10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

EOG RESOURCES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed October 30, 2002For Securities:EOG

Summary

EOG Resources Inc. reported a significant decrease in net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, totaling $34.5 million, a sharp decline from $415.2 million in the same period of 2001. This reduction was primarily driven by a substantial drop in average natural gas and crude oil prices, which negatively impacted net operating revenues. While the company saw increased natural gas deliveries in Trinidad and Canada, a decline in U.S. production and lower commodity prices offset these gains. The company's financial position shows an increase in total assets from $3.41 billion to $3.69 billion, largely due to growth in oil and gas properties. However, long-term debt also increased significantly from $856 million to $1.09 billion. EOG is managing its liquidity through operational cash flows and existing credit facilities, and has secured a new $150 million term loan facility to reduce short-term borrowings. Investors should note the ongoing legal proceedings related to royalty underpayments, although EOG believes it has substantial defenses.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income available to common shareholders declined substantially to $34.5 million for the first nine months of 2002, down from $415.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower commodity prices.
  • 2Net operating revenues decreased by 41% to $756.9 million for the first nine months of 2002, driven by a 44% drop in average natural gas prices and a decline in U.S. production.
  • 3Total assets increased to $3.69 billion as of September 30, 2002, with net oil and gas properties growing to $3.28 billion.
  • 4Long-term debt increased to $1.09 billion as of September 30, 2002, up from $856 million at year-end 2001, reflecting new borrowings.
  • 5Cash flow from operations was $463.0 million for the first nine months of 2002, a decrease from $1.05 billion in the prior year, impacted by lower commodity prices.
  • 6Exploration and development expenditures decreased by 30% to $627 million for the first nine months of 2002, mainly due to reduced U.S. activities.
  • 7The company entered into a new $150 million Senior Unsecured Term Loan Facility in October 2002 to reduce outstanding commercial paper and bank line borrowings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant decrease in net income was primarily due to a sharp decline in average wellhead natural gas and crude oil prices, which led to a substantial reduction in net operating revenues. Lower commodity prices directly impacted the profitability of EOG's operations.

EOG's long-term debt increased from $856 million at the end of 2001 to $1.09 billion by September 30, 2002. To manage liquidity, the company generated $463 million in operating cash flows for the first nine months of 2002, despite lower prices. Additionally, EOG renewed its $300 million credit facility and entered into a new $150 million term loan facility to reduce short-term borrowings.

Yes, EOG is involved in various lawsuits alleging violations of the Civil False Claims Act related to royalty underpayments on federal and Indian lands. While EOG believes it has substantial defenses and intends to vigorously contest these claims, potential sanctions could include treble damages and substantial monetary fines if found liable. Management does not believe other pending suits or claims will materially affect the company's financial condition.

EOG engages in price risk management activities using derivative financial instruments, primarily price swaps and collars, to hedge against market fluctuations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, EOG elected not to designate these activities as accounting hedges and accounted for them using the mark-to-market method. The report details outstanding contracts and their fair values at the end of the period, as well as new contracts entered into shortly after the quarter end.