e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
or
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o |
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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 1-12074
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware
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72-1235413 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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625 E. Kaliste Saloom Road
Lafayette, Louisiana
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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70508
(Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (337) 237-0410
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer 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 þ
As of October 27, 2006, there were 27,797,622 shares of the registrants Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
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Financial Statements: |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 |
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1 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 |
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2 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 |
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3 |
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
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4 |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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12 |
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Item 2. |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations |
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13 |
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Item 3. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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18 |
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Item 4. |
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Controls and Procedures |
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19 |
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
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Legal Proceedings |
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20 |
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Item 6. |
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Exhibits |
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22 |
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Signature |
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23 |
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands of dollars)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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(Unaudited) |
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(Note 1) |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
28,053 |
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$ |
79,708 |
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Accounts receivable |
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258,538 |
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211,685 |
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Fair value of hedging contracts |
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18,098 |
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7,471 |
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Other current assets |
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819 |
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2,795 |
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Total current assets |
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305,508 |
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301,659 |
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Oil and gas properties full cost method of accounting: |
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Proved, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization of $2,101,452 and $1,880,180 respectively |
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1,934,302 |
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1,564,312 |
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Unevaluated |
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247,098 |
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246,647 |
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Building and land, net |
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5,838 |
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5,521 |
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Fixed assets, net |
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8,709 |
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9,331 |
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Other assets, net |
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18,355 |
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12,847 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
2,519,810 |
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$ |
2,140,317 |
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Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable to vendors |
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$ |
160,716 |
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$ |
160,682 |
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Undistributed oil and gas proceeds |
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52,078 |
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59,187 |
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Asset retirement obligations |
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68,600 |
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53,894 |
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Deferred merger expense reimbursement |
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25,300 |
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Deferred taxes |
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6,133 |
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2,646 |
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Other accrued liabilities |
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23,440 |
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8,744 |
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Total current liabilities |
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336,267 |
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285,153 |
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Long-term debt |
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797,000 |
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563,000 |
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Deferred taxes |
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256,311 |
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231,961 |
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Asset retirement obligations |
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114,499 |
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113,043 |
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Other long-term liabilities |
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3,886 |
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3,037 |
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Total liabilities |
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1,507,963 |
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1,196,194 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Common stock |
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275 |
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272 |
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Treasury stock |
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(1,161 |
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(1,348 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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500,098 |
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500,228 |
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Unearned compensation |
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(15,068 |
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Retained earnings |
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499,465 |
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455,183 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income |
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13,170 |
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4,856 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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1,011,847 |
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944,123 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
2,519,810 |
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$ |
2,140,317 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.
1
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Operating revenue: |
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Oil production |
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$ |
98,340 |
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$ |
59,872 |
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$ |
247,375 |
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$ |
203,979 |
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Gas production |
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83,216 |
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99,403 |
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259,726 |
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296,687 |
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Derivative income |
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602 |
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2,670 |
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Total operating revenue |
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182,158 |
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159,275 |
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509,771 |
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500,666 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Lease operating expenses |
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52,403 |
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30,895 |
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119,825 |
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88,503 |
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Production taxes |
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3,413 |
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3,273 |
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11,515 |
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9,698 |
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
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83,038 |
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57,345 |
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224,214 |
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191,764 |
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Accretion expense |
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3,153 |
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1,790 |
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9,238 |
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5,369 |
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Salaries, general and administrative expenses |
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8,027 |
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5,205 |
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25,092 |
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14,698 |
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Incentive compensation expense |
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3,025 |
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246 |
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3,630 |
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1,259 |
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Derivative expenses |
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4,831 |
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4,831 |
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Total operating expenses |
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153,059 |
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103,585 |
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393,514 |
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316,122 |
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Income from operations |
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29,099 |
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55,690 |
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116,257 |
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184,544 |
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Other (income) expenses: |
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Interest |
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11,579 |
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5,781 |
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24,386 |
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17,546 |
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Other income, net |
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(2,023 |
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(827 |
) |
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(4,683 |
) |
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(2,659 |
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Merger expense reimbursement |
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(18,200 |
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Merger expenses |
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490 |
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46,973 |
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Total other expenses |
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10,046 |
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4,954 |
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48,476 |
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14,887 |
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Income before taxes |
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19,053 |
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50,736 |
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67,781 |
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169,657 |
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Provision (benefit) for income taxes: |
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Current |
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170 |
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170 |
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Deferred |
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(2,875 |
) |
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17,758 |
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23,297 |
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59,285 |
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Total income taxes (benefit) |
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(2,705 |
) |
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|
17,758 |
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23,467 |
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59,285 |
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Net income |
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$ |
21,758 |
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$ |
32,978 |
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$ |
44,314 |
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$ |
110,372 |
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Basic earnings per share |
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$ |
0.79 |
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$ |
1.22 |
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$ |
1.62 |
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$ |
4.11 |
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Diluted earnings per share |
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$ |
0.79 |
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$ |
1.20 |
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$ |
1.62 |
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$ |
4.06 |
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Average shares outstanding |
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27,454 |
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|
27,025 |
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27,313 |
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|
26,882 |
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Average shares outstanding assuming dilution |
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27,619 |
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|
27,389 |
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27,429 |
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27,194 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
2
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
44,314 |
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$ |
110,372 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
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|
224,214 |
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|
191,764 |
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Accretion expense |
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9,238 |
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|
5,369 |
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Provision for deferred income taxes |
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|
23,297 |
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|
59,285 |
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Non-cash merger expenses, net |
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|
25,300 |
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Stock compensation expense |
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|
3,234 |
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Derivative expenses (income) |
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(870 |
) |
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|
3,295 |
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Other non-cash items |
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|
1,169 |
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|
2,250 |
|
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable |
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(46,853 |
) |
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|
7,095 |
|
(Increase) decrease in other current assets |
|
|
1,939 |
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|
(2,739 |
) |
Increase in accounts payable |
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|
723 |
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|
1,700 |
|
Increase in other current liabilities |
|
|
7,587 |
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|
24,269 |
|
Settlement of asset retirement obligations |
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|
(788 |
) |
Other |
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|
(65 |
) |
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|
120 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
293,227 |
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|
|
401,992 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Investment in oil and gas properties |
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|
(582,754 |
) |
|
|
(404,742 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties |
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|
(38 |
) |
|
|
1,549 |
|
Investment in fixed and other assets |
|
|
(2,023 |
) |
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|
(4,564 |
) |
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|
|
|
|
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Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(584,815 |
) |
|
|
(407,757 |
) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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|
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|
|
|
|
Proceeds from bank borrowings |
|
|
85,000 |
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|
|
76,000 |
|
Repayment of bank borrowings |
|
|
(76,000 |
) |
|
|
(45,000 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of senior floating rate notes |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs |
|
|
(3,282 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options |
|
|
9,215 |
|
|
|
13,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
239,933 |
|
|
|
43,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(51,655 |
) |
|
|
38,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
79,708 |
|
|
|
24,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
28,053 |
|
|
$ |
62,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
3
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 Interim Financial Statements
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Stone Energy Corporation and subsidiary as
of September 30, 2006 and for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments), which
are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and
operating results for the interim periods. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December
31, 2005 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto, together with the explanatory note regarding restatement and managements discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, contained in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005. The results of operations for the three and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of future financial
results.
Note 2 Earnings Per Share
Basic net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing net income applicable to
common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing net income applicable to
common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the
weighted-average number of dilutive stock options and restricted stock granted to outside directors
and employees. There were approximately 166,000 and 364,000 dilutive shares for the three months
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 116,000 and 312,000 dilutive shares for the
nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Stock options that were considered antidilutive because the exercise price of the option
exceeded the average price of our stock for the applicable period totaled approximately 532,000 and
369,000 shares in the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 532,000 and
588,000 shares in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
During the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, approximately 122,000 and 215,000
shares of common stock, respectively, were issued upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of
restricted stock by employees and nonemployee directors. For the nine months ended September 30,
2006 and 2005, approximately 348,000 and 466,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were issued
upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock by employees and nonemployee
directors and the awarding of employee bonus stock pursuant to the 2004 Amended and Restated Stock
Incentive Plan.
Note 3 Ceiling Test
Under the full cost method of accounting, we compare, at the end of each financial reporting
period, the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves to the net
capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties, net of related deferred taxes. We refer to
this comparison as a ceiling test. In the event net capitalized costs of proved oil and gas
properties, net of related deferred taxes, exceeds the present value of estimated future net cash
flows from proved reserves, a write-down is necessary. For purposes of the ceiling test
computation, the present value of the estimated future net cash flows is based on period-end hedge
adjusted commodity prices (or in cases where prices have increased
after the period end date, then on the hedge adjusted prices at the later date) and
excludes reductions of cash flows related to estimated abandonment costs on proved developed
properties.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2006, our ceiling test computation indicated that no
write-down was necessary. For purposes of the ceiling test computation, we used hedge adjusted
market prices subsequent to the period end date. These prices were based on a Henry Hub gas price
of $7.92 per MMBtu and a West Texas Intermediate oil price of $60.75 per barrel. Had we used
period end prices, we would have incurred a write-down of $281.2 million after income taxes.
