Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

o

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2011

 

Commission File No. 001-31446

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 1800

Denver, Colorado 80203-4518

(303) 295-3995

 

Incorporated in the

 

Employer Identification

State of Delaware

 

No. 45-0466694

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No x.

 

The number of shares of Cimarex Energy Co. common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2011 was 85,742,139.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Page

PART I

 

 

 

Item 1

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

7

 

 

 

 

Item 2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

24

 

 

 

 

Item 3

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

40

 

 

 

 

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

42

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6

Exhibits

43

 

 

 

 

Signatures

44

 



Table of Contents

 

GLOSSARY

 

Bbl/d—Barrels (of oil or natural gas liquids) per day

Bbls—Barrels (of oil or natural gas liquids)

Bcf—Billion cubic feet

Bcfe—Billion cubic feet equivalent

Btu—British thermal unit

MBbls—Thousand barrels

Mcf—Thousand cubic feet (of natural gas)

Mcfe—Thousand cubic feet equivalent

MMBbls—Million barrels

MMBtu—Million British Thermal Units

MMcf—Million cubic feet

MMcf/d—Million cubic feet per day

MMcfe—Million cubic feet equivalent

MMcfe/d—Million cubic feet equivalent per day

Net Acres—Gross acreage multiplied by Cimarex’s working interest percentage

Net Production—Gross production multiplied by Cimarex’s net revenue interest

NGL—Natural gas liquids

Tcf—Trillion cubic feet

Tcfe—Trillion cubic feet equivalent

WTI—West Texas Intermediate

 

One barrel of oil or NGL is the energy equivalent of six Mcf of natural gas

 

CAUTIONARY INFORMATION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Throughout this Form 10-Q, we make statements that may be deemed “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning our outlook with regard to timing and amount of future production of oil and gas, price realizations, amounts, nature and timing of capital expenditures for exploration and development, plans for funding operations and capital expenditures, drilling of wells, operating costs and other expenses, marketing of oil and gas and other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.  The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements.

 

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the price we receive for our oil and gas production, reductions in the quantity of oil and gas sold due to decreased industry-wide demand and/or curtailments in production from specific properties due to mechanical, marketing or other problems, operating and capital expenditures that are either significantly higher or lower than anticipated because the actual cost of identified projects varied from original estimates and/or from the number of exploration and development opportunities being greater or fewer than currently anticipated, and increased financing costs due to a significant increase in interest rates.  In addition, exploration and development opportunities that we pursue may not result in productive oil and gas properties.  There are also numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures.  These and other risks and uncertainties affecting us are discussed in greater detail in this report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1 - Financial Statements

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

December 31,

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

57,160

 

$

114,126

 

Receivables, net

 

343,197

 

310,968

 

Oil and gas well equipment and supplies

 

82,947

 

81,871

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,625

 

4,293

 

Derivative instruments

 

3,680

 

5,731

 

Other current assets

 

12,267

 

44,778

 

Total current assets

 

501,876

 

561,767

 

Oil and gas properties at cost, using the full cost method of accounting:

 

 

 

 

 

Proved properties

 

9,437,102

 

8,421,768

 

Unproved properties and properties under development, not being amortized

 

659,947

 

547,609

 

 

 

10,097,049

 

8,969,377

 

Less — accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(6,309,847

)

(6,047,019

)

Net oil and gas properties

 

3,787,202

 

2,922,358

 

Fixed assets, net

 

98,032

 

156,579

 

Goodwill

 

691,432

 

691,432

 

Other assets, net

 

33,010

 

26,111

 

 

 

$

5,111,552

 

$

4,358,247

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

61,705

 

$

47,242

 

Accrued liabilities

 

379,344

 

320,989

 

Derivative instruments

 

 

9,587

 

Revenue payable

 

135,274

 

134,495

 

Total current liabilities

 

576,323

 

512,313

 

Long-term debt

 

350,000

 

350,000

 

Deferred income taxes

 

906,118

 

619,040

 

Other liabilities

 

265,704

 

267,062

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 85,742,139 and 85,234,721 shares issued, respectively

 

857

 

852

 

Paid-in capital

 

1,899,725

 

1,883,065

 

Retained earnings

 

1,112,978

 

725,651

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(153

)

264

 

 

 

3,013,407

 

2,609,832

 

 

 

$

5,111,552

 

$

4,358,247

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

 

$

138,631

 

$

145,396

 

$

410,331

 

$

522,408

 

Oil sales

 

211,928

 

177,834

 

675,239

 

550,058

 

NGL sales

 

69,169

 

43,331

 

200,428

 

91,391

 

Gas gathering, processing and other

 

13,762

 

11,570

 

40,823

 

41,022

 

Gas marketing, net

 

319

 

452

 

797

 

775

 

 

 

433,809

 

378,583

 

1,327,618

 

1,205,654

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

104,681

 

78,705

 

279,554

 

221,561

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

3,578

 

1,201

 

8,223

 

5,486

 

Production

 

62,333

 

52,010

 

181,558

 

139,349

 

Transportation

 

15,196

 

13,084

 

45,029

 

35,076

 

Gas gathering and processing

 

4,821

 

4,577

 

14,002

 

17,182

 

Taxes other than income

 

30,533

 

28,094

 

98,625

 

88,862

 

General and administrative

 

9,390

 

11,274

 

34,734

 

36,136

 

Stock compensation, net

 

4,595

 

3,241

 

13,962

 

9,012

 

Gain on derivative instruments, net

 

(7,120

)

(15,028

)

(11,353

)

(70,914

)

Other operating, net

 

2,379

 

2,291

 

8,095

 

2,321

 

 

 

230,386

 

179,449

 

672,429

 

484,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

203,423

 

199,134

 

655,189

 

721,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

9,279

 

9,059

 

27,599

 

27,622

 

Capitalized interest

 

(7,253

)

(7,259

)

(21,830

)

(21,968

)

Gain on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

(3,776

)

 

(3,776

)

Other, net

 

(3,604

)

(2,711

)

(7,226

)

(2,790

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

 

205,001

 

203,821

 

656,646

 

722,495

 

Income tax expense

 

76,849

 

75,605

 

243,583

 

265,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

128,152

 

$

128,216

 

$

413,063

 

$

457,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.51

 

5.12

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.81

 

$

5.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.49

 

5.09

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.79

 

$

5.33

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

413,063

 

$

457,197

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

279,554

 

221,561

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

8,223

 

5,486

 

Deferred income taxes

 

288,986

 

213,678

 

Stock compensation, net

 

13,962

 

9,012

 

Derivative instruments, net

 

(7,536

)

(39,656

)

Changes in non-current assets and liabilities

 

3,719

 

10,507

 

Other, net

 

4,816

 

(7,904

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in receivables, net

 

(32,229

)

(4,364

)

Decrease in other current assets

 

30,736

 

31

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(31,771

)

21,120

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

971,523

 

886,668

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas expenditures

 

(1,152,676

)

(691,536

)

Sales of oil and gas and other assets

 

216,000

 

33,646

 

Other expenditures

 

(70,050

)

(38,941

)

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(1,006,726

)

(696,831

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in bank debt

 

 

(25,000

)

Decrease in other long-term debt

 

 

(19,450

)

Financing costs incurred

 

(7,348

)

(101

)

Dividends paid

 

(23,998

)

(18,662

)

Issuance of common stock and other

 

9,583

 

18,928

 

Net cash used by financing activities

 

(21,763

)

(44,285

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(56,966

)

145,552

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

114,126

 

2,544

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

57,160

 

$

148,096

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY GO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

1.              Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared by Cimarex Energy Co. pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and normally included in annual reports on Form 10-K have been omitted.  Although management believes that our disclosures in these interim financial statements are adequate, they should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, summary of significant accounting policies, and footnotes included in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods shown.  We have evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing.

 

Full Cost Accounting Method and Ceiling Limitation

 

We use the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas operations.  All costs associated with property acquisition, exploration, and development activities are capitalized.  Exploration and development costs include dry hole costs, geological and geophysical costs, direct overhead related to exploration and development activities, and other costs incurred for the purpose of finding oil and gas reserves.  Salaries and benefits paid to employees directly involved in the exploration and development of properties, as well as other internal costs that can be directly identified with acquisition, exploration, and development activities, are also capitalized.  Under the full cost method of accounting, no gain or loss is recognized upon the disposition of oil and gas properties unless such disposition would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves.

 

Companies that follow the full cost accounting method are required to make quarterly “ceiling test” calculations.  This test ensures that total capitalized costs for oil and gas properties (net of accumulated DD&A and deferred income taxes) do not exceed the sum of the present value discounted at 10% of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, the cost of properties not being amortized, the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproven properties included in the costs being amortized, and all related tax effects.  We currently do not have any unproven properties that are being amortized.  Revenue calculations in the reserves are based on the unweighted average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior twelve months.  Changes in proved reserve estimates (whether based upon quantity revisions or commodity prices) will cause corresponding changes to the full cost ceiling limitation.  If net capitalized costs subject to amortization exceed this limit, the excess would be charged to expense.  Any recorded impairment of oil and gas properties is not reversible at a later date.

 

Our quarterly and annual ceiling tests are primarily impacted by commodity prices, reserve quantities added and produced, overall exploration and development costs and depletion expense.  Holding all factors constant other than commodity prices, a 10% decline in prices as of September 30, 2011 would not have resulted in a ceiling test impairment.  Decreases in commodity prices can also impact our goodwill impairment analyses.

 

Depletion of proved oil and gas properties is computed on the units-of-production method, whereby capitalized costs, as adjusted for future development costs and asset retirement obligations, are amortized over the total estimated proved reserves.  The capitalized costs of unproved properties, including wells in progress, are excluded from the costs being amortized.  On a quarterly basis, we evaluate excluded costs for inclusion in the costs to be amortized resulting from the determination of proved reserves or impairments.  To the extent that the evaluation indicates these properties are impaired,

 

7



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

the amount of the impairment is added to the capitalized costs to be amortized.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to production expense in the period incurred.

 

Goodwill

 

At September 30, 2011, we had $691.4 million of goodwill recorded in conjunction with past business combinations.  Goodwill is subject to annual reviews for impairment, but we continuously monitor the economic environment throughout the year to determine if additional impairment assessments are necessary.  These assessments are based on a two-step accounting test.  The first step is to compare the estimated fair value of the Company with the recorded net book value (including goodwill), after giving effect to any period impairment of oil and gas properties resulting from the ceiling limitation calculation.  If the recorded net book value is greater than zero and the estimated fair value is higher than the recorded net book value, no impairment is deemed to exist and no further testing is done.

 

Disruptions continue in the credit markets and global economic activity which impact stock markets and commodity prices.  Management must apply judgment in determining the estimated fair value of the Company for purposes of assessing goodwill impairment.  As of September 30, 2011, the market price per share of our common stock was greater than the book value by $21 per share.  Due to volatility in the stock markets, management does not consider the market value of our shares to be an accurate reflection of the fair value of our net assets for goodwill impairment purposes.

