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CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
| (Mark One) | |
| ý | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] |
| For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002 | |
| or | |
| o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] |
| For the Transition Period from to | |
Commission File Number 001-31308
Tom Brown, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
95-1949781 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
| 555 Seventeenth Street Suite 1850 Denver, Colorado (Address of principal executive offices) |
80202 (Zip Code) |
|
303-260-5000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None |
||
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.10 par Value Convertible Preferred Stock, $.10 par Value (Title of Class) |
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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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes o No o
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the last sale price of $24.75 per share as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange) on March 11, 2003 was approximately $975,122,849.
As of March 11, 2003, there were 39,398,903 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8, 2003 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
TOM BROWN, INC.
FORM 10-K
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|---|---|---|
| PART I | ||
| Item 1. | Business | |
| Item 2. | Properties | |
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |
| Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | |
PART II |
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Item 5. |
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters |
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| Item 6. | Selected Financial Data | |
| Item 7. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |
PART III |
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Item 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
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| Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management | |
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | |
| Item 14. | Controls and Procedures | |
PART IV |
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Item 15. |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K |
|
| Signatures | ||
GENERAL
Tom Brown, Inc. (the "Company") was organized in 1955 as a privately-owned drilling company known as Scarber-Brown Drilling Company and in 1959 as Tom Brown Drilling Company, Inc. In 1968, the Company merged into Gold Metals Consolidated Mining Company, a publicly-traded Nevada corporation. The name of the Company after the merger was changed to Tom Brown Drilling Company, Inc. and to Tom Brown, Inc. in 1971. In February 1987, the Company changed its state of incorporation from Nevada to Delaware. In 1999, the Company relocated its headquarters and executive offices to 555 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1850, Denver, Colorado 80202 and its telephone number at that address is (303) 260-5000. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" include Tom Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
The Company is engaged primarily in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production, marketing, and sale of, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil in North America. The Company's activities are conducted principally in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of Utah and Colorado, the Val Verde Basin and Permian Basin of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, the east Texas Basin and the westernCanadian Sedimentary Basin. The Company also, to a lesser extent, conducts exploration and development activities in other areas of the continental United States and Canada.
In December 2000, the Company initiated a cash tender for all the outstanding stock of Stellarton Energy Corporation ("Stellarton"). This transaction was completed on January 12, 2001.
The Company's industry segments are (i) the exploration for, and the acquisition, development and production of, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, (ii) the marketing, gathering, processing and sale of natural gas and (iii) the drilling of gas and oil wells.
Except for its gas and oil leases with governmental entities and other third parties who enter into gas and oil leases or assignments with the Company in the regular course of its business and options to purchase gas and oil leases with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes, the Company has no material patents, licenses, franchises or concessions which it considers significant to its gas and oil operations.
The nature of the Company's business is such that it does not maintain or require a substantial amount of products, customer orders or inventory. The Company's gas and oil operations are not subject to renegotiations of profits or termination of contracts at the election of the federal government.
The Company has not been a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization or similar proceeding, except in connection with its participation as a joint proponent of a plan of reorganization for Presidio Oil Company in 1996.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's business strategy is to increase stockholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of long-lived gas and oil reserves in areas where the Company has industry knowledge and operations expertise. The Company's principal investments have been in natural gas prone basins, which the Company believes will continue to provide the opportunity to accumulate significant long-lived gas and oil reserves at attractive prices. The expansion into Canada in 2001 was an extension of this fundamental strategy.
The Company's year-end domestic acreage position was approximately 2,677,000 gross (1,773,000 net) acres (including options) located primarily in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah, and the Permian, Val Verde and east Texas Basins of Texas where the Company can utilize its geological and technical expertise and its control of operations for the further development and expansion of these areas. Approximately 89% of the net acreage is undeveloped.
The Company's year-end Canadian acreage position located in western Alberta was approximately 540,000 gross (359,000 net) acres. Approximately 78% of the net acreage is undeveloped.
Additionally, by staying focused in its core basins, the Company continues to develop more effective drilling and completion techniques which can improve overall economic efficiency.
