AMERADA HESS CORP
10-Q, 1998-11-13
PETROLEUM REFINING
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================

                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                             ----------------------

                                   FORM 10-Q

              /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 1-1204

                         -----------------------------

                            AMERADA HESS CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    DELAWARE
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                                   13-4921002
                    (I.R.S. employer identification number)

                  1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, N.Y.
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                     10036
                                   (Zip Code)

     (Registrant's telephone number, including area code is (212) 997-8500)

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 
                                                   -----      -----

   At September 30, 1998, 90,364,705 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

             AMERADA HESS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                        STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
                      (in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Three Months                             Nine Months
                                                            Ended September 30                      Ended September 30
                                                      -------------------------------        -------------------------------
                                                         1998                1997               1998                1997
                                                      -----------         -----------        -----------         -----------
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                <C>                 <C>
REVENUES
  Sales (excluding excise taxes) and
     other operating revenues                         $ 1,530,941         $ 1,884,578        $ 4,973,984         $ 6,115,368
  Non-operating revenues
     Asset sales                                               --                  --             80,321              16,463
     Other                                                 19,783              16,719             63,731              64,388
                                                      -----------         -----------        -----------         -----------

               Total revenues                           1,550,724           1,901,297          5,118,036           6,196,219
                                                      -----------         -----------        -----------         -----------


COSTS AND EXPENSES
  Cost of products sold and operating expenses          1,133,185           1,378,358          3,742,669           4,612,195
  Exploration expenses, including dry holes
     and lease impairment                                  59,677             123,980            257,003             276,925
  Selling, general and administrative expenses            164,639             164,404            523,951             464,784

  Interest expense                                         41,709              33,819            109,026             101,226
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization                158,380             163,784            480,197             513,138
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes                       (547)             14,273             45,822             159,027
                                                      -----------         -----------        -----------         -----------

               Total costs and expenses                 1,557,043           1,878,618          5,158,668           6,127,295
                                                      -----------         -----------        -----------         -----------


NET INCOME (LOSS)                                     $    (6,319)        $    22,679        $   (40,632)        $    68,924
                                                      ===========         ===========        ===========         ===========

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE -
     BASIC AND DILUTED                                $      (.07)        $       .25        $      (.45)        $       .75
                                                      ===========         ===========        ===========         ===========


WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
     OUTSTANDING                                           89,268              91,311             89,732              91,943

COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS PER SHARE                      $       .15         $       .15        $       .45         $       .45
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                        1
<PAGE>   3
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)

             AMERADA HESS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                            (in thousands of dollars)

                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        September 30,         December 31,
                                                                                             1998                 1997
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>                  <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                              $     67,181         $     91,154
  Accounts receivable                                                                       1,083,820              993,098
  Inventories                                                                                 925,285              937,949
  Other current assets                                                                        277,270              181,431
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
               Total current assets                                                         2,353,556            2,203,632
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

INVESTMENTS AND ADVANCES                                                                      266,079              250,458
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
  Total - at cost                                                                          13,621,549           12,621,635
  Less reserves for depreciation, depletion,
     amortization and lease impairment                                                      7,914,207            7,430,841
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
               Property, plant and equipment - net                                          5,707,342            5,190,794
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER ASSETS                                                        318,192              289,735
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

TOTAL ASSETS                                                                             $  8,645,169         $  7,934,619
                                                                                         ============         ============

                                           LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable - trade                                                               $    965,390         $    752,576
  Accrued liabilities                                                                         414,351              513,389
  Deferred revenue                                                                            177,023              175,684
  Taxes payable                                                                               254,095              195,692
  Notes payable                                                                                37,000               17,825
  Current maturities of long-term debt                                                        139,685               84,685
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
               Total current liabilities                                                    1,987,544            1,739,851
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

LONG-TERM DEBT                                                                              2,488,309            1,975,281
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS                                                                  24,489               27,752
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