 

To estimate the fair value of the Company, we use all available information, including the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved in the assets.  This estimated fair value differs significantly from the valuation used in the ceiling limitation calculation which requires that prices and costs be held constant over the life of the wells and are discounted at 10%.  The ceiling calculation is not intended to be indicative of fair value.  Should lower prices or quantities result in the future, or higher discount rates are necessary, the carrying value of our net assets may exceed the estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment of goodwill.

 

Use of Estimates

 

We make certain estimates and assumptions to prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period and in disclosures of commitments and contingencies.  We analyze our estimates, including those related to oil and gas revenues, reserves and properties, as well as goodwill and contingencies, and base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The more significant areas requiring the use of management’s estimates and judgments relate to the estimation of proved oil and gas reserves, the use of these oil and gas reserves in calculating depletion, depreciation, and amortization, the use of the estimates of future net revenues in computing ceiling test limitations and estimates of future abandonment obligations used in recording asset retirement obligations, and the assessment of goodwill.  Estimates and judgments are also required in determining reserves for bad debt, impairments of undeveloped properties and other assets, purchase price allocation, valuation of deferred tax assets, fair value measurements and commitments and contingencies.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

Assets Held For Sale

 

At June 30, 2011 we reflected certain assets as held for sale.  An asset is classified as held for sale when among other requirements, management commits to a plan to sell the asset, the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and completion of the sale is probable and expected to occur within one year.  We sold these assets in August 2011.  See Note 12 for further information on the sale of these assets.

 

Accounting Changes

 

Certain amounts in prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 financial statement presentation.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

No significant accounting standards applicable to Cimarex have been issued during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

 

2.              Derivative Instruments/Hedging

 

We periodically enter into derivative instruments to mitigate a portion of our potential exposure to a decline in commodity prices and the corresponding negative impact on cash flow available for reinvestment.  While the use of these instruments limits the downside risk of adverse price changes, their use may also limit future revenues from favorable price changes.

 

For 2011 and 2012, management has been authorized to hedge up to 50% of our anticipated equivalent oil and gas production.  Depending on changes in oil and gas futures markets and management’s view of underlying supply and demand trends, we may increase or decrease our current hedging positions.

 

At September 30, 2011, we had the following outstanding contracts relative to our future production.  We have elected not to account for these derivatives as cash flow hedges.

 

Natural Gas Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average
Price

 

Fair Value

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Swap

 

(000’s)

 

Oct 11 - Dec 11

 

Swap

 

20,000

 

MMBtu

 

PEPL

 

$

5.05

 

$

2,511

 

 

Oil Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Price

 

Fair Value

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Floor

 

Ceiling

 

(000’s)

 

Oct - Dec 11

 

Collar

 

12,000

 

Bbls

 

WTI

 

$

65.00

 

$

105.44

 

$

1,169

 

 


(1)      PEPL refers to Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company price as quoted in Platt’s Inside FERC on the first business day of each month.  WTI refers to West Texas Intermediate price as quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

Oil contracts that expire in October through December 2011 represent approximately 45% of our anticipated fourth quarter 2011 oil production.  Our gas swap contracts presently in place represent approximately 6% of expected fourth quarter 2011 gas sales volumes.

 

9



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

For a swap contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to us if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the swap price.  We are required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for the settlement period is greater than the swap price.  Under a collar agreement, we receive the difference between the published index price and a floor price if the index price is below the floor.  We pay the difference between the ceiling price and the index price only if the index price is above the contracted ceiling price.  No amounts are paid or received if the index price is between the floor and ceiling prices.

 

Our derivative contracts are carried at their fair value on our balance sheet. We estimate the fair value using internal risk adjusted discounted cash flow calculations. Cash flows are based on published forward commodity price curves for the underlying commodity as of the date of the estimate. For collars, we estimate the option value of the contract floors and ceilings using an option pricing model which takes into account market volatility, market prices and contract terms. The fair value of our derivative instruments in an asset position includes a measure of counterparty credit risk, and the fair value of instruments in a liability position includes a measure of our own nonperformance risk. These credit risks are based on current published credit default swap rates. Due to the volatility of commodity prices, the estimated fair value of our derivative instruments are subject to fluctuation from period to period, which could result in significant differences between the current estimated fair value and the ultimate settlement price. The following tables present the estimated fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

September 30, 2011:

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Natural gas contracts

 

Current assets — Derivative instruments

 

$

2,511

 

$

 

Oil contracts

 

Current assets — Derivative instruments

 

1,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,680

 

$

 

 

December 31, 2010:

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Natural gas contracts

 

Current assets — Derivative instruments

 

$

5,731

 

$

 

Oil contracts

 

Current liabilities — Derivative instruments

 

 

9,587

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,731

 

$

9,587

 

 

Because we have elected not to account for our current derivative contracts as cash flow hedges, we recognize all realized and unrealized changes in fair value in earnings.  Cash settlements of our derivative contracts are included in cash flows from operating activities in our statements of cash flows.

 

The following table summarizes the realized and unrealized gains and losses from settlements and changes in fair value of our derivative contracts as presented in our accompanying financial statements.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Settlements gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas contracts

 

$

1,865

 

$

14,598

 

$

5,591

 

$

32,596

 

Oil contracts

 

(118

)

(451

)

(1,774

)

(1,338

)

Total settlements gains (losses)

 

1,747

 

14,147

 

3,817

 

31,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on fair value change:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas contracts

 

(316

)

5,115

 

(3,221

)

29,785

 

Oil contracts

 

5,689

 

(4,234

)

10,757

 

9,871

 

Total unrealized gains (losses) on fair value change

 

5,373

 

881

 

7,536

 

39,656

 

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net

 

$

7,120

 

$

15,028

 

$

11,353

 

$

70,914

 

 

We are exposed to financial risks associated with these contracts from nonperformance by our counterparties.  Counterparty risk is also a component of our estimated fair value calculations.  We have mitigated our exposure to any single counterparty by contracting with a number of financial institutions, each of which has a high credit rating and is a member of our bank credit facility.  Our member banks have a secured interest in our oil and gas properties, and therefore do not require us to post collateral for our hedge liability positions.

 

3.              Fair Value Measurements

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy consists of three broad levels.  Level 1 inputs are the highest priority and consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.  Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for an asset or liability.

 

The following tables provide fair value measurement information for certain assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

September 30, 2011:

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Financial Assets (Liabilities):

 

 

 

 

 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

$

(350,000

)

$

(357,000

)

Derivative instruments — assets

 

$

3,680

 

$

3,680

 

 

December 31, 2010:

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Financial Assets (Liabilities):

 

 

 

 

 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

$

(350,000

)

$

(358,750

)

Derivative instruments — assets

 

$

5,731

 

$

5,731

 

Derivative instruments — liabilities

 

$

(9,587

)

$

(9,587

)

 

Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the assets and liabilities in the table above.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

Debt

 

The fair value for our 7.125% fixed rate notes was based on their last traded value before period end.

 

Derivative Instruments (Level 2)

 

The fair value of our derivative instruments was estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations.  Cash flows are based on the stated contract prices and current and published forward commodity price curves, adjusted for volatility.  The cash flows are risk adjusted relative to nonperformance for both our counterparties and our liability positions.  Please see Note 2 for further information on the fair value of our derivative instruments.

 

Other Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturities and/or liquid nature of these assets and liabilities.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the aggregate allowance for doubtful accounts for trade, oil and gas sales, and gas gathering, processing, and marketing receivables was $6.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

 

Most of our accounts receivable balances are uncollateralized and result from transactions with other companies in the oil and gas industry.  Concentration of customers may impact our overall credit risk because our customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions within the industry.

 

4.              Capital Stock

 

A summary of our common stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 follows (in thousands):

 

Issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010

 

85,235

 

Restricted shares issued under compensation plans, net of cancellations

 

442

 

Option exercises, net of cancellations

 

65

 

Issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011

 

85,742

 

 

Dividends and Stock Repurchases

 

In September 2011, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share on our common stock.  The dividend is payable on December 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on November 15, 2011.  Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s level of earnings, financial requirements, and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors.

 

In December 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to four million shares of our common stock.  The authorization is currently set to expire on December 31, 2011.  Purchases may be made in both the open market and through negotiated transactions.  Through December 31, 2007, we repurchased and cancelled a total of 1,364,300 shares at an overall average price of $39.05.  No shares have been repurchased since the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

Stockholder Rights Plan

 

We have a stockholder rights plan.  The plan is designed to improve the ability of our board to protect the interests of our stockholders in the event of an unsolicited takeover attempt.  For every outstanding share of Cimarex common stock, there exists one purchase right (the Right).  Each Right represents a right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $60.00 per share subject to adjustment in certain cases to prevent dilution.  The Rights will become exercisable only in the event a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock, or a person or group commences a tender offer or exchange offer that, if successfully consummated, would result in such person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of our common stock.  In general, in either of these events, each holder of a right, other than the person or group initiating the acquisition or tender offer, will have the rights to receive Cimarex common stock with a value equal to two times the exercise price of the rights.

 

We generally will be entitled to redeem the Rights under certain circumstances at $0.01 per Right at any time before the close of business on the tenth business day after there has been a public announcement of the acquisition of beneficial ownership by any person or group of 15% or more of our common stock.  The Rights may not be exercised until our Board’s right to redeem the stock has expired.  Unless redeemed earlier, the Rights expire on February 23, 2012.

 

5.              Stock-based Compensation

 

Our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was approved by stockholders in May 2011.  The 2011 Plan replaces the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”).  No new grants will be made under the 2002 Plan.  The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and performance stock units to officers, other eligible employees and nonemployee directors.  A total of 5.3 million shares of common stock may be issued under the 2011 Plan.

 

The 2011 Plan is modeled after the 2002 Plan, with two major changes:  we have reduced the maximum term of any option granted under the 2011 Plan from ten years to seven years, and dividends will be accrued on all shares subject to performance awards and will only be paid at the time of vesting of the award, and then only with respect to shares that are issued upon attainment of the performance goals.  Service based restricted awards will continue to receive dividends on unvested shares.

 

We have recognized non-cash stock-based compensation cost as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Restricted stock and units

 

$

7,013

 

$

4,761

 

$

20,242

 

$

12,991

 

Stock options

 

551

 

989

 

2,731

 

2,780

 

 

 

7,564

 

5,750

 

22,973

 

15,771

 

Less amounts capitalized to oil and gas properties

 

(2,969

)

(2,509

)

(9,011

)

(6,759

)

Compensation expense

 

$

4,595

 

$

3,241

 

$

13,962

 

$

9,012

 

 

Historical amounts may not be representative of future amounts as additional awards may be granted.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

Restricted Stock and Units

 

The following table provides information about restricted stock and unit awards granted during 2011:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Number
of Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Number
of Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Performance-based stock awards

 

 

$

 

363,758

 

$

73.01

 

Service-based stock awards

 

204,100

 

$

85.32

 

271,053

 

$

91.11

 

Total restricted stock awards

 

204,100

 

$

85.32

 

634,811

 

$

80.74

 

Restricted unit awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The performance-based awards were issued to certain executive officers and are subject to market condition-based vesting determined by our stock price performance relative to a defined peer group’s stock price performance.  After three years of continued service, an executive will be entitled to vest in 50% to 100% of the award.  In accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), certain of the amounts awarded may not be deductible for tax purposes.  The material terms of performance goals applicable to these awards were approved by stockholders in May 2010.  The other restricted shares granted in 2011 have service-based vesting schedules of three to five years.