Period end prices were based on a Henry Hub gas price of $4.175 per MMBtu and a West Texas
Intermediate oil price of $62.91 per barrel. For purposes of the ceiling test computation, cash
flow hedges of oil and gas production in place at September 30, 2006 increased the present value of
estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves by approximately $20 million.
Note 4 Hedging Activities
We enter into hedging transactions to secure a commodity price for a portion of future
production that is acceptable at the time of the transaction. The primary objective of these
activities is to reduce our exposure to the risk of declining oil and natural gas prices during the
term of the hedge. We do not enter into hedging transactions for trading purposes. We currently
utilize zero-premium collars for hedging purposes.
4
The following table illustrates our hedging positions as of September 30, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zero-Premium Collars |
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Oil |
|
|
Daily |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daily |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volume |
|
Floor |
|
Ceiling |
|
Volume |
|
Floor |
|
Ceiling |
|
|
(MMBtus/d) |
|
Price |
|
Price |
|
(Bbls/d) |
|
Price |
|
Price |
2006 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
$ |
14.28 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
$ |
76.40 |
|
2006 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
9.00 |
|
|
|
16.55 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
60.00 |
|
|
|
78.20 |
|
2006 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
10.00 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
60.00 |
|
|
|
78.35 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
60.00 |
|
|
|
93.05 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
60.00 |
|
|
|
90.20 |
|
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, the nature of a
derivative instrument must be evaluated to determine if it qualifies for hedge accounting
treatment. If the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, it is recorded as either an
asset or liability measured at fair value and subsequent changes in the derivatives fair value are
recognized in equity through other comprehensive income, to the extent the hedge is considered
effective. Additionally, monthly settlements of effective hedges are reflected in revenue from oil
and gas production. Instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in the balance
sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Monthly settlements of
ineffective hedges are recognized in earnings through derivative expense (income) and are not
reflected as revenue from oil and natural gas production.
During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we realized a net increase in natural gas
revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars of $11.5 million. We realized a net decrease
of $4.7 million in natural gas revenue related to our effective swaps and a net decrease of $6.1
million in oil revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars for the three months ended
September 30, 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we realized a net increase in
natural gas revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars of $25.5 million. We realized a
net decrease of $11.2 million in natural gas revenue related to our effective swaps and a net
decrease of $7.5 million in oil revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, certain of our derivative contracts were
determined to be partially ineffective because of differences in the relationship between the fixed
price in the derivative contract and actual prices realized. During the quarter ended September
30, 2005, as a result of extended shut-ins of production after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane
Rita, our September, October and November 2005 crude oil production levels were below the volumes
that we had hedged. Consequently, one of our crude oil hedges for the months of September, October
and November 2005 was deemed to be ineffective. Derivative expense (income) for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Cash settlement on the ineffective portion of derivatives |
|
|
($0.8 |
) |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
|
|
($1.8 |
) |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
Changes in fair market value of ineffective portion of derivatives |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total derivative expense (income) |
|
|
($0.6 |
) |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
|
|
($2.7 |
) |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 5 Long-Term Debt
5
Long-term debt consisted of the following at:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
81/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 |
|
$ |
200 |
|
|
$ |
200 |
|
63/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2010 |
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bank debt |
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt |
|
$ |
797 |
|
|
$ |
563 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On June 28, 2006, we closed a private placement of $225 million aggregate principal
amount of senior floating rate notes due 2010. Net proceeds from the sale of the notes were $222.2
million. The notes bear interest at a rate per annum, reset quarterly, equal to LIBOR plus the
applicable margin, initially 2.75%. The applicable margin will increase by 1% on July 15, 2007.
Interest will be payable on January 15th, April 15th, July 15th and October 15th of each year,
commencing on October 15th, 2006. The notes have a final maturity date of July 15, 2010. The
notes are unsecured senior obligations and are subordinated to all of our secured debt, including
indebtedness under our credit facility, and all indebtedness and other obligations of our
subsidiaries. The notes rank pari passu in right of payment to all of our existing and future
senior indebtedness. The notes will be required to be redeemed, in whole, after the occurrence of
any Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture governing the notes), at the principal amount of
the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The notes provide for
certain covenants, which include, without limitation, restrictions on liens, indebtedness, asset
sales, dividend payments and other restricted payments.
On July 14, 2006, the borrowing base under the credit facility was increased to $325 million
in connection with the preferential rights acquisition of additional working interests in
Mississippi Canyon Blocks 109 and 108 (see Note 11). Borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2006
under the facility totaled $172 million, and letters of credit totaling $56.9 million had been
issued under the facility. At September 30, 2006, we had $96.1 million of borrowings available
under the credit facility and the weighted average interest rate was approximately 6.8% per annum.
As of October 31, 2006, we had borrowings outstanding under the credit facility of $172 million and
$52.8 million of letters of credit outstanding resulting in $100.2 million of available borrowings.
The borrowing base under the credit facility is re-determined periodically based on the bank
groups evaluation of our proved oil and gas reserves.
Note 6 Comprehensive Income
The following table illustrates the components of comprehensive income for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
21.8 |
|
|
$ |
33.0 |
|
|
$ |
44.3 |
|
|
$ |
110.4 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effect: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment for fair value accounting of derivatives |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
(11.2 |
) |
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
26.0 |
|
|
$ |
21.8 |
|
|
$ |
52.6 |
|
|
$ |
95.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 7 Asset Retirement Obligations
During the third quarter of 2006 and 2005, we recognized non-cash expenses of $3.2 million and
$1.8 million, respectively, related to the accretion of our asset retirement obligations. For the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we recognized accretion expense of $9.2
million and $5.4 million, respectively. During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, the asset
retirement obligation was increased by $7.0 million in connection with the preferential rights
acquisition of additional working interests in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 109 and 108.
Note 8 Stock-Based Compensation
6
On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which is a
revision of SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 and amends SFAS No. 95,
Statement of Cash Flows. SFAS No. 123(R) became effective for us on January 1, 2006.
We have elected to adopt the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective
method. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a)
based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the
effective date and (b) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted prior to
the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. For the three
months ended September 30, 2006, we incurred $2.3 million of stock-based compensation, of which
$1.4 million related to restricted stock issuances and $0.9 million related to stock option grants
and of which a total of approximately $1.0 million was capitalized into Oil and Gas Properties.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we incurred $7.0 million of stock-based compensation,
of which $4.0 million related to restricted stock issuances, $2.8 million related to stock option grants and $0.2 million related to employee
bonus stock awards and of which a total of approximately $3.2 million was capitalized into Oil and
Gas Properties. The net effect of the implementation of SFAS No. 123(R) on net income for the
three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 was immaterial.
For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005, if stock-based compensation
expense had been determined consistent with the expense recognition provisions under SFAS No. 123,
our net income, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share would have approximated the
pro forma amounts below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Nine Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions, except per share amounts) |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
33.0 |
|
|
$ |
110.4 |
|
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included
in net income, net of tax |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Less: Stock-based compensation expense using fair
value method, net of tax |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income |
|
$ |
32.5 |
|
|
$ |
109.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
4.11 |
|
Pro forma basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
1.20 |
|
|
$ |
4.06 |
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
1.20 |
|
|
$ |
4.06 |
|
Pro forma diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
1.19 |
|
|
$ |
4.01 |
|
Under our 2004 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan), we may grant both
incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and options that
are not qualified as incentive stock options to all employees and directors. All such options must
have an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant and may not be re-priced without stockholder approval. Stock options to all employees vest
ratably over a five-year service-vesting period and expire ten years subsequent to award. Stock
options issued to non-employee directors vest ratably over a three-year service-vesting period and
expire ten years subsequent to award. In addition, the Plan provides that shares available under
the Plan may be granted as restricted stock. Restricted stock typically vests over a three-year
period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we granted 15,000 stock options
valued at $313,500 and 85,500 stock options valued at $1,780,000, respectively. Fair value for the
nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Dividend yield |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
Expected volatility |
|
|
36.59 |
% |
|
|
36.47 |
% |
Risk-free rate |
|
|
4.58 |
% |
|
|
3.84 |
% |
Expected option life |
|
6.0 years |
|
6.0 years |
Forfeiture rate |
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
Expected volatility and expected option life are based on a historical average. The
risk-free rate is based on quoted rates on zero-coupon Treasury Securities for terms consistent
with the expected option life.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we issued 52,050 shares of restricted stock
valued at $2,376,000. The fair value of restricted shares is determined based on the average of
the high and low prices on the issuance date and assumes a 5% forfeiture rate.