The Company increased its reserves in 2002 over 2001 by 2% due primarily to continued drilling success in its core areas. Year-end proved reserves were 750 billion cubic feet equivalent ("Bcfe"), compared to year-end 2001 reserves of 732 Bcfe. At December 31, 2002, the Canadian reserve base was 82 Bcfe compared to 77 Bcfe at December 31, 2001. Since December 31, 1995, the Company has increased proved reserves at a compounded annual growth rate of 22%, or from 188 Bcfe to 750 Bcfe.
Reserve replacement for 2002 was 137% from all sources and 119% from extensions, discoveries and revisions only. Finding cost was $1.32 per Mcfe for the year from all sources and a 3-year average finding cost of $1.29 per Mcfe. The Company's reserve to production ratio was 8.8 years at year-end 2002 compared to 9.6 years at year-end 2001. In addition to increasing reserves, the Company also increased its production 12% from 76.4 Bcfe in 2001 to 85.5 Bcfe in 2002.
The Company markets a majority of its operated gas production and some third party gas in the Rocky Mountains through Retex, Inc. ("Retex"), the Company's wholly-owned marketing subsidiary.
The Company also conducts gas gathering and processing activities in the Rocky Mountain area. Initially, these functions were conducted through Wildhorse Energy Partners, LLC ("Wildhorse") which was owned 55% by Kinder Morgan, Inc. ("KM") and 45% by the Company. In November 2000, the Wildhorse gathering and processing assets were distributed to the Company in anticipation of the dissolution of Wildhorse. KM received the Wildhorse storage facility and a cash payment. TBI Field Services, Inc. ("TBIFS") was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tom Brown, Inc. to administer these gathering and processing assets. In 2001, TBIFS selectively sold many of the gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse asset distribution, retaining only those gathering systems considered integral to the Company's gas and oil reserve base. As the Company directly owns and operates several gas processing and gathering systems adjacent to its areas of operations, the systems ultimately retained by TBIFS after the Wildhorse dissolution were merged into the Company's operations in 2002 and TBIFS ceased to function as a separate entity.
The Company plans to continue to selectively pursue acquisitions of gas and oil properties in its core areas of activity and, in connection therewith, the Company from time to time will be involved in evaluations of, or discussions with, potential acquisition candidates. The consideration for any such acquisition might involve the payment of cash and/or the issuance of equity or debt securities.
Notwithstanding the Company's historical ability to implement the above strategy, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully implement its strategy in the future.
AREAS OF ACTIVITY
The following discussion focuses on areas the Company considers to be its core areas of operations and those that offer the Company the greatest opportunities for further exploration and development activities.
Wind River, Green River, Paradox, and Piceance Basins
The Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, and the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah account for the major portion of the Company's current and anticipated domestic exploration and development activities with approximately 74% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company owns interests in 1,278 producing wells in these basins that averaged net daily production of 159 Mmcfe for 2002. The Company has approximately 1,565,000 gross (1,224,000 net) developed and undeveloped acres in these basins, including option acreage of approximately 281,000 gross undeveloped (253,000 net) acres in the Wind River Basin.
In 2002, the Company drilled and completed 16 wells in the Wind River basin, the majority of which were located in the Pavillion field where the Company holds a 92% working interest. In the Piceance basin, the Company drilled 26 wells in 2002 (completing 25). The Piceance wells were principally drilled at the Company's 100% owned White River Dome coal bed methane project in western Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain region has experienced limited natural gas transportation capacity. Recognizing these restrictions, various pipelines have constructed lines and are continuing to add additional pipeline capacity into this area.
Permian and Val Verde Basins
The Permian and Val Verde Basins accounted for approximately 9% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company's share of production from these basins averaged 28 Mmcfepd for 2002. The Company holds between 30% to 50% working interests in approximately 46,800 gross (20,300 net) acres in the Val Verde Basin. The Permian Basin contains significant oil reserves for the Company, located primarily in the Sprayberry Field.