DEFERRED LIABILITIES AND CREDITS
  Deferred income taxes                                                                       581,877              562,371
  Other                                                                                       456,384              413,665
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
               Total deferred liabilities and credits                                       1,038,261              976,036
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock, par value $1.00
     Authorized - 20,000,000 shares for issuance in series                                         --                   --
  Common stock, par value $1.00
     Authorized - 200,000,000 shares
     Issued - 90,364,705 shares at September 30, 1998;
        91,451,205 shares at December 31, 1997                                                 90,365               91,451
  Capital in excess of par value                                                              764,844              774,631
  Retained earnings                                                                         2,335,861            2,463,005
  Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation                                         (84,504)            (113,388)
                                                                                         ------------         ------------
               Total stockholders' equity                                                   3,106,566            3,215,699
                                                                                         ------------         ------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                               $  8,645,169         $  7,934,619
                                                                                         ============         ============
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                       2
<PAGE>   4
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)

             AMERADA HESS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                      STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
                         Nine Months Ended September 30
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1998                1997
                                                                          -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>                 <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)                                                       $   (40,632)        $    68,924
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided by operating activities
          Depreciation, depletion and amortization                            480,197             513,138
          Exploratory dry hole costs and lease impairment                     160,978             179,328
          Pre-tax gain on asset sales                                         (80,321)            (16,463)
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities                          26,846             225,107
          Deferred income taxes and other items                               (30,397)            (48,967)
                                                                          -----------         -----------

               Net cash provided by operating activities                      516,671             921,067
                                                                          -----------         -----------


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures                                                     (1,120,360)           (934,289)
  Proceeds from asset sales and other                                         119,288              56,994
                                                                          -----------         -----------

               Net cash used in investing activities                       (1,001,072)           (877,295)
                                                                          -----------         -----------


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Increase in notes payable                                                    19,158              38,712
  Long-term borrowings                                                        644,000             236,000
  Repayment of long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations               (86,228)           (156,310)
  Cash dividends paid                                                         (54,668)            (55,386)
  Common stock acquired                                                       (58,667)            (86,240)
                                                                          -----------         -----------

               Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities            463,595             (23,224)
                                                                          -----------         -----------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                        (3,167)             (2,500)
                                                                          -----------         -----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                          (23,973)             18,048

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                                 91,154             112,522
                                                                          -----------         -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                $    67,181         $   130,570
                                                                          ===========         ===========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                        3
<PAGE>   5
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (in thousands)



Note 1  - The financial statements included in this report reflect all normal
          and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are
          necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's consolidated
          financial position at September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997, and
          the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine-month
          periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 and the consolidated cash
          flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.
          The unaudited results of operations for the interim periods reported
          are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full
          year.

          Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted
          from these interim financial statements. These statements, therefore,
          should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
          statements and related notes included in the 1997 Annual Report to
          Stockholders, which have been incorporated by reference in the
          Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Note 2  - On January 1, 1998, the Corporation began capitalizing the costs of
          internal use software in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position
          98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or
          Obtained for Internal Use. This accounting change increased net income
          for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 by $9,888 ($.11 per
          share).

Note 3 -  Inventories consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            September 30,       December 31,
                                                                1998                1997
                                                              --------            --------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>
               Crude oil and other charge stocks              $313,921            $269,783
               Refined and other finished products             497,059             564,973
               Materials and supplies                          114,305             103,193
                                                              --------            --------
                    Total inventories                         $925,285            $937,949
                                                              ========            ========
</TABLE>

Note 4 -  In the third quarter of 1998, the Corporation issued $225,000 of notes
          to insurance companies, due through 2008. The weighted average
          interest rate of these notes is 6.6% and the weighted average maturity
          is 7.4 years. In addition, the Corporation entered into a 364-day
          revolving credit agreement with an available borrowing capacity of
          $300,000. The Corporation also completed a $120,000 sale and leaseback
          of its interest in a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas production platform.
          This transaction is being accounted for as a financing, and
          accordingly, is reflected in long-term debt at quarter end. The
          Corporation sold forward a portion of its 1999 crude oil production
          for $155,000, which is included in deferred revenue on the balance
          sheet.


