e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2006
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission file number 0-29370
ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Yukon Territory, Canada
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N/A |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. employer |
incorporation or organization)
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identification number) |
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363 North Sam Houston Parkway, Suite 1200, Houston, |
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Texas
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77060 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip code) |
(281) 876-0120
(Registrants telephone number,
including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer þ Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). YES o NO þ
The number of common shares, without par value, of Ultra Petroleum Corp., outstanding as of July
31, 2006 was 153,707,197.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
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For the Three Months Ended |
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For the Six Months Ended |
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June 30, |
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June 30, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Revenues: |
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Natural gas sales |
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$ |
96,044,048 |
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$ |
82,076,643 |
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$ |
213,836,896 |
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$ |
156,027,616 |
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Oil sales |
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33,848,564 |
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28,558,388 |
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67,305,958 |
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43,971,437 |
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Total operating revenues |
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129,892,612 |
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110,635,031 |
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281,142,854 |
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199,999,053 |
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Expenses: |
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Production expenses and taxes |
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24,829,212 |
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19,626,073 |
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49,671,838 |
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36,240,667 |
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Depletion and depreciation |
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18,047,788 |
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12,656,404 |
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36,687,929 |
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23,895,913 |
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General and administrative |
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3,714,045 |
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3,516,253 |
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7,916,390 |
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6,692,611 |
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Total operating expenses |
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46,591,045 |
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35,798,730 |
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94,276,157 |
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66,829,191 |
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Operating income |
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83,301,567 |
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74,836,301 |
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186,866,697 |
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133,169,862 |
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Other income (expense): |
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Interest expense |
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(139,267 |
) |
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(1,167,763 |
) |
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(311,048 |
) |
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(2,068,406 |
) |
Interest income |
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771,090 |
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118,693 |
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1,344,143 |
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193,558 |
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Total other income (expense) |
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631,823 |
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(1,049,070 |
) |
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1,033,095 |
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(1,874,848 |
) |
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Income, before income tax provision |
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83,933,390 |
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73,787,231 |
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187,899,792 |
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131,295,014 |
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Income tax provision |
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33,258,278 |
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25,899,316 |
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69,750,485 |
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46,084,550 |
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Net income |
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50,675,112 |
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47,887,915 |
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118,149,307 |
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85,210,464 |
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Retained earnings, beginning of period |
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461,062,753 |
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202,610,860 |
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393,588,558 |
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165,288,311 |
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Retained earnings, end of period |
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$ |
511,737,865 |
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$ |
250,498,775 |
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$ |
511,737,865 |
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$ |
250,498,775 |
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Income per common share basic |
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$ |
0.33 |
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$ |
0.31 |
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$ |
0.76 |
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$ |
0.56 |
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Income per common share fully diluted |
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$ |
0.31 |
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$ |
0.30 |
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$ |
0.72 |
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$ |
0.53 |
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Weighted average common shares outstanding
- basic |
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155,223,335 |
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152,929,693 |
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155,222,092 |
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151,903,632 |
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Weighted average common shares outstanding
fully diluted |
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162,966,067 |
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161,275,842 |
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163,114,589 |
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161,067,073 |
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3
ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
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Six Months Ended |
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June 30, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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Cash provided by (used in): |
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Operating activities: |
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Net income for the period |
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$ |
118,149,307 |
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$ |
85,210,464 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depletion and depreciation |
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36,687,929 |
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23,895,913 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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52,127,827 |
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46,084,550 |
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Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation |
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(8,057,700 |
) |
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Stock compensation |
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524,116 |
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1,010,659 |
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Net changes in non-cash working capital: |
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Restricted cash |
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(1,244 |
) |
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(878 |
) |
Accounts receivable |
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3,676,917 |
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(14,652,671 |
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Inventory |
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794,000 |
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(155,576 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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14,804 |
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(17,917 |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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28,198,271 |
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26,105,193 |
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Deferred revenue |
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780,311 |
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Other long-term obligations |
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1,092,180 |
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388,552 |
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Taxes payable |
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3,725,010 |
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(130,000 |
) |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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237,711,728 |
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167,738,289 |
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Investing activities: |
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Oil and gas property expenditures |
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(185,940,120 |
) |
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(111,001,119 |
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Change in capital cost accrual |
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8,777,386 |
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(14,171,171 |
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Inventory |
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(2,435,315 |
) |
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(15,185,448 |
) |
Purchase of capital assets |
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(394,149 |
) |
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(762,569 |
) |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(179,992,198 |
) |
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(141,120,307 |
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Financing activities: |
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Borrowings on long-term debt, gross |
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13,000,000 |
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Payments on long-term debt, gross |
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(28,000,000 |
) |
Repurchased shares |
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(73,346,053 |
) |
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Stock issued for compensation |
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1,741,003 |
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Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation |
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8,057,700 |
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Proceeds from exercise of options |
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6,682,172 |
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8,423,075 |
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Net cash (used in) financing activities |
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(56,865,178 |
) |
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(6,576,925 |
) |
Increase in cash during the period |
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854,352 |
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20,041,057 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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44,394,775 |
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16,932,661 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
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$ |
45,249,127 |
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$ |
36,973,718 |
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Supplemental disclosures of Cash Flow information: |
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Non-cash tax benefit of stock options exercised |
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$ |
24,547,479 |
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4
ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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(unaudited) |
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Assets |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
45,249,127 |
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$ |
44,394,775 |
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Restricted cash |
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215,143 |
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|
213,899 |
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Accounts receivable |
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71,979,114 |
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75,656,031 |
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Deferred tax asset |
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249,431 |
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Inventory |
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23,041,500 |
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22,062,585 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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113,240 |
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128,044 |
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Total current assets |
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140,847,555 |
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142,455,334 |
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Oil and gas properties, net, using the full cost method of accounting |
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Proved |
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783,841,375 |
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612,960,790 |
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Unproved |
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70,472,987 |
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89,702,465 |
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Capital assets |
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2,068,351 |
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2,147,528 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
997,230,268 |
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$ |
847,266,117 |
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Liabilities and shareholders equity |
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Current liabilities |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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$ |
77,696,130 |
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$ |
49,297,861 |
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Deferred revenue |
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|
780,311 |
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Current taxes payable |
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7,290,000 |
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|
3,564,990 |
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Capital cost accrual |
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55,656,675 |
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46,879,289 |
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Total current liabilities |
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141,423,116 |
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|
99,742,140 |
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Deferred income tax liability |
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|
200,066,014 |
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|
155,746,465 |
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Other long-term obligations |
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|
22,645,113 |
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20,576,574 |
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Shareholders equity |
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Share capital |
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|
122,551,810 |
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|
178,806,030 |
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Treasury stock |
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(1,193,650 |
) |
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|
(1,193,650 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
|
511,737,865 |
|
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|
393,588,558 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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|
633,096,025 |
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|
571,200,938 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
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$ |
997,230,268 |
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$ |
847,266,117 |
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5
ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are expressed in U.S. dollars unless
otherwise noted)
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
Ultra Petroleum Corp. (the Company) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the
acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties. The Company is
incorporated under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada. The Companys principal business
activities are in the Green River Basin of Southwest Wyoming and Bohai Bay, China.