In the Deep Valley exploration project area of the Permian Basin, the Company drilled a horizontal Montoya well in 2001 which tested non-commercial in the Montoya formation but will be tested in the Devonian formation in 2003. In 2002, the Company successfully completed a Devonian well in this area with a 50% working interest that commenced production in June 2002 at initial rates approximating 10 Mmcfepd declining to 2.5 Mmcfepd in early 2003. Two wells were drilled subsequent to this discovery in 2002 that are currently being evaluated. The Company also attempted a horizontal re-entry in Deep Valley to test the Devonian section of a well in 2002 that was unsuccessful.
East Texas Basin
The Company participates in a continuing developmental drilling program in the Mimms Creek Field (Bossier Sands play) in Freestone County, Texas. During 2002, 11 wells were drilled and completed under this program, with the Company owning working interests ranging from 50% to 62.5%.
In recent years, the Company has acquired approximately 80,000 net acres in the James Lime (horizontal) Trend of the east Texas Basin. In 2001, the Company drilled seven wells in the James Lime (horizontal) Trend of which five were initially completed. This large regional play is in its early stages of development and the Company is working to determine its potential based upon the initial production rates and variable decline rates of the wells drilled to date.
Canada
The western Canadian Sedimentary Basin accounted for approximately 11% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company's share of production from these basins averaged 24 Mmcfepd in 2002. The Company owns interests in 252 wells and has approximately 540,000 gross (359,000 net) developed and undeveloped acres in this area. In 2002, the Company drilled 13 wells in Canada of which 12 were completed. These wells were primarily located in the Carrot Creek and Edson fields operated by the Company.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Current Developments in the Gas and Oil Business
Acquisition of Stellarton Energy Corporation
Effective January 16, 2001, the Company purchased 100% of Stellarton Energy Corporation ("Stellarton"), in a transaction valued at $95 million, which was funded through a five-year Canadian term loan. Stellarton's assets are located in western Alberta, Canada with estimated total net proved reserves (after royalty) of 58.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas and 2.82 million barrels of oil and natural gas liquids for total equivalent proved reserves of 75.5 Bcfe, as of the date of this acquisition.
Acquisition of Rocky Mountain Assets
In June 2002, the Company purchased certain Rocky Mountain assets located within the Greater Green River Basin of Wyoming for approximately $8.1 million from an undisclosed seller. In December 2002, the Company acquired additional assets within this basin from this seller for $6.8 million. The acquisition cost of both of these transactions was net of normal closing adjustments. The acquired interests from these two transactions included an estimated 12.7 Bcfe of proved reserves.
In June 2000, the Company purchased an additional working interest in the Company operated Pavillion Field in the Wind River Basin in Wyoming. The acquired interests included an estimated 24 Bcfe of proved reserves purchased for total consideration of $15.2 million net of normal closing adjustments.
Acquisition of the Assets of Unocal Corporation
In July 1999, the Company completed an acquisition of substantially all of the Rocky Mountain oil and gas assets of Unocal Corporation ("Unocal") for 5.8 million shares of common stock and $5 million in cash for a total purchase price of $68.5 million ($60.9 million after deducting normal purchase price adjustments).
The Unocal oil and gas assets are primarily located in the Paradox Basin of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. These assets and properties compliment the Company's 163,000 net undeveloped acres in the Paradox Basin.
Included in the acquisition was the Lisbon Plant, a modern sophisticated cryogenic (60 million cubic feet per day capacity) natural gas processing plant that extracts natural gas liquids and merchantable helium; and separates carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen from the raw gas stream. The net proved reserves of these Unocal properties were estimated to be 93.2 billion cubic feet equivalent of gas as of the closing date of July 1, 1999. Approximately 65,000 net undeveloped acres were also acquired.
Current Developments in the Marketing, Gathering and Processing Business
In September 1999, KM became the operator of, and 55% partner in, Wildhorse as a result of a merger with KN Energy, Inc. ("KNE"). Wildhorse was formed in connection with the Company's 1996 acquisition of KN Production Company, the wholly-owned oil and gas production subsidiary of KNE. Wildhorse was created to provide services related to natural gas, natural gas liquids and other natural gas products, including gathering, processing and storage services and field services. The Company owned 45% of Wildhorse since its inception. Effective September 1, 1999, Wildhorse assigned 100% of its marketing operations to Retex, the Company's wholly-owned marketing subsidiary. Additionally, firm transportation contracts were assigned 55% to KM and 45% remained in Retex. In November 2000, the Wildhorse gathering and processing assets were distributed to the Company in anticipation of the dissolution of Wildhorse. KM received the Wildhorse storage facility and a cash payment. "TBIFS" was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tom Brown, Inc. to administer the gathering and processing assets received in this distribution.
