10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

EOG RESOURCES INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 20, 2002

Filed August 13, 2002For Securities:EOG

Summary

EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) reported a significant year-over-year decline in financial performance for the quarter and first half of 2002, primarily driven by a sharp decrease in natural gas and crude oil prices. Net income available to common shareholders fell from $133.4 million in Q2 2001 to $35.4 million in Q2 2002, and from $346.0 million in the first half of 2001 to $8.4 million in the first half of 2002. Net operating revenues also saw substantial decreases, reflecting lower commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, reduced production volumes, particularly in the United States. Despite the challenging revenue environment, EOG managed to reduce operating expenses by approximately $11 million in the second quarter and $47 million in the first half compared to the prior year. This was achieved through lower taxes, reduced impairments, and decreased exploration costs. The company also continued to invest in its properties, with exploration and development expenditures totaling $415 million for the first six months of 2002, down from $515 million in the prior year. EOG maintains a strong liquidity position, with its $300 million credit facility renewed and unused.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant year-over-year decline in Net Income Available to Common Shareholders, with Q2 2002 at $35.4 million compared to $133.4 million in Q2 2001, and H1 2002 at $8.4 million compared to $346.0 million in H1 2001.
  • 2Net Operating Revenues decreased substantially due to lower average wellhead prices for natural gas (down 33% in Q2, 53% in H1) and crude oil (down 8% in Q2, 19% in H1).
  • 3Operating expenses were reduced by approximately $11 million in Q2 and $47 million in H1 2002 compared to the prior year, driven by lower taxes, impairments, and exploration costs.
  • 4Exploration and development expenditures decreased to $415 million in H1 2002 from $515 million in H1 2001, reflecting a strategic adjustment likely due to market conditions.
  • 5The company's $300 million credit facility was renewed in July 2002 for an additional year, providing continued financial flexibility, and no funds have been drawn against it.
  • 6EOG recognized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative contracts, with a $33.6 million loss in H1 2002 compared to a $36.3 million gain in H1 2001, impacting profitability.
  • 7The company is involved in ongoing litigation concerning royalty underpayments on federal and Indian lands, but management believes it has substantial defenses and that these will not materially affect financial condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the significant decline in profitability is the substantial drop in commodity prices, particularly for natural gas, which saw average wellhead prices decrease by 53% in the first half of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Lower crude oil prices also contributed to the reduced revenue.

EOG successfully reduced its operating expenses. For the second quarter of 2002, operating expenses were $11 million lower than the prior year, and for the first half, they were $47 million lower. Key areas of reduction included lower taxes other than income, decreased impairment charges, and reduced exploration costs, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses due to litigation settlements.

EOG engaged in mark-to-market accounting for its commodity derivative contracts (swaps) for both crude oil and natural gas, meaning they were not designated as accounting hedges. In the first half of 2002, these activities resulted in a loss of $33.6 million, a significant shift from a gain of $36.3 million in the first half of 2001. This negatively impacted net income.

EOG's liquidity appears strong. The company's $300 million credit facility was renewed for another year, and it has not drawn on this facility. Net operating cash flows remain a primary source of cash, although lower than the previous year. Management believes that cash flow and available financing are sufficient to meet future needs. Exploration and development expenditures have been reduced but the company retains flexibility to adjust these based on market conditions.