 

A restricted unit represents a right to an unrestricted share of common stock upon satisfaction of defined vesting and holding conditions.  Restricted units have a five-year vesting schedule and an additional three-year holding period following vesting, prior to payment in common stock.

 

Compensation cost for the performance-based stock awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model.  Compensation cost for the service-based vesting restricted shares and units is based upon the grant-date market value of the award.  Such costs are recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period.

 

The following table reflects the non-cash compensation cost related to our restricted stock and units (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Performance-based stock awards

 

$

4,116

 

$

2,430

 

$

12,185

 

$

7,174

 

Service-based stock awards

 

2,897

 

2,294

 

8,023

 

5,807

 

Restricted unit awards

 

 

37

 

34

 

10

 

 

 

7,013

 

4,761

 

20,242

 

12,991

 

Less amounts capitalized to oil and gas properties

 

(2,696

)

(1,907

)

(7,405

)

(4,992

)

Restricted stock and units compensation expense

 

$

4,317

 

$

2,854

 

$

12,837

 

$

7,999

 

 

Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted shares and units at September 30, 2011 was $68 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

 

The following table provides information on restricted stock and unit activity as of September 30, 2011 and changes during the year:

 

14



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Restricted
Stock

 

Restricted
Units

 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2011

 

1,899,511

 

94,807

 

Vested

 

(494,720

)

 

Converted to stock

 

 

(30,337

)

Granted

 

634,811

 

 

Canceled

 

(33,900

)

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2011

 

2,005,702

 

64,470

 

Vested included in outstanding

 

N/A

 

64,470

 

 

Stock Options

 

The following tables provide information about stock options granted in 2011 and 2010:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2010

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Granted to certain executive officers

 

90,000

 

$

19.17

 

$

55.96

 

 

$

 

$

 

Granted to other employees

 

91,300

 

$

34.20

 

$

86.01

 

71,500

 

$

28.83

 

$

69.95

 

 

 

181,300

 

 

 

 

 

71,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Granted to certain executive officers

 

90,000

 

$

19.17

 

$

55.96

 

 

$

 

$

 

Granted to other employees

 

91,300

 

$

34.20

 

$

86.01

 

93,000

 

$

28.63

 

$

70.30

 

 

 

181,300

 

 

 

 

 

93,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted under our 2011 and 2002 plans expire seven to ten years from the grant date and have service-based vesting schedules of three to five years.  The plans provide that all grants have an exercise price of the average of the high and low prices of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.

 

Compensation cost related to stock options is based on the grant date fair value of the award, recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period.  We estimate the fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of our common stock.  We also use historical data to estimate the probability of option exercise, expected years until exercise and potential forfeitures.  We use U.S. Treasury bond rates in effect at the grant date for our risk-free interest rates.  Non-cash compensation cost related to our stock options is reflected in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Stock option awards

 

551

 

989

 

2,731

 

2,780

 

Less amounts capitalized to oil and gas properties

 

(273

)

(602

)

(1,606

)

(1,767

)

Stock option compensation expense

 

$

278

 

$

387

 

$

1,125

 

$

1,013

 

 

15



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

As of September 30, 2011, there was $6.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options.  We expect to recognize that cost pro rata over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

 

Information about outstanding stock options is summarized below:

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(000’s)

 

Outstanding as of January 1, 2011

 

1,026,527

 

$

32.60

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(65,325

)

$

39.84

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

181,300

 

$

71.09

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(15,832

)

$

58.04

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2011

 

1,126,670

 

$

38.01

 

4.5 Years

 

$

24,231

 

Exercisable as of September 30, 2011

 

800,079

 

$

29.28

 

3.4 Years

 

$

21,854

 

 

There were 65,325 and 400,496 stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively. The following table provides information regarding the options exercised (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash received from option exercises

 

$

2,602

 

$

10,135

 

Tax benefit from option exercises included in paid-in-capital

 

$

1,298

 

$

6,270

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

 

$

3,558

 

$

17,205

 

 

The following summary reflects the status of non-vested stock options as of September 30, 2011 and changes during the year:

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Non-vested as of January 1, 2011

 

375,322

 

$

18.25

 

$

47.80

 

Vested

 

(214,199

)

$

17.94

 

$

49.06

 

Granted

 

181,300

 

$

26.74

 

$

71.09

 

Forfeited

 

(15,832

)

$

22.82

 

$

58.04

 

Non-vested as of September 30, 2011

 

326,591

 

$

22.95

 

$

59.41

 

 

6.              Asset Retirement Obligations

 

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and the associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.  Oil and gas producing companies incur this liability which includes costs related to the plugging of wells, the removal of facilities and equipment, and site restorations, upon acquiring or drilling a successful well.  Subsequent to initial measurement, the asset retirement liability is required to be accreted each period.  If the fair value of a recorded asset retirement obligation changes, a revision is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation

 

16



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

and the asset retirement capitalized cost.  Capitalized costs are depleted as a component of the full cost pool.

 

The following table reflects the components of the change in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligation for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):

 

Asset retirement obligation at January 1, 2011

 

$

138,769

 

Liabilities incurred

 

4,379

 

Liability settlements and disposals

 

(21,930

)

Accretion expense

 

5,429

 

Revisions of estimated liabilities

 

9,473

 

Asset retirement obligation at September 30, 2011

 

136,120

 

Less current obligation

 

(29,249

)

Long-term asset retirement obligation

 

$

106,871

 

 

7.              Long-Term Debt

 

Debt at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

Bank debt

 

$

 

$

 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

350,000

 

350,000

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

350,000

 

$

350,000

 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

In July 2011, we entered into a new five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility provides for a borrowing base of $2 billion with aggregate commitments of $800 million from 14 lenders.  The facility matures July 14, 2016.

 

The borrowing base under the Credit Facility is determined at the discretion of lenders based on the value of our proved reserves.  The next regular-annual redetermination date is on April 1, 2012.

 

At Cimarex’s option, borrowings under the Credit Facility may bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 1.75-2.5%, based on our leverage ratio, or (b) the higher of (i) a prime rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or (iii) adjusted one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% plus, in each case, an additional 0.75-1.5%, based on our leverage ratio.

 

The Credit Facility also has financial covenants that include the maintenance of current assets (including unused bank commitments) to current liabilities of greater than 1.0 to 1.0.  We also must maintain a leverage ratio of total debt to earnings before interest expense, income taxes and noncash items (such as depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, ceiling test write-downs, and goodwill impairments) of not more than 3.5 to 1.0.  Other covenants could limit our ability to: incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase our common stock, or sell assets.  As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all of the financial and nonfinancial covenants.

 

As of September 30, 2011, we had letters of credit outstanding of $2.5 million leaving an unused borrowing availability of $797.5 million.

 

17



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

In May 2007 we issued $350 million of 7.125% senior unsecured notes that mature May 1, 2017 at par.  Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year.  The notes are governed by an indenture containing covenants that could limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or repurchase our common stock; make investments and other restricted payments; incur liens; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; engage in transactions with affiliates; sell assets; and consolidate, merge or transfer assets.

 

The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on and after May 1, 2012 at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) plus accrued interest, if any, thereon to the date of redemption.

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2012

 

103.6

%

2013

 

102.4

%

2014

 

101.2

%

2015 and thereafter

 

100.0

%

 

If a specified change of control occurs, subject to certain conditions, we must make an offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the purchase.

 

8.              Income Taxes

 

The components of our provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

               

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Current provision (benefits)

 

$

(44,081

)

$

(12,770

)

$

(45,403

)

$

51,620

 

Deferred taxes

 

120,930

 

88,375

 

288,986

 

213,678

 

 

 

$

76,849

 

$

75,605

 

$

243,583

 

$

265,298

 

 

We account for uncertainty in our income tax provisions in accordance with rules promulgated by the FASB.  At September 30, 2011 we have no unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective rate and we have made no provisions for interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.  The tax years 2005 — 2010 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.  We file tax returns with various state taxing authorities which remain open for tax years 2005 — 2010 for examination.

 

Our provision for income taxes differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and special deductions.  The effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010 were 37.1% and 36.7%, respectively.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

9.              Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense (including capitalized amounts)

 

$

1,345

 

$

1,096

 

$

16,153

 

$

16,169

 

Interest capitalized

 

$

994

 

$

915

 

$

12,777

 

$

12,859

 

Income taxes

 

$

 

$

23,730

 

$

1,671

 

$

108,587

 

Cash received for income taxes

 

$

89

 

$

999

 

$

25,094

 

$

3,674

 

 

10.       Earnings per Share and Comprehensive Income

 

Earnings per Share

 

We calculate earnings per share based on FASB guidance which holds that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are “participating securities” and therefore should be included in computing earnings per share using the two-class earnings allocation method.  The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Under this guidance, our unvested share- based payment awards, consisting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, qualify as participating securities.

 

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CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

The calculations of basic and diluted net earnings per common share under the two-class method are presented below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income

 

$

128,152

 

$

128,216

 

$

413,063

 

$

457,197

 

Less distributed earnings (dividends declared during the period)

 

(8,581

)

(6,828

)

(25,709

)

(20,361

)

Undistributed earnings for the period

 

$

119,571

 

$

121,388

 

$

387,354

 

$

436,836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation of undistributed earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic allocation to unrestricted common stockholders

 

$

116,686

 

$

117,772

 

$

378,009

 

$

423,822

 

Basic allocation to participating securities

 

$

2,885

 

$

3,616

 

$

9,345

 

$

13,014

 

Diluted allocation to unrestricted common stockholders

 

$

116,699

 

$

117,789

 

$

378,054

 

$

423,892

 

Diluted allocation to participating securities

 

$

2,872

 

$

3,599

 

$

9,300

 

$

12,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Shares Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted outstanding common shares

 

83,736

 

82,806

 

83,736

 

82,806

 

Add participating securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock outstanding

 

2,006

 

1,895

 

2,006

 

1,895

 

Restricted stock units outstanding

 

64

 

647

 

64

 

647

 

Total participating securities

 

2,070

 

2,542

 

2,070

 

2,542

 

Total Basic Shares Outstanding

 

85,806

 

85,348

 

85,806

 

85,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fully Diluted Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted outstanding common shares

 

83,736

 

82,806

 

83,736

 

82,806

 

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options

 

379

 

411

 

415

 

459

 

Fully diluted common stock

 

84,115

 

83,217

 

84,151

 

83,265

 

Participating securities

 

2,070

 

2,542

 

2,070

 

2,542

 

Total Fully Diluted Shares

 

86,185

 

85,759

 

86,221

 

85,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed earnings

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed earnings

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.51

 

5.12

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.81

 

$

5.36

 

Participating securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed earnings

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed earnings

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.51

 

5.12

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.81

 

$

5.36

 

Fully diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed earnings

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed earnings

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.49

 

5.09

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.79

 

$

5.33

 

Participating securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed earnings

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.24

 

Undistributed earnings

 

1.39

 

1.42

 

4.49

 

5.09

 

 

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

4.79

 

$

5.33

 

 

20



Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents the amounts of outstanding stock options, restricted stock and units as follows:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Stock options

 

1,126,670

 

1,232,097

 

Restricted stock

 

2,005,702

 

1,895,111

 

Restricted units

 

64,470

 

647,507

 

 

Certain stock options considered to be anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were 264,767 and 106,450, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, certain stock options considered to be anti-dilutive were 203,676 and 143,928, respectively.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is a term used to refer to net income plus other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are reported as separate components of stockholders’ equity instead of net income.

