8-KOther Events

EXPAND ENERGY Corp 8-K Report (Feb 25, 2003)

Filed February 25, 2003For Securities:EXEEXEELEXEEWEXEEZ

Summary

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) released its fourth quarter and full-year 2002 results, highlighting record oil and gas production and proved reserves. For the full year 2002, the company reported net income of $30.2 million ($0.17 per share) and discretionary cash flow of $410.2 million. Despite a significant after-tax risk management loss and other one-time charges impacting reported net income, adjusted net income would have been considerably higher. The company also announced two significant acquisitions from El Paso Corporation and Vintage Petroleum, Inc., bolstering its Mid-Continent natural gas asset base and increasing its estimated proved reserves to 2.75 tcfe. These strategic acquisitions are expected to be financed through a combination of equity and debt and are anticipated to close by March 31, 2003. Chesapeake's CEO, Aubrey K. McClendon, emphasized the company's strong performance driven by a focused strategy on natural gas production in the Mid-Continent, effective risk management, and a balanced approach to both acquiring and developing reserves. The company also provided updated full-year 2003 forecasts, projecting increased production and a capital expenditure budget of $475-525 million, primarily for investments in the newly acquired assets. Significant hedging positions for both oil and natural gas in 2003 provide a degree of price certainty. Investors are invited to a conference call to discuss these results and future outlook.

Key Highlights

  • 1Chesapeake Energy reported record oil and natural gas production and proved reserves for the full year 2002.
  • 2Full-year 2002 net income available to common shareholders was $30.2 million ($0.17 per share), with adjusted net income (excluding certain charges) significantly higher.
  • 3Full-year 2002 discretionary cash flow was $410.2 million, demonstrating strong operational cash generation.
  • 4The company announced two agreements to acquire Mid-Continent natural gas assets from El Paso Corporation for $500 million and from Vintage Petroleum, Inc. for $30 million.
  • 5These acquisitions are expected to increase Chesapeake's total proved reserves to approximately 2.75 tcfe and its projected April 2003 production rate to 640 mmcfe per day.
  • 6The company provided updated 2003 guidance, projecting production of 230-235 bcfe and a capital expenditure budget of $475-525 million.
  • 7Chesapeake has hedged a significant portion of its 2003 oil and natural gas production to mitigate price volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the full year 2002, Chesapeake Energy reported net income available to common shareholders of $30.2 million ($0.17 per diluted share), discretionary cash flow of $410.2 million, and EBITDA of $521.5 million on total revenues of $737.8 million. The reported net income was impacted by several non-cash items, including risk management losses and impairment charges, which reduced the reported figure.

Chesapeake Energy announced two major acquisitions: an agreement to acquire natural gas assets from El Paso Corporation for $500 million and from Vintage Petroleum, Inc. for $30 million. These acquisitions are expected to significantly expand the company's Mid-Continent natural gas reserve base and production capacity.

Pro forma for these acquisitions and a prior transaction with ONEOK, Chesapeake's estimated proved reserves are projected to increase to 2.75 trillion cubic feet of gas equivalent (tcfe). The company also anticipates its projected April 2003 production rate to rise to approximately 640 million cubic feet of gas equivalent per day (mmcfe).

For 2003, Chesapeake projects production between 230-235 bcfe and has set a capital expenditure budget for drilling, land, and seismic activities ranging from $475 million to $525 million, an increase from 2002. The company anticipates its discretionary cash flow to exceed $700 million in 2003, which will help fund these capital expenditures.