                                       4
<PAGE>   6
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (in thousands)



Note 5  - The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Three months                                 Nine months
                                    ended September 30                          ended September 30
                              -------------------------------             -------------------------------
                                1998                  1997                  1998                  1997
                              ---------             ---------             ---------             ---------
<S>                           <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
          Current             $   8,694             $  30,281             $  55,660             $ 175,687
          Deferred               (9,241)              (16,008)               (9,838)              (16,660)
                              ---------             ---------             ---------             ---------
            Total             $    (547)            $  14,273             $  45,822             $ 159,027
                              =========             =========             =========             =========
</TABLE>

Note 6  - Foreign currency exchange transactions are reflected in selling,
          general and administrative expenses. The net effect, after applicable
          income taxes, amounted to gains of $1,357 and $1,672, respectively,
          for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 compared
          to gains of $1,045 and $596 for the corresponding periods of 1997.

Note 7 -  The weighted average number of common shares used in the basic and
          diluted earnings per share computations are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three months                        Nine months
                                                      ended September 30                  ended September 30
                                                   ------------------------            ------------------------
                                                    1998              1997              1998              1997
                                                   ------            ------            ------            ------
<S>                                                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
          Common shares - basic                    89,268            90,810            89,732            91,508
          Effect of dilutive securities
             (equivalent shares)
             Nonvested common stock                    --               447                --               392
             Stock options                             --                54                --                43
                                                   ------            ------            ------            ------
          Common shares - diluted                  89,268            91,311            89,732            91,943
                                                   ======            ======            ======            ======
</TABLE>

          The antidilutive effects of 695 nonvested common shares and 40 stock
          options and 648 common shares and 90 stock options are excluded in the
          three months and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively.

Note 8 -  The Corporation uses futures, forwards, options and swaps to reduce
          the impact of fluctuations in the prices of crude oil, natural gas and
          refined products. These contracts correlate to movements in the value
          of inventory and the prices of crude oil and natural gas, and as
          hedges, any resulting gains or losses are recorded as part of the
          hedged transaction. Net deferred gains resulting from the
          Corporation's petroleum hedging activities were approximately $7,103
          at September 30, 1998, including $834 of unrealized losses.


                                       5
<PAGE>   7
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (in thousands)



Note 9 -  Interest costs related to certain long-term construction projects have
          been capitalized in accordance with FAS No. 34. During the three and
          nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998, interest costs of $5,897
          and $19,093, respectively, were capitalized compared to $2,402 and
          $5,689 for the corresponding periods of 1997.

Note 10 - Comprehensive income, which includes net income and the effects of
          foreign currency translation recorded directly in stockholders'
          equity, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three months                          Nine months
                                                      ended September 30                   ended September 30
                                                 ---------------------------          ----------------------------
                                                   1998               1997              1998                1997
                                                 --------           --------          --------             -------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>               <C>                  <C>
          Comprehensive income (loss)            $ 18,399           $  1,492          $(11,748)            $19,476
                                                 ========           ========          ========             =======
</TABLE>

Note 11 - In October 1998, the Corporation completed a refinery joint venture
          transaction with Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). The equally
          owned joint venture company, HOVENSA L.L.C., will own and operate the
          refinery in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, previously owned
          by Amerada Hess.

          At closing, the Corporation received from PDVSA $62,500 in cash and a
          10-year interest-bearing note in the principal amount of $562,500. The
          Corporation also received $307,000 (subject to final adjustment) from
          HOVENSA as payment for the refinery's net working capital. In
          connection with the closing, in October the Corporation recorded a
          loss of $106,000 resulting from the sale of the 50% interest in the
          refinery to PDVSA and an additional non-cash, after-tax charge of
          $44,000 representing a reduction of the book value of related refining
          and marketing assets. The investment in the joint venture will be
          accounted for on the equity method.


                                       6
<PAGE>   8
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)


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

          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

              The results of operations for the third quarter of 1998 amounted
          to a net loss of $6 million compared with net income of $23 million in
          the third quarter of 1997. The net loss for the first nine months of
          1998 amounted to $41 million compared with net income of $69 million
          in the first nine months of 1997. Excluding gains on asset sales, the
          loss in the first nine months of 1998 was $97 million compared with
          income of $58 million in the first nine months of 1997.