In 2001, TBIFS selectively sold many of the gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse asset distribution. The principal asset retained in this process was the Wind River gathering system in one of the Company's core areas. In 2002, the Company liquidated TBIFS and transferred the remaining gathering and processing assets to Tom Brown, Inc.
Current Developments in the Drilling Business
Acquisition of Assets of W. E. Sauer Companies, LLC
On January 7, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the drilling assets of W. E. Sauer Companies L.L.C. of Casper, Wyoming for approximately $8.1 million. The Company operates the assets in its subsidiary, Sauer Drilling Company ("Sauer"), and plans to continue to serve the drilling needs of operators in the central Rocky Mountain region in addition to drilling for the Company. The assets included five drilling rigs, tubular goods, a yard and related assets. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sauer has acquired three additional drilling rigs for approximately $4 million.
MARKETS
The Company's gas production has historically been sold primarily under month-to-month contracts with marketing companies and local distribution companies (LDC's). During 2001 and 2002, there was a significant amount of volatility in the prices received for natural gas. Monthly closing gas prices in 2001 as measured on the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") varied from a high of $9.98 per million British thermal unit ("Mmbtu") for January 2001 to a low of $1.83 per Mmbtu for October 2001. In 2002, the NYMEX gas prices varied from a high of $4.14 per Mmbtu in December 2002 to a low of $2.01 per Mmbtu in February 2002. The U.S. Rocky Mountain region represented approximately 68% of the Company's 2002 gas production and 66% of its 2001 production. The price of gas in the Rocky Mountains at the Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) hub was $1.25 and $.77 per Mmbtu below the NYMEX posted gas price on average for 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company's Canadian production base has also been subject to price volatility. In 2001, gas production from the Canadian fields was subject to gas pricing that ranged from $1.10 per Mmbtu above the February 2001 NYMEX price to a price that was $.98 per Mmbtu below the October 2001 NYMEX price. In 2002, the Canadian gas prices continued to be volatile ranging from $.12 per Mmbtu below the NYMEX posting for February 2002 to $1.24 below the August 2002 NYMEX price.
The Company markets most of its oil production with independent third-party resellers and refiners at market ("posted") prices. These posted prices generally reflect the prices determined by the trading of West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") oil futures contracts on the NYMEX, with adjustments due to basis differential and for the quality of oil produced.
NYMEX prices for both gas and oil are influenced by weather, seasonal demand, levels of storage, production levels and a variety of political and economic factors over which the Company has no control.
Production Volumes, Unit Prices and Costs
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's volumes of production sold and average prices received associated with its production and sales of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil for each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
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Years Ended December 31, |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States |
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| 2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
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| Production Volumes: | ||||||||||
| Natural Gas (MMcf) | 65,781 | 57,163 | 51,199 | |||||||
| Crude Oil (Mbbls) | 623 | 723 | 773 | |||||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (Mbbls) | 1,189 | 1,074 | 1,074 | |||||||
| Net Average Daily Production Volumes: | ||||||||||
| Natural Gas (Mcf) | 180,221 | 156,611 | 139,888 | |||||||
| Crude Oil (Bbls) | 1,708 | 1,979 | 2,113 | |||||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls) | 3,258 | 2,943 | 2,934 | |||||||
| Average Sales Prices: | ||||||||||
| Natural Gas (per Mcf)(1) | $ | 2.10 | $ | 3.73 | $ | 3.46 | ||||
| Crude Oil (per Bbl) | $ | 23.20 | $ | 22.64 | $ | 28.05 | ||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl) | $ | 11.39 | $ | 13.25 | $ | 16.77 | ||||
| Average Production Cost (per Mcfe)(2) | $ | .57 | $ | .70 | $ | .76 | ||||
| |
Years Ended December 31, |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
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| 2002 |
2001 |
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| Production Volumes: | |||||||||
| Natural Gas (MMcf) | 6,386 | 6,661 | |||||||
| Crude Oil (Mbbls) | 220 | 158 | |||||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (Mbbls) | 193 | 143 | |||||||
| Net Average Daily Production Volumes: | |||||||||
| Natural Gas (Mcf) | 17,496 | 18,247 | |||||||
| Crude Oil (Bbls) | 601 | 432 | |||||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls) | 529 | 392 | |||||||
| Average Sales Prices: | |||||||||
| Natural Gas (per Mcf)(1) | $ | 3.04 | $ | 3.49 | |||||