A summary of activity under the Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is as
follows:
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
of |
|
|
Wgtd. Avg. |
|
|
Wgtd. Avg. |
|
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exer. Price |
|
|
Term |
|
|
Value |
|
Options outstanding, beginning of period |
|
|
1,902,062 |
|
|
$ |
41.99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
47.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(270,669 |
) |
|
|
34.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(60,460 |
) |
|
|
38.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(120,264 |
) |
|
|
55.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding, end of period |
|
|
1,465,669 |
|
|
|
42.54 |
|
|
5.4 years |
|
$ |
4,284,487 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable, end of period |
|
|
928,733 |
|
|
|
43.95 |
|
|
4.4 years |
|
|
2,907,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options unvested, end of period |
|
|
536,936 |
|
|
|
40.11 |
|
|
7.1 years |
|
|
1,376,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Wgtd. Avg. |
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Per Share |
|
Restricted stock outstanding, beginning of period |
|
|
344,038 |
|
|
$ |
51.52 |
|
Issuances |
|
|
52,050 |
|
|
|
45.65 |
|
Lapse of restrictions |
|
|
(100,596 |
) |
|
|
51.34 |
|
Forfeitures |
|
|
(26,107 |
) |
|
|
52.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock outstanding, end of period |
|
|
269,385 |
|
|
|
50.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the nine months
ended September 30, 2006 was $20.90. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine
months ended September 30, 2006 was $3.4 million. The weighted average issuance date fair value of
restricted shares issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $45.65.
As of September 30, 2006, there was $17.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to
non-vested share-based compensation arrangements under the Plan. That cost is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period and is expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
Note 9 Merger
On June 22, 2006, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (EPL Merger Agreement)
with Energy Partners, Ltd. (EPL) and EPL Acquisition Corp. LLC (EPL Acquisition), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of EPL. On October 11, 2006, we entered into an agreement with EPL and EPL
Acquisition pursuant to which the EPL Merger Agreement was terminated (EPL Termination
Agreement). Under the terms of the EPL Termination Agreement, EPL paid $8.0 million to us, which
will be recognized in earnings in our fourth quarter 2006 financial statements.
Prior to entering into the EPL Merger Agreement, we terminated our merger agreement with
Plains Exploration and Production Company (Plains) and Plains Acquisition Corp. (Plains
Acquisition) on June 22, 2006. As required under the terms of the terminated merger agreement
among Stone, Plains and Plains Acquisition, Plains was entitled to a termination fee of $43.5
million (Plains Termination Fee), which was advanced by EPL to Plains on June 22, 2006. Pursuant
to the EPL Merger Agreement, we were obligated to repay all or a portion of this termination fee
under certain circumstances if the EPL merger was not consummated. The $43.5 million termination
fee was recorded as merger expenses in the income statement in the second quarter of 2006. Of this
amount, $25.3 million was potentially reimbursable to EPL under certain circumstances described in
the EPL Merger Agreement and therefore was recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet as of
June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006. The EPL Termination Agreement provided for a waiver of the
reimbursement of the Plains Termination Fee and, consequently, the $25.3 million of deferred
revenue will be recognized in earnings as merger expense reimbursement in our fourth quarter 2006
financial statements. The remaining $18.2 million of the termination fee was recorded as merger
expense reimbursement in the income statement for the three months ended June 30, 2006.
Merger expenses are now expected to be deductible for income tax purposes and merger expense
reimbursements are now expected to be taxable for income tax purposes. Through the second quarter
of 2006 merger expenses were anticipated to be non-deductible and merger expense reimbursements
were expected to be non-taxable in anticipation of a successful closing under the EPL Merger
Agreement. A reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and our effective income
tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes follows:
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Nine Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, 2006 |
|
|
September 30, 2006 |
|
Income tax expense computed at the statutory federal income tax rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State taxes |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Effect of second quarter expected nondeductible merger expenses
and nontaxable reimbursement deemed to be deductible and taxable in
third quarter of 2006 |
|
|
(47.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other reversal of valuation allowance |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
(14.2 |
%) |
|
|
34.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 10 International Operations
In the first quarter of 2006, we entered into an agreement to participate in the drilling of
two exploratory wells on two offshore concessions in Bohai Bay, China. After drilling these two
wells, we will have the option to earn interests in the two concessions, which collectively cover
approximately 749,000 acres. The first well encountered potential oil pay in two separate
intervals. The possible discovery is awaiting appraisal to determine if it is commercial. The
second exploratory well spudded late in the third quarter of 2006. Included in unevaluated oil and
gas property costs at September 30, 2006 are $18.8 million of capital expenditures related to our
properties in Bohai Bay, China.
Note 11 Property Acquisition
On July 14, 2006, we completed a $192.0 million acquisition of additional working interests in
Mississippi Canyon Blocks 109 and 108. The acquisition was financed with a portion of the proceeds
from the private placement of $225 million aggregate principal amount of senior floating rate notes
due 2010 (see Note 5). With the acquisition, we increased our working interest in Mississippi
Canyon Block 109 from 33% to 100% and in Mississippi Canyon Block 108 from 16.5% to 24.8%.
Note 12 Commitments and Contingencies
On December 30, 2004, Stone was served with two petitions (civil action numbers 2004-6227 and
2004-6228) filed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) in the 15th Judicial District Court
(Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana) claiming additional franchise taxes due. In one case, the LDR is
seeking additional franchise taxes from Stone in the amount of $640,000, plus accrued interest of
$352,000 (calculated through December 15, 2004), for the franchise year 2001. In the other case,
the LDR is seeking additional franchise taxes from Stone (as successor to Basin Exploration, Inc.)
in the amount of $274,000, plus accrued interest of $159,000 (calculated through December 15,
2004), for the franchise years 1999, 2000 and 2001. Further, on December 29, 2005, the LDR filed
another petition in the 15th Judicial District Court claiming additional franchise taxes
due for the taxable years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 in the amount of $2.6 million plus
accrued interest calculated through December 15, 2005 in the amount of $1.2 million. These
assessments all relate to the LDRs assertion that sales of crude oil and natural gas from
properties located on the Outer Continental Shelf, which are transported through the state of
Louisiana, should be sourced to the state of Louisiana for purposes of computing the Louisiana
franchise tax apportionment ratio. The Company disagrees with these contentions and intends to
vigorously defend itself against these claims. Stone has not yet been given any indication that the
LDR plans to review franchise taxes for the franchise tax years 2004 and 2005.
Stone has received notice that the staff of the SEC (the Staff) is conducting an informal
inquiry into the revision of Stones proved reserves and the financial statement restatement. The
Staff has also informed Stone that it is likely to obtain a formal order of investigation with its
inquiry. In addition, Stone has received an inquiry from the Philadelphia Stock Exchange
investigating matters including trading prior to Stones October 6, 2005 announcement. Stone
intends to cooperate fully with both inquiries.
On or around November 30, 2005, George Porch filed a putative class action in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Stone, David Welch, Kenneth
Beer, D. Peter Canty and James Prince purporting to allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Three similar complaints were filed soon thereafter. All
complaints had asserted a putative class period commencing on June 17, 2005 and ending on October
6, 2005. All complaints contended that, during the putative class period, defendants, among other
things, misstated or failed to disclose (i) that Stone had materially overstated Stones financial
results by overvaluing its oil reserves through improper and aggressive reserve methodologies; (ii)
that the Company lacked adequate internal controls and was therefore unable to ascertain its true
financial condition; and (iii) that as a result of the foregoing, the values of the Companys
proved reserves, assets and future net cash flows were materially overstated at all relevant times.
On March 17, 2006, these purported class actions were consolidated, with El Paso Fireman &
Policemans Pension Fund designated as Lead Plaintiff. Lead plaintiff filed a consolidated class
action complaint on or about June 14, 2006. The consolidated complaint alleges claims similar to
those described above and expands the putative class period to commence on May 2, 2001 and to end
on March 10, 2006. On September 13, 2006, Stone and the individual defendants filed motions seeking
dismissal of that action.
In addition, on or about December 16, 2005, Robert Farer filed respective complaints in the
United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Federal Court)
purportedly alleging claims derivatively on behalf of Stone. Similar complaints
9
were filed
thereafter in the Federal Court by Joint Pension Fund, Local No. 164, I.B.E.W., and in the
15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana (the State Court) by
Gregory Sakhno. Stone was named as a nominal defendant and David Welch, Kenneth Beer, D. Peter
Canty, James Prince, James Stone, John Laborde, Peter Barker, George Christmas, Richard Pattarozzi,
David Voelker, Raymond Gary, B.J. Duplantis and Robert Bernhard were named as defendants in these
actions. The State Court action purportedly alleges breach of the fiduciary duty, abuse of control,
gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets against all defendants, and claims of unjust
enrichment and insider selling against certain individual defendants. The Federal Court actions
assert purported claims against all defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control,
gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment and claims against certain
individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty and violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
On March 30, 2006, the Federal Court entered an order naming Robert Farer, Priscilla Fisk and
Joint Pension Fund, Local No. 164, I.B.E.W. as co-lead plaintiffs in the Federal Court derivative
action and directed the lead plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint within forty-five
days. On April 22, 2006, the complaint in the State Court derivative action was amended to also
assert claims on behalf of a purported class of shareholders of Stone. In addition to the above
mentioned claims, the amended State Court derivative action complaint purports to allege breaches
of fiduciary duty by the director defendants in connection with the then proposed merger
transaction with Plains and seeks an order enjoining the director defendants from entering into the
then proposed transaction with Plains. On May 15, 2006, the complaint in the Federal Court action
was similarly amended. On September 15, 2006, co-lead plaintiffs in the Federal Court derivative
action amended their complaint to seek an order enjoining Stones proposed merger with EPL based on
substantially the same grounds previously asserted regarding the prior proposed transaction with
Plains. On October 2, 2006, each of the defendants in the Federal Court derivative action filed or
joined in motions seeking dismissal of all or part of that action.
