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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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

Commission file number 1-10447

 


 

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE   04-3072771

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

1200 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077

(Address of principal executive offices including Zip Code)

 

(281) 589-4600

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 


 

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

As of April 26, 2004, there were 32,892,303 shares of Common Stock, Par Value $.10 Per Share, outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Part I. Financial Information

    

Item 1. Financial Statements

    

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   5

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Report of Independent Accountant’s on Review of Interim Financial Information

   16

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   17

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   26

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   28

Part II. Other Information

    

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   29

Signatures

   30

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

 

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

   2003

 

NET OPERATING REVENUES

               

Natural Gas Production

   $ 90,379    $ 77,710  

Brokered Natural Gas

     31,559      31,850  

Crude Oil and Condensate

     12,767      23,093  

Other

     1,899      3,263  
    

  


       136,604      135,916  

OPERATING EXPENSES

               

Brokered Natural Gas Cost

     28,721      28,261  

Direct Operations - Field and Pipeline

     12,078      10,926  

Exploration

     16,144      13,391  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     24,229      23,507  

Impairment of Unproved Properties

     2,583      2,337  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Note 2)

     —        87,926  

General and Administrative

     6,716      6,595  

Taxes Other Than Income

     10,102      10,224  
    

  


       100,573      183,167  

Gain on Sale of Assets

     59      560  
    

  


INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     36,090      (46,691 )

Interest Expense and Other

     5,377      5,625  
    

  


Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     30,713      (52,316 )

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     11,702      (19,940 )
    

  


NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

     19,011      (32,376 )

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE (Note 9)

     —        (6,847 )
    

  


NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 19,011    $ (39,223 )
    

  


Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Before Accounting Change

   $ 0.59    $ (1.02 )

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Before Accounting Change

   $ 0.58    $ (1.02 )

Basic Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

   $ —      $ (0.21 )

Diluted Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

   $ —      $ (0.21 )

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share

   $ 0.59    $ (1.23 )

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

   $ 0.58    $ (1.23 )

Average Common Shares Outstanding

     32,398      31,837  

Diluted Common Shares (Note 5)

     32,866      31,837  

 

The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     March 31,     December 31,  
     2004

    2003

 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Current Assets

                

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 51,799     $ 724  

Accounts Receivable

     72,778       87,425  

Inventories

     10,991       18,241  

Other

     12,971       15,006  
    


 


Total Current Assets

     148,539       121,396  

Properties and Equipment, Net (Successful Efforts Method)

     909,929       895,955  

Other Assets

     6,773       6,850  
    


 


     $ 1,065,241     $ 1,024,201  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current Liabilities

                

Accounts Payable

   $ 92,157     $ 84,943  

Accrued Liabilities

     92,424       69,758  
    


 


Total Current Liabilities

     184,581       154,701  

Long-Term Debt

     270,000       270,000  

Deferred Income Taxes

     175,685       179,926  

Other Liabilities

     59,212       54,377  

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)

                

Stockholders’ Equity

                

Common Stock:

                

Authorized —   80,000,000 Shares of $.10 Par Value Issued and Outstanding —   32,793,829 Shares and 32,538,255 Shares in 2004 and 2003, Respectively

     3,279       3,254  

Additional Paid-in Capital

     368,802       361,699  

Retained Earnings

     45,478       27,763  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

     (37,412 )     (23,135 )

Less Treasury Stock, at Cost:

                

302,600 Shares in 2004 and 2003

     (4,384 )     (4,384 )
    


 


Total Stockholders’ Equity

     375,763       365,197  
    


 


     $ 1,065,241     $ 1,024,201  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 19,011     $ (39,223 )

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

                

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     —         6,847  

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization

     24,229       23,507  

Impairment of Unproved Properties

     2,583       2,337  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     —         87,926  

Deferred Income Tax Expense

     4,549       (27,010 )

Gain on Sale of Assets

     (59 )     (560 )

Exploration Expense

     16,144       13,391  

Change in Derivative Fair Value

     5,619       544  

Other

     264       (139 )

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

                

Accounts Receivable

     14,647       (38,442 )

Inventories

     7,250       5,596  

Other Current Assets

     2,035       (621 )

Other Assets

     77       (201 )

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

     4,187       22,988  

Other Liabilities

     (2,966 )     2,607  
    


 


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     97,570       59,547  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Capital Expenditures

     (35,711 )     (21,321 )

Proceeds from Sale of Assets

     —         1,602  

Exploration Expense

     (16,144 )     (13,391 )
    


 


Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (51,855 )     (33,110 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Increase in Short-Term Financing

     16,000       64,000  

Decrease in Short-Term Financing

     (16,000 )     (91,000 )

Sale of Common Stock Proceeds

     6,656       498  

Dividends Paid

     (1,296 )     (1,273 )
    


 


Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     5,360       (27,775 )
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     51,075       (1,338 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

     724       2,561  
    


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ 51,799     $ 1,223  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an intergral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

 

During interim periods, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (the Company) follows the same accounting policies used in its Annual Report to Stockholders and its Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. People using financial information produced for interim periods are encouraged to refer to the footnotes in the Annual Report to Stockholders when reviewing interim financial results. In management’s opinion, the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.

 

Our independent accountants have performed a review of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should not be considered a part of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the FASB approved for issuance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 establishes accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including (1) the timing of the liability recognition, (2) initial measurement of the liability, (3) allocation of asset retirement cost to expense, (4) subsequent measurement of the liability and (5) financial statement disclosures. SFAS 143 requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in (1) an increase of total liabilities, because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets, because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, and (3) an increase in operating expense, because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. The Company adopted the statement on January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143 has been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in January 2003.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46 or Interpretation). FIN 46 is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The primary objective of the Interpretation is to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIEs. The Interpretation requires an enterprise to consolidate a VIE if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur or both. An enterprise shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this determination. At March 31, 2004 the Company did not have any entities that would qualify for consolidation in accordance with the provisions of FIN 46. Therefore, the adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This statement was developed in response to concerns expressed by preparers, auditors, regulators, investors, and other users of

 

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financial statements about issuers classification in the statement of financial position of certain financial instruments that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity but that have been presented either entirely as equity or between the liabilities section and the equity section of the statement of financial position. This statement also addresses questions about the classification of certain financial instruments that embody obligations to issue equity shares.