| Crude Oil (per Bbl) | $ | 23.86 | $ | 25.11 | |||||
| Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl) | $ | 16.17 | $ | 20.23 | |||||
| Average Production Cost (per Mcfe)(2) | $ | .55 | $ | .62 | |||||
Competition
The Company encounters strong competition from major oil companies and independent operators in acquiring properties and leases for the exploration for, and the development and production of, natural gas and crude oil. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped gas and oil leases. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of undeveloped gas and oil leases include the availability and quality of staff and data necessary to identify, investigate and purchase such leases, and the financial resources necessary to acquire and develop such leases. Many of the Company's competitors have financial resources, staffs and facilities substantially greater than those of the Company. In addition, the producing, processing and marketing of natural gas and crude oil is affected by a number of factors which are beyond the control of the Company, the effect of which cannot be accurately predicted.
The principal raw materials and resources necessary for the exploration and development of natural gas and crude oil are leasehold prospects under which gas and oil reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment to drill for and produce such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of gas and oil operations. The Company must compete for such raw materials and resources with both major oil companies and independent operators.
Retex encounters competition from other natural gas transportation and marketing entities in the marketing of gas. Such competition may materially affect the volumes and margins that Retex may derive.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
On January 19, 2001, Donald L. Evans, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer resigned to accept an appointment as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Company's Board of Directors elected James B. Wallace as the new Chairman of the Board and James D. Lightner to the additional position of Chief Executive Officer in 2001 following Mr. Evans resignation. At the annual stockholder's meeting in May 2002, James D. Lightner was elected to replace Mr. Wallace as the new Chairman of the Board.
The executive officers of the Company on March 18, 2003 were as follows:
| Name |
Age |
Position with Company |
Since |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James D. Lightner | 50 | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President | 1999 (President) 2002 (Chairman) |
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Daniel G. Blanchard |
42 |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
1999 |
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Thomas W. Dyk |
49 |
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
1998 |
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Peter R. Scherer |
46 |
Executive Vice President |
1982 |
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Bruce R. DeBoer |
50 |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
1997 |
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Doug R. Harris |
48 |
Vice PresidentOperations |
2001 |
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Rodney G. Mellott |
45 |
Vice PresidentLand and Business Development |
1999 |
Each executive officer is elected annually by the Company's Board of Directors to serve at the Board's discretion.
Employees
At December 31, 2002, the Company had 429 employees of which 103 were employed by Sauer. None of the Company's employees are represented by labor unions or covered by any collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory.
REGULATIONUNITED STATES
Regulation of Gas and Oil Production
Gas and oil operations are subject to various types of regulation by state and federal agencies. Legislation affecting the gas and oil industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion. Also, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue rules and regulations binding on the gas and oil industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. The regulatory burden on the gas and oil industry increases the Company's cost of doing business and, consequently, affects its profitability.
States in which the Company conducts its gas and oil activities regulate the production and sale of natural gas and crude oil, including requirements for obtaining drilling permits, the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation of wells and the prevention of waste of gas and oil resources. In addition, most states regulate the rate of production and may establish maximum daily production allowables for wells on a market demand or conservation basis.
Gas Price Controls
Prior to January 1993, certain natural gas sold by the Company was subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 ("NGPA"). The NGPA prescribed maximum lawful prices for natural gas sales effective December 1, 1978. Effective January 1, 1993, natural gas prices were completely deregulated and sales of the Company's natural gas are now made at market prices. The majority of the Company's gas sales contracts either contain decontrolled price provisions or already provide for market prices.