On or around August 28, 2006, ATS instituted an action (the ATS Litigation) in the Delaware
Court of Chancery for New Castle County (the Delaware Court). The initial complaint in the ATS
Litigation, among other things, challenged certain provisions of the EPL Merger Agreement pursuant
to which EPL (i) paid the $43.5 million Plains Termination Fee; and (ii) agreed, under certain
contractually specified conditions, to pay Stone $25.6 million in the event of a future termination
of the Merger Agreement (the EPL Termination Fee). On or around September 12, 2006, a purported
shareholder of EPL filed a purported class action in the Delaware
Court (the Farrington Action). The initial Farrington Action complaint asserted claims similar to
those in the ATS Litigation and sought, among other things, a damages recovery in the amount of the
Plains Termination Fee.
On or around September 7, 2006, EPL commenced an action against Stone in the Delaware Court
(the Declaratory Action), in which EPL sought a declaratory judgment with respect to EPLs rights
and obligations under Section 6.2(e) of the Merger Agreement. On September 11, 2006, the Delaware
Court expedited the Declaratory Action and consolidated with the Declaratory Action a portion of
the ATS Litigation in which ATS likewise asserted claims respecting Section 6.2(e) of the Merger
Agreement. By oral ruling on September 27, 2006, and subsequent written opinion dated October 11,
2006, the Delaware Court ruled, among other things, that Section 6.2(e) of the Merger Agreement did
not limit the ability of EPL to explore and negotiate, in good faith, with respect to any Third
Party Acquisition Proposals (as defined in the Merger Agreement), including the tender offer by
ATS, Inc. for all of the outstanding shares of EPL stock at $23.00 per share (ATS Offer). The
Delaware Court dismissed without prejudice the remainder of the claims raised by EPL in the
Declaratory Action as not ripe for a judicial determination.
On October 11, 2006, EPL and Stone entered into an agreement (the Termination and Release
Agreement) pursuant to which they agreed, among other things, (i) to enter into a mutual
termination of the Merger Agreement, (ii) to mutually release certain actual or potential claims or
rights of action, (iii) to mutually seek a dismissal of the Declaratory Action, and (iv) that EPL
would make a payment of $8 million to Stone (the $8 Million Payment). EPL made the $8 Million
Payment to Stone. On October 13, 2006, the Declaratory Action was dismissed by stipulation of the
parties and order of the Delaware Court.
On or around October 16, 2006, following the execution of the Termination and Release
Agreement, plaintiffs in both the ATS Litigation and the Farrington Litigation sought (and were
later granted leave by the Court) to file Second Amended Complaints that, among other things, added
claims seeking a recovery in the amount of the $8 Million Payment. On October 26, 2006, ATS
voluntarily dismissed the ATS Litigation without prejudice, while as of this date the
Farrington Action remains pending. The Delaware Court has yet to reach a determination as to the
merits of the claims asserted in the Farrington Action with respect to the Plains Termination Fee
or the $8 Million Payment.
Stones Certificate of Incorporation and/or its Restated Bylaws provide, to the extent
permissible under the law of Delaware (Stones state of incorporation), for indemnification of and
advancement of defense costs to Stones current and former directors and officers for potential
liabilities related to their service to Stone. Stone has purchased directors and officers insurance
policies that, under certain circumstances, may provide coverage to Stone and/or its officers and
directors for certain losses resulting from securities-related civil liabilities and/or the
satisfaction of indemnification and advancement obligations owed to directors and officers. These
insurance policies may not cover all costs and liabilities incurred by Stone and its current and
former officers and directors in these regulatory and civil proceedings.
The foregoing pending actions are at an early stage and subject to substantial uncertainties
concerning the outcome of material factual and legal issues relating to the litigation and the
regulatory proceedings. Accordingly, based on the current status of the litigation and inquiries,
we cannot currently predict the manner and timing of the resolution of these matters and are unable
to estimate
10
a range of possible losses or any minimum loss from such matters. Furthermore, to the
extent that our insurance policies are ultimately available to cover any costs and/or liabilities
resulting from these actions, they may not be sufficient to cover all costs and liabilities
incurred by us and our current and former officers and directors in these regulatory and civil
proceedings.
11
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
STONE ENERGY CORPORATION:
We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Stone Energy Corporation as of
September 30, 2006, and the related condensed consolidated statement of income for the three and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and the condensed consolidated statement of
cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Companys management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying
analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do
not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the
condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Stone Energy Corporation as of
December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, changes in
stockholders equity and comprehensive income for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in
our report dated March 7, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to
the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
New Orleans, Louisiana
October 30, 2006
12
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
This Form 10-Q and the information referenced herein contain statements that constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words plan, expect, project,
estimate, assume, believe, anticipate, intend, budget, forecast, predict and other
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear
in a number of places and include statements regarding our plans, beliefs or current expectations,
including the plans, beliefs and expectations of our officers and directors. We use the terms
Stone, Stone Energy, Company, we, us and our to refer to Stone Energy Corporation.
When considering any forward-looking statement, you should keep in mind the risk factors that
could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements herein include the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices
for oil and gas, operating risks and other risk factors as described in our Annual Report on Form
10-K. Furthermore, the assumptions that support our forward-looking statements are based upon
information that is currently available and is subject to change. 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 Stone Energy
Corporation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)
contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the MD&A contained in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Overview
Stone Energy Corporation is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition,
exploration, exploitation, development and operation of oil and gas properties located in the
conventional shelf of the Gulf of Mexico (the GOM), the deep shelf of the GOM, deep water of the
GOM and several basins in the Rocky Mountain Region. Our business strategy is to increase
reserves, production and cash flow through the acquisition, exploitation and development of mature
properties in the Gulf Coast Basin and exploring opportunities in the deep water environment of the
Gulf of Mexico, Rocky Mountain Region and other potential areas. Throughout this document,
reference to our Gulf Coast Basin properties includes our onshore, shelf and deep shelf
properties. Reference to our Rocky Mountain Region includes our properties in several Rocky
Mountain Basins and the Williston Basin. All period to period comparisons are based on restated
amounts (see Explanatory Notes and Note 1 Restatement of Historical Financial Statements
contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005).
On June 22, 2006, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (EPL Merger Agreement)
with Energy Partners, Ltd. (EPL) and EPL Acquisition Corp. LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EPL.
On October 11, 2006, we entered into an agreement with EPL and EPL Acquisition pursuant to which
the EPL Merger Agreement was terminated and EPL paid Stone $8.0 million and released all claims to
the Plains $43.5 million termination fee.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A describes the accounting policies that we believe are
critical to the reporting of our financial position and operating results and that require
managements most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Our most significant estimates are:
|
|
|
remaining proved oil and gas reserves volumes and the timing of their production; |
|
|
|
|
estimated costs to develop and produce proved oil and gas reserves; |
|
|
|
|
accruals of exploration costs, development costs, operating costs and production revenue; |
|
|
|
|
timing and future costs to abandon our oil and gas properties; |
|
|
|
|
the effectiveness and estimated fair value of derivative positions; |
|
|
|
|
classification of unevaluated property costs; |
|
|
|
|
capitalized general and administrative costs and interest; and |
|
|
|
|
contingencies. |
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with the discussion contained in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A regarding these critical accounting policies.
13
Other Factors Affecting Our Business and Financial Results
In addition to the matters discussed above, our business, financial condition and results of
operations are affected by a number of other factors. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be
read in conjunction with the discussion in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A regarding these other
risk factors.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September
30, 2006 was $293.2 million compared to $402.0 million reported in the comparable period in 2005.
Net cash flow used in investing activities totaled $584.8 million and $407.8 million during
the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively, which primarily represents our investment in
oil and gas properties. Based on our outlook of commodity prices and our estimated production, we
expect to fund our 2006 capital expenditures (excluding acquisitions) with cash flow provided by
operating activities.
Net cash flow provided by financing activities totaled $239.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2006, which primarily represents proceeds from the issuance of our senior
floating rate notes due 2010, borrowings net of repayments under our bank credit facility and
proceeds from the exercise of stock options. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net
cash flow provided by financing activities totaled $43.9 million, which primarily represents
borrowings net of repayments under our bank credit facility and proceeds from the exercise of stock
options. In total, cash and cash equivalents decreased from $79.7 million as of December 31, 2005
to $28.1 million as of September 30, 2006.