 

SFAS 150 contains guidance which stipulates that companies with consolidated entities that will terminate by a specified date, such as limited-life partnerships, will have to measure the liabilities for the other owners’ interests in those limited-life entities based on the fair values of the limited-life entities’ assets. Period-to-period changes in the liabilities are to be reported in the consolidated income statement as interest costs. As a result of SFAS 150, liability amounts and related interest costs may be significantly greater than the minority interests previously recognized. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2003 the FASB issued FSP 150-3, “Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Non Controlling Interests Under SFAS 150,” which defers indefinitely the provisions of SFAS 150 as they relate to the Company’s limited life partnerships acquired in conjunction with the Cody acquisition.

 

We have been made aware of an issue regarding the application of provisions of SFAS 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas companies. The issue was whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights, including both proved and unproved leasehold acquisition costs, as intangible assets in the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, the Company and other oil and gas companies have included the cost of these oil and gas leasehold interests as part of oil and gas properties and provided the disclosures required by SFAS No. 69, Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities (SFAS 69). Also under consideration was whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to provide the additional disclosures prescribed by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights. In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) released a consensus on EITF Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets,” that stated mineral rights are tangible assets. Additionally, the FASB has issued guidance that would amend SFAS 141 and 142 to exclude mineral rights from the definition of intangible assets.

 

On December 23, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, and 106, and a revision of SFAS 132. This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The required information must be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. The new disclosures are effective for 2003 calendar year financial statements. See footnote 10 for the interim disclosures.

 

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Stock Based Compensation

 

SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” outlines a fair value based method of accounting for stock options or similar equity instruments. The Company has opted to continue using the intrinsic value based method, as recommended by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25, to measure compensation cost for its stock option plans.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on Net Income and Earnings Per Share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


   2004

   2003

 

Net Income (Loss), as reported

   $ 19,011    $ (39,223 )

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

     476      477  
    

  


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 18,535    $ (39,700 )
    

  


Earnings per share:

               

Basic - as reported

   $ 0.59    $ (1.23 )

Basic - pro forma

   $ 0.57    $ (1.25 )

Diluted - as reported

   $ 0.58    $ (1.23 )

Diluted - pro forma

   $ 0.56    $ (1.25 )

 

The assumptions used in the fair value method calculation as well as additional stock based compensation information are disclosed in the following table.

 

     Three Months
Ended
March 31,


 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


   2004

   2003

 

Compensation Expense in Net Income, as reported (1)

   $  292    $ 248  

Weighted Average Value per Option Granted During the Period (2) (3)

   $  —      $ 6.75  

Assumptions (3)

               

Stock Price Volatility

     —        35.4 %

Risk Free Rate of Return

     —        2.5 %

Dividend Rate (per year)

   $  —      $ 0.16  

Expected Term (in years)

     —        4  

(1) Compensation expense is defined as expense related to the vesting of stock grants, net of tax.
(2) Calculated using the Black Scholes fair value based method.
(3) There were no stock options issued in the first quarter of 2004.

 

The fair value of stock options included in the pro forma results for each of the periods presented is not necessarily indicative of future effects on Net Income and Earnings Per Share.

 

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Table of Contents

2. PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Properties and equipment are comprised of the following:

 

     March 31,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 
     (In thousands)  

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties

   $ 86,381     $ 86,918  

Proved Oil and Gas Properties

     1,504,723       1,469,751  

Gathering and Pipeline Systems

     150,027       146,909  

Land, Building and Improvements

     4,758       4,758  

Other

     29,235       28,658  
    


 


       1,775,124       1,736,994  

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     (865,195 )     (841,039 )
    


 


     $ 909,929     $ 895,955  
    


 


 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003, future estimated plug and abandonment costs were accrued over the productive life of certain oil and gas properties when the residual value of well equipment was not sufficient to cover the plug and abandonment liability. The accrued liability for plug and abandonment costs was included in Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization.

 

Total future plug and abandonment costs of $17.1 million and $1.1 million, recorded at December 31, 2002, have been reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization and Other Accrued Liabilities, respectively, to Other Long-Term Liabilities due to the adoption of SFAS 143 (see Note 9). These reclassifications were made to conform to the current period presentation.

 

As part of the Cody acquisition, the Company acquired an interest in certain oil and gas properties in the Kurten field, as general partner of a partnership and as an operator. Prior to the liquidation of the partnership and the divestiture of the Company’s interest in the field, it had an interest of approximately 25%, including a one percent interest in the partnership. The liquidation and divestiture was effective July 31 and November 1, 2003, respectively. The divestiture yielded proceeds of $7.6 million and resulted in a pre-tax gain of $1.8 million. Under the partnership agreement, the Company had the right to a reversionary working interest that would have brought its ultimate interest to 50% upon the limited partner reaching payout. Under the partnership agreement, the limited partner had the option to trigger a liquidation of the partnership. Effective February 13, 2003, the Kurten partnership commenced liquidation at the limited partner’s election. In connection with the liquidation, an appraisal was obtained to allocate the interest in the partnership assets. Based on the receipt of the appraisal in February 2003, the Company would not receive the reversionary interest as part of the liquidation. Due to the impact of the loss of the reversionary interest on future estimated net cash flows of the Kurten field, the limited partners decision and the Company’s decision to proceed with the liquidation, it performed an impairment review which resulted in a charge of approximately $87.9 million. This impairment charge is reflected in the first quarter 2003 Statement of Operations as an operating expense but did not impact the Company’s cash flows.

