<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
X Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
--------------- Securities Exchange Act of 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
or
_______________ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period From __________ to __________
Commission file number 0-9498
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 74-0437769
(State of incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
1331 Lamar, Suite 1455 Houston, Texas 77010-3039
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 650-1025
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
As of November 5, 1998, 14,138,824 shares of common stock of Bellwether
Exploration Company were outstanding.
1
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page #
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
<S> <C>
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
September 30, 1998 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1997.................... 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited):
Three and nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997... 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited):
Nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997............. 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)............. 8
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations....................................... 12
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION........................................................... 20
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents....................................... $ 7,767 $ 2,699
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues........................ 10,904 18,293
Due from related parties........................................ 238 4,645
Prepaid expenses and other...................................... 3,385 3,240
------------------- -------------------
Total current assets........................................... 22,294 28,877
------------------- -------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:
Oil and gas properties (full cost method)....................... 282,047 249,271
Gas plant facilities............................................ 16,742 16,717
------------------- -------------------
298,789 265,988
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization............ (111,490) (85,855)
------------------- -------------------
187,299 180,133
------------------- -------------------
OTHER ASSETS.................................................... 5,331 5,747
------------------- -------------------
$ 214,924 $214,757
=================== ===================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
3
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share information)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
-------------------- --------------------
(Unaudited)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities....................... $ 15,664 $ 14,241
Due to related parties......................................... 1,228 672
-------------------- --------------------
Total current liabilities..................................... 16,892 14,913
-------------------- --------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT................................................. 100,000 100,000
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.......................................... 6,036 7,106
OTHER LIABILITIES.............................................. 200 1,069
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued or outstanding at September 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1997............................................. --- ---
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized,
14,138,791 and 13,891,465 shares issued at September 30,
1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively September 30, 1998 141 139
and December 31, 1997, respectively..........................
Additional paid-in capital..................................... 80,285 78,470
Retained earnings.............................................. 12,728 13,060
Treasury stock, at cost, 220,800 shares........................ (1,358) ---
-------------------- --------------------
Total stockholders' equity................................... 91,796 91,669
-------------------- --------------------
$214,924 $214,757
==================== ====================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------- --------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
REVENUES:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oil and gas revenues............................. $18,299 $20,526 $58,029 $49,747
Gas plant operations, net........................ 371 394 918 1,672
Interest and other income........................ 364 257 877 567
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
19,034 21,177 59,824 51,986
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Production expenses.............................. 6,277 6,628 19,170 15,004
Depreciation, depletion and amortization......... 8,057 8,357 25,616 19,764
General and administrative expenses.............. 2,032 1,811 6,640 4,401
Interest expense................................. 2,951 3,006 8,906 6,963
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
19,317 19,802 60,332 46,132
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes................. (283) 1,375 (508) 5,854
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............. (96) 518 (176) 2,085
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................. $ (187) $ 857 $ (332) $ 3,769
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) per share....................... $(0.01) $0.06 $(0.02) $0.31
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) per share-diluted............... $(0.01) $0.06 $(0.02) $0.30
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Weighted average common shares
outstanding...................................... 14,121 13,864 14,103 12,166
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Weighted average common shares
outstanding-diluted.............................. 14,121 14,419 14,103 12,456
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------------------------
1998 1997
-----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
NET INCOME (LOSS).................................................... $ (332) $ 3,769
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization........................ 26,256 20,264
Deferred income taxes........................................... (787) 2,099
-------------------- --------------------
25,137 26,132
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue............................. 7,390 7,043
Accounts payable and other liabilities.............................. 1,454 2,865
Due from related parties............................................ 4,963 6,825
Other............................................................... (1,724) (8,136)
-------------------- --------------------
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES..................... 37,220 34,729
-------------------- --------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of oil and gas properties, including working
capital acquired................................................. --- (149,914)
Additions to properties and facilities.............................. (32,874) (21,964)
Proceeds from sales of properties................................... 578 21,004
-------------------- --------------------
NET CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES......................... (32,296) (150,874)
-------------------- --------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings............................................ --- 144,300
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock.......................... --- 34,839
Payments of long-term debt.......................................... --- (55,300)
Exercise of stock options........................................... 1,502 ---
Purchase of treasury shares......................................... (1,358) ---
-------------------- --------------------
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................... 144 123,839
-------------------- --------------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents........................... 5,068 7,694
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.................... 2,699 450
-------------------- --------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD........................... $ 7,767 $ 8,144
==================== ====================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
6
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997
----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest.................................................... $5,639 $1,272
Income taxes................................................ $1,412 $ 144
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
7
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore,
do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting
principles. However, in the opinion of management, these statements
include all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary
to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 1998 and December
31, 1997, and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the
periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes to the consolidated financial statements in the December 31, 1997
Form 10-K of Bellwether Exploration Company ("the Company") that was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 1998.