 

The components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income

 

$

128,152

 

$

128,216

 

$

413,063

 

$

457,197

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of investments, net of tax

 

(585

)

265

 

(417

)

116

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

127,567

 

$

128,481

 

$

412,646

 

$

457,313

 

 

11.       Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

In January 2009, the Tulsa County District Court issued a judgment totaling $119.6 million in the H.B. Krug, et al versus Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (“H&P”) case.  This lawsuit was originally filed in 1998 and addressed H&P’s conduct pertaining to a 1989 take-or-pay settlement, along with potential drainage issues and other related matters.  Pursuant to the 2002 spin-off transaction to shareholders of H&P by which Cimarex became a publicly-traded entity, Cimarex assumed the assets and liabilities of H&P’s exploration and production business.  In 2008 we recorded litigation expense of $119.6 million for this lawsuit.  During 2009 and 2010, we accrued an additional $9.4 million and $8.9 million, respectively, for post-judgment interest and fees.  We have accrued an additional $6.5 million for post-judgment interest and fees during the first nine months of 2011.

 

On August 18, 2011, the Oklahoma Court of Appeals issued an Opinion regarding the Krug litigation.  The Oklahoma Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the $112.7 million disgorgement of profits award, finding the trial court erred in failing to make the required findings of fact and conclusions of law.  In all other respects, the Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment, including damages of $6.845 million.  On October 27, 2011, Cimarex filed a petition with the Oklahoma Supreme Court requesting review of the affirmed portion of the judgment.  This case is still subject to further appeal and the final outcome cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

In the normal course of business, we have other various litigation related matters.  We assess the probability of estimable amounts related to litigation matters in accordance with guidance established by the FASB and adjust our accruals accordingly.  Though some of the related claims may be significant, the resolution of them we believe, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Other

 

We have drilling commitments of approximately $288.7 million consisting of obligations to finish drilling and completing wells in progress at September 30, 2011.  We also have various commitments for drilling rigs as well as certain service contracts.  The total minimum expenditure commitments under these agreements are $22.6 million to secure the use of drilling rigs and $33.6 million to secure certain dedicated services associated with completion activities.

 

We have projects in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas where we are constructing gathering facilities and pipelines.  At September 30, 2011, we had commitments of $8.3 million relating to this construction.

 

We have noncancelable operating leases for office and parking space in Denver, Tulsa, Dallas, Midland, and for small district and field offices.  During the first quarter of 2011, we entered into a 12-year lease agreement for new office space in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The expected commencement date of this lease is December 1, 2012.  Our aggregate minimum lease commitments have increased to $77 million versus $15.5 million at December 31, 2010.

 

At September 30, 2011, we have a purchase commitment of $10.3 million for construction of an aircraft.  The total cost of the aircraft is $11.5 million with an option to trade in our existing aircraft.  The aircraft is expected to be delivered to us by the end of this year.

 

At September 30, 2011, we had firm sales contracts to deliver approximately 17.5 Bcf of natural gas over the next 11 months.  If this gas is not delivered, our financial commitment would be approximately $66.5 million.  This commitment will fluctuate due to price volatility and actual volumes delivered.  However, we believe no financial commitment will be due based on our current proved reserves and production levels.

 

In connection with gas gathering and processing agreements, we have commitments to deliver a minimum of 24.5 Bcf of gas over the next 2 to 3 years.  The production from certain wells is counted toward those commitments; these wells also have individual commitments for gas deliveries.  If no gas is delivered, the maximum amount that would be payable under these commitments would be approximately $17.5 million, some of which would be reimbursed by working interest owners who are selling with us under our marketing agreements.  We do not expect to make significant payments relative to these commitments.

 

We have various other transportation and delivery commitments in the normal course of business, which approximate $3.3 million.

 

All of the noted commitments were routine and were made in the normal course of our business.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

September 30, 2011

(Unaudited)

 

12.               Property Sales and Acquisitions

 

In order to acquire and sell oil and gas properties in a tax efficient manner, we periodically enter into like-kind exchange tax-deferred transactions.  In these transactions, we utilize an exchange accommodation titleholder, a type of variable interest entity, for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Accordingly, as of the acquisition date, we consolidate the oil and gas assets and reserves, as well as production, revenues and expenses attributable to properties in these like-kind exchange transactions.

 

Certain property acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2010 were structured to qualify as the first step of a reverse like-kind exchange.  During the first quarter of 2011, we sold various interests in oil and gas properties for approximately $11.8 million, a portion of which was included in the second step of the reverse like-kind exchange.  We sold various interests in oil and gas properties for $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2011, some of which are included as part of our like-kind exchanges.

 

In August 2011, we sold all of our interests in assets located in Sublette County, Wyoming for $195 million (including purchase price adjustments).  The assets sold principally consisted of a gas processing plant under construction and related assets ($111 million) and 210 Bcf of proved undeveloped gas reserves ($84 million).  No gain or loss was recognized on the sale of proved reserves as the disposition did not significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves.

 

At June 30, 2011 the gas processing plant and related assets and liabilities were classified as assets held for sale.  We determined that the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities were equal to their fair value, therefore no gain or loss was recognized on the sale.  Because the gas plant was still under construction we had not recognized any income or expense related to plant operations in our statements of operations.  The sales contract also provides for a maximum $15 million contingent payment to be made to Cimarex if certain operational and performance goals related to the start-up of the gas processing plant are met.

 

We had no other significant property sales during the third quarter of 2011.  During the first nine months of 2010, we had $28 million of property sales of various interests in oil and gas properties.

 

During the first nine months of 2011, we acquired oil and gas assets for approximately $42 million of which $39 million was in our western Oklahoma Cana-Woodford shale play and $3 million was in the Permian Basin.  During the first nine months of 2010, property acquisitions totaled $35.3 million.

 

We intend to continue to actively evaluate acquisitions and dispositions relative to our property holdings, particularly in our Cana-Woodford shale play and in the Permian Basin.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

We are an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with operations entirely located in the United States.  We have determined that our business is comprised of only one segment because our gathering, processing and marketing activities are ancillary to our production operations and are not separately managed.

 

Our operating strategy is to achieve profitable growth in proved reserves and production primarily through exploration and development.  To supplement our growth and to provide for new drilling opportunities, we also consider mergers and property acquisitions.  Our growth is generally funded with cash flow provided by our operating activities.  In order to achieve a consistent rate of growth and mitigate risk we have historically maintained a blended portfolio of low, moderate, and higher risk exploration and development projects.  To further mitigate risk, we have chosen to seek geologic and geographic diversification by operating in multiple basins.  Our operations are mainly conducted in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

 

Our revenue, profitability and future growth are highly dependent on the oil and gas prices we receive.  Large declines in commodity prices may have adverse effects on our business and financial position.  Our ability to access the capital markets may also be restricted, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.  Further, the overall economic environment could have an impact on our lenders, business partners and customers, potentially causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us.

 

Our ability to find, develop and/or acquire proved oil and gas reserves will also impact our financial results.  A cornerstone to our approach is a detailed evaluation of each drilling decision based on its risk-adjusted discounted cash flow rate of return on investment.  Our analysis includes estimates and assessments of potential reserve size, geologic and mechanical risks, expected costs, future production profiles and future oil and gas prices.  As a result we may choose to increase or decrease our capital expenditures.

 

Based on current market prices and service costs, we expect that 2011 Exploration and Development (“E&D”) expenditures to approximate $1.6 billion, up from $999 million in 2010.  We anticipate approximately 46% of our E&D costs to be directed toward the Permian Basin, 47% to the Mid-Continent and 7% to the Gulf Coast and other.

 

During the third quarter of 2011 we invested $422.6 million on E&D expenditures, up from $295.9 during the third quarter of 2010.  At September 30, 2011 we had 30 operated rigs running.  At September 30, 2010 we had 25 operated rigs running.

 

Third quarter 2011 summary of financial and operating results:

 

·                  Third quarter sales of oil, gas and NGLs increased 15% to $419.7 million from $366.6 million in the previous year.

 

·                  Cash flow from operating activities was $332.4 million, up from $314.4 million a year earlier.

 

·                  Net income of $128.2 million ($1.49 per diluted share) stayed constant compared to net income of $128.2 million ($1.50 per diluted share) in 2010.

 

·                  Total debt of $350 million at September 30, 2011 did not change from year-end 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

·                  Third quarter production volumes averaged 592 MMcfe/d, down from 600 MMcfe/d for third quarter 2010.

 

·                  The average realized oil price increased 20% to $87.64 per barrel compared to $73.20 per barrel in 2010.

 

·                  The average realized gas price increased 2% to $4.57 per Mcf versus $4.48 per Mcf in 2010.

 

·                  The average realized NGL price increased 36% to $43.11 per barrel compared to $31.73 per barrel in 2010.

 

Commodity Prices

 

While our revenues are a function of both production and prices, wide swings in commodity prices have had the greatest impact on our results of operations.  Oil prices have improved during 2011, however, there is still significant volatility for oil prices as a result of concerns about sustained economic growth and geopolitical instability.  Prices for natural gas have remained low primarily as a result of an oversupply.

 

The following table presents our average realized commodity prices for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 versus the same periods of 2010.  The realized prices do not include settlements of our commodity hedging contracts.

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gas Prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Henry Hub price ($/Mcf)

 

$

4.20

 

$

4.38

 

$

4.21

 

$

4.59

 

Average realized sales price ($/Mcf)

 

$

4.57

 

$

4.48

 

$

4.59

 

$

5.15

 

Oil Prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average WTI Cushing price ($/Bbl)

 

$

89.76

 

$

76.20

 

$

95.49

 

$

77.65

 

Average realized sales price ($/Bbl)

 

$

87.64

 

$

73.20

 

$

93.08

 

$

74.87

 

NGL Prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average realized sales price ($/Bbl)

 

$

43.11

 

$

31.73

 

$

42.99

 

$

33.41

 

 

On an energy equivalent basis, 56% of our aggregate 2011 production was natural gas.  A $0.10 per Mcf change in our average realized gas sales price would have resulted in approximately an $8.9 million change in our gas revenues.  Similarly, 44% of our production was crude oil and NGLs.  A $1.00 per barrel change in our average realized sales price would have resulted in approximately an $11.9 million change in our combined oil and NGL revenues.

 

Hedging

 

In addition to supply and demand, oil and gas prices are affected by seasonal, economic and geo-political factors that we can neither control nor predict.  From time to time we attempt to mitigate a portion of our price risk through the use of hedging transactions.  Management has been authorized to hedge up to 50% of our anticipated 2011 and 2012 equivalent production.

