<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 quarterly period ended September 30, 2000
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 or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
1331 Lamar, Suite 1455 Houston, Texas 77010-3039
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 495-3000
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 8, 2000, 13,924,728 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, 2000 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1999.............. 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited):
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999........... 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited):
Nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999..................... 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)....... 8
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations................................... 12
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.............. 19
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,
2000 1999
------------------ ------------------
(Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.................................... $ 3,468 $ 6,101
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues..................... 26,409 14,354
Prepaid expenses and other................................... 1,641 1,562
--------- ---------
Total current assets...................................... 31,518 22,017
--------- ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
Oil and gas properties (full cost)
United States - Unproved properties of $13,118 and
$16,325 excluded from amortization as of September 30,
2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively................ 413,798 344,778
Ecuador - Unproved properties of $3,066 and $404 excluded
from amortization as of September 30, 2000 and
December 31, 1999, respectively.......................... 10,353 1,246
Gas plant facilities......................................... 18,011 17,775
--------- ---------
442,162 363,799
Accum. deprec. depl. and amortization - oil and gas........ (244,811) (221,092)
Accum. deprec. depl. and amortization - gas plant........... (7,056) (6,134)
--------- ---------
Net property, plant and equipment............................ 190,295 136,573
Leasehold, furniture and equipment........................... 2,903 438
Accumulated depreciation..................................... (299) (74)
--------- ---------
2,604 364
--------- ---------
INVESTMENTS IN OUTSIDE COMPANIES............................. 4,554 4,554
NOTES RECEIVABLE............................................. 721 ---
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES........................................ 15,610 2,739
OTHER ASSETS................................................. 5,830 5,514
--------- ---------
$ 251,132 $ 171,761
========= =========
</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,
2000 1999
-------------------- --------------------
(Unaudited)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities....................... $ 52,633 $ 18,247
-------- --------
Total current liabilities..................................... 52,633 18,247
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT................................................. 140,400 130,000
OTHER LIABILITIES.............................................. 1,853 200
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued or outstanding at September 30, 2000 and
December 31, 1999............................................. --- ---
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized,
13,924,625 and 13,857,791 shares issued and outstanding at
September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively....... 142 142
Additional paid-in capital..................................... 81,611 80,442
Retained earnings(deficit)..................................... (23,602) (55,378)
Treasury stock, at cost, 311,000 shares........................ (1,905) (1,905)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity................................... 56,246 23,314
-------- --------
$251,132 $171,761
======== ========
</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,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Oil and gas revenues--United States....................... $ 28,263 $ 17,089 $ 75,323 $ 43,840
Oil and gas revenues--Ecuador............................. 1,542 --- 2,975 ---
Gas plant operations, net................................. 750 432 2,141 907
Interest and other income................................. 191 175 757 1,444
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
30,746 17,696 81,196 46,191
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Production expenses--United States........................ 7,385 5,426 20,447 16,051
Production expenses--Ecuador.............................. 685 --- 958 ---
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization--United States...................... 8,151 6,412 22,111 16,856
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization--Ecuador............................ 240 --- 456 ---
General and administrative expenses--United States 1,888 3,320 6,701 6,188
General and administrative expenses--Ecuador.............. (235) --- 67 ---
Interest expense.......................................... 3,993 3,001 11,150 8,720
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
22,107 18,159 61,890 47,815
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......................... 8,639 (463) 19,306 (1,624)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes....................... 3,282 (465) (12,470) (465)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS).......................................... $ 5,357 $ 2 $ 31,776 $ (1,159)
=========== =========== =========== ============
Net income (loss) per share................................ $ 0.38 $ --- $ 2.29 $ (0.08)
=========== =========== =========== ============
Net income (loss) per share-diluted........................ $ 0.37 $ --- $ 2.24 $ (0.08)
=========== =========== =========== ============
Weighted average common shares
outstanding............................................... 13,921 13,854 13,888 13,854
=========== =========== =========== ============
Weighted average common shares
outstanding -diluted.................................. 14,288 13,923 14,156 13,854
=========== =========== =========== ============
</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,
---------------------------
2000 1999
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)................................................... $ 31,776 $ (1,159)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization........................ 23,302 17,471
Stock option expense amortization............................... 715 ---
Deferred income taxes........................................... (12,805) ---