Oil Price Controls
Sales of crude oil, condensate and gas liquids by the Company are not regulated and are made at market prices.
Environmental Regulation
The Company's activities are subject to federal and state laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control. The existence of such regulations has a material effect on the Company's operations but the cost of such compliance has not been material to date. However, the Company believes that the gas and oil industry may experience increasing liabilities and risks under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as well as other federal, state and local environmental laws, as a result of increased enforcement of environmental laws by various regulatory agencies. As an "owner" or "operator" of property where hazardous materials may exist or be present, the Company, like all others in the petroleum industry, could be liable for fines and/or "clean-up" costs, regardless of whether the Company was responsible for the release of any hazardous substances.
Rocno Corporation ("Rocno"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is a party to a trust agreement in connection with the environmental clean-up plan for the Sheridan Superfund Site in Waller County, Texas. See Item 3, Legal Proceedings.
Indian Lands
The Company's Muddy Ridge and Pavillion Fields are located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes levy taxes on the production of hydrocarbons. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Minerals Management Service and Bureau of Land Management of the United States Department of the Interior perform certain regulatory functions relating to operation of Indian gas and oil leases. The Company owns interests in three leases in the Pavillion Field which were issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of August 21, 1916, for initial terms of 20 years each, with a preferential right by the lessee to renew the leases for subsequent ten-year terms. The leases were renewed for an additional ten-year term in 1992, effective as of June 23, 1993. One of these leases has been amended to provide for incremental extensions of this lease term of up to an additional 12 years by drilling and completing additional wells on each lease prior to June 2003. In December of 2000 the Company added to its Tribal base inventory around the Pavillion Field by signing eleven additional ten-year leases covering nearly 25,800 net acres. The Company is currently awaiting final approval of the leases by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has deferred drilling initially planned for early 2003 until certain issues have been resolved.
REGULATIONCANADA
Regulation of Gas and Oil Production and Price Controls
The oil and natural gas industry in Canada is subject to extensive controls and regulations imposed by various levels of government. It is not expected that any of these controls or regulations will affect our operations in a manner materially different than they would affect other oil and gas companies of similar size.
In Canada, oil and gas exports are subject to regulation by the National Energy Board (NEB), an independent federal regulatory agency. The Company does not, at present, export oil or gas under the terms of these regulations, but may be affected if regulations imposed by the NEB act to restrict the sales of gas and oil by other companies. Exports are also subject to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which became effective on January 1, 1994. NAFTA carries forward most of the material energy terms contained in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. In the context of energy resources, Canada continues to remain free to determine whether exports to the United States or Mexico will be allowed provided that any export restrictions do not: (i) reduce the proportion of energy resource exported relative to domestic use (based upon the proportion prevailing in the most recent 36-month period), (ii) impose an export price higher than the domestic price, and (iii) disrupt normal channels of supply. All three countries are prohibited from imposing minimum export or import price requirements. NAFTA contemplates clearer disciplines on regulators to ensure fair implementation of any regulatory changes and to minimize disruption of contractual arrangements, which is important for Canadian natural gas exports.
The provincial government of Alberta also regulates the volume of natural gas which may be removed from the province for consumption elsewhere based on such factors as reserve availability, transportation arrangements and market considerations.
In addition to federal regulation, each province has legislation and regulations which govern land tenure, royalties, production rates, environmental protection and other matters. The royalty regime on Crown lands is a significant factor in the profitability of oil and natural gas production. Royalties payable on production from lands other than Crown lands are determined by negotiations between the mineral owner and the lessee. Crown royalties are determined by government regulation and are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of the gross production, and the rate of royalties payable generally depends in part on prescribed reference prices, well productivity, geographical location, field discovery date and the type or quality of the petroleum product produced.
From time to time the governments of Canada and Alberta have established incentive programs which have included royalty rate deductions, royalty holidays and tax credits for the purpose of encouraging oil and natural gas exploration or enhanced recovery projects. At present, few of these programs are currently in effect.