 

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3. ADDITIONAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

 

Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

 

    

March 31,

2004


    December 31,
2003


 
     (In thousands)  

Accounts Receivable

                

Trade Accounts

   $ 70,924     $ 79,439  

Joint Interest Accounts

     7,597       13,312  

Other Accounts

     (336 )     81  
    


 


       78,185       92,832  

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

     (5,407 )     (5,407 )
    


 


     $ 72,778     $ 87,425  
    


 


Inventories

                

Natural Gas in Storage (1)

   $ 5,197     $ 14,950  

Oil in Storage

     316       241  

Tublar Goods and Well Equipment

     3,787       3,367  

Pipeline Exchange Balances

     1,691       (317 )
    


 


     $ 10,991     $ 18,241  
    


 


(1)      The decline in natural gas inventory is due to an increase in gas sales from storage to meet contractual demands.

         

Other Current Assets

                

Commodity Hedging Contracts - SFAS 133

   $ —       $ 1,152  

Drilling Advances

     9,497       6,443  

Prepaid Balances

     3,269       4,325  

Other Accounts

     205       3,086  
    


 


     $ 12,971     $ 15,006  
    


 


Accounts Payable

                

Trade Accounts

   $ 13,080     $ 11,872  

Natural Gas Purchases

     7,748       5,751  

Royalty and Other Owners

     27,920       28,001  

Capital Costs

     26,325       21,964  

Taxes Other Than Income

     4,522       3,280  

Drilling Advances

     3,976       5,721  

Wellhead Gas Imbalances

     1,877       2,085  

Other Accounts

     6,709       6,269  
    


 


     $ 92,157     $ 84,943  
    


 


Accrued Liabilities

                

Employee Benefits

   $ 6,624     $ 9,105  

Taxes Other Than Income

     14,949       13,359  

Interest Payable

     5,046       6,368  

Commodity Hedging Contracts - SFAS 133

     58,124       36,582  

Other Accounts

     7,681       4,344  
    


 


     $ 92,424     $ 69,758  
    


 


Other Liabilities

                

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

   $ 2,186     $ 2,132  

Accrued Pension Cost

     7,035       6,232  

Commodity Hedging Contracts - FAS 133

     9,010       3,051  

Accrued Plugging and Abandonment Liability

     37,698       36,848  

Taxes Other Than Income and Other

     3,283       6,114  
    


 


     $ 59,212     $ 54,377  
    


 


 

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4. LONG-TERM DEBT

 

At March 31, 2004, the Company did not have any debt outstanding under its credit facility, which provides for an available credit line of $250 million. The available credit line is subject to adjustment from time to time on the basis of the projected present value (as determined by the bank’s petroleum engineer) of estimated future net cash flows from certain proved oil and gas reserves and other assets of the Company. The revolving term under this credit facility presently ends in October 2006 and is subject to renewal.

 

The Company has the following debt outstanding:

 

  $100 million of 12-year 7.19% Notes to be repaid in five annual installments of $20 million beginning in November 2005

 

  $75 million of 10-year 7.26% Notes due in July 2011

 

  $75 million of 12-year 7.36% Notes due in July 2013

 

  $20 million of 15-year 7.46% Notes due in July 2016

 

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (the denominator). Diluted EPS is similarly calculated using the treasury stock method except that the denominator is increased to reflect the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options and stock awards outstanding at the end of the applicable period were exercised for common stock.

 

The following is a calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

   2003

Shares - basic

   32,397,824    31,836,505

Dilution effect of stock options and awards at end of period

   468,477    —  
    
  

Shares - diluted

   32,866,301    31,836,505
    
  

Stock awards and shares excluded from diluted earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive effect

   523,684    1,561,973
    
  

 

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Wyoming Royalty Litigation

 

In June 2000, the Company was sued by two overriding royalty owners in Wyoming state court for unspecified damages. The plaintiffs requested class certification under the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and alleged that the Company improperly deducted costs of production from royalty payments to the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons. Additionally, the suit claimed that the Company failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of the deductions taken from royalties. At a mediation held in April 2003, the plaintiffs in this case claimed total damages of $9.5 million plus attorney fees. The Company was able to settle the case and the State District Court Judge entered his order approving the settlement in the fourth quarter of 2003. The settlement was for a total of $2.25 million. The class included all private fee royalty and overriding royalty owners of the Company in the State of Wyoming except those in the suit discussed below and one owner who opted out of the settlement. It also includes provisions for the method of valuation of gas for royalty payment purposes going forward and for reporting of royalty payments which should prevent further litigation of these issues by the class members.

 

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In January 2002, 13 overriding royalty owners sued the Company in Wyoming federal district court. The plaintiffs in the federal case have made the same general claims pertaining to deductions from their overriding royalty as the plaintiffs in the Wyoming state court case but have not asked for class certification. That case is on hold awaiting a Wyoming Supreme Court decision on two certified questions.

 

Although management believes that a number of our defenses are supported by Wyoming case law, two letter decisions handed down by state district court judges in other cases do not support certain of the defenses. In one of the cases the case has been settled so no order will be entered. In the other case a generic order has been entered adopting the letter decision by reference. It is not known what effect, if any, the decision, will have on the pending case. In addition, in 2000 a district court judge’s decision supported the Company’s defenses, and that decision was recently orally confirmed by another state district court judge. Accordingly, there is a split of authority concerning the interpretation of the reporting penalty provisions of the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act, which will need to be resolved by the Wyoming Supreme Court.