Certain reclassifications of prior period statements have been made to
conform with current reporting practices.
In order to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, management of the Company has made a number
of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and
liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and
reserve information. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. ACQUISITIONS
On April 9 and 15, 1997, the Company closed acquisitions of oil and gas
properties (the "Partnership Transactions"), totaling $145.2 million
(inclusive of working capital acquired of $13.9 million), from certain
partnerships and other entities managed or sponsored by Torch Energy
Advisors Incorporated ("Torch"). The acquisitions were financed by the
sale of 4.4 million shares of common stock, the sale of $100.0 million of
10-7/8% senior subordinated notes due in 2007 and borrowings under the
Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma results of operations
as if the Partnership Transactions had occurred on January 1, 1997. The
Partnership Transactions were accounted for as purchases, and their results
of operations are included in the Company's results of operations from the
date of acquisition. The Company's pro forma results are based on
assumptions and estimates and are not necessarily indicative of the
Company's results of operations in the future or such results had the
transaction occurred as of January 1, 1997 (in thousands, except earnings
per share).
8
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
-----------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................................................. $78,250
Expenses.............................................................. 61,210
--------------------
Income before income taxes............................................ 17,040
Income taxes.......................................................... 6,224
--------------------
Net earnings.......................................................... $10,816
====================
Net earnings per common share......................................... $ 0.78
====================
Net earnings per common share-diluted................................. $ 0.77
====================
</TABLE>
3. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In accordance with SFAS No. 128, the Company retroactively restated all
prior period EPS data (including interim EPS) included in these financial
statements and footnotes. The impact of adopting SFAS 128 is immaterial.
SFAS No. 128 also requires a reconciliation of the numerator and
denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator
of the diluted EPS computation. For the nine months ended September 30,
1998, diluted earnings per common share are not calculated below since the
issuance or conversion of additional securities would have an anti-dilutive
effect.
SFAS NO. 128 RECONCILIATION (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C><C>
For the Nine Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1998 September 30, 1997
----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
Income (loss) available to common
stockholders................... $(332) 14,103 $(0.02) $3,769 12,166 $0.31
============= =============
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES:
Options and Warrants............ $ --- --- $ --- 290
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON
SHARE-DILUTED:
Income (loss) available to common
stockholders and assumed
conversions.................... $(332) 14,103 $(0.02) $3,769 12,456 $0.30
============= ============= ============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the
future, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per
share because to do so would have been antidilutive are as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1998 (Shares)
---------------------------
Options and Warrants 254,000
=======
In September 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
repurchase of up to $5 million of the Company's common stock. As of
September 30, 1998, 220,800 shares had been acquired at an aggregate price
of $1,358,000. These treasury shares are reported at cost as a reduction
to Stockholders' Equity.
4. LONG TERM DEBT
In April 1997, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit
facility ("Senior Credit Facility") in an amount up to $90.0 million, with
an initial borrowing base of $90.0 million to be redetermined annually, and
a maturity date of March 31, 2002. The Company may elect an interest rate
based either on a margin plus LIBOR or the higher of the prime rate or the
sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the Federal Funds Rate. For LIBOR borrowings, the
interest rate will vary from LIBOR plus 0.875% to LIBOR plus 1.25% based
upon the borrowing base usage. In connection with the acquisition of oil
and gas properties, $33.3 million was drawn under this facility ($22
million of which was used to retire outstandings under the previous bank
credit facility). As of September 30, 1998 the borrowing base was $75
million and there were no balances outstanding under the Senior Credit
Facility.
The Senior Credit Facility contains various covenants including certain
required financial measurements for current ratio, consolidated tangible
net worth and interest coverage ratio. In addition, the Senior Credit
Facility includes certain limitations on restricted payments, dividends,
incurrence of additional funded indebtedness and asset sales.