 

During 2010 we entered into oil and gas contracts relative to our 2011 production.  We had the following outstanding contracts as of September 30, 2011:

 

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Table of Contents

 

Natural Gas Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average
Price

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Swap

 

Oct 11 - Dec 11

 

Swap

 

20,000

 

MMBtu

 

PEPL

 

$

5.05

 

 

Oil Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Price

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Floor

 

Ceiling

 

Oct 11 - Dec 11

 

Collar

 

12,000

 

Bbls

 

WTI

 

$

65.00

 

$

105.44

 

 


(1)      PEPL refers to Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company price as quoted in Platt’s Inside FERC on the first business day of each month.  WTI refers to West Texas Intermediate price as quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

Our gas swap contracts represent 6% of expected fourth quarter 2011 gas sales volumes.  The oil contracts represent approximately 45% of our anticipated fourth quarter 2011 oil production.

 

Depending on changes in oil and gas futures markets and management’s view of underlying supply and demand trends, we may increase or decrease our current hedging positions.  While the use of such instruments limits the downside risk of adverse price changes, their use may also limit future revenues from favorable price changes.

 

We have chosen not to apply hedge accounting treatment to the derivative contracts we entered into for 2011.  Therefore, settlements on these contracts do not impact our realized commodity prices during the periods they cover.  Instead, any settlements on the contracts are shown as a component of operating costs and expenses as either a net gain or loss on derivative instruments.  See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 3 of this report for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

 

Production and Other Operating Expenses

 

Costs associated with finding and producing oil and gas are substantial.  Some of these costs vary with commodity prices, some trend with the type and volume of production and others are a function of the number of wells we own.  At the end of 2010, we owned interests in 12,425 gross wells.

 

Production expense generally consists of the cost of power and fuel, direct labor, third-party field services, compression, water disposal, and certain maintenance activity (workovers) necessary to produce oil and gas from existing wells.

 

Transportation expense is comprised of costs paid to move oil and gas from the wellhead to a specified sales point.  In some cases we receive a payment from purchasers which is net of transportation costs, and in other instances we separately pay for transportation.  If costs are netted in the proceeds received, both the gross revenues and gross costs are shown in sales and expenses, respectively.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) of our producing properties is computed using the units-of-production method.  Because the economic life of each producing well depends upon the assumed price for future sales of production, fluctuations in commodity prices may impact the level of proved reserves used in the calculation.  Higher prices generally have the effect of increasing reserves, which reduces depletion expense.  Lower prices generally have the effect of decreasing reserves, which increases depletion expense.  In addition, changes in estimates of reserve quantities and estimates of future development costs, reclassifications from unproved properties to proved properties and E&D expenditures will impact depletion expense.

 

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Table of Contents

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related benefits, office rent, legal fees, consultants, systems costs and other administrative costs incurred in our offices and not directly associated with exploration, development or production activities.  While we expect these costs to increase with our growth, we also expect such increases to be proportionately smaller than our production growth.

 

Production taxes are assessed by state and local taxing authorities pertaining to production, revenues or the value of properties.  These typically include production severance, ad valorem and excise taxes.

 

Significant Expenses that Generally Do Not Trend with Production

 

Stock compensation expense consists of noncash charges resulting from the issuance of restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options.  In accordance with our stock incentive plan, such grants are periodically made to nonemployee directors, officers and other eligible employees.

 

The net gain or loss on derivative instruments is the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on derivative contracts, to which we did not apply hedge accounting treatment.  That amount will fluctuate based on changes in the fair value of the underlying commodities.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 vs. September 30, 2010

 

Net income for the third quarter of 2011 was $128.2 million, or $1.49 per diluted share.  This compares to $128.2 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for the same period in 2010.  In the third quarter of 2011 our revenues were higher than revenues in the third quarter of 2010 due to the improvement of realized commodity prices.  However, our 2011 third quarter operating expenses were also higher than the same period of 2010, resulting in comparable net incomes for the two periods.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 net income was $413.1 million, or $4.79 per diluted share.  In 2010 we had net income of $457.2 million, or $5.33 per diluted share, for the first nine months of the year.  In 2011 higher revenues from higher realized commodity prices were offset by higher DD&A and production expenses compared to the same period of 2010.  In addition, in the first nine months of 2011 we recorded a lower net gain on derivative contracts than in the same period of 2010.  These changes are discussed further in the analysis that follows.

 

Commodity Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Percent
Change
Between

 

Price/Volume Analysis

 

(In thousands or as indicated)

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011/2010

 

Price

 

Volume

 

Variance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

 

$

138,631

 

$

145,396

 

-5%

 

$

2,730

 

$

(9,495

)

$

(6,765

)

Oil sales

 

211,928

 

177,834

 

19%

 

34,916

 

(822

)

34,094

 

NGL Sales

 

69,169

 

43,331

 

60%

 

18,254

 

7,584

 

25,838

 

 

 

$

419,728

 

$

366,561

 

 

 

$

55,900

 

$

(2,733

)

$

53,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

 

$

410,331

 

$

522,408

 

-21%

 

$

(50,046

)

$

(62,031

)

$

(112,077

)

Oil sales

 

675,239

 

550,058

 

23%

 

132,095

 

(6,914

)

125,181

 

NGL Sales

 

200,428

 

91,391

 

119%

 

44,662

 

64,375

 

109,037

 

 

 

$

1,285,998

 

$

1,163,857

 

 

 

$

126,711

 

$

(4,570

)

$

122,141

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Percent
Change
Between

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

Percent
Change
Between

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011/2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011/2010

 

Total gas volume — MMcf

 

30,329

 

32,427

 

-6%

 

89,367

 

101,395

 

-12%

 

Gas volume - MMcf per day

 

329.7

 

352.5

 

 

 

327.4

 

371.4

 

 

 

Average gas price - per Mcf

 

$

4.57

 

$

4.48

 

2%

 

$

4.59

 

$

5.15

 

-11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total oil volume - thousand barrels

 

2,418

 

2,429

 

0%

 

7,254

 

7,347

 

-1%

 

Oil volume - barrels per day

 

26,284

 

26,407

 

 

 

26,572

 

26,912

 

 

 

Average oil price - per barrel

 

$

87.64

 

$

73.20

 

20%

 

$

93.08

 

$

74.87

 

24%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total NGL volume—thousand barrels

 

1,604

 

1,366

 

17%

 

4,662

 

2,736

 

70%

 

NGL volume—barrels per day

 

17,438

 

14,843

 

 

 

17,078

 

10,021

 

 

 

Average NGL price—per barrel

 

$

43.11

 

$

31.73

 

36%

 

$

42.99

 

$

33.41

 

29%

 

 

Commodity sales for the third quarter of 2011 totaled $419.7 million, compared to $366.6 million in 2010.  The increase of $53.2 million between the two periods resulted from higher commodity prices, which had a positive impact of $55.9 million.  Lower production volumes for oil and gas during the current quarter were only partially offset by higher NGL production volumes, resulting in a decrease of $2.7 million, compared to the third quarter of 2010.

 

For the first nine months of 2011 commodity sales totaled $1.286 billion.  For the same period in 2010, commodity sales were $1.164 billion.  The $122 million increase was attributable to higher commodity prices in 2011, partially offset by lower gas and oil production volumes compared to 2010.

 

Our third quarter 2011 aggregate production volumes were 592 MMcfe per day, down 1% from 600 MMcfe per day for the same period in 2010.  Aggregate production volumes for the first nine months of 2011 were 589.3 MMcfe per day, down 1% from 593.0 MMcfe per day for the 2010 period.  Although new production is coming online from our Permian Basin and Mid-Continent drilling programs, it is being offset by a lack of exploration success in this year’s Gulf Coast drilling program and natural declines in the highly-productive Gulf Coast wells drilled over the last two years.  In addition, production in the first nine months of 2011 was adversely affected by severe weather, particularly in our Permian Basin region, which resulted in production curtailments.

 

In the third quarter of 2011 our gas production averaged 329.7 MMcf per day, compared to 352.5 MMcf per day in 2010.  This 6% decrease resulted in $9.5 million of lower revenues for the 2011 quarter.  During the first nine months of 2011 our daily gas production averaged 327.4 MMcf per day, or a 12% decrease from the 2010 average of 371.4 MMcf per day.  The decrease in production compared to the 2010 period resulted in $62.0 million of lower revenue in the first nine months of 2011.

 

Our oil production during the third quarter of 2011 averaged 26.3 thousand barrels per day.  For the same period of 2010 our average daily oil production was 26.4 thousand barrels per day.  The slight decrease in oil production for the quarter resulted in a decrease of $0.8 million of oil sales revenue.  During the first nine months of 2011 we averaged 26.6 thousand barrels per day, down from 26.9 thousand barrels per day in 2010, or a 1% decrease.  The decrease in oil production resulted in lower revenues of $6.9 million in 2011.

 

Our third quarter 2011 NGL volumes increased to 17.4 thousand barrels per day compared to 14.8 thousand barrels per day in 2010.  This 17% increase contributed $7.6 million of revenue.  NGL production for the first nine months of 2011 averaged 17.1 thousand barrels a day, compared to 10 thousand barrels a day in 2010.  The 70% increase provided an additional $64.4 million of revenue in 2011.

 

During the first quarter of 2010 we began separately reporting NGL sales and production volumes.  The determination to record and separately disclose NGL volumes is based on the location at

 

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which both title contractually transfers from Cimarex to a buyer and the associated volumes can be physically quantified.  For those NGL volumes that we have recorded and disclosed separately, contractual title of the volumes has passed from Cimarex to a buyer at a point where the NGL volumes have been physically separated from the production stream.  Should title contractually transfer before NGL volumes can be physically separated and quantified (typically at the wellhead), we do not report separate NGL volumes, and the value of the NGLs are included in the reported value of the disclosed gas volumes.

 

In the third quarter of 2011 we realized an average gas price of $4.57 per Mcf, or an increase of 2% compared to the average price received of $4.48 per Mcf for the third quarter of 2010.  Our average realized gas price for the first nine months of 2011 of $4.59 per Mcf was 11% lower than the 2010 average realized price of $5.15.  These price changes resulted in increased gas sales revenues of $2.7 million for the third quarter of 2011 and decreased sales revenues of $50.0 million for the first nine months of 2011.

 

We realized an average oil price of $87.64 per barrel for the third quarter of 2011 versus $73.20 for the same period of 2010.  This 20% increase resulted in additional oil sales revenue of $34.9 million.  For the first nine months of 2011 we realized an average oil price of $93.08 per barrel, which was 24% higher than the average price of $74.87 we received for the same period in 2010.  This increase contributed an additional $132.1 million of oil sales revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

Our average realized price for NGLs in the third quarter of 2011 was $43.11 per barrel.  This price was 36% higher than the $31.73 average price received in the third quarter of 2010, and accounted for additional NGL revenue of $18.3 million.  In the first nine months of 2011 the average NGL price we received was $42.99, up from $33.41 for the same period of 2010.  The 29% price increase for 2011 raised NGL sales by $44.7 million for the first nine months of 2011.

 

Changes in realized commodity prices were the result of overall market conditions.