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The accompanying financial statements, other than the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005,
are unaudited and were prepared from the Companys records. Balance sheet data as of December 31,
2005 was derived from the Companys audited financial statements, but does not include all
disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Companys management
believes that these financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of the Companys financial position and results of operations. All adjustments are of a normal and
recurring nature unless specifically noted. The Company prepared these statements on a basis
consistent with the Companys annual audited statements and Regulation S-X. Regulation S-X allows
the Company to omit some of the footnote and policy disclosures required by generally accepted
accounting principles and normally included in annual reports on Form 10-K. You should read these
interim financial statements together with the financial statements, summary of significant
accounting policies and notes to the Companys most recent annual report on Form 10-K.
(a) Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries UP Energy Corporation, Ultra
Resources, Inc. and Sino-American Energy Corporation. The Company presents its financial statements
in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been
eliminated upon consolidation.
(b) Accounting principles: The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
(c) Cash and cash equivalents: We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity
of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(d) Restricted cash: Restricted cash represents cash received by the Company from production sold
where the final division of ownership of the production is unknown or in dispute. Wyoming law
requires that these funds be held in a federally insured bank in Wyoming.
(e) Capital assets: Capital assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the declining-balance
method based on a seven-year useful life.
(f) Oil and gas properties: The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for exploration and
development activities as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under this
method of accounting, the costs of unsuccessful, as well as successful, exploration and development
activities are capitalized as properties and equipment on a country-by-country basis. This includes
any internal costs that are directly related to exploration and development activities but does not
include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. The
carrying amount of oil and gas properties also includes estimated asset retirement costs recorded
based on the fair value of the asset retirement obligation when incurred. Gain or loss on the sale
or other disposition of oil and gas properties is not recognized, unless the gain or loss would
significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and
natural gas attributable to a country.
The sum of net capitalized costs and estimated future development costs of oil and gas properties
are amortized using the unit-of-production method based on the proven reserves as determined by
independent petroleum engineers. Oil and gas reserves and production are converted into equivalent
units based on relative energy content. Operating fees received related to the properties in which
the Company owns an interest are netted against expenses. Fees received in excess of costs incurred
are recorded as a reduction to the full cost pool.
6
Oil and gas properties include costs that are excluded from capitalized costs being amortized.
These amounts represent investments in unproved properties and major development projects. The
Company excludes these costs on a country-by-country basis until proved reserves are found or until
it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to
determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is transferred to the
capitalized costs being amortized (the depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) pool) or a
charge is made against earnings for those international operations where a reserve base has not yet
been established. For international operations where a reserve base has not yet been established,
an impairment requiring a charge to earnings may be indicated through evaluation of drilling
results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.
Under the full cost method of accounting, a ceiling test is performed each quarter. The full cost
ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test
determines a limit, on a country-by-country basis, on the book value of oil and gas properties. The
capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties, net of accumulated DD&A and the related
deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas
reserves, generally using prices in effect at the end of the period held flat for the life of
production excluding the estimated abandonment cost for properties with asset retirement
obligations recorded on the balance sheet and including the effect of derivative contracts that
qualify as cash flow hedges, discounted at 10%, net of related tax effects, plus the cost of
unevaluated properties and major development.
(g) Inventories: Crude oil products and materials and supplies inventories are carried at the lower
of current market value or cost. Inventory costs include expenditures and other charges directly
and indirectly incurred in bringing the inventory to its existing condition and location and the
Company uses the weighted average method to record its inventory. Selling expenses and general and
administrative expenses are reported as period costs and excluded from inventory cost. Inventories
of materials and supplies are valued at cost or less. Drilling and completion supplies inventory of
$23.0 million primarily includes the cost of pipe that will be utilized during the 2006 drilling
program.
(h) Derivative transactions: The Company has, in the past, used derivative instruments as one way
to manage its exposure to commodity prices. As of June 30, 2006, the Company had no open derivative
contracts to manage its price risk on its production.
The Company, to a larger extent utilizes fixed price forward gas sales contracts at southwest
Wyoming delivery points to manage its commodity exposure. The Company had the following fixed
price physical delivery contracts in place on behalf of its interest and those of other parties at
June 30, 2006. (The Companys approximate average net interest in physical gas sales is 80%.)