We had a working capital deficit at September 30, 2006 in the amount of $30.8 million. We
believe that our working capital balance should be viewed in conjunction with availability of
borrowings under our bank credit facility when measuring liquidity. Liquidity is defined as the
ability to obtain cash quickly either through the conversion or assets or incurrence of
liabilities. See Bank Credit Facility.
Capital Expenditures. Third quarter 2006 additions to oil and natural gas property costs of
$299.4 million included $196.9 million of acquisition costs, $7.3 million of capitalized salaries,
general and administrative expenses (inclusive of incentive compensation) and $4.9 million of
capitalized interest. Year-to-date 2006 additions to oil and natural gas property costs of $591.7
million included $219.9 million of acquisition costs, $18.1 million of capitalized salaries,
general and administrative expenses (inclusive of incentive compensation) and $13.4 million of
capitalized interest. These investments were financed by cash flow from operating activities,
borrowings under our credit facility, proceeds from the issuance of our senior floating rate notes
and working capital.
Our 2006 capital expenditures budget, excluding property acquisitions, lease acquisitions,
asset retirement costs and capitalized interest and general and administrative expenses, is
approximately $385 million. Based upon our outlook of commodity prices and our estimated
production, we expect to fund our 2006 capital program with cash flow provided by operating
activities. To the extent that 2006 cash flow from operating activities exceeds our estimated 2006
capital expenditures, we may pay down a portion of our existing debt. If cash flow from operating
activities during 2006 is not sufficient to fund estimated 2006 capital expenditures, we believe
that our bank credit facility will provide us with adequate liquidity. See Bank Credit Facility.
Bank Credit Facility. In July 2006, the borrowing base under our credit facility was
increased to $325 million in connection with the preferential rights acquisition of additional
working interests in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 109 and 108. Borrowings outstanding at September
30, 2006 under the facility totaled $172 million, and letters of credit totaling $56.9 million had
been issued under the facility. At September 30, 2006, we had $96.1 million of borrowings
available under the credit facility and the weighted average interest rate was approximately 6.8%
per annum. As of October 31, 2006, we had borrowings outstanding under the credit facility of $172
million and $52.8 million of letters of credit outstanding resulting in $100.2 million of available
borrowings. The borrowing base under the credit facility is re-determined periodically based on the
bank groups evaluation of our proved oil and natural gas reserves.
Known Trends and Uncertainties
International Operations. Included in unevaluated oil and gas property costs at September 30,
2006 are $18.8 million of capital expenditures related to our properties in Bohai Bay, China.
Under full cost accounting, investments in individual countries represent separate cost centers for
computation of depreciation, depletion and amortization as well as for full cost ceiling test
evaluations. Given that this is our sole investment to date in the Peoples Republic of China, it
is possible that upon a more complete evaluation of this project that some or all of this
investment would be reclassed as a charge to expense on our income statement.
14
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth certain information with respect to our oil and gas operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
% Change |
|
Production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil (MBbls) |
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
1,111 |
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
Natural gas (MMcf) |
|
|
10,971 |
|
|
|
12,728 |
|
|
|
(1,757 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
%) |
Oil and natural gas (MMcfe) |
|
|
19,761 |
|
|
|
19,394 |
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
Revenue data (in thousands) (a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil revenue |
|
$ |
98,340 |
|
|
$ |
59,872 |
|
|
$ |
38,468 |
|
|
|
64 |
% |
Natural gas revenue |
|
|
83,216 |
|
|
|
99,403 |
|
|
|
(16,187 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total oil and natural gas revenue |
|
$ |
181,556 |
|
|
$ |
159,275 |
|
|
$ |
22,281 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
Average prices (a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil (per Bbl) |
|
$ |
67.13 |
|
|
$ |
53.89 |
|
|
$ |
13.24 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
|
|
7.59 |
|
|
|
7.81 |
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
%) |
Oil and natural gas (per Mcfe) |
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
8.21 |
|
|
|
0.98 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
Expenses (per Mcfe): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses |
|
$ |
2.65 |
|
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
|
$ |
1.06 |
|
|
|
67 |
% |
Salaries, general and administrative expenses (b) |
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
DD&A expense on oil and gas properties |
|
|
4.15 |
|
|
|
2.92 |
|
|
|
1.23 |
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
% Change |
|
Production: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil (MBbls) |
|
|
3,803 |
|
|
|
4,080 |
|
|
|
(277 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
%) |
Natural gas (MMcf) |
|
|
33,139 |
|
|
|
44,260 |
|
|
|
(11,121 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
%) |
Oil and natural gas (MMcfe) |
|
|
55,957 |
|
|
|
68,740 |
|
|
|
(12,783 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
%) |
Revenue data (in thousands) (a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil revenue |
|
$ |
247,375 |
|
|
$ |
203,979 |
|
|
$ |
43,396 |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
Natural gas revenue |
|
|
259,726 |
|
|
|
296,687 |
|
|
|
(36,961 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total oil and natural gas revenue |
|
$ |
507,101 |
|
|
$ |
500,666 |
|
|
$ |
6,435 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
Average prices (a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil (per Bbl) |
|
$ |
65.05 |
|
|
$ |
49.99 |
|
|
$ |
15.06 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
|
|
7.84 |
|
|
|
6.70 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
17 |
% |
Oil and natural gas (per Mcfe) |
|
|
9.06 |
|
|
|
7.28 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
24 |
% |
Expenses (per Mcfe): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses |
|
$ |
2.14 |
|
|
$ |
1.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.85 |
|
|
|
66 |
% |
Salaries, general and administrative expenses (b) |
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
114 |
% |
DD&A expense on oil and gas properties |
|
|
3.96 |
|
|
|
2.76 |
|
|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Includes the cash settlement of effective hedging contracts. |
|
(b) |
|
Exclusive of incentive compensation expense. |
During the third quarter of 2006, net income totaled $21.8 million, or $0.79 per share,
compared to $33.0 million, or $1.20 per share for the third quarter of 2005. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2006, net income totaled $44.3 million, or $1.62 per share, compared to $110.4
million, or $4.06 per share, during the comparable 2005 period. All per share amounts are on a
diluted basis.
Included in year-to-date 2006 net income is a $43.5 million termination fee incurred in
connection with the proposed merger with EPL. Prior to entering into the EPL Merger Agreement, we
terminated our merger agreement with Plains Exploration and Production Company (Plains) and
Plains Acquisition Corp. (Plains Acquisition) on June 22, 2006. As required under the terms of
the terminated merger agreement among Stone, Plains and Plains Acquisition, Plains was entitled to
a termination fee of $43.5 million (Plains termination Fee), which was advanced by EPL to Plains
on June 22, 2006. Pursuant to the EPL Merger Agreement, we were obligated to repay all or a
portion of this termination fee under certain circumstances if the EPL merger was not consummated. The
15
$43.5 million termination fee was recorded as merger expenses in the income statement during
the second quarter of 2006. Of this amount, $25.3 million was potentially reimbursable to EPL
under certain circumstances described in the EPL Merger Agreement and therefore was recorded as
deferred revenue on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006. The remaining
$18.2 million of the termination fee was recorded as merger expense reimbursement in the income
statement during the three months ended June 30, 2006.
On October 11, 2006, we entered into an agreement with EPL and EPL Acquisition pursuant to
which the EPL Merger Agreement was terminated. Pursuant to the termination of the EPL Merger
Agreement, EPL paid us $8 million and released all claims to the $43.5 million Plains Termination
Fee. The $8.0 million fee paid to us by EPL in conjunction with the termination of the EPL Merger
Agreement will be recognized in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2006. Additionally, the remaining
$25.3 million of the Plains termination fee will be recognized in earnings in the fourth quarter of
2006.
The variance in the three and nine-month periods results was also due to the following
components:
Prices. Prices realized during the third quarter of 2006 averaged $67.13 per Bbl of oil and
$7.59 per Mcf of natural gas, or 12% higher, on an Mcfe basis, than third quarter 2005 average
realized prices of $53.89 per Bbl of oil and $7.81 per Mcf of natural gas. Average realized prices
during the first nine months of 2006 were $65.05 per Bbl of oil and $7.84 per Mcf of natural gas
compared to $49.99 per Bbl of oil and $6.70 per Mcf of natural gas realized during the first nine
months of 2005. All unit pricing amounts include the cash settlement of effective hedging
contracts.
During the third quarter of 2006, we realized a net increase in natural gas revenue related to
our effective zero-premium collars of $11.5 million. We realized a net decrease of $4.7 million in
natural gas revenue related to our effective swaps and a net decrease of $6.1 million in oil
revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars for the three months ended September 30,
2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we realized a net increase in natural gas
revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars of $25.5 million. We realized a net decrease
of $11.2 million in natural gas revenue related to our effective swaps and a net decrease of $7.5
million in oil revenue related to our effective zero-premium collars for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005.