 

Gas Gathering, Processing, Marketing and Other

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(In thousands):

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gas gathering, processing and other revenues

 

$

13,762

 

$

11,570

 

$

40,823

 

$

41,022

 

Gas gathering and processing costs

 

(4,821

)

(4,577

)

(14,002

)

(17,182

)

Gas gathering, processing and other margin

 

$

8,941

 

$

6,993

 

$

26,821

 

$

23,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas marketing revenues, net of related costs

 

$

319

 

$

452

 

$

797

 

$

775

 

 

We sometimes transport, process and market third-party gas that is associated with our gas.  In the third quarter of 2011, third-party gas gathering, processing and other contributed $8.9 million of pre-tax cash operating margin (revenues less direct cash expenses) versus $7.0 million in 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, such revenues less direct expenses totaled $26.8 million and $23.8 million, respectively.  Our gas marketing margin (revenues less purchases) was $319 thousand for the third quarter of 2011, compared to $452 thousand in 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011 our gas marketing margin was $797 thousand compared to $775 thousand in the 2010 period.  Changes in net margins from gas gathering, processing, marketing and other activities are the direct result of changes in volumes and overall market conditions.

 

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Operating costs and expenses

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Variance
Between

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

Variance
Between

 

(In thousands):

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011/2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011/2010

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

$

104,681

 

$

78,705

 

$

25,976

 

$

279,554

 

$

221,561

 

$

57,993

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

3,578

 

1,201

 

2,377

 

8,223

 

5,486

 

2,737

 

Production

 

62,333

 

52,010

 

10,323

 

181,558

 

139,349

 

42,209

 

Transportation

 

15,196

 

13,084

 

2,112

 

45,029

 

35,076

 

9,953

 

Taxes other than income

 

30,533

 

28,094

 

2,439

 

98,625

 

88,862

 

9,763

 

General and administrative

 

9,390

 

11,274

 

(1,884

)

34,734

 

36,136

 

(1,402

)

Stock compensation

 

4,595

 

3,241

 

1,354

 

13,962

 

9,012

 

4,950

 

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net

 

(7,120

)

(15,028

)

7,908

 

(11,353

)

(70,914

)

59,561

 

Other operating, net

 

2.379

 

2,291

 

88

 

8,095

 

2,321

 

5,774

 

 

 

$

225,565

 

$

174,872

 

$

50,693

 

$

658,427

 

$

466,889

 

$

191,538

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses (not including gas gathering, marketing and processing costs, or income tax expense) increased 29% to $225.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $174.9 million for the third quarter of 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011 operating costs were $658.4 million, or an increase of 41% over the same period of 2010.  Analyses of the year over year differences are discussed below.

 

DD&A increased from $78.7 million in the third quarter of 2010 to $104.7 million in the same period of 2011.  The $26 million increase in 2011 accounts for 51% of the aggregate third quarter increase in total operating costs and expenses.  On a unit of production basis, DD&A was $1.92 per Mcfe for the 2011 third quarter compared to $1.43 in the 2010 quarter.  For the first nine months of 2011 DD&A was $279.6 million, compared to $221.6 million in 2010.  The $58 million increase in expense is 30% of the total 2011 increase in operating costs and expenses.  On a unit of production basis, the nine month rate for 2011 was $1.74 per Mcfe, up from $1.37 per Mcfe for the 2010 period.  The increase in DD&A for the 2011 periods is primarily the result of increasing the cost of reserves added at a greater rate than the increase in future production.

 

In the third quarter of 2011 our production costs rose $10.3 million up from $52 million ($0.94 per Mcfe) in the third quarter of 2010 to $62.3 million ($1.15 per Mcfe).  The $10.3 million increase in 2011 accounted for 20% of the aggregate increase for the third quarter.  Production costs for the first nine months of 2011 were $181.6 million ($1.13 per Mcfe), up from $139.3 million ($0.86 per Mcfe) for the same period of 2010.  The $42.2 million increase for the first nine months of 2011 was 22% of the total increase in operating costs and expenses.

 

Our production costs consist of lease operating expense and workover expense.  Increases in our 2011 lease operating expenses accounted for approximately 94% and 78% of the quarter and nine month period over period variances, respectively.  The increases resulted in part from higher water disposal costs associated with wells coming on line from our successful drilling program.  Costs for equipment maintenance, rentals and labor have also contributed to the increases in lease operating expense for the 2011 periods.  The remainder of the 2011 increases relate to increased workover activity in 2011.

 

Transportation costs rose to $15.2 million ($0.28 per Mcfe) in the third quarter of 2011 from $13.1 million ($0.24 per Mcfe) in 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011 transportation costs were $45.0 million ($0.28 per Mcfe) versus $35.1 million ($0.22 per Mcfe) for 2010.  Transportation costs will fluctuate based on increases or decreases in sales volumes, compression charges and fluctuation in the price of the fuel cost component.  Well connection reimbursement costs resulting from a failure to meet minimum volume delivery commitments entered into in prior years will also fluctuate from period to period.  Also, in the latter part of 2010 and continuing in 2011, our Mid-Continent and Permian Basin

 

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wells have experienced increases in transportation rates due to higher contractual rates associated with new wells coming online and contracts for existing wells being renewed.

 

Taxes other than income in the third quarter of 2011 were $30.5 million, or 9% higher than $28.1 million in the third quarter of 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, taxes other than income were $98.6 million, up 11% compared to $88.9 million for the 2010 period.  The increased taxes between periods resulted primarily from increases in higher realized oil and NGL prices in the 2011 periods.

 

For the third quarter of 2011 our general and administrative (G&A) expense was $9.4 million, down $1.9 million compared to G&A expense of $11.3 million for the same period of 2010.  The decrease is primarily due to lower bonus accruals in the third quarter of 2011.  Our G&A expense of $34.7 million for the first nine months of 2011 declined slightly from $36.1 million for the same period of 2010.

 

Stock compensation expense consists of noncash charges resulting from the issuance of restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock option awards.  We have recognized non-cash stock-based compensation cost as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Performance-based restricted stock awards

 

$

4,116

 

$

2,430

 

$

12,185

 

$

7,174

 

Service-based restricted stock awards

 

2,897

 

2,294

 

8,023

 

5,807

 

Restricted unit awards

 

 

37

 

34

 

10

 

Restricted stock and units

 

7,013

 

4,761

 

20,242

 

12,991

 

Stock option awards

 

551

 

989

 

2,731

 

2,780

 

Total stock compensation

 

7,564

 

5,750

 

22,973

 

15,771

 

Less amounts capitalized to oil and gas properties

 

(2,969

)

(2,509

)

(9,011

)

(6,759

)

Stock compensation expense

 

$

4,595

 

$

3,241

 

$

13,962

 

$

9,012

 

 

Expense associated with stock compensation will fluctuate based on the grant-date market value of the award and the number of awards granted.  The increases in 2011 total stock compensation compared to the 2010 amounts result primarily from the increased price per share of our common stock on the date of grants in 2011 compared to the grant date value of previous awards.  (See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion regarding our stock-based compensation).

 

Our net (gain) or loss on derivative instruments includes both realized gains and losses on settlements of our derivative contracts and unrealized gains and losses stemming from changes in the fair value of our outstanding derivative instruments.  We estimate the fair value of these instruments based on published forward commodity price curves for the underlying commodity as of the date of the estimate.  For collars, we estimate the option value of the contract floors and ceilings using an option pricing model which takes into account market volatility, market prices and contract terms.  The fair value of our derivative instruments in an asset position includes a measure of counterparty credit risk. The fair value of instruments in a liability position includes a measure of our own nonperformance risk.  These credit risks are based on current published credit default swap rates.

 

We did not elect to use hedge accounting treatment when we entered into our outstanding derivative contracts.  (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of our derivative instruments).  The following table reflects the net realized and unrealized (gains) and losses on our derivative instruments:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Realized (gain) loss on settlement of derivative instruments

 

$

(1,747

)

$

(14,147

)

$

(3,817

)

$

(31,258

)

Unrealized (gain) loss from changes to the fair value of the derivative instruments

 

(5,373

)

(881

)

(7,536

)

(39,656

)

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net

 

$

(7,120

)

$

(15,028

)

$

(11,353

)

$

(70,914

)

 

The period over period decreases in the net gain on our derivative instruments is a function of fluctuations in the underlying commodity prices and the monthly settlement of the instruments.  At September 30, 2010 we had outstanding contracts expiring over the following 15 months.  At September 30, 2011 our outstanding contacts will expire over the next three months.  The decreases in the net gains for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 accounted for 16% and 31%, respectively, of the period over period increase in total operating costs and expenses.

 

Other operating, net expense consists of costs related to various legal matters most of which pertain to litigation and contract settlements and title and royalty issues.  For the third quarter of 2011 these costs were $2.4 million compared to $2.3 million for 2010.  Other operating, net increased from $2.3 million for the first nine months of 2010 to $8.1 million for the same period of 2011.  Expenses for the first nine months of 2010 were significantly lower than the same period of 2011 due to the favorable resolution of items in the 2010 period that had been accrued in prior years.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2011 was $9.3 million compared to $9.1 million for 2010.  For the first nine months of both 2011 and 2010 our interest expense was $27.6 million.  Our interest expense includes interest on outstanding borrowings, amortization of financing costs and miscellaneous interest expense.  Approximately 68% of our interest expense relates to our 7.125% senior notes due in 2017.

 

Components of other, net consist of miscellaneous income and expense items that will vary from period to period, including gain or loss on the sale or value of oil and gas well equipment, interest income and income and expenses associated with other non-operating activities.  For the third quarter of 2011 other, net was $3.6 million of income, compared to $2.7 million of income in the third quarter of 2010.  Other, net was $7.2 million of income in the first nine months of 2011, up from $2.8 million of income for the same period of 2010.  In the 2010 periods, losses from sales of oil and gas well equipment were offset by net gains on asset sales.  The income in the 2011 periods was mainly due to sales of oil and gas well equipment and supplies.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

In the third quarter of 2011 we recognized $76.8 million of income tax expense, which included $44.1 million of current tax benefit.  This compares with third quarter 2010 income tax expense of $75.6 million, of which $12.8 million was a current tax benefit.  The combined Federal and state effective income tax rates were 37.5% and 37.1% for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the first nine months of 2011 we recognized net income tax expense of $243.6 million, of which $45.4 million is a current tax benefit.  For the same period of 2010 we recognized net income tax expense of $265.3 million, which included $51.6 million of current tax expense.  The combined Federal and state effective income tax rates for the first nine months of 2011 were 37.1% compared to 36.7% for the 2010 period.  Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, nondeductible expenses and special deductions.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Overview

 

Our liquidity is highly dependent on the commodity prices we receive.  Oil and gas markets are very volatile and we cannot predict future commodity prices.  Prices we receive for our production heavily influence our revenue, profitability, access to capital and future rate of growth.  In 2010 and the early part of 2011 the United States and global economies had shown improvement.  However, concerns about a recurrence of turmoil in the global financial system, Standard & Poor’s downgrading of the United States credit rating from AAA to AA+ in August 2011 and ongoing geopolitical instability have continued to impact commodity prices, particularly the price of oil.  Prices for natural gas continue to be depressed, primarily as a result of an oversupply of natural gas coupled with lower demand.  Volatility in commodity prices may reduce the amount of oil and gas that we can economically produce and affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures.  Disruptions in economic conditions may impact third parties with whom we do business, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us.