 

As noted above, the judge agreed to certify two questions of state law for decision by the Wyoming State Supreme Court. The Wyoming State Supreme Court has agreed to decide both questions, and these decisions should dispose of important issues in the pending federal case. The federal judge refused, however, to certify a question relating to the issue of the proper calculation of damages for failure to provide certain information required by statute on overriding royalty owner check stubs that had been decided adversely to our position in the state district court letter decision. After the federal judge’s refusal to certify this issue, the plaintiffs reduced the damages they were claiming. Based upon the plaintiffs expert witness report filed in March 2003, the plaintiffs are now claiming $21 million in total damages which can be broken down into $15.7 million for alleged violations of the check stub reporting statute and the remainder for all other damages. In the opinion of our outside counsel, Brown, Drew & Massey, LLP the likelihood of the plaintiffs recovering the stated damages for violation of the check stub reporting statute is remote.

 

The Company is vigorously defending the case. It has a reserve that management believes is adequate to provide for the potential liability based on its estimate of the probable outcome of this case. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact our financial position.

 

West Virginia Royalty Litigation

 

In December 2001, the Company was sued by two royalty owners in West Virginia state court for an unspecified amount of damages. The plaintiffs have requested class certification under the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and allege that the Company failed to pay royalty based upon the wholesale market value of the gas produced, that it had taken improper deductions from the royalty and failed to properly inform the plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons of deductions taken from the royalty. The plaintiffs have also claimed that they are entitled to a 1/8th royalty share of the gas sales contract settlement that the Company reached with Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation in the 1995 Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation bankruptcy proceeding.

 

The Company has removed the lawsuit to federal court; however, in February 2003, the Company received an order remanding the lawsuit back to state court. Discovery and pleadings necessary to place the class certification issue before the court have been ongoing. A hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was held on October 20, 2003, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law were submitted to the court on December 5, 2003. The trial is currently scheduled for January 18, 2005.

 

The investigation into this claim continues and it is in the discovery phase. The Company is vigorously defending the case. The Company has reserves management believes are adequate to provide for these potential liabilities based on managements estimate of the probable outcome of this matter. Should circumstances change, the potential impact may materially affect quarterly or annual results of operations and cash flows. However, management does not believe it would materially impact our financial position.

 

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Texas Title Litigation

 

On January 6, 2003, the Company was served with Plaintiffs’ Second Amended Original Petition in Romeo Longoria, et al. v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, et al. in the 79th Judicial District Court of Brooks County, Texas The plaintiffs allege that they are the rightful owners of a one-half undivided mineral interest in and to certain lands in Brooks County, Texas. As Cody Energy, LLC, the Company acquired certain leases and wells from Wynn-Crosby 1996 Ltd. in 1997 and 1998 and the Company subsequently acquired a 320 acre lease from Hector and Gloria Lopez in 2001. The plaintiffs allege that they are entitled to be declared the rightful owners of an undivided interest in the surface and minerals and all improvements on the lands on which the Company acquired these leases. The plaintiffs also assert claims for trespass to try title, action to remove a cloud on the title, failure to properly account for royalty, fraud, trespass, conversion, all for unspecified actual and exemplary damages. The trial date of May 19, 2003 was cancelled and a new trial date has not been set. The Company has not had the opportunity to conduct discovery in this matter. The Company estimates that production revenue from this field since its predecessor, Cody Energy, LCC, acquired title and since Cabot acquired its lease is approximately $13 million. The carrying value of this property is approximately $34 million. Co-defendants Shell Oil Company and Shell Western E&P have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of plaintiffs’ causes of action on multiple grounds. The Company was in the process of joining in that motion, when the plaintiffs’ attorneys asked permission from the Court to withdraw from the representation. The Court granted that request, and new attorneys for some, but not all of the plaintiffs have recently entered the case. The motion for summary judgment filed by the defendants has been denied by the Court.

 

Although the investigation into this claim is continuing, management intends to vigorously defend the case. Management cannot currently determine the likelihood or range of any potential loss.

 

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY

 

The Company periodically enters into derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas and crude oil production. At March 31, 2004, the Company had 27 cash flow hedges open: eight natural gas price collar arrangements and 19 natural gas price swap arrangements. Additionally, the Company had five crude oil financial instruments and one natural gas financial instrument open at March 31, 2004, that did not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. At March 31, 2004, a $56.9 million ($35.2 million net of tax) unrealized loss was recorded to Other Comprehensive Income, along with a $67.1 million derivative liability. The change in derivative fair value for the current and prior periods have been included as a component of Natural Gas Production and Crude Oil and Condensate revenue, as appropriate.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2004


 
     Realized

    Unrealized

 
     (In thousands)  

Net Operating Revenues - Decrease to Revenues

                

Natural Gas Production

   $ (6,668 )   $ (1,724 )

Crude Oil

   $ (2,170 )   $ (3,895 )

 

Assuming no change in commodity prices, after March 31, 2004 the Company would reclassify to earnings, over the next 12 months, $30.1 million in after-tax expenditures associated with commodity derivatives. This reclassification represents the net liability associated with open positions at March 31, 2004 related to remaining anticipated 2004 production and a portion of anticipated 2005 production.

 

From time to time the Company enters into natural gas and crude oil swap arrangements that do not qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with SFAS 133. These financial instruments are recorded at fair value at the balance sheet date. At March 31, 2004, the Company had five open crude oil swap arrangements and one natural gas swap arrangement with an unrealized net loss of $6.5 million related to the crude oil positions and an unrealized net loss of $1.4 million related to natural gas positions. These amounts are reflected in the respective line items of Net Operating Revenues.

 

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8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive Income includes Net Income and certain items recorded directly to Stockholders’ Equity and classified as Other Comprehensive Income. The following table illustrates the calculation of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (In thousands)  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Beginning of Period

           $ (23,135 )           $ (12,939 )

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 19,011             $ (39,223 )        

Other Comprehensive Loss

                                

Reclassification Adjustment for Settled Contracts

     6,393               24,984          

Changes in Fair Value of Hedge Positions

     (29,426 )             (44,320 )        

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

     (38 )             —            

Deferred Income Tax

     8,794               7,340          
    


 


 


 


Total Other Comprehensive Loss

   $ (14,277 )   $ (14,277 )   $ (11,996 )   $ (11,996 )
    


 


 


 


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ 4,734             $ (51,219 )        
    


         


       

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - End of Period

           $ (37,412 )           $ (24,935 )
            


         


 

Deferred income tax of $8.8 million represents the net deferred tax liability of ($2.4) million on the Reclassification Adjustment for Settled Contracts, $11.2 million on the Changes in Fair Value of Hedge Positions, and less than $0.1 million on the Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment.