---------- ----------
42,988 16,312
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue............................. (12,055) (2,410)
Accounts payable and other liabilities.............................. 34,386 5,146
Other............................................................... (521) (15)
---------- ----------
Net cash flows provided by operating activities..................... 64,798 19,033
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of oil and gas properties............................... (6,853) (14,739)
Additions to properties and facilities.............................. (71,928) (18,714)
Additions to leasehold, furniture and equipment..................... (2,716) (77)
Notes receivable.................................................... (581) ---
Proceeds from sales of properties................................... 3,870 3,222
---------- ----------
Net cash flows used in investing activities......................... (78,208) (30,308)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings............................................ 28,900 25,000
Repayment of bank note.............................................. (18,500) (11,500)
Exercise of stock options........................................... 377 ---
Purchase of treasury shares......................................... --- (1)
---------- ----------
Net cash flows provided by financing activities..................... 10,777 13,499
---------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents................ (2,633) 2,224
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.................... 6,101 10
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........................... $ 3,468 $ 2,234
========== ==========
</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)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
----------------------
2000 1999
---------- ----------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest............................................. $ 7,570 $ 5,844
Income taxes......................................... $ 104 $ (437)
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, 2000 and December
31, 1999, and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the
periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes to the consolidated financial statements in the December 31, 1999
Form 10-K of Bellwether Exploration Company (the "Company") that was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2000.
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. No such charges to operations were required during
the nine month periods ending September 30, 2000 or 1999.
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. Stockholders' Equity
--------------------
On May 15, 2000 the Company's president was granted 500,000 options with an
exercise price set at the average price for the 30 days prior to the grant
date. Such average price was less than the closing price on the grant
date. The Company is required to recognize compensation expense equal to
the difference between the exercise price and the close price of
Bellwether's stock on the grant date for every option. A charge of
$536,070 was recorded in May 2000, when one-third of the options vested.
The remaining expense will be charged ratably over the vesting period for
the remaining options, two years. Relative to these options, total
compensation expense recognized for the quarter and year to date periods
ended September 30, 2000 were $134,016 and $714,758, respectively.
8
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The following represents 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, 1999,
diluted earnings per common share are not calculated since the issuance or
conversion of additional securities would have an antidilutive effect due
to the loss in the period. Options and warrants equal to 576,500 shares in
2000 that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future
were not included in the September 30, 2000 computation of diluted earnings
per share because to do so would have been antidilutive.
SFAS No. 128 reconciliation (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Nine Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2000 September 30, 1999
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Income Shares Per Share (Loss) Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- ------------- ---------- ------------ -------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (Loss) per Common
Share:
Income (Loss) available to
common stockholders................... $ 31,776 13,888 $ 2.29 $ (1,159) 13,854 $ .00
========== ==========
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Options and Warrants.................. $ --- 268 $ --- ---
----------- ------------- ------------ --------------
Income (Loss) per Common
Share-Diluted:
Income (Loss) available to
common stockholders and
assumed conversions................... $ 31,776 14,156 $ 2.24 $ (1,159) 13,854 $ .00
=========== ============= =========== ============ ============== =========
</TABLE>
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, 2000, 311,000 shares had been acquired at an aggregate price
of $1,905,000. These treasury shares are reported at cost as a reduction
to Stockholders' Equity.
3. Long Term Debt
--------------
In April 1997, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving
credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility") which currently has a borrowing
base of $55.0 million and a maturity date of November 5, 2003. In the
second quarter of 2000, the credit facility was secured by mortgages on
proved properties. 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
1.5% plus the Federal Funds Rate. For LIBOR borrowings, the interest rate
will vary from LIBOR plus 1.5% to LIBOR plus 3.5% based upon the borrowing
base usage. As of September 30, 2000 there were $40.4 million borrowings
outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility, and available borrowing
capacity of $7.3 million, net of outstanding letters of credit of $7.3
million.
9
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
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. As of
September 30, 2000, the Company was in compliance with its covenants under
the Senior Credit Facility.
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 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.
As of September 30, 2000, the Company was in compliance with its covenants
under the Notes.
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
rates. Floating rates are redetermined for a six month period each April 1
and October 1. The floating rate for the period from April 1, 2000 to
October 1, 2000 is 10.33%. Through April 1, 2002 the floating rate is
capped at 10.875% and capped at 12.875% thereafter. The fair value of the
interest rate swap at September 30, 2000 was a loss of $4.6 million.
