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Mariner Energy Reports Record Quarterly Financial and Operational Results

2008-08-07 17:44:00

Mariner Energy Reports Record Quarterly Financial and Operational Results

                     Net income up 274% and EPS up 266%

      Quarterly revenues and production up 102% and 48%, respectively



    HOUSTON, Aug. 7 /EMWNews/ -- Mariner Energy, Inc. (NYSE:

ME) today reported record quarterly revenues, income and production for the

three-month period ended June 30, 2008. Net income for second quarter 2008

was $123.4 million, an increase of 274% compared with the same period of

2007. Fully-diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.39, up 266% from $0.38

fully-diluted EPS reported for the second quarter 2007. Other financial and

operational highlights for second quarter 2008 include:




-- Total revenues increased to $429.5 million, up from the $213.1 million reported for the second quarter a year ago -- Estimated average daily production increased to approximately 390 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day (MMcfe/d) -- Net cash provided by operations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2008 increased 94% to $551.5 million, up from $283.9 million for the same period in the prior year -- Six of seven offshore wells drilled were successful -- 100% success rate on 34 West Texas wells drilled Scott D. Josey, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mariner Energy, commented: "Mariner's second quarter results reflect our strong production growth, diligent cost control efforts, as well as impressive drilling success in all areas -- deepwater, shelf and onshore. We further expanded our position in West Texas, to more than 93,000 net acres, up almost 50% from year end 2007. Moreover, we significantly strengthened our balance sheet, resulting in an upgrade from Standard & Poor's. Our strategy to build a diversified asset base is working, delivering growth in all areas at attractive rates of return and providing significant upside potential. I believe we are on track to deliver record operational and financial results for the full year; and with identified deepwater projects set to come online next year and the continuation of our successful shelf and onshore programs, we expect 2009 to be another strong year as well." SECOND QUARTER 2008 RESULTS Second quarter 2008 net income was $123.4 million, compared with $33.0 million for the same period in 2007. Basic and fully-diluted EPS for second quarter 2008 were $1.40 and $1.39, respectively, up from the $0.38 basic and fully-diluted EPS reported for second quarter 2007. Mariner's second quarter 2008 net production was 36.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe), a 48% increase from 24.6 Bcfe for second quarter 2007. Net natural gas production for second quarter 2008 was 24.4 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a 49% increase compared with the 16.4 Bcf reported for second quarter 2007. Net oil production for second quarter 2008 was up 39% to 1.50 million barrels (MMBbls), compared with 1.08 MMBbls for the same period in 2007. Net natural gas liquids (NGL) production for second quarter 2008 was 0.51 MMBbls, an 81% increase compared with the 0.28 MMBbls reported for second quarter 2007. For second quarter 2008, Mariner's average realized natural gas price was $10.27 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), compared with $8.18 per Mcf for the same period in 2007. Mariner's average realized oil price was $96.24 per barrel (Bbl) for second quarter 2008, compared with $61.69 per Bbl for the same period in 2007. The second quarter 2008 average realized NGL price was $64.69 per Bbl, compared with $40.51 per Bbl for second quarter 2007. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program. Mariner provides additional information regarding its hedging activities in quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
OPERATIONAL UPDATE Offshore
Mariner drilled seven offshore wells during the second quarter of 2008 of which six were successful: Water Working Depth Well Name Operator Interest (Ft) Location Eugene Island 342 C17 Mariner 50% 287 Conventional Shelf West Cameron 110#19 Mariner 100% 41 Conventional Shelf Vermilion 380 A15ST4 Mariner 100% 340 Conventional Shelf South Marsh 76 F-2 Mariner 100% 138 Conventional Shelf Viosca Knoll 821#1 Mariner 30% 1,028 Deepwater (1) Garden Banks 462#1 Mariner 60% 2,700 Deepwater (1) As defined in Mariner's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, "deepwater" means depths greater than 1,300 feet. Operationally, Mariner characterizes this well as located in the deepwater because its development and infrastructure requirements, such as a subsea tieback, are more typical of Mariner's deepwater wells. Mariner reports financial results for wells consistent with the definitional scheme set forth in its Form 10-K. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter period, Mainer drilled four offshore wells, three of which were successful:
Water Working Depth Well Name Operator Interest (Ft) Location Garden Banks 462#2 Mariner 60% 2,700 Deepwater Vermilion 380 A21ST1 Mariner 100% 340 Conventional Shelf East Cameron 14#13 Mariner 50% 33 Conventional Shelf On August 6, 2008, Mariner had four rigs running on the shelf conducting drilling and well completion operations. This included a completion at East Cameron 14#13 and a workover at Eugene Island 342. Drilling also was underway at two offshore wells:
Water Working Depth Well Name Operator Interest (Ft) Location Vermilion 380 A16ST1 Mariner 100% 340 Conventional Shelf Ship Shoal 202#1 Mariner 100% 90 Conventional Shelf As of August 6, 2008, Mariner has been successful on 13 out of 16 wells in 2008. The company expects to spud 28-30 offshore wells this year. In July the Minerals Management Service awarded Mariner the remaining blocks on which it was the apparent high bidder in the Central Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 206 held by the MMS on March 19, 2008. The company received all 19 blocks on which it was the high bidder. Mariner's net exposure on the awarded bids was $79.1 million, and its working interest ranges from 33% to 100%. Onshore In the second quarter of 2008, Mariner drilled 34 wells in West Texas, all of which were successful. As of August 6, 2008, four rigs were running on Mariner's West Texas properties. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter period, Mariner drilled 10 onshore wells, all of which were successful. The company has participated in 80 onshore wells year to date and expects to spud between 110 and 120 onshore wells this year. CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS RESULTS A conference call has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, August 8, 2008, to discuss second quarter 2008 financial and operating results. To participate in the call, please dial (866) 800-8649 at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers can dial (617) 614-2703. The conference pass code for both numbers is 90544914. The call also will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed through the Investor Relations' Webcasts and Presentations section of Mariner's website at http://www.mariner-energy.com. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through August 17, 2008, by dialing (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, pass code 43973434. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on Mariner's website through September 30, 2008.