 

We intend to deal with volatility in the current economic environment by maintaining a blended portfolio of low, moderate and higher risk exploration and development projects.  Our drilling activities are currently being conducted in three main areas: the Permian Basin, Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast.  Our Permian activity is directed primarily to the Delaware Basin of southeast New Mexico and West Texas.  A majority of our Mid-Continent drilling is in the western Oklahoma Cana-Woodford shale and Texas Panhandle Granite Wash.  Our Gulf Coast operations are currently focused in southeast Texas, near Beaumont.

 

Historically our exploration and development expenditures have generally been funded by cash flow provided by operating activities (“operating cash flow”).  In 2011 we have continued to fund our exploration and development expenditures primarily with operating cash flow.  We also intend to continue to use debt sparingly and we may hedge a portion of our production to protect our operating cash flow for reinvestment.

 

From time to time we consider attractive acquisition opportunities.  However, the timing and size of acquisitions are unpredictable.  To stay prepared for potential acquisitions and possible declines in commodity prices, we have a revolving credit facility which provides for bank commitments of $800 million.  Our credit facility is described in more detail under “Financing” below.

 

At September 30, 2011, our total debt outstanding was $350 million, which was comprised of our 7.125% Notes due in 2017.Our debt to total capitalization ratio was 10%.  The reconciliation of debt to total capitalization, which is a non-GAAP measure, is:  long-term debt of $350 million divided by long-term debt of $350 million plus stockholders’ equity of $3.013 billion.  Management believes that this non-GAAP measure is useful information for investors because it is a common statistic referred to by the investment community, used to identify the amount of our leverage and to help analyze our risk exposure relative to other companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry.

 

We believe that our operating cash flow and other capital resources will be adequate to continue to meet our needs for our planned capital expenditures, working capital, debt servicing and dividend payments for 2011 and beyond.

 

Analysis of Cash Flow Changes

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2011 was $971.5 million, compared to $886.7 million for the same period of 2010.  The $84.8 million increase in 2011 resulted primarily from higher revenues attributable to higher commodity prices in 2011.

 

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Cash flow used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2011 was $1.007 billion, compared to $697 million for 2010.  Changes in the cash flow used in investing activities are generally the result of changes in our exploration and development programs, acquisitions and property sales.  The $310 million increase for 2011 compared to 2010 was due to increased cash expenditures related to exploration, development and other expenditures partially offset by property sales.  See the discussion below for further information regarding our capital expenditures and property sales.

 

Net cash flow used for financing activities in the first nine months of 2011 was $21.8 million, or a decrease of $22.5 million compared to $44.3 million for the same period of 2010.  The decrease was due primarily to $44.5 million of net payments on our debt in 2010, versus a net of zero payments in 2011.  The $44.5 million decrease in debt payments was partially offset by 2011 increases in dividend payments and financing costs and decreased proceeds from issuance of common stock in 2011.

 

Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

332,432

 

$

314,408

 

$

971,523

 

$

886,668

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities

 

24,372

 

(17,628

)

33,264

 

(16,787

)

Cash flow from operations

 

$

356,804

 

$

296,780

 

$

1,004,787

 

$

869,881

 

 

Management believes that the non-GAAP measure of cash flow from operations is useful information for investors because it is used internally and is accepted by the investment community as a means of measuring the company’s ability to fund its capital program.  It is also used by professional research analysts in providing investment recommendations pertaining to companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

The following table sets forth certain historical information regarding our capitalized expenditures for oil and gas acquisition, exploration, and development activities (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved

 

$

12,439

 

$

19

 

$

21,604

 

$

13,805

 

Unproved

 

8,380

 

978

 

20,427

 

21,497

 

 

 

20,819

 

997

 

42,031

 

35,302

 

Exploration and development:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and seismic

 

61,907

 

49,368

 

146,832

 

112,076

 

Exploration and development

 

360,733

 

246,501

 

1,032,794

 

613,387

 

 

 

422,640

 

295,869

 

1,179,626

 

725,463

 

Sales proceeds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved*

 

(83,709

)

807

 

(102,192

)

(24,054

)

Unproved

 

(150

)

 

(1,971

)

(3,917

)

 

 

(83,859

)

807

 

(104,163

)

(27,971

)

 

 

$

359,600

 

$

297,673

 

$

1,117,494

 

$

732,794

 

 


* The positive amount in the 2010 proved sales proceeds reflects purchase price adjustments related to a disposition in the second quarter of 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Capital expenditures in the table above are presented on an accrual basis.  Additions to property and equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflect capital expenditures on a cash basis, when payments are made.

 

Our exploration and development expenditures increased 63% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.  At September 30, 2011 we had 30 operated rigs running.  At September 30, 2010 we had 25 operated rigs running.

 

In the third quarter of 2011 we drilled 82 gross (48 net) wells with 77 gross (43.1 net) completed as producers.  In the third quarter of 2010 we drilled 63 gross (36.4 net) wells with 59 gross (33.5 net) completed as producers.

 

In the first nine months of 2011 we drilled 242 gross (138.2 net) wells, with 231 gross (129.4 net) completed as producers.  At September 30, 2011 we also had 32 gross (16 net) wells that were in the process of being completed or were awaiting completion.  During the same period of 2010 we drilled 152 gross (91.9 net) wells, completing 143 gross (85.7 net) as producers.  At September 30, 2010 we had 42 gross (22.1 net) wells that were in the process of being completed or were awaiting completion.

 

Our exploration and development program for 2011 is expected to be principally funded from cash flow, including non-core property sales.  Based on current market prices and service costs, our 2011 capital expenditures are expected to approximate $1.6 billion.  Although our capital budget is generally set at a level that we believe corresponds with our anticipated 2011 cash flows, the timing of capital expenditures and the receipt of cash flows do not necessarily match.  For example, our planned capital expenditures are front-end loaded and we may outspend cash flows for a period of time.  Therefore, we may borrow and repay funds under our credit facility throughout the year.  Should we start to see a significant change in commodity prices or production volumes from our current forecasts, we have the operational flexibility to increase or decrease our capital expenditures for changes in our expected cash flows from operations.

 

In August 2011, we sold all of our interests in assets located in Sublette County, Wyoming for $195 million (including purchase price adjustments).  The assets sold principally consisted of a gas processing plant under construction and related assets ($111 million) and 210 Bcf of proved undeveloped gas reserves ($84 million). No gain or loss was recognized on the sale of proved reserves as the disposition did not significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves.

 

At June 30, 2011 the gas processing plant and related assets and liabilities were classified as assets held for sale.  We determined that the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities were equal to their fair value, therefore no gain or loss was recognized on the sale.  Because the gas plant was still under construction we had not recognized any income or expense related to plant operations in our statements of operations.  The sales contract also provides for a maximum $15 million contingent payment to be made to Cimarex if certain operational and performance goals related to the start-up of the gas processing plant are met.

 

During the first nine months of 2011, we had property acquisitions of approximately $42 million, of which $39 million was in our western Oklahoma Cana-Woodford shale play and $3 million was in the Permian Basin.  During the first nine months of 2010 we had property acquisitions of $35.3 million, most of which were additional interests in our western Oklahoma Cana-Woodford shale play.  In the first nine months of 2011 we sold other non-core property interests (not including our Wyoming properties) for $20.6 million.  For the same period in 2010 we had $28 million of non-core property sales.  We continue to actively evaluate acquisitions and dispositions relative to our property holdings, particularly in our core areas of operation.  See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report for additional information regarding property acquisitions and sales.

 

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We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures to comply with environmental and safety regulations and requirements.  These costs are considered a normal recurring cost of our ongoing operations and not an extraordinary cost of compliance.  At this time we do not anticipate that we will be required to expend amounts that will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or operations, nor are we aware of any pending regulatory changes that would have a material impact.

 

Financial Condition

 

Future cash flows and the availability of financing will be subject to a number of variables, such as our success in locating and producing new reserves, the level of production from existing wells and realized commodity prices.  To meet our capital and liquidity requirements, we rely on certain resources, including cash flows from operating activities, access to capital markets, and bank borrowings.  While we attempt to operate within forecasted cash flows from operations, we do periodically access our credit facility to finance our working capital needs and growth.  See our discussion on Financing below.

 

During the first nine months of 2011 our total assets increased by $753.3 million to $5.1 billion, up from $4.4 billion at December 31, 2010.  The change is primarily made up of increased net oil and gas assets of $864.8 million partially offset by a decrease of $57.0 million in our cash and cash equivalents and a decrease of $58.5 in our net fixed assets.  The decrease in our net fixed assets was mainly due to our previously discussed sale of our gas processing plant in Wyoming.

 

At September 30, 2011, our total liabilities were $2.1 billion, up $349.7 million from $1.75 billion at December 31, 2010.  The increase resulted primarily from a net increase in current liabilities of $64.0 million, mostly related to increased accrued E&D expenditures, and a $287.1 million increase in noncurrent deferred income taxes.  Stockholders’ equity rose $403.6 million to $3.0 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2011 compared to $2.6 billion at December 31, 2010.  The increase is mainly due to our net income of $413.1 million for the first nine months of 2011.

 

Dividends

 

On February 24, 2011 the Board of Directors increased our regular cash dividend on our common stock from $0.08 to $0.10 per common share.  Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s level of earnings, financial requirements, and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

In December 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to four million shares of common stock.  During 2007 we repurchased a total of 1,114,200 shares at an average purchase price of $37.93.  Cumulative purchases through December 31, 2007 total 1,364,300 shares at an average price of $39.05.  There were no shares repurchased since the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

Working Capital Analysis

 

Our working capital balance fluctuates primarily as a result of our exploration and development activities, our realized commodity prices and our production operating activities.  Working capital is also impacted by our current tax provisions, accrued G&A and changes in the fair value of our outstanding derivative instruments.

 

Our working capital decreased $123.9 million from $49.5 million at year-end 2010 to a deficit of $74.4 million at September 30, 2011.  Although we anticipate that our 2011 capital spending (excluding possible acquisitions) will correspond with our 2011 cash flow including non-core property sales, we may

 

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borrow and repay funds under our credit facility throughout the year because the timing of expenditures and the receipt of cash flows from operations do not necessarily match.

 

Working capital decreased primarily because of the following:

 

·                  Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $57 million as cash was used primarily to fund our E&D activity.

·                  Our operations related accounts receivable decreased by $20.9 million.

·                  We received $25 million related to a tax refund that was outstanding at December 31, 2010, which was used to fund E&D activities.

·                  Other current assets decreased by $6.8 million

·                  Accrued liabilities related to our E&D expenditures increased by $60 million

·                  Our operations related accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $13.6 million.

 

These working capital decreases were partially offset by the following:

 

·                  Our income tax receivable increased by $53.1 million.

·                  The net fair value of our derivative instruments increased by $7.5 million.

 

Our receivables are a major component of our working capital and are made up of a diverse group of companies including major energy companies, pipeline companies, local distribution companies and end-users in various industries.  The collection of receivables during the period presented has been timely. Historically, losses associated with uncollectible receivables have not been significant.

