability of $15.4 million at December 31, 2008. For further information regarding our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we refer you to Note 13 in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.


We are subject to litigation and claims (including with respect to environmental matters) that arise in the ordinary course of business. Management believes, individually or in aggregate, such litigation and claims will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations, but these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view may change in the future, at which time management may reserve amounts that are reasonably estimable.


Working Capital


We maintain access to funds that may be needed to meet capital requirements through our Credit Facility described above. We had negative working capital of $27.7 million at September 30, 2009, and positive working capital of $103.0 million at December 31, 2008. Current assets decreased $349.4 million at September 30, 2009 compared to current assets at December 31, 2008, due to a $195.0 million decrease in cash equivalents, a $113.0 million decrease in our current hedging asset and a $55.5 million decrease in accounts receivable. Current liabilities decreased $218.8 million as a result of a $103.1 million decrease in accounts payable, a $60.0 million decrease in short-term debt as substantially all of the 7.625% Senior Notes were put to us by the note holders which resulted in a payment of approximately $62.1 million in principal and accrued interest on May 1, 2009, and a $41.4 million decrease in our current deferred income taxes related to our hedging activities.


Gas in Underground Storage


We record our gas stored in inventory that is owned by the E&P segment at the lower of weighted average cost or market. We recorded a $4.3 million non-cash natural gas inventory impairment charge for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to reduce the current portion of our natural gas inventory to the lower of cost or market. The gas in inventory for the E&P segment is used primarily to supplement production in meeting the segment’s contractual commitments, especially during periods of colder weather. In determining the lower of cost or market for storage gas, we utilize the gas futures market in assessing the price we expect to be able to realize for our gas in inventory. A significant decline in the future market price of natural gas could result in additional write-downs of our gas in underground storage carrying cost.

 

39


 


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from the volatility in commodity prices, basis differentials and interest rates, as well as credit risk concentrations. We use natural gas and crude oil swap agreements and options and interest rate swaps to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flow due to fluctuations in the prices of natural gas and oil and in interest rates. Our Board of Directors has approved risk management policies and procedures to utilize financial products for the reduction of defined commodity price and interest rate risks. These policies prohibit speculation with derivatives and limit swap agreements to counterparties with appropriate credit standings.


Credit Risk


Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables and derivative contracts associated with commodities trading. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the large number of our customers and their dispersion across geographic areas. No single customer accounted for greater than 11% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2009. In addition, see the discussion of credit risk associated with commodities trading below.


Interest Rate Risk


At September 30, 2009, we had $959.5 million of total debt with an average interest rate of 5.58%. Our revolving credit facility has a floating interest rate (1.126% at September 30, 2009). At September 30, 2009, we had $284.7 million of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility.  Interest rate swaps may be used to adjust interest rate exposures when deemed appropriate.  We do not currently have any interest rate swaps in effect.

 

Commodities Risk


We use over-the-counter natural gas and crude oil swap agreements and options to hedge sales of our production and to hedge activity in our Midstream Services segment against the inherent price risks of adverse price fluctuations or locational pricing differences between a published index and the NYMEX futures market. These swaps and options include (1) transactions in which one party will pay a fixed price (or variable price) for a notional quantity in exchange for receiving a variable price (or fixed price) based on a published index (referred to as price swaps), (2) transactions in which parties agree to pay a price based on two different indices (referred to as basis swaps), and (3) the purchase and sale of index-related puts and calls (collars) that provide a “floor” price below which the counterparty pays funds equal to the amount by which the price of the commodity is below the contracted floor, and a “ceiling” price above which we pay to the counterparty the amount by which the price of the commodity is above the contracted ceiling.


The primary market risks relating to our derivative contracts are the volatility in market prices and basis differentials for natural gas and crude oil. However, the market price risk is offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the related sale or purchase of the natural gas or sale of the oil that is hedged. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by our counterparties. The counterparties are primarily major investment and commercial banks which management believes present minimal credit risks. The credit quality of each counterparty and the level of financial exposure we have to each counterparty are closely monitored to limit our credit risk exposure. Additionally, we perform both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable. We have not incurred any counterparty losses related to non-performance and do not anticipate any losses given the information we have currently. However, given the current volatility in the financial markets, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.