4. New Accounting Pronouncements
-----------------------------
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." (SFAS 133) This statement establishes
standards of accounting for and disclosures of derivative instruments and
hedging activities. As amended, the statement is effective for fiscal
quarters beginning after January 1, 2001. Although the Company currently
believes that its derivative financial instruments will qualify for hedge
accounting under SFAS 133, the Company has not yet determined the impact of
the implementation of this statement on the Company's financial condition
or results of operations. The Company is currently in the process of
documenting and implementing new policies to ensure compliance with this
pronouncement by January 1, 2001.
10
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
5. Natural Gas and Crude Oil Hedging
---------------------------------
Oil and gas revenues were reduced $9.2 million and $14.6 million in the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2000, and were reduced $2.6
million and $4.2 million in the same three and nine months of 1999, as a
result of hedging activity.
Since year end 1999, the Company has entered into additional swap
contracts. Those hedges outstanding at September 30, 2000 are as follows:
Oil Hedges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYMEX NYMEX
Period BBLS Total BBLS Type Price Price
Per Day Floor Ceiling
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oct. 2000-Dec. 2000 4,000 368,000 Collar* $23.00 $25.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2001-Dec. 2001 1,500 547,500 Collar $24.00 $30.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Gas Hedges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYMEX NYMEX
Period MCF Total MCF Type Price Price
Per day Floor Ceiling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oct. 2000 35,000 1,085,000 Collar $2.30 $2.84
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oct. 2000 15,000 465,000 Collar $2.30 $2.87
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nov. 2000 - March 2001 25,000 3,790,000 Collar $2.40 $3.37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apr. 2001 - Oct. 2001 35,000 7,550,000 Collar $2.20 $2.92
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* This agreement includes a put at $18.00 per barrel
Bellwether purchased a $4.60 gas swap for the period November 2000 through
October 2001 for 15,000 Mcf per day. This limits the loss on the hedged
production that is being sold and reduces the volume of gas hedged in
future periods.
The fair value at September 30, 2000 of all commodity swap agreements was
an unrealized loss of $32.8 million. A 10% change in prices would have a
$9 to $10 million impact on the fair value of the swaps.
6. Income Taxes
------------
At December 31, 1999 the Company had a tax valuation allowance of $19.8
million against its deferred tax assets. As of March 31, 2000, the Company
determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets
would be realized, based on current projections of taxable income and
commodity prices. The valuation allowance was removed and a $19.8 million
benefit was recorded in first quarter. After netting deferred tax
liability generated during the nine months ended September 30, 2000, an
overall tax benefit of $12.5 million remains for the year to date. The
provision for federal and state income taxes for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 was based upon a 0% effective tax rate.
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 aggressive
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 $78.4 million in oil and gas properties for the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 versus $33.5 million for the same period in 1999. Cash
flows from operations before changes in assets and liabilities were $43 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 compared to $16.3 million provided
by operating activities in the same period of 1999. At September 30, 2000, the
Company had $7.3 million of available debt capacity under the Senior Credit
Facility after netting $7.3 million in outstanding lines of credit.
2000 Capital Expenditures
-------------------------
During 2000, the Company anticipated investing $75 to $78 million, primarily for
development and exploratory drilling activities, leasehold costs, and seismic
acquisitions. Due to the high commodity prices, activity during 2000 was
accelerated so that after one-half of the year $50.3 million, or about two-
thirds of the capital budget was spent. Due to unanticipated opportunities in
non-operated fields, coupled with the fact that the acquisition and operation of
the Tiguino field in Ecuador was not budgeted, this year's budget will be
modestly overspent. Through September 30, 2000, Tiguino field accounts for $2.7
million. For the year spending is anticipated to total $83 million. Of the $83
million, $9.6 million will be spent on Ecuador operations. Total estimated
capital spending for the fourth quarter of 2000 is approximately $5 million.
The acceleration of capital spending discussed above resulted in a significant
increase in the Company's current liabilities, specifically trade payables. At
September 30, 2000 such increase caused negative working capital. The Company
believes that cash flow provided by operating activities, borrowings under its
credit facilities and proceeds from property sales will be sufficient to meet
all obligations resulting from the capital investment program discussed above.