              The after-tax results by major operating activity for the three
          and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 were as
          follows (in millions, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three months               Nine months
                                                      ended September 30          ended September 30
                                                     -------------------         -------------------
                                                      1998          1997          1998          1997
                                                     -----         -----         -----         -----
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
          Exploration and production                 $   6         $  29         $   8         $ 190
          Refining, marketing and shipping              33            32            18           (21)
          Corporate                                    (12)           (9)          (33)          (23)
          Interest expense                             (33)          (29)          (90)          (88)
                                                     -----         -----         -----         -----

          Income (loss) excluding asset sales           (6)           23           (97)           58
          Gains on asset sales                          --            --            56            11
                                                     -----         -----         -----         -----

          Net income (loss)                          $  (6)        $  23         $ (41)        $  69
                                                     =====         =====         =====         =====
          Net income (loss)
             per share (diluted)                     $(.07)        $ .25         $(.45)        $ .75
                                                     =====         =====         =====         =====
</TABLE>

              The net gain on asset sales in 1998 of $56 million reflects the
          sale of three oil and gas properties in the United States and Norway.
          The 1997 asset sale represents the sale of a United States natural gas
          property.

          Exploration and Production

              Excluding gains on asset sales, earnings from exploration and
          production activities decreased by $23 million in the third quarter of
          1998 and $182 million in the first nine months of 1998, compared with
          the corresponding periods of 1997. The decreases were primarily due to
          lower worldwide crude oil selling prices and lower United Kingdom
          crude oil sales volumes. Natural gas selling prices in the United
          States were also lower. Partially offsetting these factors were lower
          exploration expenses, particularly in the third quarter of 1998.


                                       7
<PAGE>   9
              PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)



          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

              The Corporation's average selling prices, including the effects of
          hedging, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three months                     Nine months
                                                      ended September 30               ended September 30
                                                   ------------------------        ------------------------
                                                     1998            1997            1998            1997
                                                   --------        --------        --------        --------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
          Crude oil and natural gas liquids
            (per barrel)
               United States                       $  11.26        $  17.89        $  12.33        $  18.81
               Foreign                                12.55           18.61           13.64           19.29

          Natural gas (per Mcf)
               United States                           1.93            2.18            2.08            2.38
               Foreign                                 2.07            2.06            2.21            2.28
</TABLE>

              The Corporation's net daily worldwide production was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Three months                  Nine months
                                                     ended September 30            ended September 30
                                                   ----------------------        ----------------------
                                                     1998           1997           1998           1997
                                                   -------        -------        -------        -------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
          Crude oil and natural gas liquids
            (barrels per day)
               United States                        43,404         44,442         44,141         43,497
               Foreign                             148,384        172,958        157,246        176,496
                                                   -------        -------        -------        -------
                    Total                          191,788        217,400        201,387        219,993
                                                   =======        =======        =======        =======

          Natural gas (Mcf per day)
               United States                       280,807        303,485        288,979        314,254
               Foreign                             250,891        160,388        285,540        244,238
                                                   -------        -------        -------        -------
                    Total                          531,698        463,873        574,519        558,492
                                                   =======        =======        =======        =======
</TABLE>

              The decrease in foreign crude oil production reflects the effects
          of natural decline, maintenance activities and temporary interruptions
          in production from several United Kingdom fields. The decrease in
          United States natural gas production was due to natural decline and
          the effect of asset sales in the first quarter of 1998. The increase
          in foreign natural gas production principally reflects higher demand
          in the United Kingdom. Limited production commenced from the
          Schiehallion Field in the United Kingdom and the Baldpate Field in the
          United States in the third quarter of 1998. These and other
          developments will add to crude oil production in the fourth quarter of
          1998 and in 1999.


                                       8
<PAGE>   10
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)


          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

              Depreciation, depletion and amortization charges were lower in the
          third quarter and first nine months of 1998, principally reflecting
          lower foreign crude oil production. The Corporation also had positive
          oil and gas reserve revisions at the end of 1997, which reduced
          depreciation and related charges in 1998. Exploration expenses were
          substantially lower in the third quarter of 1998, due to reduced
          drilling in the United States and United Kingdom. Exploration expenses
          were also lower on a year-to-date basis reflecting reduced activity as
          a result of lower oil prices. In the first nine months of 1998,
          selling, general and administrative expenses were higher, principally
          due to the expansion of natural gas marketing activities in the United
          Kingdom.