 

9. ADOPTION OF SFAS 143, “ACCOUNTING FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS”

 

Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Subsequently, the asset retirement cost is allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s useful life. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in (1) an increase of total liabilities because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and (3) an increase in operating expense because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. However, liabilities will also be recorded for meter stations, pipelines, processing plants and compressors. At January 1, 2003, there were no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. The Company recorded a net-of-tax cumulative effect of change in accounting principle loss in January 2003 of $6.8 million and recorded a retirement obligation of $35.2 million. There was no impact on the Company’s cash flows as a result of adopting SFAS 143. See Note 2 for additional information on plugging and abandonment costs.

 

Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 143, there has been no significant current period activity with respect to additional retirement liabilities, settled liabilities, and revisions of estimated cash flows. Additional retirement obligations increase the liability associated with new oil and gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred. Accretion expense was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

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10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (In thousands)  

Qualified and Non-Qualified Pension Plans

                

Current Quarter Service Cost

   $ 504     $ 440  

Interest Accrued on Pension Obligation

     520       420  

Expected Return on Plan Assets

     (369 )     (250 )

Net Amortization and Deferral

     41       41  

Recognized Loss

     203       151  
    


 


Net Periodic Benefit Costs

   $ 899     $ 802  
    


 


Postretirement Benefits Other than Pension Plans

                

Service Cost of Benefits During the Year

   $ 71     $ 66  

Interest Cost on the Accumulated Postretirement

                

Benefit Obligation

     93       96  

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Gain

     (31 )     (39 )

Amortization Benefit of the Unrecognized Gain

                

Transition Obligation

     165       166  
    


 


Total Postretirement Benefit Cost

   $ 298     $ 289  
    


 


 

In 2004 the Company does not have any required minimum funding obligations. Currently, management has not determined if a discretionary funding will be made in 2004.

 

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Report of Independent Accountants

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2004, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We previously audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 16, 2004 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Houston, Texas

April 27, 2004

 

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following review of operations for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 should be read along with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in this Form 10-Q and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Cabot Oil & Gas Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Overview

 

In the first three months of 2004, we produced 20.9 Bcfe compared to production of 21.9 Bcfe for the comparable period of the prior year. Natural gas production was 17.7 Bcf and oil production was 538 Mbbls. Natural gas production in the current period increased slightly from the same period in 2003. The increase in our natural gas production is attributable to successful drilling efforts on properties acquired in the Cody acquisition. The decrease in oil production is primarily the result of the continued decline of the CL&F lease in south Louisiana, along with the expected lower volumes from the Company’s West region due to reduced capital investment in 2002 and 2003.

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2004, we drilled 38 gross wells (32 development and six exploratory wells) with a success rate of 100% compared to 25 gross wells (22 development and three exploratory wells) with a success rate of 88% for the comparable period of the prior year. For the full year, we plan to drill 281 gross wells compared to 173 gross wells in 2003.

 

We had net income of $19.0 million, or $0.59 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to a net loss of $39.2 million, or $1.23 per share, for the comparable period of the prior year. The prior year loss was substantially due to non-cash impairment charges of $87.9 million (pre-tax) related to the liquidation of a limited partnership interest in the Kurten field and the cumulative effect of accounting change in the amount of $6.8 million due to the adoption of SFAS 143.

 

In the first three months of 2004, natural gas prices were higher than the same period of the comparable year and our financial results reflect their impact. Our realized natural gas price was $5.21 per Mcf, or 13% higher, than the $4.55 per Mcf price realized in the same period of the prior year. These realized prices are impacted by realized gains and losses resulting from commodity derivatives. Commodity prices are determined by factors that are outside of our control. Historically, commodity prices have been volatile and we expect them to remain volatile. Commodity prices are affected by changes in market demands, overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. As a result, we cannot accurately predict future natural gas, NGLs and crude oil prices, and therefore, cannot accurately predict revenues. In addition to production volumes and commodity prices, finding and developing sufficient amounts of crude oil and natural gas reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term success. In 2004, excluding acquisitions, we expect to spend approximately $217 million in capital and exploration expenditures. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, $56.0 million of capital and exploration expenditures have been invested in our exploration and development efforts.

 

We remain focused on our strategies of concentrating our capital spending program on projects balancing acceptable risk with the strongest economics. The favorable drilling results and enhanced infrastructure in our East region in 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 are the result of our refocusing our production growth efforts in this region. Accordingly, we have expanded our capital budget in the East. We will continue to use a portion of the cash flow from our long-lived Mid-Continent natural gas reserves to fund our exploration and development efforts in the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain areas. In addition, we have expanded our interest in the offshore Gulf of Mexico and Canada. Our offshore efforts are an extension of our Gulf Cost region and account for approximately ten percent of our current year capital budget. Our Canadian investment is considered a long-term strategic play with a strong focus on growing these operations through our exploration efforts. In the current year we have allocated approximately six percent of our capital budget to these operations. We believe these strategies are appropriate in the current industry environment and will continue to add shareholder value over the long term.

 

The preceding paragraphs, discussing our strategic pursuits and goals, contain forward-looking information. See Forward-Looking Information on page 25.

 

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Financial Condition

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

Our capital resources consist primarily of cash flows from our oil and gas properties and asset-based borrowings supported by our oil and gas reserves. The level of earnings and cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of crude oil and natural gas and our ability to control and reduce costs. Demand for crude oil and natural gas has historically been subject to seasonal influences characterized by peak demand and higher prices in the winter heating season. However, throughout 2003 and in the first quarter of 2004 the demand for natural gas and crude oil has remained unusually strong.