(See Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
During the year, the Company began the process of divesting several non-core
properties. Proceeds from these sales will be used to pay down trade payables
and credit facility borrowings. In October, two packages of properties were
sold, for gross proceeds of approximately $22 million. Two additional packages
of non-core properties valued at $40 to $45 million are anticipated to close
before year end. The Company continues to review acquisition opportunities and
the consummation of such a transaction will directly impact anticipated capital
expenditures.
Gas Balancing
-------------
It is customary in the industry for working interest partners to sell more or
less than their entitled share of natural gas. The settlement or disposition of
existing gas balancing positions is not anticipated to materially impact the
financial condition of the Company.
12
<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 for the Company for
the periods presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Production:
Oil and condensate (MBBLs)--US..................... 583 510 1,658 1,531
Oil and condensate (MBBLs)--Ecuador................ 56 --- 117 ---
Natural gas (MMCF)................................. 5,547 4,630 15,241 13,611
Average sales price:/(1)/
Oil and condensate (per BBL)--US................... $ 20.75 $ 11.38 $ 20.02 $ 10.77
Oil and condensate (per BBL)--Ecuador.............. $ 27.54 $ -- $ 25.43 $ --
Natural gas (per MCF)............................. $ 2.91 $ 2.44 $ 2.76 $ 2.01
Average costs:
Production expenses (per BOE)...................... $ 5.16 $ 4.23 $ 4.96 $ 4.22
General and administrative expense
(per BOE).......................................... $ 1.06 $ 2.59 $ 1.57 $ 1.63
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(per BOE)/(2)/..................................... $ 5.11 $ 4.75 $ 4.96 $ 4.19
</TABLE>
(1) Average sales prices include the effect of hedges, which reduced revenues
by $9,218,000 and $14,640,000 in the three and nine month periods in 2000,
and reduced revenues by $2,576,000 and $4,220,000 in the three and nine
month periods in 1999.
(2) Excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization on gas plants and other
assets of $291,000 and $921,000 in the three nine month periods in 2000,
and of $302,000 and $903,000 in the three and nine month periods ended in
1999.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999
----------------------------------------------
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 was $5.4
million or $0.38 per share, and $2,000 or $0.00 per share, respectively.
Significant increases in oil and gas prices are the primary drivers of the
improvement, but increased production has also played a role.
Oil and gas revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2000 were $29.8
million, as compared to $17.1 million for the respective period in 1999.
Individual comparison shows $13.6 million in oil revenues for the quarter versus
$5.8 million for the same quarter of the previous year. Sales of 56,000 barrels
of Ecuadorian production, primarily from the Tiguino field, at an average price
of $27.54 per barrel account for 20% of the oil revenue increase. Domestic oil
revenues benefited from the 82% increase in realized prices from $11.38 per
barrel in the three months ended September 30, 1999 to $20.75 per barrel
realized in the three months ended
13
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
September 30, 2000. Improved domestic oil production was primarily due to new
wells in Big Island field in Southwest Louisiana and Eugene Island 306/307 in
the Gulf of Mexico. Total oil production was 639,000 barrels during the quarter
ended September 30, 2000 compared to 510,000 for the same quarter of 1999.
Gas revenues increased 43% from $11.3 million reported for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 to $16.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
Again, prices account for a large portion of the increase. Gas prices averaged
$2.91 per mcf, or 19% higher, in the three month period ended September 30, 2000
as compared to $2.44 per mcf in the comparable period of 1999. Gas production
was up 20% compared to the same quarter of 1999 with 5,547 Mmcf and 4,630 Mmcf
for the three month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The production increases were primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and of particular
note are the drilling and workover successes at Eugene Island 307, South
Timbalier 218 and High Island 552 fields.
The realized prices discussed above include the impact of oil and gas hedges. A
decrease of $9.2 million related to hedging activity was reflected in oil and
gas revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2000, while a decrease in
oil and gas revenues of $2.6 million was reflected for the same period of 1999.
Ecuadorian oil production was not hedged.
Net gas plant operating profit was $750,000 in the three months ended September
30, 2000 and $432,000 in the same period of 1999. Liquid prices were 17% higher
in 2000, which combined with increased volumes, resulted in higher gas plant
revenues in 2000. Throughput volumes increased 16% in the third quarter as
compared to 1999. The throughput volume increase was due to the increased
production from the Exxon operated CO\\2\\ flood project that began in the
latter part of second quarter 2000 and is expected to continue.