              The effective income tax rate on exploration and production
          earnings was higher in 1998 than in 1997. United Kingdom income taxes
          in the third quarter of 1997 included a benefit of $11 million from
          adjustment of deferred tax liabilities for a reduction in the
          statutory income tax rate. The 1998 United Kingdom effective income
          tax rate was also impacted by the increased effect of non-deductible
          items at the current low income levels. In addition, income tax
          benefits for exploration expenses have not been recorded in certain
          international areas outside of the North Sea.

              The Corporation's exploration and production earnings are very
          sensitive to crude oil selling prices and the Corporation cannot
          predict how long prices will remain at current low levels.

          Refining, Marketing and Shipping

              Refining, marketing and shipping operations had income of $33
          million in the third quarter of 1998 compared with $32 million in the
          third quarter of 1997. Income for the first nine months of 1998
          amounted to $18 million compared with a loss of $21 million in the
          first nine months of 1997. Refined product margins were comparable in
          the third quarter of each year in spite of continued low selling
          prices for gasoline and other refined products. The results in the
          third quarter of 1998 improved from the first half of the year when
          earnings were negatively impacted by relatively mild weather which
          depressed margins for distillates and residual fuel oils.

              Refined product sales volumes amounted to 138 million barrels in
          the first nine months of each year. Selling, general and
          administrative expenses relating to Marketing activities were higher
          in 1998, reflecting in part an emphasis on expanding retail activity
          including the costs of operating the chain of 66 retail marketing
          properties in Florida, which was acquired in June 1997. There was also
          an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses
          attributable to energy marketing activities. In 1998 and 1997, income
          taxes or benefits were not recorded on the results of the
          Corporation's Virgin Islands subsidiary due to available loss
          carryforwards. The absence of income tax provisions increases the
          volatility of reported refining and marketing results.


                                       9
<PAGE>   11
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)


          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

              On October 30, 1998, the Corporation completed a joint venture
          transaction with Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). Pursuant to
          this transaction, PDVSA, V.I., Inc. (PDVSA V.I.), a wholly-owned
          subsidiary of PDVSA, purchased a 50% interest in the refinery fixed
          assets for $62.5 million in cash, a $562.5 million, 10-year note from
          PDVSA V.I., bearing interest at 8.46% per annum and requiring
          principal payments over its term, and a $125 million, 10-year,
          contingent note from PDVSA V.I., also bearing interest at 8.46% per
          annum. PDVSA V.I.'s payment obligation under both the note and the
          contingent note are guaranteed by PDVSA and secured by a pledge of
          PDVSA V.I.'s membership interest in the joint venture. HOVIC and PDVSA
          V.I. each contributed their 50% interest in the refinery fixed assets
          to HOVENSA, L.L.C. (HOVENSA). HOVENSA is 50% owned by HOVIC and 50%
          owned by PDVSA V.I. and will operate the Virgin Islands refinery.

              At closing, the Corporation also received $307 million (subject to
          final adjustment) from HOVENSA as payment for the net working capital
          of the refinery. The Corporation recorded a loss of $106 million
          resulting from this transaction and an additional noncash, after-tax
          charge of $44 million representing a reduction of the book value of
          related refining and marketing assets.

              Pursuant to a long-term supply contract, HOVENSA will immediately
          begin purchasing approximately 155,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan
          Mesa crude oil. A delayed coking unit will be constructed at the
          refinery. Upon completion of construction, PDVSA will sell an
          additional 115,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan Merey crude oil to
          HOVENSA. The investment in the joint venture will be accounted for on
          the equity method. For financial reporting purposes, HOVENSA has
          elected the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting for
          inventory.

          Corporate and Interest

              Net corporate expenses increased by $3 million and $10 million in
          the third quarter and first nine months of 1998 compared with the
          corresponding periods of 1997. The changes principally reflect the
          effect of foreign source earnings on the provision for United States
          income taxes.

              After-tax interest expense increased by $4 million in the third
          quarter of 1998 and $2 million in the first nine months of 1998
          compared with the same periods in 1997. The increases were due to
          higher outstanding borrowings to fund capital expenditures for oil and
          gas field developments, offset by lower interest rates and increased
          interest capitalization. Interest expense over the remainder of the
          year is anticipated to be somewhat higher than the 1997 level.