 

Our primary source of cash during the first three months of 2004 was generated from operations. Cash was primarily used to fund exploration and development expenditures and pay dividends, with the remaining excess invested in short-term cash equivalent investments. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,


       
     2004

    2003

    Variance

 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

   97,570     59,547     38,023  

Cash Flows Used by Investing Activities

   (51,855 )   (33,110 )   (18,745 )

Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

   5,360     (27,775 )   33,135  
    

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   51,075     (1,338 )   52,413  
    

 

 

 

Cash flow discussion and analysis:

 

  Cash flows from operating activities primarily increased due to higher commodity prices and changes in working capital.

 

  Cash flows used in investing activities increased due to an increase in capital expenditures and to a lesser extent an increase in exploration expense.

 

  Cash flows provided by financing activities is the result of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options by the Company’s employees.

 

The available credit line under our revolving credit facility, currently $250 million, is subject to adjustment on the basis of the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves (as determined by the bank’s petroleum engineer) and other assets. At March 31, 2004, we had no outstanding balance on the facility with excess capacity totaling $250 million of the total available credit facility. The revolving term of the credit facility ends in October 2006. We strive to manage our debt at a level below the available credit line in order to maintain excess borrowing capacity. Management believes that we have the ability to finance through new debt or equity offerings, if necessary, our capital requirements, including acquisitions.

 

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Table of Contents

Capitalization

 

Our capitalization information is as follows:

 

     March 31,
2004


   

December 31,

2003


 
     (In millions)  

Debt

   $ 270.0     $ 270.0  

Stockholders’ Equity (1)

     375.8       365.2  
    


 


Total Capitalization

   $  645.8     $ 635.2  
    


 


Debt to Capitalization

     42 %     43 %

(1) Includes common stock, net of treasury stock.

 

During the first three months of 2004, we paid dividends of $1.3 million on our Common Stock. A regular dividend of $0.04 per share of Common Stock has been declared for each quarter since we became a public company in 1990.

 

Capital and Exploration Expenditures

 

On an annual basis, we generally fund most of our capital and exploration activities, excluding major oil and gas property acquisitions, with cash generated from operations, and budget such capital expenditures while considering projected cash flows for the year.

 

The following table presents major components of capital and exploration expenditures:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


(In millions)


   2004

   2003

Capital Expenditures

             

Drilling and Facilities

   $ 33.4    $ 14.5

Leasehold Acquisitions

     2.4      2.8

Pipeline and Gathering

     2.9      1.0

Other

     0.8      —  
    

  

       39.5      18.3
    

  

Proved Property Acquisitions

     0.4      —  

Exploration Expense

     16.1      13.4
    

  

Total

   $ 56.0    $ 31.7
    

  

 

We plan to drill 281 gross wells in 2004. This drilling program includes approximately $217 million in total capital and exploration expenditures. We will continue to assess the natural gas price environment and may increase or decrease the capital and exploration expenditures accordingly.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operation are based upon condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted and adopted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. There have been no changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies from those described in the 2003 Form 10-K. See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, for further discussion.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

First Quarters of 2004 and 2003 Compared

 

Net Income and Income from Operations

 

We reported net income in the first quarter of 2004 of $19.0 million, or $0.59 per share. During the corresponding quarter of 2003, we reported a net loss of $39.2 million, or $1.23 per share. Operating income increased $82.8 million compared to the comparable period of the prior year. The increase in current year operating income was substantially due to an increase in our realized natural gas and crude oil prices as well as the non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $87.9 million in the prior year. Net income increased in the current year due to an increase in operating income and the cumulative effect of accounting change impact of $6.8 million in the prior year.

 

Natural Gas Production Revenues

 

The average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $5.21 per Mcf compared to $4.55 per Mcf for the comparable period of the prior year. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instruments which reduced these prices by $0.38 per Mcf in 2004 and $1.46 per Mcf in 2003. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $1.7 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These unrealized changes in fair value have been included in the Natural Gas Production revenues line item on the Statement of Operations.

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   Variance

 
     2004

    2003

   Amount

    Percent

 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

                             

Gulf Coast

     7,675       6,733      942     14 %

West

     5,566       6,072      (506 )   (8 )%

East

     4,438       4,382      56     1 %
    


 

  


     

Total Company

     17,679       17,187      492     3 %
    


 

  


     

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 5.14     $ 4.88    $ 0.26     5 %

West

   $ 4.83     $ 3.61    $ 1.22     34 %

East

   $ 5.80     $ 5.35    $ 0.45     8 %

Total Company

   $ 5.21     $ 4.55    $ 0.66     15 %

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 39,466     $ 32,825    $ 6,641     20 %

West

   $ 26,913     $ 21,925    $ 4,988     23 %

East

   $ 25,724     $ 23,423    $ 2,301     10 %
    


 

  


     

Total Company

   $ 92,103     $ 78,173    $ 13,930     18 %
    


 

  


     

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 2,047                       

West

   $ 6,815                       

East

   $ 2,000                       
    


                    

Total Company

   $ 10,862                       
    


                    

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 4,594                       

West

   $ (1,826 )                     

East

   $ 300                       
    


                    

Total Company

   $ 3,068                       
    


                    

 

The increase in natural gas production is due substantially to the Gulf Coast drilling program in south Texas in 2003. The increase in the realized natural gas price combined with the increase in production resulted in a net revenue increase of $13.9 million, excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments.