 

Financing

 

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 our only outstanding debt was our $350 million 7.125% senior unsecured notes.

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

In July 2011, we entered into a new five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility provides for a borrowing base of $2 billion with aggregate commitments of $800 million from 14 lenders.  The facility matures July 14, 2016.

 

The borrowing base under the Credit Facility is determined at the discretion of lenders based on the value of our proved reserves.  The next regular-annual redetermination date is on April 1, 2012.

 

At Cimarex’s option, borrowings under the Credit Facility may bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 1.75-2.5%, based on our leverage ratio, or (b) the higher of (i) a prime rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or (iii) adjusted one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% plus, in each case, an additional 0.75-1.5%, based on our leverage ratio.

 

The Credit Facility also has financial covenants that include the maintenance of current assets (including unused bank commitments) to current liabilities of greater than 1.0 to 1.0.  We also must maintain a leverage ratio of total debt to earnings before interest expense, income taxes and noncash items (such as depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, ceiling test write-downs, and goodwill impairments) of not more than 3.5 to 1.0.  Other covenants could limit our ability to: incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase our common stock, or sell assets.  As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all of the financial and nonfinancial covenants.

 

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At September 30, 2011, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.  We had letters of credit outstanding of $2.5 million leaving an unused borrowing availability of $797.5 million.  During the first nine months of 2011 we had an average daily bank debt outstanding of $12.3 million, compared to $6.0 million for the same period of 2010.  Our largest amount of bank borrowings outstanding during the first nine months of 2011 was $149 million occurring in mid July.  During the first nine months of 2010 our largest amount of outstanding bank borrowings was $69.0 million in mid January.

 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

In May 2007 we issued $350 million of 7.125% senior unsecured notes that mature May 1, 2017 at par.  Interest on the notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each year.  The notes are governed by an indenture containing covenants that could limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or repurchase our common stock; make investments and other restricted payments; incur liens; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; engage in transactions with affiliates; sell assets; and consolidate, merge or transfer assets.

 

The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on and after May 1, 2012 at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) plus accrued interest, if any, thereon to the date of redemption.

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2012

 

103.6

%

2013

 

102.4

%

2014

 

101.2

%

2015 and thereafter

 

100.0

%

 

If a specified change of control occurs, subject to certain conditions, we must make an offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the purchase.

 

Contractual Obligations and Material Commitments

 

At September 30, 2011, we had contractual obligations and material commitments as follows:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

Contractual obligations:

 

Total

 

Less than
1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

4-5
Years

 

More
than
5 Years

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt(1)

 

$

350,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

350,000

 

Fixed-Rate interest payments(1)

 

149,625

 

24,938

 

49,875

 

49,875

 

24,937

 

Operating leases(2)

 

77,010

 

4,986

 

15,672

 

11,768

 

44,584

 

Drilling commitments(3)

 

344,891

 

334,368

 

10,523

 

 

 

Purchase commitments(4)

 

10,305

 

10,305

 

 

 

 

Gathering facilities and pipelines(5)

 

8,271

 

8,271

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation(6)

 

136,120

 

29,249

 

(6)

(6)

(6)

Other liabilities(7)

 

73,077

 

12,641

 

24,656

 

24,016

 

11,764

 

Firm Transportation

 

3,081

 

1,817

 

1,094

 

170

 

 

 


(1)          See item 3:  Interest Rate Risk for more information regarding fixed and variable rate debt.

 

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(2)          In the first quarter of 2011 we entered into a 12-year lease agreement for new office space in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which increased our aggregate minimum lease commitments beginning December 2012 by approximately $63 million over the term of this lease.

(3)          We have drilling commitments of approximately $288.7 million consisting of obligations to finish drilling and completing wells in progress at September 30, 2011.  We also have various commitments for drilling rigs as well as certain service contracts. The total minimum expenditure commitments under these agreements are $22.6 million to secure the use of drilling rigs and $33.6 million to secure certain dedicated services associated with completion activities.

(4)          At September 30, 2011, we have a purchase commitment of $10.3 million for construction of an aircraft.  The total cost of the aircraft is $11.5 million with an option to trade in our existing aircraft.  The aircraft is expected to be delivered to us by the end of 2011.

(5)          We have projects in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas where we are constructing gathering facilities and pipelines.  At September 30, 2011, we had commitments of $8.3 million relating to this construction.

(6)          We have not included the long term asset retirement obligations because we are not able to precisely predict the timing of these amounts.

(7)          Other liabilities include the fair value of our liabilities associated with our benefit obligations and other miscellaneous commitments.

 

At September 30, 2011, we had firm sales contracts to deliver approximately 17.5 Bcf of natural gas over the next 11 months.  If this gas is not delivered, our financial commitment would be approximately $66.5 million.  This commitment will fluctuate due to price volatility and actual volumes delivered.  However, we believe no financial commitment will be due based on our current proved reserves and production levels.

 

In connection with gas gathering and processing agreements, we have commitments to deliver a minimum of 24.5 Bcf of gas over the next 2-3 years.  The production from certain wells is counted toward those commitments; these wells also have individual commitments for gas deliveries.  If no gas is delivered, the maximum amount that would be payable under these commitments would be approximately $17.5 million, some of which would be reimbursed by working interest owners who are selling with us under our marketing agreements.  We do not expect to make significant payments relative to these commitments.

 

We have various other delivery commitments in the normal course of business, which are individually and in aggregate not material.

 

All of the noted commitments were routine and were made in the normal course of our business.

 

Based on current commodity prices and anticipated levels of production, we believe that the estimated net cash generated from operations, coupled with the cash on hand and amounts available under our existing bank credit facility will be adequate to meet future liquidity needs, including satisfying our financial obligations and funding our operations and planned exploration and development activities.

 

2011 Outlook

 

We expect our 2011 E&D capital expenditures to be principally funded from cash flow, including non-core property sales.  Based on current market prices and service costs, we expect 2011 E&D expenditures to be approximately $1.6 billion.  We remain focused on profitable growth and maximizing our return on investment.  We currently have a large inventory of drilling opportunities and limited lease expirations.

 

As has been our historical practice, we regularly review our capital expenditures throughout the year and will adjust our investments based on changes in commodity prices, service cost and drilling success.  Operationally we have the flexibility to adjust our capital expenditures based upon market conditions.  Our future growth will continue to depend upon our ability to economically add reserves in excess of production.

 

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Though there are a variety of factors that could curtail, delay or even cancel some of our planned operations, we believe our projected program is likely to occur.  The majority of projects are in hand, drilling rigs are being scheduled, and the historical results of our drilling efforts warrant pursuit of the projects.

 

Production for 2011 is projected to be in the range of 589 to 595 MMcfe per day, or relatively flat compared to 2010.  Revenues from production will be dependent not only on the level of oil and gas actually produced, but also the prices that will be realized.  During 2010, our realized prices averaged $4.92 per Mcf of gas, $76.76 per barrel of oil, and $34.91 per barrel of NGL.  For the first nine months of 2011 our realized prices averaged $4.59 per Mcf of gas, $93.08 per barrel of oil, and $42.99 per barrel of NGL.  Commodity prices can be very volatile and the possibility of full year realized 2011 prices varying from prices received in the first nine months of 2011 is high.

 

Certain expenses for 2011 on a per Mcfe basis are currently estimated as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

Production expense

 

$1.02

 

-

$1.22

 

Transportation expense

 

0.28

 

-

0.33

 

DD&A and asset retirement obligation

 

1.90

 

-

2.05

 

General and administrative

 

0.20

 

-

0.25

 

Production taxes (% of oil and gas revenue)

 

7.5

%

-

8.5

%

 

ITEM 3.  QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in commodity prices and interest rates.  The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses.

 

Price Fluctuations

 

Our major market risk is pricing applicable to our oil and gas production.  The prices we receive for our production are based on prevailing market conditions and are influenced by many factors that are beyond our control.  Pricing for oil and gas production has been volatile and unpredictable.

 

We periodically hedge a portion of our price risk associated with our future oil and gas production.

 

The following table details the contracts we have in place as of September 30, 2011:

 

Natural Gas Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average
Price

 

Fair Value

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Swap

 

(000’s)

 

Oct 11 - Dec 11

 

Swap

 

20,000  MMBtu

 

PEPL

 

$

5.05

 

$

2,511

 

 

Oil Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Price

 

Fair Value

 

Period

 

Type

 

Volume/Day

 

Index(1)

 

Floor

 

Ceiling

 

(000’s)

 

Oct 11 - Dec 11

 

Collar

 

12,000  Bbls

 

WTI

 

$

65.00

 

$

105.44

 

$

1,169

 

 


(1)        PEPL refers to Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company price as quoted in Platt’s Inside FERC on the first business day of each month.  WTI refers to West Texas Intermediate price as quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

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While these contracts limit the downside risk of adverse price movements, they may also limit future revenues from favorable price movements.  For the 2011 gas contracts listed above, a hypothetical $0.10 change in the price below or above the contracted price applied to the notional amounts would cause a change in our gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivatives in 2011 of $184 thousand.  For the 2011 oil contracts listed above, a hypothetical $1.00 change in the price below or above the contracted price applied to the notional amounts would cause a change in our gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivatives in 2011 of $1.1 million.

 

In spite of the recent turmoil in the financial markets, counterparty credit risk did not have a significant effect on our cash flow calculations and commodity derivative valuations.  This is primarily the result of two factors.  First, we have mitigated our exposure to any single counterparty by contracting with numerous counterparties.  Second, our derivative contracts are held with “investment grade” counterparties that are a part of our credit facility.  See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

At September 30, 2011 our debt was our senior unsecured notes that bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.125% and will mature on May 1, 2017.

 

At September 30, 2011, we consider our interest rate exposure to be minimal because all of our long-term debt obligations were at fixed rates.  This assessment excludes accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities because of the short-term maturity of such instruments.  See Note 3 and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for additional information regarding debt.

 

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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)) as of September 30, 2011 and concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  The disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow such persons to make timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud.  The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Based on the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls.  The design of any system of controls is also based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.  Therefore, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide such reasonable assurances of achieving our desired control objectives, and our CEO and CFO have concluded, as of September 30, 2011, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in achieving that level of reasonable assurance.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS

 

10.1

 

Credit Agreement dated as of July 14, 2011, among Cimarex, the Administrative Agent, the Co-Syndication Agents, the Documentation Agents and the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K on July 18, 2011 [file no. 001-31446] and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Cimarex Energy Co. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (executive officer 2011 grants) under the Cimarex Energy Co. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

10.4

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Cimarex Energy Co. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Thomas E. Jorden, Chief Executive Officer of Cimarex Energy Co. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Paul Korus, Chief Financial Officer of Cimarex Energy Co. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Thomas E. Jorden, Chief Executive Officer of Cimarex Energy Co. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Paul Korus, Chief Financial Officer of Cimarex Energy Co. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

 

November 3, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIMAREX ENERGY CO.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul Korus

 

Paul Korus

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ James H. Shonsey

 

James H. Shonsey

 

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

44