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Remaining |
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Volume |
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Average |
Contract |
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MMBTU |
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Price / |
Period |
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/ day |
|
MMBTU |
Calendar 2006 |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.86 |
|
The above forward gas sales contracts represent approximately 24% of the Companys currently
forecasted gas production for the balance of 2006.
(i) Income taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years
in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period
that includes the enactment date. (See Note 9).
(j) Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable
to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.
Diluted earnings per share is computed by adjusting the average number of common shares outstanding
for the dilutive effect, if any, of common stock equivalents. The Company uses the treasury stock
method to determine the dilutive effect. The earnings per share information has been updated to
reflect the 2 for 1 stock split on May 10, 2005.
7
The following table provides a reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted net
income per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
50,675,112 |
|
|
$ |
47,887,915 |
|
|
$ |
118,149,307 |
|
|
$ |
85,210,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
during the period |
|
|
155,223,335 |
|
|
|
152,929,693 |
|
|
|
155,222,092 |
|
|
|
151,903,632 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of dilutive instruments |
|
|
7,742,732 |
|
|
|
8,346,149 |
|
|
|
7,892,497 |
|
|
|
9,163,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
during the period including the effects of dilutive
Instruments |
|
|
162,966,067 |
|
|
|
161,275,842 |
|
|
|
163,114,589 |
|
|
|
161,067,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.72 |
|
|
$ |
0.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(k) Use of estimates: Preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
(l) Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the financial statements of the prior years have been
reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation.
(m) Accounting for share-based compensation: On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R)
which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment
awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options based on estimated fair
values. SFAS No. 123R supersedes the Companys previous accounting under Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25) for periods
beginning in fiscal year 2006. In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107
(SAB 107) relating to SFAS No. 123R. The Company has applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its
adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method, which requires
the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Companys
fiscal year 2006. The Companys Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the six months
ended June 30, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123R. In accordance with the modified
prospective transition method, the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods
have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS No. 123R. Share-based
compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123R for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was
$324,116, which consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options.
There was no stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options recognized during
the six months ended June 30, 2005. See Note 5 for additional information.
SFAS No. 123R requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the
date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is
ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the
Companys Consolidated Statement of Income. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company
accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in
accordance with APB No. 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123). Under the intrinsic value method, no
stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Companys Consolidated Statement of
Income because the exercise price of the Companys stock options granted to employees and directors
equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.
Under SFAS No. 123R, share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the
value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the
period. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Companys Consolidated Statement of
Income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 includes compensation expense for share-based payment
awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. As of December 31, 2005, all stock options granted
to date had fully vested. Compensation expense attributable to
8
awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 is recognized using the straight-line method. As
share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the first
six months of 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for
estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and
revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In
the Companys pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123 for the periods prior to January 1,
2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.
Under SFAS No. 123 (and APB No. 25), the Company utilized a Black-Scholes option pricing model to
measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. For additional information, see Note
5. The Companys determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant
using an option-pricing model is affected by the Companys stock price as well as assumptions
regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not
limited to, the Companys expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual
and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.
Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no
vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Companys employee stock
options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and
because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in
managements opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair
value of the Companys employee stock options. Although the fair value of employee stock options is
determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and SAB 107 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model,
that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller
market transaction. The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating
the fair value of its share-based payment awards.
(n) Revenue Recognition. Within the Companys United States segment, natural gas revenues are
recorded on the entitlement method. Under the entitlement method, revenue is recorded when title
passes based on the Companys net interest. The Company records its entitled share of revenues
based on estimated production volumes. Subsequently, these estimated volumes are adjusted to
reflect actual volumes that are supported by third party pipeline statements or cash receipts.
Since there is a ready market for natural gas, the Company sells the majority of its products soon
after production at various locations at which time title and risk of loss pass to the buyer. Gas
imbalances occur when the Company sells more or less than its entitled ownership percentage of
total gas production. Any amount received in excess of the Companys share is treated as a
liability. If the Company receives less than its entitled share, the underproduction is recorded as
a receivable. Oil revenues are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or
determinable price, when delivery has occurred and title is transferred.
In China, revenues are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable
price, when delivery has occurred and title is transferred.
(o) Impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements: As of January 1, 2006, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 154, Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20
and SFAS No. 3 (SFAS No. 154). SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application of voluntary
changes in accounting principles, unless it is impracticable. The Company does not expect this
standard to have a material impact on its financial statements.
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN
No. 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109, which
clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement
attribute for the measurement and financial statement recognition of a tax position taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
For the Company, the provisions of FIN No. 48 are effective January 1, 2007. The Company is
evaluating what impact FIN No. 48 will have, but currently believes that its implementation will
not have a material impact on consolidated results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
2. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS:
The Company has recorded a liability of $4,577,707 ($3,312,922 U.S and $1,264,785 China) to account
for the retirement of tangible, long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction,
development and/or normal use of the assets.
9
3. OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Developed Properties: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition, equipment, exploration, drilling and environmental costs Domestic |
|
$ |
863,739,272 |
|
|
$ |
700,425,880 |
|
Acquisition, equipment, exploration, drilling and environmental costs China |
|
|
86,869,443 |
|
|
|
43,890,413 |
|
Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization Domestic |
|
|
(148,220,228 |
) |
|
|
(118,172,467 |
) |
Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization China |
|
|
(18,547,112 |
) |
|
|
(13,183,036 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
783,841,375 |
|
|
|
612,960,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproven Properties: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition and exploration costs Domestic |
|
|
27,159,855 |
|
|
|
17,647,300 |
|
Acquisition and exploration costs China |
|
|
43,313,132 |
|
|
|
72,055,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
854,314,362 |
|
|
$ |
702,663,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Bank indebtedness |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term obligations |
|
|
22,645,113 |
|
|
|
20,576,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22,645,113 |
|
|
$ |
20,576,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank indebtedness: The Company (through its subsidiary) participates in a revolving credit facility
with a group of banks led by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The agreement specifies a maximum loan
amount of $500 million, an aggregate borrowing base of $950 million and a commitment amount of $200
million. The commitment amount may be increased up to the lesser of the borrowing base amount or
$500 million at any time at the request of the Company. Each bank shall have the right, but not the
obligation, to increase the amount of their commitment as requested by the Company. In the event
that the existing banks increase their commitment to an amount less than the requested commitment
amount, then it would be necessary to bring additional banks into the facility. At June 30, 2006,
the Company had no amounts outstanding and $200 million unused and available under the current
committed amount.