40


 

Exploration and Production


The following table provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and that are used to hedge prices for gas production. The table presents the notional amount in Bcf, the weighted average contract prices and the fair value by expected maturity dates. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of our financial instruments related to natural gas production was a $234.9 million asset.


 

 

Weighted

Weighted

Weighted

Weighted

 

 

 

Average

Average

Average

Average

Fair value at

 

 

Price to be

Floor

Ceiling

Basis

September 30,

 

 

Swapped

Price

Price

Differential

2009

 

Volume

($/MMBtu)

($/MMBtu)

($/MMBtu)

($/MMBtu)

($ in millions)

Natural Gas (Bcf):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Price Swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 15.0 

 8.41 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 54.9 

2010

 36.0 

 9.04 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 101.2 

2011

 20.0 

 6.53 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 (6.7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costless Collars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 18.0 

 — 

 8.42 

 11.04 

 — 

 66.2 

2010

 14.0 

 — 

 8.29 

 10.57 

 — 

 32.3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis Swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 22.1 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 (0.41)

 (4.7)

2010

 46.5 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 (0.37)

 (7.3)

2011

 9.0 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 (0.35)

 (1.0)


At September 30, 2009, our basis swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in gas and oil sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded an unrealized loss of $14.7 million related to the basis swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and an unrealized gain of $8.2 million related to the change in estimated ineffectiveness of our cash flow hedges. Typically, our hedge ineffectiveness results from changes at the end of a reporting period in the price differentials between the index price of the derivative contract, which is primarily a NYMEX price, and the index price for the point of sale for the cash flow that is being hedged.

 

At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding natural gas price swaps on total notional volumes of 77.3 Bcf in 2009 and 36.0 Bcf in 2010 for which we will receive fixed prices ranging from $7.29 to $14.27 per MMBtu. At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding fixed price basis differential swaps on 50.0 Bcf of 2009, 32.0 Bcf of 2010 and 7.2 Bcf of 2011 gas production that did not qualify for hedge treatment.


At December 31, 2008, we had collars in place on notional volumes of 59.0 Bcf in 2009 and 14.0 Bcf in 2010.  The 59.0 Bcf in 2009 had an average floor and ceiling price of $8.71 and $11.69 per MMBtu, respectively. The 14.0 Bcf in 2010 had an average floor and ceiling price of $8.29 and $10.57 per MMBtu, respectively.


Midstream Services


At September 30, 2009, our Midstream Services segment had outstanding fair value hedges in place on 0.1 Bcf, 0.3 Bcf, 0.1 Bcf and 0.1 Bcf of gas for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.  These hedges are a mixture of floating-price swap purchases and sales relating to our gas marketing activities. These hedges have contract months from October 2009 through March 2012 and have a net fair value liability of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2009.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.


We have performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act).  Our disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that we have designed to ensure that we record, process,

41


accumulate and communicate information to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and submission within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those determined to be effective can provide only a level of reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Based on the evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2009. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.


The Company is subject to litigation and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the results of such litigation and claims will not have a material effect on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.


There were no additions or material changes to the Company’s risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K or the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed for the period ending June 30, 2009.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.


Not applicable.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.


Not applicable.

 

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


Not applicable.  


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.


Not applicable.

 

42


 


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.


(10.1)

Retirement Agreement dated August 11, 2009 between Southwestern Energy Company and Harold M. Korell (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 14, 2009)


(31.1)

Certification of CEO filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


(31.2)

Certification of CFO filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


(32.1)

Certification of CEO and CFO furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


(101.INS)

Interactive Data File Instance Document  


(101.SCH)

Interactive Data File Schema Document  


(101.CAL)

Interactive Data File Calculation Linkbase Document  


(101.LAB)

Interactive Data File Label Linkbase Document  


(101.PRE)

Interactive Data File Presentation Linkbase Document  


(101.DEF)

Interactive Data File Definition Linkbase Document  


 

43


 

 

Signatures


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY

 

 

 

Registrant


Dated:

October 29, 2009

 

/s/ GREG D. KERLEY

 

 

 

Greg D. Kerley

 

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer




44