Interest and other income was $175,000 for the three months ended September 30,
1999 and was $191,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000.
Production expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2000 totaled $8.1
million, or 50% above the $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30,
1999. On a barrel equivalency basis (BOE), production expenses were $5.16 per
BOE for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 compared to $4.23 per BOE for the
three months ended September 30, 1999. Production taxes are also included in
this production expense category and are calculated as a percentage of revenue
in many areas; therefore, they have increased with the increase in realized
prices. Finally, workovers in the Cove field and East Cameron 17 field were
necessary to enhance or maintain the excellent production levels discussed
above.
Since Ecuadorian operations did not exist during the quarter ended September 30,
1999, the $685,000 of production costs incurred during the three months ended
September 2000 had a large impact on the quarter's production costs. Ecuadorian
operations accounted for 25% of the increase in production costs.
14
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Domestically, depreciation, depletion and amortization was $8.2 million for the
three months ended September 30, 2000 and $6.4 million for the three month
period ended September 30, 1999. The increase is directly related to the
accelerated level of capital spending and increased production previously
discussed. Depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE has increased from
$4.75 per BOE in 1999 to $5.11 per BOE in the third quarter of 2000.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization for the Ecuadorian properties totaled
$240,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000, or $4.28 per barrel.
General and administrative expenses from US operations totaled $1.9 million in
the three months ended September 30, 2000 as compared to $3.3 million for the
comparable period of fiscal 1999. In third quarter 1999, a $1.7 million charge
was recognized due to a change in management. Without that charge, general and
administrative expenses for the quarter would have been $1.6 million, or about
$300,000 lower than what is reflected for the third quarter of 2000.
Significantly lower than normal outsourcing costs in 1999 contribute to the
reduction. Prior to October 1999, the Company was charged a management fee
based upon a specified percentage of the average book value of the Company's
total assets, excluding cash, plus a percentage of operating cash flows. Due to
the $73.9 million impairment charge in December 1998, the Company's total assets
and resulting percentage of such assets was reduced. In October 1999, the
Company became party to a new Master Services Agreement ("MSA") and six specific
contracts, which covered comparable outsourcing services as the 1999 contract.
The new contracts have varying terms and fees, but under the contracts overall
management fees have increased to levels similar to 1998 management fee levels.
For the current period, Ecuadorian operations, which were nonexistent in 1999,
contributed a credit of $235,000 to administrative expenses. The net credit is
primarily the result of having seven months of operator's overhead reimbursement
on the Tiguino field netted against the quarter's normal administrative costs.
The Company took over operations of the Tiguino field in February, but its 70%
working interest in the field was not finalized until this quarter; therefore,
in the third quarter 2000 overhead was assessed for the first time on the
February through September period and 30% of previously incurred costs were
billed to the other owner.
Interest expense increased 33% to $4.0 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2000 from $3.0 million in the same period of 1999 due to higher
average balances outstanding in 2000. Increased interest rates also contributed
to the expense increase. Ecuadorian operations are funded through direct
contributions by Bellwether and its partners and by intercompany loans made
among the Bellwether subsidiaries.
The provision for federal and state income taxes for the three months ended
September 30, 2000 and 1999 are based upon a 38% and 0% effective tax rate,
respectively. No tax was recorded in 1999 due to the adjustment to the
Company's tax valuation allowance for the period's net income from operations.
As of March 31, 2000, the Company determined it was more likely than not that
the deferred tax assets would be realized, based on current projections of
taxable income due to higher commodity prices, and the valuation allowance was
removed. Subsequent tax accruals are calculated at the 38% rate.
15
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999
---------------------------------------------
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 was $31.8 million, or
$2.29 per share, and the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
was $1.2 million, or $.08 per share. A major contributor to the increase was a
deferred tax benefit of $19.8 million resulting from the reversal of the
Company's tax valuation allowance recorded March 31, 2000. Also contributing to
the increase were higher oil and gas prices and increased oil and gas production
as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 1999.