The credit facility matures on May 1, 2010. The note bears interest at either (A) the banks prime
rate plus a margin of zero percent (0.00%) to three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) based on the
percentage of available credit drawn or at (B) LIBOR plus a margin of one percent (1.00%) to one
and three-quarters of one percent (1.75%) based on the percentage of available credit drawn. For
purposes of calculating interest, the available credit is equal to the borrowing base. An average
annual commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.375%, depending on the percentage of available credit drawn, is
charged quarterly for any unused portion of the commitment amount.
The borrowing base is subject to periodic (at least semi-annual) review and re-determination by the
banks and may be decreased or increased depending on a number of factors, including the Companys
proved reserves and the banks forecast of future oil and gas prices. If the borrowing base is
reduced to an amount less than the balance outstanding, the Company has sixty days from the date of
written notice of the reduction in the borrowing base to pay the difference. Additionally, the
Company is subject to quarterly reviews of compliance with the covenants under the bank facility
including minimum coverage ratios relating to interest, working capital and advances to
Sino-American Energy Corporation. In the event of a default under the covenants, the Company may
not be able to access funds otherwise available under the facility. As of June 30, 2006, the
Company was in compliance with required covenants of the bank facility.
Any debt outstanding under the credit facility is secured by a majority of the Companys proved
domestic oil and gas properties.
Other long-term obligations: These costs relate to the long-term portion of production taxes
payable, a liability associated with imbalanced production, the long-term portion of costs
associated with our compensation programs and our asset retirement obligations (See Note 2).
10
5. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Share-Based Payment Arrangements
The Companys Stock Incentive Plans are administered by the Board of Directors (the Plan
Administrator). The Plan Administrator may make awards of stock options to employees, directors,
officers and consultants of the Company as long as the aggregate number of common shares issuable
to any one person pursuant to incentives does not exceed 5% of the number of common shares
outstanding at the time of the award. In addition, no participant may receive during any fiscal
year of the Companys awards of incentives covering an aggregate of more than 500,000 common
shares. The Plan Administrator determines the vesting requirements and any vesting restrictions or
forfeitures that occur in certain circumstances. Incentives may not have an exercise period longer
than 10 years. The exercise price of the stock may not be less than the fair market value of the
common shares at the time of award, where fair market value means the average high and low
trading price of the common shares on the date of the award.
On April 29, 2005, the shareholders approved the adoption of the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (2005
Stock Incentive Plan). The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the Plan Administrator to award
incentives from the effective date of the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
is in addition to the Companys existing stock option plans (the 2000 Option Plan and the 1998
Stock Plan). The 2000 Option Plan and the 1998 Stock Plan remain effective and the Company will
make grants under each of the existing plans.
The purpose of the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial
success of the Company and to increase shareholder value by attracting, motivating and retaining
key employees, consultants and directors and providing such participants in the 2005 Stock
Incentive Plan with a program for obtaining an ownership interest in the Company that links and
aligns their personal interests with those of the Companys shareholders, thus enabling such
participants to share in the long-term growth and success of the Company. To accomplish these
goals, the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan permits the granting of incentive stock options, non-statutory
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards, some of
which may require the satisfaction of performance-based criteria in order to be payable to
participants. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan is an important component of the total compensation
package offered to employees and directors, reflecting the importance that the Company places on
motivating and rewarding superior results with long-term, performance-based incentives.
The purposes of the 2000 Option Plan and the 1998 Stock Plan are: (i) to associate the interests of
management of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates closely with the stockholders to
generate an increased incentive to contribute to the Companys future success and prosperity, thus
enhancing the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders; (ii) to maintain
competitive compensation levels thereby attracting and retaining highly competent and talented
directors, employees and consultants; and (iii) to provide an incentive to such management for
continuous employment with the Company.
Accounting for share-based compensation
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R. SFAS No. 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and
supersedes APB Opinion 25. Among other items, SFAS No. 123R eliminates the use of APB No. 25 and
the intrinsic value method of accounting, and requires companies to recognize the cost of employee
services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, based on the grant date fair value
of those awards, in the financial statements. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative
under the new standard. Accordingly, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R as of January 1, 2006.
SFAS No. 123R provides specific guidance on income tax accounting and clarifies how SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes, should be applied to stock-based compensation. For example, the
expense for certain types of option grants is only deductible for tax purposes at the time that the
taxable event takes place, which could cause variability in the Companys effective tax rates
recorded throughout the year. SFAS No. 123R does not allow companies to predict when these
taxable events will take place. Furthermore, it requires that the benefits associated with the tax
deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather
than as an operating cash flow as required under SFAS No. 123. These future amounts cannot be
estimated, because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options.