                                       10
<PAGE>   12
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)



          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


          Consolidated Revenues

              Sales and other operating revenues decreased by approximately 19%
          in the third quarter and first nine months of 1998 compared with the
          comparable periods of 1997. The decreases were primarily due to lower
          crude oil and refined product selling prices. Crude oil sales volumes
          were also lower in 1998. Refined product sales volumes increased
          slightly in the third quarter of 1998 and were comparable with 1997
          sales volumes on a year-to-date basis.


          LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

              Net cash provided by operating activities, including changes in
          operating assets and liabilities, amounted to $517 million in the
          first nine months of 1998 compared with $921 million in the first nine
          months of 1997. The decrease was primarily due to changes in working
          capital items, including inventories. Cash flow, excluding special
          items and changes in working capital components, amounted to $490
          million in 1998 and $696 million in 1997. The difference largely
          resulted from lower operating earnings. The sale of three oil and gas
          properties in the United States and Norway generated proceeds of $98
          million in 1998.

              Total debt was $2,714 million at September 30, 1998 compared with
         $2,127 million at December 31, 1997, resulting in debt to total
         capitalization ratios of 46.6% and 39.8%, respectively. At September
         30, 1998, floating rate debt amounted to 35% of total debt, including
         the effect of interest rate conversion (swap) agreements. At September
         30, 1998, the Corporation had $733 million of additional borrowing
         capacity available under its long-term revolving credit agreement, $300
         million under a 364-day revolving credit line and additional unused
         lines of credit under uncommitted arrangements with banks of $362
         million. Upon finalization of the refining joint venture in October,
         the Corporation received approximately $370 million which will be used
         to fund capital expenditures in the fourth quarter.

              In the third quarter, the Corporation completed private placements
          of $225 million of fixed rate debt with three insurance companies. The
          weighted average maturity of the three notes is 7.4 years. In
          addition, the Corporation entered into a 364-day revolving credit
          facility of $300 million. Also in the third quarter, the Corporation
          sold 1999 crude oil production for $155 million which reduced debt and
          is recorded as deferred revenue in the balance sheet. The Corporation
          also completed the $120 million sale and leaseback of its interest in
          a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas production platform. This transaction has
          been accounted for as a financing. The Corporation anticipates
          completing a similar $65 million sale and leaseback arrangement in the
          fourth quarter.


                                       11
<PAGE>   13
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)



          LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)


              In August 1998, the Corporation's Board of Directors extended the
          term of the Corporation's $250 million stock repurchase program to
          March 31, 1999. As of September 30, 1998, 3,594,300 shares had been
          purchased under the program at a cost of approximately $190 million.

              Futures, forwards, options and swaps are used to reduce the
          effects of changes in the selling prices of crude oil, natural gas and
          refined products. These instruments are used to set the selling prices
          of the Corporation's products and the related gains or losses are an
          integral part of the Corporation's selling prices. At September 30,
          1998, the Corporation had open hedge positions equal to 1% of its
          estimated worldwide crude oil production over the next twelve months.
          The Corporation also had open contracts equal to 6% of its estimated
          United States natural gas production over the next twelve months. In
          addition, the Corporation had hedges covering 11% of its refining and
          marketing inventories. As market conditions change, the Corporation
          will adjust its hedge positions.

              Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 1998 amounted to
          $1,120 million compared with $934 million in the first nine months of
          1997. Capital expenditures for exploration and production activities
          were $1,034 million in the first nine months of 1998 compared with
          $794 million in the first nine months of 1997. Capital expenditures in
          1998 included $109 million for exploration and production interests in
          Azerbaijan and $50 million for an increased interest in a consolidated
          subsidiary with proved crude oil reserves and exploration licenses in
          Gabon. Capital expenditures also included approximately $500 million
          in 1998 and $300 million in 1997 for major oil and gas development
          projects.

              Capital expenditures for the remainder of 1998 are expected to be
          approximately $300 million and will be financed primarily by
          internally generated funds.