In Alberta, certain producers of oil or natural gas are currently entitled to a credit against the royalties to the Crown by virtue of the ARTC (Alberta royalty tax credit) program. The credit is determined by applying a specified rate to a maximum of $2 million CDN of Alberta Crown royalties payable for each producer or associated group of producers. The specified rate is a function of the Royalty Tax Credit reference price (RTCRP) which is set quarterly by the Alberta Department of Energy and ranges from 25% to 75%, depending on oil and gas par prices for the previous calendar quarter. The provincial government of Alberta has proposed changes to the ARTC program which have not been finalized.
Environmental Regulation
In Canada, the oil and natural gas industry is currently subject to environmental regulation pursuant to provincial and federal legislation. Environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on releases or emissions of various substances produced or utilized in association with certain oil and gas industry operations. In addition, legislation requires that well and facility sites be abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of provincial authorities.
In Alberta, environmental compliance has been governed by the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act ("AEPEA") since September 1, 1993. In addition, AEPEA also imposes certain environmental responsibilities on oil and natural gas operators in Alberta and in certain instances also imposes penalties for violations.
GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES
The principal properties of the Company consist of developed and undeveloped gas and oil leases. Generally, the terms of developed gas and oil leaseholds are continuing and such leases remain in force by virtue of, and so long as, production from lands under lease is maintained. Undeveloped gas and oil leaseholds are generally for a primary term, such as five or ten years, subject to maintenance with the payment of specified minimum delay rentals or extension by production. The Company also has options to lease undeveloped gas and oil leaseholds on Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal lands. The oil and gas leases had initial terms of twenty years and the Company has a preferential right to negotiate with the Tribes for renewals of subsequent ten-year terms.
TITLE TO PROPERTIES
As is customary in the gas and oil industry, the Company makes only a cursory review of title to undeveloped gas and oil leases at the time they are acquired by the Company. However, before drilling commences, the Company causes a thorough title search to be conducted, and any material defects in title are remedied prior to the time actual drilling of a well on the lease begins. The Company believes that it has good title to its gas and oil properties, some of which are subject to immaterial encumbrances, easements and restrictions. The gas and oil properties owned by the Company are also typically subject to royalty and other similar non-cost bearing interests customary in the industry. The Company does not believe that any of these encumbrances or burdens materially affects the Company's ownership or use of its properties.
ACREAGE
The following table sets forth the gross and net acres of developed and undeveloped gas and oil leases held by the Company at December 31, 2002. Included in the table are approximately 281,000 gross (253,000 net) acres in Wyoming under gas and oil option agreements acquired from certain Indian tribes.
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DEVELOPED |
UNDEVELOPED |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
GROSS |
NET |
GROSS |
NET |
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| Colorado | 106,681 | 87,045 | 551,438 | 476,074 | |||||
| Louisiana | 1,419 | 671 | 7 | 4 | |||||
| Michigan | | | 303 | 121 | |||||
| Montana | 102 | 76 | 158,307 | 26,443 | |||||
| Nebraska | | | 31,455 | 30,861 | |||||
| New Mexico | 15,412 | 3,952 | 2,440 | 2,092 | |||||
| North Dakota | | | 2,960 | 80 | |||||
| Texas | 112,526 | 42,852 | 353,906 | 229,960 | |||||
| Utah | 6,599 | 5,821 | 111,573 | 104,396 | |||||
| West Virginia | 3,852 | 1,240 | 150,041 | 74,820 | |||||
| Wyoming | 116,632 | 57,983 | 950,962 | 628,396 | |||||
| Canada | 143,520 | 80,889 | 396,664 | 278,503 | |||||
| Other | | | 10 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 506,743 | 280,529 | 2,710,066 | 1,851,752 | |||||
"Gross" acres refer to the number of acres in which the Company owns a working interest. "Net" acres refer to the sum of the fractional working interests owned by the Company in gross acres.
GAS AND OIL RESERVES
Estimates of the Company's gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves including future net revenues and the present value of future net cash flows, were prepared by the Company's petroleum engineering staff and reviewed by Ryder Scott (independent petroleum consultants). Guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") were utilized to prepare these reserve estimates. Estimates of gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves and their estimated values require numerous engineering assumptions as to the productive capacity and production rates of existing geological formations and require the use of certain SEC guidelines as to assumptions regarding costs to be incurred in developing and producing reserves and prices to be realized from the sale of future production.