11
Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS 123R
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense related to employee stock options
under SFAS 123R for the six months ended June 30, 2006 which was allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
Total cost of share-based payment plans |
|
$ |
610,947 |
|
Amounts capitalized in inventory and oil and gas properties |
|
|
286,831 |
|
Amounts recognized in income for amounts previously capitalized in inventory and fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit |
|
$ |
324,116 |
|
Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income |
|
$ |
113,765 |
|
Cumulative effect from adoption of SFAS No. 123R on : |
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
324,116 |
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
324,116 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
210,351 |
|
Cash flow from operations |
|
$ |
(8,057,700 |
) |
Cash flow from financing activities |
|
$ |
8,057,700 |
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
The fair value of each share option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
pricing model based on assumptions noted in the following table. The Companys employee stock
options have various restrictions including vesting provisions and restrictions on transfers and
hedging, among others, and are often exercised prior to their contractual maturity. Expected
volatilities used in the fair value estimate are based on historical volatility of the Companys
stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate share option exercises, expected term and
employee departure behavior used in the Black-Scholes pricing model. Groups of employees
(executives and non-executives) that have similar historical behavior are considered separately for
purposes of determining the expected term used to estimate fair value. The assumptions utilized
result from differing pre- and post-vesting behaviors among executive and non-executive groups. The
risk-free rate for periods within the contractual term of the share option is based on the U.S.
Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Executives |
|
|
Executives |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
45.045.8 |
% |
|
|
43.5 |
% |
Expected dividends |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
2.754.70 |
|
|
|
3.58 |
|
Risk free rate |
|
|
4.845.03 |
% |
|
|
4.84 |
% |
Expected forfeiture rate |
|
|
25.0 |
% |
|
|
25.0 |
% |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
As of June 30, 2006, the Corporation had the following securities issuable pursuant to outstanding
award agreements or reserved for issuance under the Corporations previously approved stock
incentive plans. (Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
Be Issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
|
Upon |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Future Issuance Under |
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
|
of |
|
|
Exercise Price of |
|
|
Plans (Excluding |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Securities Reflected in |
|
Plan Category |
|
Options |
|
|
Options |
|
|
the First Column) |
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
|
9,089,266 |
|
|
$ |
9.94 |
|
|
|
10,924,034 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
9,089,266 |
|
|
$ |
9.94 |
|
|
|
10,924,034 |
|
12
Changes in Stock Options and Stock Options Outstanding
The following table summarizes the changes in stock options for the year ended December 31, 2005
and the six months ended June 30, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
(US$) |
|
Balance, December 31, 2004 |
|
|
12,703,400 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 to $ 24.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
1,529,000 |
|
|
$ |
23.90 to $ 58.71 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(4,793,700 |
) |
|
$ |
0.32 to $ 25.68 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(50,000 |
) |
|
$ |
25.68 to $ 25.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
9,388,700 |
|
|
$ |
0.26 to $ 58.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
194,966 |
|
|
$ |
57.65 to $ 67.73 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(494,400 |
) |
|
$ |
0.46 to $ 40.00 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2006 |
|
|
9,089,266 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 to $ 67.73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following tables summarize information about the stock options outstanding at June 30, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Average |
|
Aggregate |
Range of Exercise |
|
Number |
|
Remaining |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Intrinsic Value |
Price ($US) |
|
Outstanding |
|
Contractual Life |
|
($US) |
|
($US) |
$0.38 0.46 |
|
|
2,577,500 |
|
|
|
2.59 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
$ |
151,582,965 |
|
$0.25 0.57 |
|
|
760,000 |
|
|
|
3.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
44,788,000 |
|
$1.49 2.61 |
|
|
1,380,000 |
|
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
|
$ |
79,177,200 |
|
$3.91 4.43 |
|
|
665,000 |
|
|
|
5.86 |
|
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
|
$ |
36,490,700 |
|
$4.83 7.10 |
|
|
856,600 |
|
|
|
6.86 |
|
|
$ |
5.05 |
|
|
$ |
46,445,918 |
|
$11.68 24.21 |
|
|
1,399,000 |
|
|
|
7.81 |
|
|
$ |
15.96 |
|
|
$ |
60,584,210 |
|
$23.90 58.71 |
|
|
1,256,200 |
|
|
|
8.98 |
|
|
$ |
35.43 |
|
|
$ |
29,952,792 |
|
$57.65 67.73 |
|
|
194,966 |
|
|
|
9.78 |
|
|
$ |
62.59 |
|
|
$ |
46,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Average |
|
Aggregate |
Range of Exercise |
|
Number |
|
Remaining |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Intrinsic Value |
Price ($US) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Contractual Life |
|
($US) |
|
($US) |
$0.38 0.46 |
|
|
2,577,500 |
|
|
|
2.59 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
$ |
151,582,965 |
|
$0.25 0.57 |
|
|
760,000 |
|
|
|
3.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
44,788,000 |
|
$1.49 2.61 |
|
|
1,380,000 |
|
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
|
$ |
79,177,200 |
|
$3.91 4.43 |
|
|
665,000 |
|
|
|
5.86 |
|
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
|
$ |
36,490,700 |
|
$4.83 7.10 |
|
|
856,600 |
|
|
|
6.86 |
|
|
$ |
5.05 |
|
|
$ |
46,445,918 |
|
$11.68 24.21 |
|
|
1,399,000 |
|
|
|
7.81 |
|
|
$ |
15.96 |
|
|
$ |
60,584,210 |
|
$23.90 58.71 |
|
|
1,256,200 |
|
|
|
8.98 |
|
|
$ |
35.43 |
|
|
$ |
29,952,792 |
|
$57.65 67.73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding tables represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value,
based on the Companys closing stock price of $59.27 on June 30, 2006, which would have been
received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The
total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of June 30, 2006 was 8,894,300.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of share options granted during the six months ended
June 30, 2006 was $24.60. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the six
months ended June 30, 2006 was $24.4 million.
