10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

EXPAND ENERGY Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2001

Filed May 15, 2001For Securities:EXEEXEELEXEEWEXEEZ

Summary

EXPAND ENERGY Corp. (EXE) reported a substantial increase in financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2001, compared to the same period in 2000. Total revenues more than doubled, driven by significant growth in both oil and natural gas sales and marketing activities. This revenue surge, coupled with strategic acquisitions, led to a dramatic rise in net income and earnings per diluted common share. The company's balance sheet also expanded, with total assets increasing due to property and equipment additions and the acquisition of Gothic Energy Corporation. However, this growth was accompanied by a rise in long-term debt and operating costs. Investors should note the adoption of SFAS 133, which significantly impacts derivative accounting and the balance sheet, and the substantial debt refinancing activities undertaken post-quarter.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total Revenues surged by approximately 142% to $277.4 million in Q1 2001 from $114.7 million in Q1 2000.
  • 2Net income increased significantly by 231% to $70.3 million in Q1 2001 from $21.2 million in Q1 2000.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Common Share improved to $0.41 in Q1 2001 from $0.15 in Q1 2000.
  • 4The acquisition of Gothic Energy Corporation on January 16, 2001, significantly contributed to the growth in production and revenues.
  • 5Average natural gas prices realized more than doubled to $5.59 per mcf in Q1 2001 from $2.30 per mcf in Q1 2000.
  • 6The company adopted SFAS 133, impacting derivative instrument accounting and resulting in significant balance sheet reclassifications.
  • 7Long-term debt increased by approximately 21% to $1.14 billion as of March 31, 2001, from $0.94 billion at December 31, 2000, largely due to acquisition-related financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the successful acquisition of Gothic Energy Corporation on January 16, 2001. This acquisition, combined with a substantial increase in realized natural gas prices (up 143%) and oil prices (up 18%), significantly boosted both oil and natural gas sales, as well as marketing revenues.

Effective January 1, 2001, EXPAND ENERGY Corp. adopted SFAS 133, which requires derivative instruments to be recorded at fair market value. This resulted in the recognition of significant derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet ($9.3 million in current derivative assets and $98.6 million in current derivative liabilities as of March 31, 2001) and a cumulative effect on accumulated other comprehensive income.

As of March 31, 2001, long-term debt stood at $1.14 billion. Post-quarter, the company completed an $800 million issuance of 8.125% senior notes due 2011. Proceeds were used to refinance existing debt, resulting in a lower overall interest rate and extended maturity for a significant portion of their senior notes. This refinancing also involved substantial make-whole and redemption premiums, expected to result in an extraordinary loss in the second quarter of 2001.

The company is involved in routine litigation incidental to its business. A notable ongoing matter concerns the West Panhandle Field cessation cases. While some cases have settled, others remain pending. Management believes that while outcomes can differ from estimates, the ultimate resolution of all pending litigation is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position or results of operations. An appeals court recently reversed a significant judgment in favor of the company in one of these cases.