 

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Table of Contents

Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   Variance

 
     2004

    2003

   Amount

    Percent

 

Sales Price

   $ 9.07     $ 8.13    $ 0.94     12 %

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

     3,481       3,917      (436 )   (11 %)
    


 

              

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues (in thousands)

   $ 31,559     $ 31,850               
    


 

              

Purchase Price

   $ 8.25     $ 7.22    $ 1.03     14 %

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

     3,481       3,917      (436 )   (11 %)
    


 

              

Brokered Natural Gas Cost (in thousands)

   $ 28,721     $ 28,261               
    


 

              

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

   $ 2,838     $ 3,589    $ (751 )   (21 %)
    


 

  


 

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

   $ 3,258                       

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

   $ (3,550 )                     
    


                    
     $ (292 )                     
    


                    

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

   $ (3,587 )                     

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

   $ 3,128                       
    


                    
     $ (459 )                     
    


                    

 

The decrease in brokered natural gas revenues combined with the decline in brokered natural gas cost resulted in a decrease to the brokered natural gas margin of $0.8 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

 

The average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, was $30.99 per Bbl for the first quarter of 2004 and $30.88 for the comparable period of the prior year. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instruments which reduced these prices by $4.03 per Bbl in 2004 and $1.19 per Bbl in 2003. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $3.9 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These unrealized changes in fair value have been included in the Crude Oil and Condensate revenues line item on the Statement of Operations.

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   Variance

 
     2004

    2003

   Amount

    Percent

 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

                             

Gulf Coast

     491       696      (205 )   (28 )%

West

     40       48      (8 )   (17 )%

East

     7       6      1     17 %
    


 

  


     

Total Company

     538       750      (212 )   (28 )%
    


 

  


     

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 30.70     $ 30.84    $ (0.14 )   %

West

   $ 34.34     $ 32.05    $ 2.29     7 %

East

   $ 31.86     $ 25.79    $ 6.07     24 %

Total Company

   $ 30.99     $ 30.88    $ 0.11     %

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ 15,059     $ 21,449    $ (6,390 )   (30 )%

West

   $ 1,390     $ 1,573    $ (183 )   (12 )%

East

   $ 213     $ 152    $ 61     40 %
    


 

  


     

Total Company

   $ 16,662     $ 23,174    $ (6,512 )   (28 )%
    


 

  


     

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ (69 )                     

West

   $ 93                       

East

   $ 41                       
    


                    

Total Company

   $ 65                       
    


                    

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

                             

Gulf Coast

   $ (6,321 )                     

West

   $ (277 )                     

East

   $ 21                       
    


                    

Total Company

   $ (6,577 )                     
    


                    

 

The decrease in oil production is primarily the result of the continued decline of the CL&F lease in south Louisiana, along with the expected lower volumes from the Company’s West region due to reduced capital investment in 2002 and 2003. The increase in the realized crude oil price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue decrease of $6.5 million, excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments.

 

Other Net Operating Revenues

 

Other operating revenues decreased $1.4 million. This change was a result of a decline in natural gas liquid revenue combined with a decline in natural gas transportation.

 

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Operating Expenses

 

Total costs and expenses from operations decreased $82.6 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the same quarter of 2003. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:

 

  Exploration expense increased $2.8 million primarily as a result of increased spending on geological and geophysical expenses and dry hole expense in 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, we spent an additional $1.6 million on geological and geophysical activities and incurred an additional $0.9 in dry hole expense. The increase in dry hole expense of $0.9 million is due to an unsuccessful work over in the Canadian region.

 

  Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization increased $0.7 million to $24.2 million compared to $23.5 million for the comparable period of the prior year. This increase is primarily due to production declines in our CL& F field in south Louisiana.

 

  Impairment of natural gas producing properties expense decreased $87.9 million. See discussion of 2003 impairments in the Overview.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $0.2 million. This variance is the combination of a decrease due to a lower average level of outstanding debt during the first quarter of 2004 when compared to the corresponding period of the prior year and a decline in interest rates on the revolving credit facility.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense increased $31.6 million due to a comparable increase in our pre-tax income.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the FASB approved for issuance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 establishes accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including (1) the timing of the liability recognition, (2) initial measurement of the liability, (3) allocation of asset retirement cost to expense, (4) subsequent measurement of the liability and (5) financial statement disclosures. SFAS 143 requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in (1) an increase of total liabilities, because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets, because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and (3) an increase in operating expense, because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. The Company adopted the statement on January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143 has been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in January 2003.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46 or Interpretation). FIN 46 is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The primary objective of the Interpretation is to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIEs. The Interpretation requires an enterprise to consolidate a VIE if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur or both. An enterprise shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this determination. At March 31, 2004, we did not have any entities that would qualify for consolidation in accordance with the provisions of FIN 46. Therefore, the adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In May 2003 the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This statement was developed in response to concerns expressed by preparers, auditors, regulators, investors, and other users of financial statements about issuers´ classification in the statement of financial position of certain financial instruments that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity but that have been presented either entirely as equity or between the liabilities section and the equity section of the statement of financial position. This statement also addresses questions about the classification of certain financial instruments that embody obligations to issue equity shares.

 

SFAS 150 contains guidance which stipulates that companies with consolidated entities that will terminate by a specified date, such as limited-life partnerships, will have to measure the liabilities for the other owners’ interests in those limited-life entities based on the fair values of the limited-life entities’ assets. Period-to-period changes in the liabilities are to be reported in the consolidated income statement as interest costs. As a result of SFAS 150, liability amounts and related interest costs may be significantly greater than the minority interests previously recognized. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2003 the FASB issued FSP 150-3, “Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Non Controlling Interests Under SFAS 150,” which defers indefinitely the provisions of SFAS 150 as they relate to the Company’s limited life partnerships acquired in conjunction with the Cody acquisition.