          YEAR 2000

              Some older computer software and embedded computer systems use two
          digits rather than four to reflect dates used in performing
          calculations. Because these computer programs and embedded systems may
          not properly recognize the year 2000, errors may result causing
          potentially serious disruptions. In addition, third parties with which
          the Corporation does business face the same problems. The


                                       12
<PAGE>   14
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)


          YEAR 2000 (CONTINUED)

          Corporation has instituted a worldwide program to identify software
          and hardware that is not year 2000 compliant. The Corporation is also
          determining the year 2000 status of major vendors and customers. In
          addition, the Corporation has begun contingency planning.

          Status of year 2000 project: Since 1995, the Corporation has been
          installing new financial and business systems as part of its
          reengineering project. Although the primary purpose of the project is
          to increase efficiency and effectiveness, the new software is year
          2000 compliant. These new systems have replaced, or will replace,
          approximately 70% of noncompliant software. The reengineering project
          is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 1999.

          The Corporation has assessed its remaining software. Remediation and
          testing of changes is expected to be complete by the end of the second
          quarter of 1999. The Corporation has used internal resources and
          external consultants on this project.

          There are embedded computer systems used throughout the Corporation's
          operations. The Corporation has hired consultants to evaluate embedded
          systems. The assessment phase should be complete by the end of 1998.
          Remediation, where required, should finish in the third quarter of
          1999.

          The Corporation has also undertaken a supplier and customer analysis
          of year 2000 readiness. This project is currently in progress and will
          be completed by the end of the second quarter of 1999.

          Costs: The Corporation expenses year 2000 project costs as incurred.
          The Corporation expects to spend approximately $15 million on this
          project. To date, the Corporation has expended approximately $5
          million of the expected total. This does not include the costs of the
          reengineering project. Internally generated funds and external
          borrowings will finance year 2000 project expenditures.

          The Corporation has not deferred ongoing information technology
          projects because of year 2000 efforts.

          Risks: There are uncertainties inherent in the year 2000 problem,
          partially resulting from the readiness of third party customers and
          suppliers. The failure to correct material year 2000 problems could
          interrupt business and operations. Uncorrected, these interruptions
          could have a material effect on the Corporation's financial position
          and results of operations. Consequently, the Corporation cannot
          determine whether year 2000 failures will materially affect financial
          position or results of operations. However, the objective of the
          Corporation's year 2000 project is to reduce these risks.


                                       13
<PAGE>   15
                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONT'D.)


          YEAR 2000 (CONTINUED)

          Contingency planning: Contingency plans are necessary to ensure that
          risks associated with year 2000 are mitigated. In the normal course of
          business, the Corporation has developed contingency plans to ensure
          that it has alternate suppliers for critical materials and equipment
          and that production of crude oil, natural gas and refined products can
          be sold. The Corporation is in the preliminary phase of contingency
          planning for year 2000 and expects to use existing contingency plans
          in this process. Contingency planning will be finished by the middle
          of 1999.

          In addition, the Corporation has engaged external consultants to
          review and benchmark the progress of its year 2000 project.


          Safe Harbor: Certain information in this section on year 2000 is
          forward looking. This includes projected costs, time tables for
          completion of projects and possible effects. These disclosures are
          based on the Corporation's current understanding and assessment of the
          year 2000 problem. Assumptions used, such as availability of
          resources, and the status of its year 2000 assessment and remediation
          projects may change. In addition, suppliers and customers may fail to
          be ready for year 2000. Consequently, actual results may differ from
          these disclosures.


                                       14
<PAGE>   16
                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a)  Exhibits

               None

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

               The Registrant filed no report on Form 8-K during the three
               months ended September 30, 1998. In November 1998, the Registrant
               will file a report on Form 8-K, dated October 30, 1998. The
               report covers Item 2 - Acquisition or Disposition of Assets and
               deals with the sale of 50% of the Registrant's Virgin Islands
               refinery and subsequent formation of a refining joint venture,
               50% owned by the Registrant.


                                       15
<PAGE>   17
                                   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.



                                 AMERADA HESS CORPORATION
                                 (REGISTRANT)





                                 By  /s/  John B. Hess
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                    JOHN B. HESS
                                    CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
                                    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER




                                 By  /s/  John Y. Schreyer
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                    JOHN Y. SCHREYER
                                    EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER



Date:  November 10, 1998


                                       16

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<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          67,181
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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                                          0
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