Production. During the third quarter of 2006, total production volumes increased
slightly to 19.8 Bcfe compared to 19.4 Bcfe produced during the third quarter of 2005. Oil
production during the third quarter of 2006 totaled approximately 1,465,000 barrels compared to
1,111,000 barrels produced during the third quarter of 2005, while natural gas production totaled
11.0 Bcf during the third quarter of 2006 compared to12.7 Bcf produced during the third quarter of
2005. Stones third quarter 2006 total production rates were negatively impacted by extended Gulf
Coast shut-ins due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, amounting to volumes of approximately 3.4 Bcfe,
or 37 MMcfe per day, while the third quarter 2005 production rates reflected shut-ins due to
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, amounting to volumes of approximately 6.4 Bcfe, or 70 MMcfe per day.
Without the effects of the hurricane production deferrals, quarter to quarter total production
volumes decreased approximately 2.6 Bcfe, a result of natural production declines.
Year-to-date 2006 production totaled 3,803,000 barrels of oil and 33.1 Bcf of natural gas
compared to 4,080,000 barrels of oil and 44.3 Bcf of natural gas produced during the comparable
2005 period, a decrease on a gas equivalent basis of 12.8 Bcfe. Year-to-date 2006 total production
rates were negatively impacted by extended Gulf Coast shut-ins due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,
amounting to volumes of approximately 14.2 Bcfe, or 52 MMcfe per day, while the third quarter 2005
production rates reflected shut-ins due do Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, amounting to volumes of
approximately 6.4 Bcfe, or 23 MMcfe per day. Without the effects of the hurricane production
deferrals, year to year total production volumes decreased approximately 5.0 Bcfe, a result of
natural production declines.
Approximately 84% of our year-to-date 2006 production volumes were generated from our Gulf
Coast Basin properties while the remaining 16% came from our Rocky Mountain Region properties.
Oil and Natural Gas Revenue. Third quarter 2006 oil and natural gas revenue totaled $181.6
million, compared to third quarter 2005 oil and natural gas revenue of $159.3 million. The
increase in oil and gas revenue is primarily attributable to a 12% increase in realized oil and
natural gas prices in the third quarter of 2006 over the comparable period in 2005. Year-to-date
2006 oil and natural gas revenue totaled $507.1 million compared to $500.7 million during the
comparable 2005 period, representing a 1% increase.
Derivative Income/Expense. During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, certain of our
derivative contracts were determined to be partially ineffective because of differences in the
relationship between the fixed price in the derivative contract and actual prices realized.
Derivative income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 totaled $0.6 million, consisting of
$0.8 million of cash settlements on the ineffective portion of derivatives and ($0.2) million of
changes in the fair market value of the ineffective portion of derivatives. Derivative income for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 totaled $2.7 million, consisting of $1.8 million of cash
settlements on the ineffective portion of derivatives and $0.9 million of changes in the fair
market value of the ineffective portion of derivatives.
16
As a result of extended shut-ins of production after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, our
September, October and November 2005 crude oil production levels were below the volumes that we had
hedged. Consequently, one of our crude oil hedges for the months of September, October and
November 2005 was deemed to be ineffective. During the third quarter of 2005, we recognized $4.8
million of derivative expenses, $1.5 million of which represented a charge related to the cash
settlement of the ineffective September crude oil collar and $3.3 million of which represented a
non-cash charge related to the mark-to-market fair value change in the ineffective October and
November crude oil collars.
Expenses. Lease operating expenses during the third quarter of 2006 totaled $52.4 million
compared to $30.9 million for the third quarter of 2005. Third quarter 2006 lease operating
expenses included an approximate $8 million increase in property and control-of-well insurance
premiums, $9.7 million of repairs in excess of estimated insurance recoveries related to damage
from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ivan and increased major maintenance repair activity. For the
first nine months of 2006, lease operating expenses were $119.8 million, a 35% increase over the
$88.5 million of lease operating expenses for the comparable period of 2005. On a unit of
production basis, year-to-date 2006 lease operating expenses were $2.14 per Mcfe as compared to
$1.29 per Mcfe for the comparable period in 2005. Year-to-date 2006 lease operating costs included
an approximate $13 million increase in property and
control-of-well insurance premiums and $20 million of repairs in excess of estimated insurance
recoveries related to damage from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ivan.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) on oil and gas properties for the third
quarter of 2006 totaled $82.0 million, or $4.15 per Mcfe compared to $56.6 million, or $2.92 per
Mcfe for the third quarter of 2005. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, DD&A
expense totaled $221.3 million and $189.5 million, respectively. The increase in 2006 DD&A per
Mcfe reflects our continued challenges in replacing production in the Gulf Coast Basin at a
reasonable unit cost.
Salaries, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses (exclusive of incentive compensation)
for the third quarter of 2006 were $8.0 million compared to $5.2 million in the third quarter of
2005. The third quarter 2006 increase in SG&A is primarily due
to approximately $0.8 million of
additional compensation expense associated with restricted stock issuances and stock option
expensing and an approximate $1.3 million increase in legal and consulting fees. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, SG&A totaled $25.1 million and $14.7 million,
respectively. The year-to-date increase in SG&A is primarily due
to approximately $3.1 million of
additional compensation expense associated with restricted stock issuances and stock option
expensing and an approximate $4.5 million increase in legal and consulting fees.
Incentive compensation expense for the third quarter of 2006 totaled $3.0 million compared to
$0.2 million for the comparable period in 2005. Year-to-date 2006 and 2005 incentive compensation
expense totaled $3.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The increase in incentive
compensation expense is due to an employee retention program put in place by the board of directors
in the third quarter of 2006.
During the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we incurred $3.2 and $1.8 million,
respectively, of accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations. Year-to-date 2006 and
2005 accretion expense totaled $9.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The increase in 2006
accretion expense is due to higher estimated asset retirement costs combined with a shortened time
frame to plug and abandon our facilities.
Production taxes during the third quarter of 2006 totaled $3.4 million compared to $3.3
million in the third quarter of 2005. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
production taxes totaled $11.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively. The increase in
year-to-date 2006 production taxes is due to a prior year ad valorem tax adjustment on certain of
our Rocky Mountain properties expensed in the first quarter of 2006.
As a result of increased interest rates and the issuance of our senior floating rate notes,
interest expense increased 50% to $11.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 compared to $5.8
million, in the third quarter of 2005. Interest expense totaled $24.4 million and $17.5 million
during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Through the second quarter of 2006, merger expenses were expected to be non-deductible and
merger expense reimbursements were expected to be non-taxable in anticipation of a successful
closing under the EPL Merger Agreement. As a result of the termination of the EPL Merger
Agreement, merger expenses are now expected to be deductible for income tax purposes and merger
expense reimbursements are now expected to be taxable for income tax purposes. This has resulted
in an effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 of (14.2%) and
34.6%, respectively.
Recent Accounting Developments
Accounting for Income Taxes. On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued its Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold
and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position
taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on de-recognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
FIN 48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
17
Fair Value Accounting. On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value
Measurements. SFAS No.157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in
generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.
SFAS No.157 will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007.
Pension Accounting. On September 29, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to
recognize the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan as an
asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded
status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income of the entity. SFAS No.
158 is effective for us as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 31, 2006.
Financial Statement Misstatements. The SEC issued SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of
Prior Year Misstatements
When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, on September 13, 2006. SAB
No. 108 expresses the staffs views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement
misstatements in determining materiality. The guidance in this SAB is effective for fiscal years
ending after November 15, 2006.
We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that these recent accounting developments will
have on future financial reporting.
Defined Terms
Oil and condensate are stated in barrels (Bbls) or thousand barrels (MBbls). Natural gas
is stated herein in billion cubic feet (Bcf), million cubic feet (MMcf) or thousand cubic feet
(Mcf). Oil and condensate are converted to natural gas at a ratio of one barrel of liquids per
six Mcf of gas. Bcfe, MMcfe, and Mcfe represent one billion cubic feet, one million cubic feet and
one thousand cubic feet of gas equivalent, respectively. MMBtu represents one million British
Thermal Units and BBtu represents one billion British Thermal Units. An active property is an oil
and gas property with existing production. A primary term lease is an oil and gas property with no
existing production, in which we have a specific time frame to establish production without losing
the rights to explore the property. Liquidity is defined as the ability to obtain cash quickly
either through the conversion of assets or incurrence of liabilities.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
Our major market risk exposure continues to be the pricing applicable to our oil and natural
gas production. Our revenues, profitability and future rate of growth depend substantially upon
the market prices of oil and natural gas, which fluctuate widely. Oil and natural gas price
declines and volatility could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and profitability. Price
volatility is expected to continue. In order to manage our exposure to oil and natural gas price
declines, we occasionally enter into oil and natural gas price hedging arrangements to secure a
price for a portion of our expected future production. We do not enter into hedging transactions
for trading purposes.