Oil and gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 were $78.3
million, as compared to $43.8 million for the respective period in 1999. Most
significantly, domestic oil revenues more than doubled, with oil revenues of
$33.2 million in 2000 that compared to $16.5 million in the previous year. A
86% increase in domestic realized oil prices from an average of $10.77 per
barrel in the nine month period ended September 30, 1999 to an average of
$20.02 per barrel in the same period of 2000 drove the revenue improvement.
Complementing the improved prices was increased oil production, primarily from
the Big Island field in Southwest Louisiana. Ecuador operations began producing
in 2000 and totaled 117,000 barrels during the nine month period at an average
price of $25.43 per barrel. Companywide, the Company produced 1,775,000 and
1,531,000 barrels for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, for a 16% increase.
Gas revenues had a slightly smaller impact with $42.1 million reported for the
nine months ended September 30, 2000 and $27.4 million for the same period of
1999. Realized gas prices averaged $2.76 per mcf in the nine month period ended
September 30, 2000, a 37% increase, as compared to $2.01 per mcf in the
comparable period of 1999. Gas production increased 12% compared the same
quarter of 1999 with production of 15,241 and 13,611 million cubic feet (MMcf)
for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. New
Mexico and Giddings field properties acquired late in 1999, plus recent drilling
successes at Eugene Island 307, South Timbalier 218 and High Island 553, account
for most of the production increase.
The realized prices discussed above included the impact of oil and gas hedges.
Oil and gas hedges in place in 2000 resulted in a $14.6 million decrease in oil
and gas revenues in the period ended September 30, 2000 while a decrease in
revenues of $4.2 million was reflected in the same period of 1999. Ecuadorian
oil production was not hedged.
Net gas plant operating profit was $2.1 million in the nine months ended
September 30, 2000 and $907,000 in the same period of 1999. Throughput volume
increases and liquid price increases in 2000 significantly increased gas plant
revenues. The throughput volume increase was due to increased production from
the Exxon operated CO\\2\\ flood project that began in the latter part of second
quarter 2000 and is expected to continue. Liquid prices averaged $18.77 for the
nine month period ended September 30, 2000, but only averaged $12.62 for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1999.
Interest and other income decreased from $1.4 million at September 30, 1999 to
$757,000 at September 30, 2000 primarily due to a large take or pay revenue
contract settlement recorded in 1999.
16
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Production expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 totaled $21.4
million, or 33% above the $16.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1999. On a BOE basis, production expenses of $4.96 per BOE for the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 exceeded production expenses of $4.22 per BOE for the
nine months ended September 30, 1999 by 17%. Numerous expense workovers were
performed during the second quarter of 2000 to increase production as much as
possible in order to take advantage of high commodity prices. The majority of
the workovers targeted fields owned and operated during the same period of 1999,
such as the Ship Shoal Complex and the Pine Prairie and Point Pedernales fields.
Also, significant maintenance work was performed at Eugene Island 307, which
produced minimally in 1999, as 3 new wells in 2000 made it an economically
viable block once again. Third quarter expenses continued to exceed those of
the previous year, in part due to the dramatic increase in production taxes
that was driven by increased realized prices.
Since Ecuadorian operations were not underway in 1999, the $958,000 of
production costs incurred during the nine months ended September 2000 had a
significant impact on the overall production cost increase. Ecuadorian
operations accounted for 18% of such increase.
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization was $22.6 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2000 and $16.9 million for the nine month period
ended September 30, 1999. The increase is directly related to the accelerated
level of capital spending and production increases previously discussed.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE has increased from $4.19 per
BOE in 1999 to $4.96 per BOE in 2000. Depreciation, depletion and amortization
for the Ecuadorian properties alone totaled $456,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2000, or $3.90 per barrel. Ecuadorian activities did not
contribute significantly to total depreciation, depletion and amortization in
2000.
General and administrative expenses totaled $6.8 million in the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 as compared to $6.2 million for the comparable period
of fiscal 1999. In third quarter 1999, a $1.7 million charge was recognized due
to a change in management. Without that charge, general and administrative
expenses for the nine months would have been $4.5 million, or about $2.3 million
lower than what is reflected for nine months ended September 30, 2000.