In April 1997, the Company issued $100.0 million of 10-7/8% senior
subordinated notes ("Notes") that mature April 1, 2007. Interest on the
Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The Notes are
guaranteed by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Odyssey Petroleum
Company, Black Hawk Oil Company and 1989-I TEAI Limited Partnership. The
Notes contain certain covenants, including limitations on indebtedness,
liens, dividends and other payment restrictions affecting restricted
subsidiaries, issuance and sales of restricted subsidiary stock,
dispositions of proceeds of asset sales and restrictions on mergers and
consolidations or sales of assets.
Effective September 22, 1998, the Company entered into an eight and a half
year interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $80 million.
Under the agreement, the Company receives a fixed interest rate and pays a
floating interest rate based on the simple average of three foreign LIBOR
10
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
rates. Floating rates are redetermined for a six month period each April 1
and October 1. The floating rate for the period from inception to April 1,
1999 is 9.73%. Through April 1, 2002 the floating rate is capped at
10.875% and capped at 12.375% thereafter.
5. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement establishes standards
of accounting for and disclosures of derivative instruments and hedging
activities. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 1999. The Company has not yet determined the impact of this
statement on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
6. NATURAL GAS AND CRUDE OIL HEDGING
Commodity derivatives utilized as hedges include swap contracts. In order
to qualify as a hedge, price movements in the underlying commodity
derivative must be sufficiently correlated with the hedged commodity.
Settlement of gains and losses on price swap contracts are realized
monthly, generally based upon the difference between the contract price for
a given month and the average closing New York Mercantile Exchange
("NYMEX") price for such month and are reported as a component of oil and
gas revenues and operating cash flows in the period realized. Gains and
losses attributable to the termination of a swap contract are deferred on
the balance sheet and recognized in revenue when the hedged crude oil and
natural gas is sold. There were no such deferred gains or losses at
September 30, 1998 or 1997.
Oil and gas revenues increased $1,877,000 and $2,840,000, in the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, and decreased by
$656,000 and $646,000 in the three and nine month periods in 1997,
respectively, as a result of such hedging activity.
11
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
Condition and Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company strives to maximize long-term shareholder value through growth in
reserves and cash flow using advanced technologies, implementation of a low cost
structure and maintenance of a capital structure supportive of growth. The
Company employs an integrated interdisciplinary team approach to a balanced
program of strategic acquisitions of producing oil and gas properties and
technology driven development and exploration activities. The funding of these
activities has historically been provided by operating cash flows, bank
financing, equity placements and sale of non-core assets. The Company invested
$32.9 million in oil and gas properties for the nine months ended September 30,
1998 versus $22.0 million in 1997. Cash flows from operations before changes in
assets and liabilities were $25.1 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 compared to $26.1 million provided by operating activities in the same
period of 1997. At September 30, 1998, the Company had $75 million of available
debt capacity under the Senior Credit Facility.
Partnership Transactions
In April 1997, the Company purchased oil and gas properties and $13.9 million of
working capital from affiliates of Torch for an adjusted purchase price of
$145.2 million. The acquisitions were recorded effective April 1, 1997 and the
operations of the Company include the Partnership Transactions from that date.
The Partnership Transactions were financed with $34.1 million of the net of
proceeds of a Common Stock offering, $97.0 million from the net proceeds of
10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Offerings") and borrowings
under the Senior Credit Facility. In addition, for advisory services rendered in
connection with the Partnership Transactions, Torch was issued 150,000 shares of
the Company's common stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 100,000
shares at $9.90 per share. The warrant and shares were valued at $1.5 million
and recorded as a cost of the Partnership Transactions.
Change in Fiscal Year
Effective July 1, 1997 the Company changed its fiscal year to the calendar year.
As a result, the Company reported a six month transition period ended December
31, 1997.
Fiscal 1998 Capital Expenditures
During fiscal 1998, the Company anticipates investing approximately $44.0
million, primarily for development and exploratory drilling activities and
leasehold and seismic acquisitions. The Company believes its cash flow provided
by operating activities and the proceeds from credit facilities will be
sufficient to meet these projected capital investments (See Notes 2 and 4 of the
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company continues to
seek acquisition opportunities and the consummation of such a transaction will
directly impact anticipated capital expenditures.
12
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to manage oil and
gas price risk. The Company has current contracts to hedge a total of 2,941
MMBTU of gas during the months of October through November 1998 at a weighted
average NYMEX quoted price of $2.28 per MMBTU. In addition, the Company has
sold calls options on 1,000 barrels of oil per day for the months of October
through December 1998 at a strike price of $18.50 for a premium of $1.00 per
barrel. Such call options do not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes and,
therefore, are marked to market.