Our hedging policy provides that not more than one-half of our estimated production quantities
can be hedged without the consent of the Board of Directors. We believe our current hedging
positions have hedged approximately 35% 45% of our estimated 2006 production, 15% 20% of our
estimated 2007 production and 5% 10% of our estimated 2008 production. See Item 1. Financial
Statements Note 4 Hedging Activities for a detailed discussion of hedges in place to manage our
exposure to oil and natural gas price declines.
Since the filing of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, there have been no material changes
in reported market risk as it relates to commodity prices.
Interest Rate Risk
We had long-term debt outstanding of $797 million at September 30, 2006, of which $400
million, or approximately 50%, bears interest at fixed rates. The fixed rate debt as of September
30, 2006 consists of $200 million of 81/4% senior subordinated notes due 2011 and $200 million of 63/4%
senior subordinated notes due 2014. At September 30, 2006, the remaining $397 million of our
outstanding long-term debt bears interest at a floating rate and consists of $172 million
outstanding under our bank credit facility and $225 million aggregate principal amount of senior
floating rate notes. At September 30, 2006, the weighted average interest rate under our bank
credit facility was approximately 6.8% per annum. At September 30, 2006, the interest rate under
our senior floating rate notes was equal to three-month LIBOR (as defined in the indenture
governing the notes) plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. The applicable margin will increase by 1%
on July 15, 2007. We currently have no interest rate hedge positions in place to reduce our
exposure to changes in interest rates.
18
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Deficiencies Relating to Reserve Reporting
In October 2005 we completed an internal review of our estimates of proved oil and natural gas
reserves. As a result of this review and subsequent reviews, we reduced our estimate of total
proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2004 by approximately 237 Bcfe. Management
concluded that the impact of the reserve adjustment on previously issued financial statements was
material and required a restatement. The audit committee of our board of directors engaged the law
firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell (Davis Polk) to assist in its investigation of reserve revisions.
Davis Polk presented its final report to the audit committee and board of directors on November 28,
2005. The final report found that a number of factors at Stone contributed to the write-down of
reserves, including the following:
|
|
|
Stone lacked adequate internal guidance or training on the SEC definition of proved reserves; |
|
|
|
|
There is evidence that some members of Stone management failed to fully grasp the conservatism of the
SECs reasonable certainty standard of booking reserves; and |
|
|
|
|
There is also evidence that there was an optimistic and aggressive tone from the top with respect to
estimating proved reserves. |
As part of its final report, Davis Polk proposed a number of recommendations, including the
following:
|
|
|
adopt and distribute written guidelines to its staff on the SEC reserve reporting requirements; |
|
|
|
|
provide annual training for employees on the SEC requirements; |
|
|
|
|
continue to emphasize the difference between SECs standard of measuring proved reserves and the criteria that Stone
might use in making business decisions; and |
|
|
|
|
institute and cultivate a culture of compliance to ensure that the foregoing contributing factors do not recur. |
The audit committee and board of directors have accepted the Davis Polk final report, and the
board of directors implemented and resolved to continue to implement all of the recommendations.
Consequently, we revised our historical proved reserves for the period from December 31, 2001
to June 30, 2005. This revision of reserves also resulted in a restatement of financial information
for the years 2001 through 2004 and for the first six months of 2005. This restatement, as well as
specific information regarding its impact, is discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K/A. Restatement of previously issued financial
statements to reflect the correction of a misstatement is an indicator of the existence of a
material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as defined in the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Boards Auditing Standard No. 2, An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting Performed in Conjunction with an Audit of Financial Statements. We have identified
deficiencies in our internal controls that did not prevent the overstatement of our proved oil and
natural gas reserves. These deficiencies, which we believe constituted a material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting, included an overly aggressive and optimistic tone by
some members of management which created a weak control environment surrounding the booking of
proved oil and natural gas reserves, and inadequate training and understanding of the SEC rules for
booking oil and natural gas reserves. In light of the determination that previously issued
financial statements should be restated, our management concluded that a material weakness in
internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2005 and disclosed this matter
to the Audit Committee and our independent registered public accounting firm.
Remedial Actions
Our management, at the direction of our board of directors, is actively working to
improve the control environment and to implement controls and procedures that will ensure the
integrity of our proved reserve booking process.
We have implemented the following actions to mitigate weaknesses identified:
|
|
Those members of management that the Davis Polk report specifically suggested
contributed to the aggressive and optimistic tone of management in booking estimated
proved reserves are no longer employed by or affiliated with Stone as employees,
officers or directors. |
|
|
|
A new Vice President, Reserves, has been appointed to oversee the booking of
estimated proved reserves and the training of all personnel involved in the reserve
estimation process. |
|
|
|
Formal training programs have been implemented and all personnel involved in the
reserve estimation process have, since the announcement of the reserve revision,
received formal training in SEC requirements for reporting estimated proved reserves. |
|
|
|
A nationally recognized engineering firm with greater capabilities for geological
reviews was contracted to audit our |
19
|
|
Gulf Coast Basin reserves. The Gulf Coast Basin
is the area where the downward revisions occurred. Such audit was conducted as of
December 31, 2005 and was completed early in 2006. |
|
|
|
We have adopted and distributed a written policy and guidelines for booking estimated
proved reserves to all personnel involved in the reserve estimation process. |
|
|
|
We have had 100% of our proved reserves fully engineered by outside engineering firms. |
We intend to continue to move forward with the following remedial actions in 2006:
|
|
continue our formal training programs; and |
|
|
|
during 2006 and thereafter, consult with our outside engineering firms
on an interim basis on the original booking of significant
acquisitions, extensions, discoveries and other additions. |
Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of other
members of our senior management, reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. In making this
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer considered the issues
discussed above, together with the remedial steps we have taken. Based on such evaluation, our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, because of the material
weakness discussed above, as of September 30, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were not
effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting information required to be disclosed
by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During 2005, we implemented the following actions to improve our control environment and to
implement controls and procedures that will ensure the integrity of our reserve booking process:
|
|
Those members of management that the Davis Polk report specifically suggested
contributed to the aggressive and optimistic tone of management in booking estimated
proved reserves are no longer employed by or affiliated with Stone as employees,
officers or directors. |
|
|
|
A new Vice President, Reserves, has been appointed to oversee the booking of
estimated proved reserves and the training of all personnel involved in the reserve
estimation process. |
|
|
|
Formal training programs have been implemented and all personnel involved in the
reserve estimation process have, since the announcement of the reserve revision,
received formal training in SEC requirements for reporting estimated proved reserves. |
|
|
|
A nationally recognized engineering firm with greater capabilities for geological
reviews was contracted to audit our Gulf Coast Basin reserves. The Gulf Coast Basin
is the area where the downward revisions occurred. Such audit was conducted as of
December 31, 2005 and was completed early in 2006. |
|
|
|
We have adopted and distributed a written policy and guidelines for booking estimated
proved reserves to all personnel involved in the reserve estimation process. |
|
|
|
We have had 100% of our proved reserves fully engineered by outside engineering firms. |
We intend to continue to move forward with the following remedial actions in 2006:
|
|
continue our formal training programs; and |
|
|
|
during 2006 and thereafter, consult with our outside engineering firms
on an interim basis on the original booking of significant
acquisitions, extensions, discoveries and other additions. |
Except as discussed above, there has not been any change in our internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during our quarter ended September 30, 2006 that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On December 30, 2004, Stone was served with two petitions (civil action numbers 2004-6227
and 2004-6228) filed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) in the 15th Judicial District
Court (Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana) claiming additional franchise taxes due. In one case, the
LDR is seeking additional franchise taxes from Stone in the amount of $640,000, plus accrued
interest of $352,000 (calculated through December 15, 2004), for the franchise year 2001. In the
other case, the LDR is seeking additional franchise taxes from Stone (as successor to Basin
Exploration, Inc.) in the amount of $274,000, plus accrued interest of $159,000 (calculated through
December 15, 2004), for the franchise years 1999, 2000 and 2001. Further, on December 29, 2005, the
20
LDR filed another petition in the 15th Judicial District Court claiming additional
franchise taxes due for the taxable years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 in the amount of $2.6
million plus accrued interest calculated through December 15, 2005 in the amount of $1.2 million.
These assessments all relate to the LDRs assertion that sales of crude oil and natural gas from
properties located on the Outer Continental Shelf, which are transported through the state of
Louisiana, should be sourced to the state of Louisiana for purposes of computing the Louisiana
franchise tax apportionment ratio. The Company disagrees with these contentions and intends to
vigorously defend itself against these claims. Stone has not yet been given any indication that the
LDR plans to review franchise taxes for the franchise tax years 2004 and 2005.
Stone has received notice that the staff of the SEC (the Staff) is conducting an informal
inquiry into the revision of Stones proved reserves and the financial statement restatement. The
Staff has also informed Stone that it is likely to obtain a formal order of investigation with its
inquiry. In addition, Stone has received an inquiry from the Philadelphia Stock Exchange
investigating matters including trading prior to Stones October 6, 2005 announcement. Stone
intends to cooperate fully with both inquiries.