Significantly lower than normal outsourcing costs in 1999 contribute to the
disparity. Prior to October 1999, the Company was charged a management fee
based upon a specified percentage of the average book value of the Company's
total assets, excluding cash, plus a percentage of operating cash flows. Due to
the $73.9 million impairment charge in December 1998, the Company's total assets
and resulting percentage of such assets was reduced. In October 1999, the
Company became party to a new Master Services Agreement ("MSA") and six specific
contracts, which cover under these contracts comparable outsourcing services as
the 1999 contract. The new contracts have varying terms and fees, but overall
management fees have increased to levels similar to the more normal 1998
management fee levels.
Ecuadorian operations, nonexistent in 1999, contributed only $67,000 to
administrative costs for the nine month period ended September 30, 2000, but
almost $300,000 for the period ended June 30, 2000. The net credit in third
quarter is primarily the result of having seven months of operator's overhead
reimbursement on the Tiguino field netted against the quarter's normal
administrative costs. The Company took over operations of the Tiguino field in
February, but its 70% working interest in the field was not finalized until
third quarter; therefore, overhead was assessed for the first time on the
February through September period and 30% of previously incurred costs were
17
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
billed to the other owner. Domestically, an $934,000 charge related to change
in management was recorded during the 2000 period. Included in that charge was
$715,000 required to be expensed based upon differences between exercise and
grant date prices on options awarded to the Company president.
Interest expense increased 28% to $11.1 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2000 from $8.7 million in the same period of 1999. Increased
interest rates and higher borrowings outstanding resulted in the increase.
Ecuadorian operations are funded through direct contributions by Bellwether and
its partners and by intercompany loans made among the Bellwether subsidiaries.
At December 31, 1999 the Company had a tax valuation allowance of $19.8 million
against its deferred tax assets. As of March 31, 2000, the Company determined
that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would be realized,
based on current projections of taxable income and commodity prices. The
valuation allowance was removed and a $19.8 million benefit was recorded in
first quarter. After netting deferred tax liability generated during the nine
months ended September 30, 2000, an overall tax benefit of $12.5 million
remains for the year to date. The provision for federal and state income taxes
for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was based upon a 0% effective tax
rate.
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 effect of gas balancing, 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.
18
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk, including adverse changes in commodity
prices and interest rates. Since year end 1999, the Company has entered into
additional swap contracts as follows:
Oil Hedges
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYMEX NYMEX
Period BBLS Total BBLS Type Price Price
Per Day Floor Ceiling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oct. 2000-Dec. 2000 4,000 368,000 Collar* $23.00 $25.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2001-Dec. 2001 1,500 547,500 Collar $24.00 $30.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Gas Hedges
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYMEX NYMEX
Period MCF Total MCF Type Price Price
Per day Floor Ceiling
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oct. 2000 35,000 1,085,000 Collar $2.30 $2.84
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oct. 2000 15,000 465,000 Collar $2.30 $2.87
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nov. 2000 - March 2001 25,000 3,790,000 Collar $2.40 $3.37
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apr. 2001 - Oct. 2001 35,000 7,550,000 Collar $2.20 $2.92
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* This agreement includes a put at $18.00 per barrel
Bellwether purchased a $4.60 gas swap for the period November 2000 through
October 2001 for 15,000 Mcf per day. This limits the loss on the hedged
production that was being sold and reduced the volume of gas hedged in future
periods.
The fair value at September 30, 2000 of all commodity swap agreements was an
unrealized loss of $32.8 million. A 10% change in price would have a $9 to $10
million impact on the fair value of the swaps.
The fair value of the interest rate swap at September 30, 2000 was a loss of
$4.6 million.
19
<PAGE>
BELLWETHER EXPLORATION COMPANY
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
-----------------
None
ITEM 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
-----------------------------------------
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.
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Bellwether Exploration
Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-76570)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1997)
3.3 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series
A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated
September 19, 1997.)
3.4 By-laws of Bellwether Exploration Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-76570)
3.5 Amendment to Article II, Section 2.2 of Bellwether
Exploration Company's Bylaws (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the transition period ended December 31, 1997).
20
<PAGE>
3.6 Amendment to Bellwether Exploration Company's bylaws
adopted on March 27, 1998 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the transition period ended December 31, 1997).
27 Financial Data Schedule - Included herewith
b. Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
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, 2000 By: /s/ Douglas G. Manner
----------------- ---------------------------------
Douglas G. Manner
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 13, 2000 By: /s/ Robert J. Bensh
----------------- ---------------------------------
Robert J. Bensh
Chief Financial Officer
21