 

We have been made aware of an issue regarding the application of provisions of SFAS 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas companies. The issue was whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to reclassify costs associated with mineral rights, including both proved and unproved leasehold acquisition costs, as intangible assets in the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, the Company and other oil and gas companies have included the cost of these oil and gas leasehold interests as part of oil and gas properties and provided the disclosures required by SFAS No. 69, Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities (SFAS 69). Also under consideration was whether SFAS 142 requires registrants to provide the additional disclosures prescribed by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights. In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) released a consensus on EITF Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets,” that stated mineral rights are tangible assets. Additionally, the FASB has issued guidance that would amend SFAS 141 and 142 to exclude mineral rights from the definition of intangible assets.

 

On December 23, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, and 106, and a revision of SFAS 132. This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The required information must be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. The new disclosures are effective for 2003 calendar year financial statements. See footnote 10 for the interim disclosures.

 

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Forward-Looking Information

 

The statements regarding future financial performance and results, market prices and the other statements which are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “budget,” “plan,” “forecast,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, market prices (including regional basis differentials) of natural gas and oil, results for future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs and other factors detailed herein and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

 

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ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Commodity Price Swaps and Options

 

Our hedging policy is designed to reduce the risk of price volatility for our production in the natural gas and crude oil markets. A hedging committee that consists of members of senior management oversees our hedging activity. Our hedging arrangements apply to only a portion of our production and provide only partial price protection against declines in oil and gas prices. These hedging arrangements may expose us to risk of financial loss and limit the benefit to us of increases in prices. Please read the discussion below related to commodity price swaps and Note 7 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of our hedging arrangements.

 

Hedges on Production – Swaps

 

From time to time, we enter into natural gas and crude oil swap agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our production. These derivatives are not held for trading purposes. Under these price swaps, we receive a fixed price on a notional quantity of natural gas and crude oil in exchange for paying a variable price based on a market-based index, such as the NYMEX gas and crude oil futures. Under our Revolving Credit Agreement, which had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2004, the aggregate level of commodity hedging must not exceed 80% of the anticipated future equivalent production during the period covered by the hedges. During the first three months of 2004, natural gas price swaps covered 8,017 Mmcf, or 45% of our gas production, fixing the sales price of this gas at an average of $5.17 per Mcf.

 

At March 31, 2004, we had open natural gas price swap contracts covering our 2004 and 2005 production as follows:

 

     Natural Gas Price Swaps

Contract Period


   Volume
in
Mmcf


   Weighted
Average
Contract
Price


  

Unrealized
Loss

(In thousands)


Natural Gas Price Swaps on Production in:

                  

Second Quarter 2004

   7,148    $ 4.99       

Third Quarter 2004

   7,226      4.99       

Fourth Quarter 2004

   7,226      4.99       
    
  

  

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2004

   21,600    $ 4.99    $ 31,171
    
  

  

First Quarter 2005

   5,069    $ 5.14       

Second Quarter 2005

   5,125      5.14       

Third Quarter 2005

   5,181      5.14       

Fourth Quarter 2005

   5,181      5.14       
    
  

  

Full Year 2005

   20,556    $ 5.14    $ 14,424
    
  

  

 

From time to time the Company enters into natural gas and crude oil derivative arrangements that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. These financial instruments are recorded at fair value at the balance sheet date. At March 31, 2004, the Company had five open crude oil swap arrangements and one natural gas swap arrangement with an unrealized net loss of $6.5 million and $1.4 million recognized in Operating Revenues, respectively.

 

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Hedges on Production – Options

 

Throughout 2003 and in the first quarter of 2004, we believed that the pricing environment provided a strategic opportunity to significantly reduce the price risk on a portion of our production through the use of natural gas and crude oil collars. Under the collar arrangements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty. If the index falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us. During the first three months of 2004, natural gas price collars covered 8,835 Mmcf, or 50% of our gas production, with a weighted average floor of $5.36 per Mcf and a weighted average ceiling of $6.55 per Mcf.

 

At March 31, 2004, we had open natural gas price collar contracts covering our 2004 and 2005 production as follows:

 

     Natural Gas Price Collars

Contract Period


   Volume
in
Mmcf


   Weighted
Average
Ceiling /Floor


  

Unrealized
Loss

(In thousands)


Natural Gas Price Collars on Production in:

                  

Second Quarter 2004

   4,672    $ 5.75 /$4.41       

Third Quarter 2004

   4,723    $ 5.75 /$4.41       

Fourth Quarter 2004

   4,723    $ 5.75 /$4.41       
    
  

  

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2004

   14,118    $ 5.75 /$4.41    $ 10,853
    
  

  

First Quarter 2005

   826    $ 5.45 /$4.90       

Second Quarter 2005

   836    $ 5.45 /$4.90       

Third Quarter 2005

   845    $ 5.45 /$4.90       

Fourth Quarter 2005

   845    $ 5.45 /$4.90       
    
  

  

Full Year 2005

   3,352    $ 5.45 /$4.90    $ 2,809
    
  

  

 

At March 31, 2004, we have no open crude oil price collar arrangements to cover our 2004 or 2005 production.

 

We are exposed to market risk on these open contracts, to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and oil. However, the market risk exposure on these hedged contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity that is hedged.

 

The preceding paragraphs contain forward-looking information concerning future production and projected gains and losses, which may be impacted both by production and by changes in the future market prices of energy commodities. See Forward-Looking Information on page 25.

 

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ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the current reported period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date the Company carried out its evaluation.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

  15.1 - Awareness letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

  15.2 - Consent of Brown, Drew & Massey, LLP

 

  31.1 - 302 Certification - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

  31.2 - 302 Certification - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

  32.1 - 906 Certification

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

None

 

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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.

 

   

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

   

    (Registrant)

April 29, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Dan O. Dinges


       

Dan O. Dinges

       

Chairman, President and

       

Chief Executive Officer

       

(Principal Executive Officer)

April 29, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Scott C. Schroeder


       

Scott C. Schroeder

       

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

       

(Principal Financial Officer)

April 29, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ Henry C. Smyth


       

Henry C. Smyth

       

Vice President, Controller and Treasurer

       

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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