On or around November 30, 2005, George Porch filed a putative class action in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Stone, David Welch, Kenneth
Beer, D. Peter Canty and James Prince purporting to allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Three similar complaints were filed soon thereafter. All
complaints had asserted a putative class period commencing on June 17, 2005 and ending on October
6, 2005. All complaints contended that, during the putative class period, defendants, among other
things, misstated or failed to disclose (i) that Stone had materially overstated Stones financial
results by overvaluing its oil reserves through improper and aggressive reserve methodologies; (ii)
that the Company lacked adequate internal controls and was therefore unable to ascertain its true
financial condition; and (iii) that as a result of the foregoing, the values of the Companys
proved reserves, assets and future net cash flows were materially overstated at all relevant times.
On March 17, 2006, these purported class actions were consolidated, with El Paso Fireman &
Policemans Pension Fund designated as Lead Plaintiff. Lead plaintiff filed a consolidated class
action complaint on or about June 14, 2006. The consolidated complaint alleges claims similar to
those described above and expands the putative class period to commence on May 2, 2001 and to end
on March 10, 2006. On September 13, 2006, Stone and the individual defendants filed motions seeking
dismissal of that action.
In addition, on or about December 16, 2005, Robert Farer filed respective complaints in the
United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Federal Court)
purportedly alleging claims derivatively on behalf of Stone. Similar complaints were filed
thereafter in the Federal Court by Joint Pension Fund, Local No. 164, I.B.E.W., and in the
15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana (the State Court) by
Gregory Sakhno. Stone was named as a nominal defendant and David Welch, Kenneth Beer, D. Peter
Canty, James Prince, James Stone, John Laborde, Peter Barker, George Christmas, Richard Pattarozzi,
David Voelker, Raymond Gary, B.J. Duplantis and Robert Bernhard were named as defendants in these
actions. The State Court action purportedly alleges breach of the fiduciary duty, abuse of control,
gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets against all defendants, and claims of unjust
enrichment and insider selling against certain individual defendants. The Federal Court actions
assert purported claims against all defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control,
gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment and claims against certain
individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty and violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
On March 30, 2006, the Federal Court entered an order naming Robert Farer, Priscilla Fisk and
Joint Pension Fund, Local No. 164, I.B.E.W. as co-lead plaintiffs in the Federal Court derivative
action and directed the lead plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint within forty-five
days. On April 22, 2006, the complaint in the State Court derivative action was amended to also
assert claims on behalf of a purported class of shareholders of Stone. In addition to the above
mentioned claims, the amended State Court derivative action complaint purports to allege breaches
of fiduciary duty by the director defendants in connection with the then proposed merger
transaction with Plains and seeks an order enjoining the director defendants from entering into the
then proposed transaction with Plains. On May 15, 2006, the complaint in the Federal Court action
was similarly amended. On September 15, 2006, co-lead plaintiffs in the Federal Court derivative
action amended their complaint to seek an order enjoining Stones proposed merger with EPL based on
substantially the same grounds previously asserted regarding the prior proposed transaction with
Plains. On October 2, 2006, each of the defendants in the Federal Court derivative action filed or
joined in motions seeking dismissal of all or part of that action.
On or around August 28, 2006, ATS instituted an action (the ATS Litigation) in the Delaware
Court of Chancery for New Castle County (the Delaware Court). The initial complaint in the ATS
Litigation, among other things, challenged certain provisions of the EPL Merger Agreement pursuant
to which EPL (i) paid the $43.5 million Plains Termination Fee; and (ii) agreed, under certain
contractually specified conditions, to pay Stone $25.6 million in the event of a future termination
of the Merger Agreement (the EPL Termination Fee). On or around September 12, 2006, a purported
shareholder of EPL filed a purported class action in the Delaware Court (the Farrington Action).
The initial Farrington Action complaint asserted claims similar to those in the ATS Litigation and
sought, among other things, a damages recovery in the amount of the Plains Termination Fee.
On or around September 7, 2006, EPL commenced an action against Stone in the Delaware Court
(the Declaratory Action), in which EPL sought a declaratory judgment with respect to EPLs rights
and obligations under Section 6.2(e) of the Merger Agreement. On September 11, 2006, the Delaware
Court expedited the Declaratory Action and consolidated with the Declaratory Action a portion of
the ATS Litigation in which ATS likewise asserted claims respecting Section 6.2(e) of the Merger
Agreement. By oral ruling on September 27, 2006, and subsequent written opinion dated October 11,
2006, the Delaware Court ruled, among other
21
things, that Section 6.2(e) of the Merger Agreement did
not limit the ability of EPL to explore and negotiate, in good faith, with respect to any Third
Party Acquisition Proposals (as defined in the Merger Agreement), including the tender offer by
ATS, Inc. for all of the outstanding shares of EPL stock at $23.00 per share (ATS Offer). The
Delaware Court dismissed without prejudice the remainder of the claims raised by EPL in the
Declaratory Action as not ripe for a judicial determination.
On October 11, 2006, EPL and Stone entered into an agreement (the Termination and Release
Agreement) pursuant to which they agreed, among other things, (i) to enter into a mutual
termination of the Merger Agreement, (ii) to mutually release certain actual or potential claims or
rights of action, (iii) to mutually seek a dismissal of the Declaratory Action, and (iv) that EPL
would make a payment of $8 million to Stone (the $8 Million Payment). EPL made the $8 Million
Payment to Stone. On October 13, 2006, the Declaratory Action was dismissed by stipulation of the
parties and order of the Delaware Court.
On or around October 16, 2006, following the execution of the Termination and Release
Agreement, plaintiffs in both the ATS Litigation and the Farrington Litigation sought (and were
later granted leave by the Court) to file Second Amended Complaints that, among other things, added
claims seeking a recovery in the amount of the $8 Million Payment. On October 26, 2006, ATS
voluntarily dismissed the ATS Litigation without prejudice, while as of this date the
Farrington Action remains pending. The Delaware Court has yet to reach a determination as to the
merits of the claims asserted in the Farrington Action with respect to the Plains Termination Fee
or the $8 Million Payment.
Stones Certificate of Incorporation and/or its Restated Bylaws provide, to the extent
permissible under the law of Delaware (Stones state of incorporation), for indemnification of and
advancement of defense costs to Stones current and former directors and officers for potential
liabilities related to their service to Stone. Stone has purchased directors and officers insurance
policies that, under certain circumstances, may provide coverage to Stone and/or its officers and
directors for certain losses resulting from securities-related civil liabilities and/or the
satisfaction of indemnification and advancement obligations owed to directors and officers. These
insurance policies may not cover all costs and liabilities incurred by Stone and its current and
former officers and directors in these regulatory and civil proceedings.
The foregoing pending actions are at an early stage and subject to substantial uncertainties
concerning the outcome of material factual and legal issues relating to the litigation and the
regulatory proceedings. Accordingly, based on the current status of the litigation and inquiries,
we cannot currently predict the manner and timing of the resolution of these matters and are unable
to estimate a range of possible losses or any minimum loss from such matters. Furthermore, to the
extent that our insurance policies are ultimately available to cover any costs and/or liabilities
resulting from these actions, they may not be sufficient to cover all costs and liabilities
incurred by us and our current and former officers and directors in these regulatory and civil
proceedings.
Item 6. Exhibits
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2.1
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Agreement by and among Energy Partners, Ltd., EPL Acquisition Corp. LLC
and Stone Energy Corporation dated as of October 11, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrants Current Report on Form 8-K dated
October 11, 2006 (File No. 001-12074)). |
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*15.1
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Letter from Ernst & Young LLP dated October 30, 2006, regarding
unaudited interim financial information. |
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*31.1
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Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Stone Energy
Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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*31.2
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Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Stone Energy
Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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*32.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Stone
Energy Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350. |
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* |
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Filed herewith |
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Not considered to be filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. |
22
SIGNATURE
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 hereunto duly authorized.
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STONE ENERGY CORPORATION |
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Date:
November 1, 2006
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By:
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/s/J. Kent Pierret |
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J. Kent Pierret |
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Senior Vice President, |
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Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer |
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(On behalf of the Registrant and as |
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Chief Accounting Officer) |
23
EXHIBIT INDEX
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2.1
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Agreement by and among Energy Partners, Ltd., EPL Acquisition
Corp. LLC and Stone Energy Corporation dated as of October 11, 2006
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrants Current Report
on Form 8-K dated October 11, 2006 (File No. 001-12074)). |
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*15.1
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Letter from Ernst & Young LLP dated October 30, 2006,
regarding unaudited interim financial information. |
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*31.1
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Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Stone Energy
Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. |
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*31.2
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Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Stone Energy
Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. |
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*32.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Stone
Energy Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350. |
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* |
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Filed herewith |
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Not considered to be filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. |