Oil and Gas Property Accounting
The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its investment in
oil and gas properties. Under this method of accounting, all costs of
acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized
as incurred. To the extent that capitalized costs of oil and gas properties,
net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, exceed the
discounted future net revenues of proved oil and gas reserves net of deferred
taxes, such excess capitalized costs would be charged to operations. While no
such charges to operations were required during the nine month periods ending
September 30, 1998 or 1997, the continuing decline in oil prices could result in
discounted future net revenues below the capitalized costs of the Company's oil
and gas properties. In such event, a provision for impairment of oil and gas
properties could be required.
13
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain operating information of the Company for
the periods presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Production:
Oil and condensate (MBBLs)...................... 583 614 1,760 1,325
Natural gas (MMCF).............................. 5,109 5,458 16,865 13,196
Average sales price: /(1)/
Oil and condensate (per BBL).................... $11.52 $15.45 $ 11.80 $ 16.02
Natural gas (per MCF).......................... $ 1.90 $ 2.14 $ 2.04 $ 2.21
Average costs:
Production expenses (per BOE)................... $ 4.38 $ 4.35 $ 4.20 $ 4.26
General and administrative expense
(per BOE).................................... $ 1.42 $ 1.19 $ 1.45 $ 1.25
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(per BOE)/(3)/............................... $ 5.42 $ 5.34 $ 5.42 $ 5.42
</TABLE>
(1) Average sales prices exclude the effect of hedges, which increased revenues
by $1,877,000 and $2,840,000 in the three and nine month periods in 1998,
respectively, and decreased revenues by $656,000 and $646,000 in the three
and nine month periods in 1997, respectively.
(2) Excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization on gas plants of $283,000
and $844,000 in the three and nine month periods in 1998, respectively
and of $221,000 and $663,000 in the three and nine months
periods in 1997, respectively.
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
Net income (or loss) for the quarters ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 was
($.2) million or ($.01) per share, assuming dilution and $.9 million or $.06 per
share, assuming dilution, respectively. The loss is primarily due to the
decline in oil prices.
Oil and gas revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1998 were $18.3
million, as compared to $20.5 million for the respective period in 1997. The
11% decrease in oil and gas revenues is primarily due to the decline in oil
prices. Oil prices averaged $11.52 per barrel in the three month period ended
September 30, 1998 as compared to $15.45 per barrel in the comparable period of
1997. This represents a 25% decline in oil prices and translates into a $2.3
million decrease in oil revenues. Partially offsetting such decline is a
favorable gas price variance due to hedging activities. Approximately 83% of
the current quarter's gas production was hedged at a weighted average Nymex
price of $2.35 per MMBTU, resulting in a $.7 million favorable gas price
variance.
14
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Production volumes reflect a temporary decline due to four tropical storms and
other non-recurring events. Oil production was down 5% compared to the same
quarter of 1997 with 583,000 and 614,000 barrels for the three month periods
ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Gas production was down 6%
compared to the same quarter of 1997 with 5,109,000 and 5,458,000 million cubic
feet (Mcf) for the three month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
Net gas plant operating profit was $371,000 in the three months ended September
30, 1998 and $394,000 in the same period of 1997. Throughput was lower than
anticipated due to reduced production volumes from the North SACROC Unit.
Tertiary recovery projects which have been expanded to increase such North
SACROC Unit production have begun to increase the Snyder gas plant throughput.
Production expenses for the three months ended September 30, 1998 totaled $6.3
million, or 5% below the $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30,
1997. This savings is directly related to the December 1997 auction of lower
margin properties. On a per BOE basis production expenses have increased
slightly for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to the
comparable period of 1997. This results from the temporary volume decrease from
the tropical storms and other non-recurring events mentioned above. For the
quarter ended September 30, 1998, production expenses per BOE would have been
$.33 less had the temporary volume decreases not occurred.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization was $8.1 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1998 and $8.4 million for the three month period ended
September 30, 1997. The decline is due to the volume decrease mentioned above.
General and administrative expenses totaled $2.0 million in the three months
ended September 30, 1998 as compared to $1.8 million for the comparable period
of fiscal 1997.
Interest expense remained flat at $3.0 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 and $3.0 million in the same period of 1997.