    About Mariner Energy, Inc.



    Mariner Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration,

development and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas, with

principal operations in West Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. For more

information about Mariner, please visit its website at

http://www.mariner-energy.com.




MARINER ENERGY, INC. SELECTED OPERATIONAL RESULTS (1) (Unaudited) Net Production, Realized Pricing and Average Unit Costs Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 2007 Net production: Natural gas (Bcf) 24.4 16.4 Oil (MMBbls) 1.50 1.08 Natural gas liquids (MMBbls) 0.51 0.28 Total production (Bcfe) 36.4 24.6 Realized prices (net of hedging): Natural gas ($/Mcf) $10.27 $ 8.18 Oil ($/Bbl) 96.24 61.69 Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl) 64.69 40.51 Average Unit costs per Mcfe: Lease operating expense $ 1.52 $ 1.57 Severance and ad valorem taxes 0.14 0.12 Transportation expense 0.12 0.06 General and administrative expense 0.39 0.52 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3.88 3.82 (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. MARINER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (1) (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 2007 Revenues: Natural gas $250,278 $134,082 Oil 144,556 66,678 Natural gas liquids 33,057 11,413 Other revenues 1,561 908 Total revenues 429,452 213,081 Cost and Expenses: Lease operating expense 55,315 38,601 Severance and ad valorem taxes 5,263 2,888 Transportation expense 4,197 1,403 General and administrative expense 14,360 12,878 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 141,454 93,799 Other expense 677 294 Total costs and expenses 221,266 149,863 OPERATING INCOME 208,186 63,218 Other Income (Expense): Interest income 281 231 Interest expense, net of capitalized amounts (17,563) (13,873) Other - (373) Income before taxes 190,904 49,203 Provision for income taxes (67,416) (16,245) Minority Interest Expense (98) - NET INCOME $123,390 $ 32,958 Earnings per share: Net income per share - basic $1.40 $0.38 Net income per share - diluted $1.39 $0.38 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 87,984 85,627 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 88,829 85,905 (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. MARINER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) June 30, December 31, 2008 2007 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 41,269 $ 18,589 Receivables, net of allowances 289,214 157,774 Insurance receivables 10,800 26,683 Derivative financial instruments - 11,863 Intangible assets 5,422 17,209 Prepaid expenses and other 14,906 10,630 Deferred tax asset 119,669 6,232 Total current assets 481,280 248,980 Property and equipment, net 2,964,040 2,420,194 Restricted cash - 5,000 Goodwill 295,598 295,598 Insurance receivables 28,145 56,924 Derivative financial instruments - 691 Other Assets, net of amortization 62,166 56,248 TOTAL ASSETS $3,831,229 $3,083,635 Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 18,090 $ 1,064 Accrued liabilities 135,661 96,936 Accrued capital costs 210,510 159,010 Abandonment liability 52,421 30,985 Accrued interest 9,848 7,726 Derivative financial instruments 333,416 19,468 Total current liabilities 759,946 315,189 Long-Term Liabilities Abandonment liability 208,430 191,021 Deferred income tax 420,885 343,948 Derivative financial instruments 102,459 25,343 Long-term debt, bank credit facility 350,000 179,000 Long-term debt, senior unsecured notes 600,000 600,000 Other long-term liabilities 54,656 38,115 Total long-term liabilities 1,736,430 1,377,427 Minority Interest 189 1 Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $.0001 par value; 180,000,000 9 9 shares authorized; 88,820,553 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008; 180,000,000 shares authorized, 87,229,312 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 Additional paid-in capital 1,057,787 1,054,089 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (278,144) (22,576) Accumulated retained earnings 555,012 359,496 Total stockholders' equity 1,334,664 1,391,018 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $3,831,229 $3,083,635 MARINER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (1) (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 2007 Operating cash flow (2) $ 576,851 $ 303,918 Changes in operating assets and liabilities (25,371) (20,021) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 551,480 $ 283,897 Net cash used in investing activities $(696,515) $(224,467) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 167,715 $ (59,862) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 22,680 $ (432) (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. (2) See below for reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure. IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CERTAIN STATISTICS This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Mariner assumes, plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "may", "will", "estimate", "project", "predict", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "potential", "plan", "goal", or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements provided in this press release are based on Mariner's current belief based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events and assumptions that Mariner believes are reasonable. Mariner does not undertake to update its guidance, estimates or other forward-looking statements as conditions change or as additional information becomes available. Mariner cautions that its forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development, production and sale of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, price volatility or inflation, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC. Any of these factors could cause Mariner's actual results and plans of Mariner to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are urged to read the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Mariner. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure: Operating Cash Flow Operating cash flow (OCF) is not a financial or operating measure under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The table below reconciles OCF to related GAAP information. Mariner believes that OCF is a widely accepted financial indicator that provides additional information about its ability to meet its future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working capital, but OCF should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of a company's profitability or liquidity.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 2007 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Net cash provided by operating activities $551,480 $283,897 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 25,371 20,021 Operating cash flow (non-GAAP) $576,851 $303,918

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