At June 30, 2006, there was $2,986,533 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Stock Incentive Plans. That cost
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
13
Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, the Company followed SFAS No. 123 which
allowed for the continued measurement of compensation cost for such plans using the intrinsic value
based method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 provided that pro forma results of operations were
disclosed for those options granted. Accordingly, the Company accounted for stock options granted
to employees and directors of the Company under the intrinsic value method. Had the Company
reported compensation costs as determined by the fair value method of accounting for option grants
to employees and directors, net income and net income per common share would approximate the
following pro forma amounts: (The earnings per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2
for 1 stock split on May 10, 2005).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
Net income as reported: |
|
$ |
47,887,915 |
|
|
$ |
85,210,464 |
|
Deduct: Stock based employee compensation, net of tax |
|
|
(1,649,332 |
) |
|
|
(3,492,631 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma |
|
$ |
46,238,583 |
|
|
$ |
81,717,833 |
|
Basic Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Reported |
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.56 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.54 |
|
Diluted Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Reported |
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.53 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of options is amortized to expense
over the options vesting period. The weighted-average fair value of each option granted is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions at June 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
30.8 |
% |
Expected dividends |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
6.50 |
|
Risk free rate |
|
|
3.83% 4.32 |
% |
Expected forfeiture rate |
|
Actual forfeitures |
|
PERFORMANCE SHARE PLANS:
Long-Term Incentive Plan
In 2005, the Corporation adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) in order to further align the
interests of key employees with shareholders and give key employees the opportunity to share in the
long-term performance of the Corporation by achieving specific corporate financial and operational
goals. Under the LTIP, the Compensation Committee establishes certain performance measures at the
beginning of each three-year overlapping performance period. Performance measures may vary for
performance periods. In the event of a change of control of the Corporation, all outstanding awards
are paid at target levels in cash. The event of a change of control is not currently probable.
Each participant in the LTIP is assigned threshold, target and maximum award levels that are
expressed as a percentage of his or her base salary. Selected officers, managers and other key
employees are eligible to participate in the LTIP. Participants are recommended by the CEO and
approved by the Compensation Committee and are assigned to a specific eligibility level. The
participation levels are as follows (the respective percentage award is calculated based upon the
participants base salary at the beginning of the award period), (i) if threshold performance
objectives are attained, the incentive award opportunities range from 6% to 38%; (ii) if target
performance objectives are attained, the incentive award opportunities range from 20% to 125%; and
(iii) if maximum performance objectives are attained, the incentive award opportunities range from
30% to 188%. The threshold award level is not the minimum award, but is the award at the threshold
performance level. Awards are expressed as dollar targets and become payable in common shares
issued under the Stock Plans at the end of each three-year performance period based on the overall
performance of the Corporation during such period. A new three-year period begins each January,
beginning January 1, 2005. Participants must be employed by the Corporation at the end of a
performance period in order to receive an award. Employees joining the Corporation after January 1,
2005 will participate on a pro rata basis based on their length of employment during the
performance period.
The Compensation Committee has established the following performance measures for the 2005 LTIP and
2006 LTIP: return on equity, reserve replacement ratio, and production growth. At the discretion of
the Compensation Committee, additional metrics may be added to individual participants.
14
For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recognized $335,678 and $344,547 in pre-tax
compensation expense related to the 2005 LTIP and 2006 LTIP, respectively. The amounts recognized
during the first six months of 2006 assumes that maximum performance objectives are attained. If
the Company ultimately attains maximum performance objectives, the associated total compensation
expense, estimated at June 30, 2006, for the three year performance periods would be approximately
$2.1 million and $2.3 million (before taxes) related to the 2005 LTIP and 2006 LTIP, respectively.
Best in Class
In 2005, the Company also established a Best in Class program for all employees of the Corporation,
including executive officers. The purpose of the program is to recognize and financially reward the
collective efforts of all the Corporations employees in achieving sustained industry leading
performance and the enhancement of shareholder value.
Under the Best in Class program, on January 1, 2005 or the employment date if subsequent to January
1, 2005, all employees of the Corporation received a contingent award of stock units equal to
$50,000 worth of the Corporations common stock based on the average of the high and low share
price on the date of grant. Employees joining the Corporation after January 1, 2005 will
participate on a pro rata basis based on their length of employment during the performance period.
The number of units that will vest and become payable is based on the Corporations performance
relative to the industry during a three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2005 and
ending December 31, 2007 and are set at threshold (50%), target (100%) and maximum (150%) levels.
For each vested unit, the participant will receive one share of common stock.
The emphasis of this plan is to recognize and reward the Corporations employees for performance
that is recognized in the industry as clearly outstanding. Performance metrics will be developed
and measured by an accepted third party research organization. The total vested award will be the
sum of the vesting percentage for each metric. The maximum units that may be vested is 150% of the
original award. Performance results will be determined after the end of the performance period and
publication of the applicable industry reports. A participant must be employed when payments are
made in order to receive an award.
For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recognized $544,168 in pre-tax compensation
expense related to the Best in Class Incentive Compensation Plan. The amount recognized during the
first six months of 2006 assumes that target performance levels are achieved. If the Company
ultimately attains the target performance level, the associated total compensation expense,
estimated at June 30, 2006, for the entire three year performance period would be approximately
$4.1 million before income taxes.
6. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has two reportable operating segments, one domestic and one foreign, which are in the
business of natural gas and crude oil exploration and production. The accounting policies of the
segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The
Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from oil and gas operations before price-risk
management and other, general and administrative expenses and interest expense. The Companys
reportable operating segments are managed separately based on their geographic locations. Financial
information by operating segment is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Domestic |
|
China |
|
Total |
|
Domestic |
|
China |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil and gas sales |
|
$ |
104,821,164 |
|
|
$ |
25,071,448 |
|
|
$ |
129,892,612 |
|
|
$ |
87,899,347 |
|
|
$ |
22,735,684 |
|
|
$ |
110,635,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion and depreciation |
|
|
15,376,562 |
|
|
|
2,671,226 |
|
|
|
18,047,788 |
|
|
|
10,236,718 |
|
|
|
2,419,686 |
|
|
|
12,656,404 |
|
Lease operating expenses |
|
|
2,398,072 |
|
|
|
1,926,000 |
|
|
|
4,324,072 |
|
|
|
2,032,364 |
|
|
|
2,166,000 |
|
|
|
4,198,364 |
|
Production taxes |
|
|
12,048,702 |
|
|
|
4,093,723 |
|
|
|
16,142,425 |
|
|
|
10,204,694 |
|
|
|
1,136,784 |
|
|
|
11,341,478 |
|
Gathering |
|
|
4,362,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,362,715 |
|
|
|
4,086,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,086,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
|
70,635,113 |
|
|
|
16,380,499 |
|
|
|
87,015,612 |
|
|
|
61,339,340 |
|
|
|
17,013,214 |
|
|
|
78,352,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,714,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,516,253 |
|
Other expense (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(631,823 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,049,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
83,933,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
73,787,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
105,645,183 |
|
|
$ |
7,095,005 |
|
|
$ |
112,740,188 |
|
|
$ |
53,416,720 |
|
|
$ |
3,768,152 |
|
|
$ |
57,184,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net oil and gas properties |
|
$ |
742,678,899 |
|
|
$ |
111,635,463 |
|
|
$ |
854,314,362 |
|
|
$ |
462,252,103 |
|
|
$ |
100,247,513 |
|
|
$ |
562,499,616 |
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Domestic |
|
China |
|
Total |
|
Domestic |
|
China |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil and gas sales |
|
$ |
230,639,428 |
|
|
$ |
50,503,426 |
|
|
$ |
281,142,854 |
|
|
$ |
166,809,736 |
|
|
$ |
33,189,317 |
|
|
$ |
199,999,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion and depreciation |
|
|
30,633,491 |
|
|
|
6,054,438 |
|
|
|
36,687,929 |
|
|
|
19,906,227 |
|
|
|
3,989,686 |
|
|
|
23,895,913 |
|
Lease operating expenses |
|
|
4,807,460 |
|
|
|
4,713,000 |
|
|
|
9,520,460 |
|
|
|
4,017,670 |
|
|
|
3,620,000 |
|
|
|
7,637,670 |
|
Production taxes |
|
|
26,673,957 |
|
|
|
5,365,360 |
|
|
|
32,039,317 |
|
|
|
19,226,756 |
|
|
|
1,659,466 |
|
|
|
20,886,222 |
|
Gathering |
|
|
8,112,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,112,061 |
|
|
|
7,716,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,716,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
|
160,412,459 |
|
|
|
34,370,628 |
|
|
|
194,783,087 |
|
|
|
115,942,308 |
|
|
|
23,920,165 |
|
|
|
139,862,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,916,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,692,611 |
|
Other expense (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,033,095 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,874,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
187,899,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
131,295,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
172,184,322 |
|
|
$ |
13,755,798 |
|
|
$ |
185,940,120 |
|
|
$ |
100,018,868 |
|
|
$ |
10,982,251 |
|
|
$ |
111,001,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net oil and gas properties |
|
$ |
742,678,899 |
|
|
$ |
111,635,463 |
|
|
$ |
854,314,362 |
|
|
$ |
462,252,103 |
|
|
$ |
100,247,513 |
|
|
$ |
562,499,616 |
|
7. LONG TERM CONTRACTS:
On December 19, 2005, the Company signed two Precedent Agreements with Rockies Express Pipeline,
LLC and Entrega Gas Pipeline LLC governing how the parties will proceed through the design,
regulatory process and construction of the pipeline facilities and, subject to certain conditions
precedent, the Company will take firm transportation service if and when the pipeline facilities
are constructed. The Companys Board of Directors approved the Precedent Agreements on February 6,
2006 and Kinder Morgan, as the Managing Member of the Rockies Express Pipeline LLC advised the
Company of their final approval of the Precedent Agreements, and their intent to proceed with the
construction of the Rockies Express Pipeline on February 28, 2006.
8. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM:
On May 17, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase
program for up to an aggregate $1 billion of the Companys outstanding common stock which has been
and will be funded by cash on hand and the Companys senior credit facility. Pursuant to this
authorization, the Company has commenced an initial program to purchase up to $250.0 million of the
Companys outstanding shares through open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions.
Ultra Petroleum Corp. (Ultra Petroleum) owns 100% of UP Energy Corporation (UP Energy), which in
turn owns 100% of Ultra Resources, Inc. (Ultra Resources). Ultra Resources may, from time to time,
repurchase Ultra Petroleum publicly traded stock. On settlement, the repurchased stock will be
transferred to Ultra Resources. The stock repurchase will be funded with cash held in an Ultra
Resources bank account or the Companys senior credit facility.
At June 30, 2006, the Company had repurchased 1,430,574 shares of its common stock for an aggregate
$73.3 million at a weighted average price of $51.27 per share.
9. INCOME TAXES:
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets
and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
In conjunction with the share repurchase program described in Note 8, a stock distribution to Ultra
Petroleum from Ultra Resources is treated as a dividend for U.S. tax purposes to the extent of
earnings and profits of UP Energy and Ultra Resources. U.S. tax rules, including rules under the
U.S.-Canada Income Tax Treaty, require a 5% withholding tax when a U.S. corporation distributes a
dividend to its sole corporate Canadian shareholder.
