10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

EOG RESOURCES INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 5, 2003For Securities:EOG

Summary

EOG Resources Inc. reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. Driven by substantially higher commodity prices, particularly for natural gas and crude oil, the company achieved a net income of $129.4 million, a dramatic improvement from a net loss of $24.2 million in Q1 2002. Net operating revenues surged to $464.7 million from $186.6 million, reflecting strong pricing power across its operating segments, especially in the United States and Canada. Despite increased operating expenses, including higher taxes, depletion, and lease operating costs, the company's operating income turned positive at $226.1 million, a stark contrast to an operating loss of $20.6 million in the prior year. This performance highlights the company's leverage to commodity price cycles. Investors should note the significant impact of mark-to-market commodity derivative contracts, which resulted in a loss of $45.2 million in Q1 2003, and the recent adoption of SFAS No. 143, which resulted in a one-time after-tax charge. The company maintains a positive outlook on its liquidity and capital resources.

Key Highlights

  • 1EOG Resources achieved a substantial net income of $129.4 million in Q1 2003, a significant improvement from a net loss of $24.2 million in Q1 2002.
  • 2Net operating revenues more than doubled to $464.7 million from $186.6 million, driven by a substantial increase in average commodity prices for natural gas and crude oil.
  • 3Operating income swung from a loss of $20.6 million in Q1 2002 to a profit of $226.1 million in Q1 2003.
  • 4The company experienced increased operating expenses, including higher taxes (other than income) and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A), reflecting expanded operations and higher commodity prices.
  • 5A loss of $45.2 million was recorded on mark-to-market commodity derivative contracts during the quarter, impacting overall profitability.
  • 6EOG adopted SFAS No. 143 ('Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations') effective January 1, 2003, resulting in an after-tax charge of $7.1 million, reported as a cumulative effect of accounting principle change.
  • 7Net operating cash inflows increased significantly to $286.6 million from $121.4 million, reflecting improved profitability and stronger commodity prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver is the significant increase in commodity prices, particularly for natural gas and crude oil. Average natural gas prices rose from $2.14/Mcf in Q1 2002 to $5.05/Mcf in Q1 2003, and crude oil prices increased from $19.80/Bbl to $32.89/Bbl over the same period. This price surge, coupled with increased natural gas deliveries, led to a substantial rise in net operating revenues and a reversal of the prior year's net loss into a significant profit.

EOG Resources experienced a loss of $45.2 million on mark-to-market commodity derivative contracts during the first quarter of 2003. The company elected not to designate these activities as accounting hedges, meaning they are accounted for at fair value. This resulted in a realized loss that reduced net income.

EOG Resources adopted SFAS No. 143 ('Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations') on January 1, 2003. This resulted in an after-tax charge of $7.1 million, which is reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. This charge impacted the net income for the quarter, although the company states pro forma net income and earnings per share for prior periods would not be materially different.

Total exploration and development expenditures were $164 million in Q1 2003, a decrease from $199 million in Q1 2002, primarily due to reduced activity in Trinidad and Canada. Net operating cash inflows were strong at $286.6 million. Management believes that its net operating cash flow and available financing alternatives are sufficient to fund its investing and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future.