The provision for federal and state income taxes for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 and 1997 are based upon a 34%, and 38% effective tax rate,
respectively.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
Net income or (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 was
($.3) million or ($.02) per share, assuming dilution, and $3.8 million or $.30
per share, assuming dilution, respectively. The nine-month period ended
September 30, 1998 includes the Partnership Transaction for the full nine months
while the nine months ended September 30, 1997 includes the Partnership
Transaction since April 1997, six months of activity. Due to the decline in oil
prices, the increased revenues from the Partnership Transactions
15
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
are less than the increased production expenses, general and administrative,
depreciation, depletion and amortization and interest expense for the nine-month
period ended September 30, 1998.
Oil and gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were $58.0
million, as compared to $49.7 million for the respective period in 1997. Oil
prices have declined 26% from $16.02 per barrel in the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 to $11.80 per barrel in the current period which translate
into a $7.4 million unfavorable oil price variance. Natural gas prices declined
8% from $2.21 per Mcf in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $2.04 per
Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The unfavorable gas price
variance was essentially offset by hedging activities since approximately 78% of
the nine-month periods' production was hedged at an average Nymex price of 2.21
per MMBTU. Partially offsetting such unfavorable price variance were favorable
volume variances resulting from the Partnership Transaction.
Net gas plant operating profit was $918,000 in the nine months ended September
30, 1998 and $1,672,000 in the same period of 1997. The Snyder gas plant was
temporarily shut in 5 days in January for work attributable to a small accident
in an adjacent plant and 3 days in February to tie in new equipment. In
addition, throughput was lower than anticipated due to reduced production
volumes from the North SACROC Unit. Tertiary recovery projects which have been
expanded to increase such North SACROC Unit production have begun to increase
the Snyder gas plant throughput.
Interest and other income increased to $.9 million in the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 from $.6 million in the comparable period of 1997. Increased
tax credit revenue and interest income resulting from the Partnership
Transaction caused the favorable variance.
Production expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 totaled $19.1
million, or 27% over the $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997, due primarily to the effect of the Partnership Transactions.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization was $25.6 million and $19.8 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase
resulted from a 30% increase in oil and gas production primarily attributable to
the Partnership Transactions.
General and administrative expenses totaled $6.6 million in the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 as compared to $4.4 million for the comparable period
of fiscal 1997 reflecting higher management fees and fixed costs resulting from
the increase in assets and cash flows. In addition, $.3 million of costs were
incurred in March 1998 as a result of the Company closing its Dallas exploration
office.
Interest expense increased to $8.9 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 from $7.0 million in the same period of 1997 due to debt incurred in
financing of the Partnership Transactions in April 1997.
The provision (benefit) for federal and state income taxes for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 are based upon a 35% and 36% effective tax
rate, respectively.
16
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Year 2000
The Year 2000 problem refers to the inability of computer and other information
technology systems to properly process date and time information. The problem
was caused, in part, by the programming practice of using two digits rather than
four to represent the year in a date. The consequence of the Year 2000 problem
is that information technology and embedded processing systems are at risk of
malfunction, particularly during the transition between 1999 to 2000.
For purposes of its Year 2000 compliance program, the Company has divided its
computer systems into information technology ("IT systems") and embedded chip
technology. IT systems include the Company's mainframe and personal computer
systems used for financial analysis, oil and gas reserve estimates, seismic
analysis, reservoir management, oil and gas marketing, payroll and similar
applications. Embedded chips refer to the systems which monitor and control the
Company's field operations, primarily its drilling and production activities.
The Company's field operations are highly automated and rely on hundreds of
embedded chips to monitor and control rates of production, temperature, pressure
and similar factors.
The Company outsources a substantial portion of its information technology and
field operations to Torch Energy Advisors, Inc. ("Torch"). The Company and
Torch have jointly developed a plan to address the Company's Year 2000 issues.
(As used in the remainder of this discussion, references to the Company include
the Torch employees assisting the Company in its Year 2000 compliance program.)
The Company's Year 2000 compliance program is divided into four parts,
documentation, testing, upgrading and contingency planning, as summarized in the
following table:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DOCUMENTATION: IT Systems Identify and document all IT systems which rely on date
and time information. Research the procedures used by
these systems to handle date and time information.
Gather information relating to Year 2000 compliance
from the manufacturers and designers of the systems.
Categorize systems from essential to non-essential.
EMBEDDED CHIPS Locate all embedded chip technology used in field
operations. Gather documentation for embedded
technology, including procedures used to handle date
and time information.
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TESTING: IT Systems Determine which systems are mission critical to the
business and test date handling, based on level of risk
and available, acceptable workarounds.