Accordingly, estimates of reserves and their value are inherently imprecise and are subject to constant revision and change and should not be construed as representing the actual quantities of future production or cash flows to be realized from the Company's gas and oil properties or the fair market value of such properties.
Certain additional unaudited information regarding the Company's reserves, including the present value of future net cash flows, is set forth in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
The Company has no gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves or production subject to long-term supply or similar agreements with foreign governments or authorities.
Estimates of the Company's total proved gas and oil reserves have not been filed with or included in reports to any federal authority or agency other than the SEC.
PRODUCTIVE WELLS
The following table sets forth the gross and net productive gas and oil wells in wells in which the Company owned an interest at December 31, 2002.
| |
Productive Wells |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Gross |
Net |
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| |
Gas |
Oil |
Gas |
Oil |
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| Colorado | 556 | 4 | 360.21 | 3.13 | |||||
| Louisiana | 4 | | 1.98 | | |||||
| New Mexico | 22 | 30 | 5.51 | 9.63 | |||||
| Utah | 9 | 21 | 8.24 | 20.91 | |||||
| Texas | 191 | 258 | 81.67 | 100.02 | |||||
| West Virginia | 89 | | 32.95 | | |||||
| Wyoming | 639 | 6 | 320.39 | 3.69 | |||||
| Canada | 150 | 102 | 76.34 | 72.39 | |||||
| Total | 1,660 | 421 | 887.29 | 209.77 | |||||
A "gross" well is a well in which the Company owns a working interest. "Net" wells refer to the sum of the fractional working interests owned by the Company in gross wells.
GAS AND OIL DRILLING ACTIVITY
The following table sets forth the Company's gross and net interests in exploratory and development wells drilled during the periods indicated.
| |
United States |
Canada |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Year ended December 31, |
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| |
2002 |
2002 |
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| Type of Well |
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| Gross |
Net |
Net% |
Gross |
Net |
Net% |
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| Exploratory | |||||||||||||
| Gas | 5 | 3.0 | 47 | 1 | 1.0 | 100 | |||||||
| Oil | | | | | | | |||||||
| Dry | 7 | 3.4 | 53 | | | | |||||||
| 12 | 6.4 | 100 | 1 | 1.0 | 100 | ||||||||
| Development | |||||||||||||
| Gas | 66 | 43.7 | 95 | 8 | 5.6 | 62 | |||||||
| Oil | | | | 3 | 2.5 | 27 | |||||||
| Dry | 3 | 2.4 | 5 | 1 | 1.0 | 11 | |||||||
| 69 | 46.1 | 100 | 12 | 9.1 | 100 | ||||||||
| Total | 81 | 52.5 | 13 | 10.1 | |||||||||
| |
United States |
Canada |
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Year ended December 31, |
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| |
2001 |
2001 |
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| Type of Well |
|||||||||||||
| Gross |
Net |
Net% |
Gross |
Net |
Net% |
||||||||
| Exploratory | |||||||||||||
| Gas | 7 | 6.6 | 49 | | | | |||||||
| Oil | | | | | | | |||||||
| Dry | 12 | 6.7 | 51 | 4 | 3.6 | 100 | |||||||
| 19 | 13.3 | 100 | 4 | 3.6 | 100 | ||||||||
| Development | |||||||||||||
| Gas | 139 | 98.1 | 97 | 22 | 16.0 | 71 | |||||||
| Oil | | | | 1 | .5 | 2 | |||||||
| Dry | 7 | 3.3 | 3 | 8 | 6.1 | 27 | |||||||
| 146 | 101.4 | 100 | 31 | 22.6 | 100 | ||||||||
| Total | 165 | 114.7 | 35 | 26.1 | |||||||||
| |
United States |
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|
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Year ended December 31, |
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2000 |
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| Type of Well |
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| Gross |
Net |
Net% |
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| Exploratory | |||||||||||||
| Gas | | | | ||||||||||
| Oil | | | | ||||||||||
| Dry | 3 | 2.3 | 100 | ||||||||||
| 3 | 2.3 | &nb | |||||||||||