EMBEDDED CHIPS Assemble a list of assets to be tested, considering
each asset's risk to 1) issues of health and safety, 2)
environmental concerns, 3) economic factors, and 4)
other business risks as appropriate.
UPGRADING: IT Systems Hardware and software that fail testing will be updated
with available vendor patches or replaced.
EMBEDDED CHIPS Exposures and possible remediation efforts will be
reviewed with regard to risk in 1) issues of health and
safety, 2) environmental concerns, 3) economic factors,
and 4) other business risks, with consideration of
potential workarounds and contingency plans.
Remediation effort is targeted to be complete by June
30, 1999.
CONTINGENCY For each business function, the respective functional
PLANNING: management will develop contingency plans to carry on
business. Such plans are targeted for completion by
June 30, 1999.
</TABLE>
Status and Cost of Year 2000 Compliance Project
For its IT systems, the Company has substantially completed the documentation of
all of the systems believed to be necessary for its operations. The Company
anticipates that testing of its IT systems will be completed by the end of
February 1999, and that any necessary upgrading of these systems will be
completed in the first half of 1999. Expenditures to make its IT systems Year
2000 compliant are expected to be nominal because a substantial portion of its
systems and information technology is outsourced to Torch.
With respect to embedded chips, the Company has substantially completed the
documentation of its known embedded chips. The cost of this documentation was
not material to the Company. Testing and upgrading embedded chips, however,
presents significant challenges to the Company, primarily because of the number
of embedded chips which control the Company's production facilities. In
addition, multiple embedded chips are frequently connected in systems which may
exchange date and time information, making it necessary to insure that each of
the embedded chips included in the system treats the Year 2000 problem in a
manner
18
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
allowing the system to properly function. It is also possible that the
procedures used to test embedded chips will damage the chips resulting in
interruptions of production.
The Company does not expect the cost of testing and upgrading its embedded chips
to be material. This belief is based, however, on the assumption that the
number of date related failures in the Company's embedded systems will not
exceed that which has generally been documented in the industry, and that the
testing of embedded chips will not result in destruction of the systems tested
and the consequent interruptions in production. If these assumptions are
incorrect, the Company may incur material costs in connection with testing and
remedying Year 2000 problems. In addition, if the Company is not successful and
ultimately experiences Year 2000 related failures, the costs attributable to
lost production, damages to facilities and environmental damages may be
material.
"Food Chain" Problems
Year 2000 failures affecting the Company's vendors and service providers could
negatively impact the Company. The Company's primary customers are refiner's
and natural gas marketers and pipelines. These customers are heavily dependent
upon embedded chip technology. Although the Company has sent letters to its
major customers requesting information about Year 2000 readiness, the Company
does not have the ability to require responses to such letters or to
independently verify their accuracy. The Company plans to continually review
the Year 2000 readiness of its material customers. Year 2000 related failures
of the Company's customers may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Forward Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than
statements of historical facts included herein, including without limitation,
statements under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and in the notes to the financial statements
regarding the Company's financial position, capital budget, intent to acquire
oil and gas properties, estimated quantities and net present values of reserves,
business strategy, plans and objectives of management of the Company for future
operations, and the Year 2000 problem, are forward-looking statements. There
can be no assurances that such forward looking statements will prove to have
been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the Company's expectations ("Cautionary Statements") include the
volatility of oil and gas prices, operating hazards, government regulations,
exploration risks and other factors described in the Company's Form 10-K filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All subsequent written and oral
forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its
behalf are expressly qualified by the Cautionary Statements.
19
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-Q and they
are identified by the number indicated.
27 Financial Data Schedule
b. Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
20
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: November 13, 1998 By:/s/ J. Darby Sere'
------------------------ ------------------
J. Darby Sere'
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 13, 1998 By:/s/ William C. Rankin
------------------------ ---------------------
William C. Rankin
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
21
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<PAGE>
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<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JUL-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 7,767
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 11,142
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 22,294
<PP&E> 298,789
<DEPRECIATION> (111,490)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 214,924
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 16,892
<BONDS> 100,000
0
0
<COMMON> 141
<OTHER-SE> 91,655
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 214,924
<SALES> 58,029
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 59,824
<CGS> 44,786
<TOTAL-COSTS> 60,332
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 6,640
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,906
<INCOME-PRETAX> (508)
<INCOME-TAX> (176)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (332)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (332)
<EPS-PRIMARY> $(0.02)
<EPS-DILUTED> $(0.02)
</TABLE>