16
The following table summarizes the components of Income Tax Expense for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended June 30, |
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Current tax expense-China |
|
$ |
7,290,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,825,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Withholding taxes-stock distribution |
|
|
3,797,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,797,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
22,170,620 |
|
|
|
25,899,316 |
|
|
|
52,127,827 |
|
|
|
46,084,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Income Tax Expense |
|
$ |
33,258,278 |
|
|
$ |
25,899,316 |
|
|
$ |
69,750,485 |
|
|
$ |
46,084,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:
The Company is currently involved in various routine disputes and allegations incidental to its
business operations. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these
matters, the Company believes that the resolution of all such pending or threatened litigation is
not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial position, or results of
operations.
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of the financial condition and operating results of the Company should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company.
Except as otherwise indicated all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars. We operate in one industry
segment, natural gas and oil exploration and development with two geographical segments; the United
States and China.
The Company currently generates the majority of its revenue, earnings and cash from the production
and sales of natural gas and oil from its property in southwest Wyoming. The price of natural gas
in the southwest Wyoming region is a critical factor to the Companys business. The price of gas in
southwest Wyoming historically has been volatile. The average annual realizations for the period
2003-2005 have ranged from $3.84 to $8.64 per Mcf. This volatility could be very detrimental to the
Companys financial performance. The Company seeks to limit the impact of commodity price movements
on its results by entering into forward sales contracts for gas in southwest Wyoming, and to a
lesser extent, derivative instruments. The average realization for the Companys gas during the
first six months of 2006 was $6.49 per Mcf, basis Opal, Wyoming. The Companys average realized
crude oil price for its Bohai Bay production was $59.33 USD per barrel for the six months ended
June 30, 2006.
The Company has grown its natural gas and oil production significantly over the past three years
and management believes it has the ability to continue growing production by drilling already
identified locations on its leases in Wyoming and by bringing into production the already
discovered oilfields in China. The Company delivered 18% production growth on an Mcfe basis during
the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.
The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas operations whereby all costs
associated with the exploration for and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized to the
Companys cost centers. Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical
expenses, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and
non-productive wells and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration and
development activities. Separate cost centers are maintained for the United States and China.
Substantially all of the oil and gas activities are conducted jointly with others and, accordingly,
the amounts reflect only the Companys proportionate interest in such activities. Inflation has not
had a material impact on the Companys results of operations and is not expected to have a material
impact on the Companys results of operations in the future.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 VS. QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2005
During the quarter ended June 30, 2006, production increased 10% on an equivalent basis to 19.5
Bcfe from 17.7 Bcfe for the same quarter in 2005 attributable to the Companys successful drilling
activities during 2005 and in the first half of 2006 along with continued production in China.
Average realized price for natural gas remained flat at $5.85 per Mcf in the quarter ended June 30,
17
2006 compared to the same period in 2005 while realized oil prices on our China production
increased 44% to $65.10 per barrel during the second quarter of 2006 from $45.18 per barrel during
the same period in 2005. The increase in production combined with higher realized oil prices
contributed to a 17% increase in revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 to $129.9 million as
compared to $110.6 million in 2005.
In Wyoming, production costs increased to $2.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared
to $2.0 million during the same period in 2005 due to increased production volumes. On a unit of
production basis, LOE costs remained flat at $0.14 per Mcfe during the three months ended June 30,
2006 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2005. During the quarter ended June 30, 2006
production taxes were $12.0 million compared to $10.2 million during the same period in 2005, or
$0.70 per Mcfe during both quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. Production taxes are calculated
based on a percentage of revenue from production. Gathering fees increased slightly to $4.4
million during the second quarter of 2006 compared to $4.1 million during the quarter ended June
30, 2005. On a per unit basis, gathering fees decreased to $0.25 per Mcfe for the three months
ended June 30, 2006 from $0.28 per Mcfe for the same period in 2005. This decrease is attributable
to revised gathering and processing arrangements.
In Wyoming, depletion, depreciation and amortization (DD&A) expenses increased to $15.4 million
during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $10.2 million for the same period in 2005, attributable
to increased production volumes and a higher depletion rate, due to forecasted increased future
development costs. On a unit basis, DD&A increased to $0.89 per Mcfe for the quarter ended June 30,
2006 from $0.70 per Mcfe for the same period in 2005.
In China, production costs were $1.9 million during the second quarter ending June 30, 2006 ($0.83
per Mcfe or $5.00 per BOE) compared to $2.2 million ($0.72 per Mcfe or $4.30 per BOE) during the
same quarter in 2005. The decrease in production costs is largely attributable to decreased
production during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Severance
taxes in China increased to $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 from $1.1 million
for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The increase is largely due to $2.8 million in Petroleum
Special Profits Tax levied by the Chinese government beginning in March 2006.
DD&A expense in China was $2.7 million ($1.16 per Mcfe or $6.94 per BOE) for the quarter ended June
30, 2006 as compared to $2.4 million ($0.80 per Mcfe or $4.81 per BOE) for the same period in 2005.
This increase is attributable to higher DD&A rates as a result of costs being allocated from
unevaluated properties to the full cost pool offset in part by decreased production volumes.
Net income before income taxes increased 14% to $83.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006
from $73.8 million for the same period in 2005. The income tax provision increased 28% to $33.3
million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $25.9 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2005, attributable to the increase in pre-tax income combined with $3.8 million in
withholding tax associated with the Companys share repurchase program (See Note 9). The Companys
effective income tax rate was 35.1% for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. For the quarter
ended June 30, 2006, net income increased 6% to $50.7 million or $0.31 per diluted share as
compared with $47.9 million or $0.30 per diluted share for the same period in 2005.
General and administrative expenses increased slightly by 6% to $3.7 million during the quarter
ended June 30, 2006 compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2005. On a per unit basis,
general and administrative expenses decreased to $0.19 per Mcfe during the second quarter of 2006
compared with $0.20 per Mcfe for the same period in 2005.
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 VS. SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005
During the six-months ended June 30, 2006, production increased 18% on an equivalent basis to
39.6 Bcfe from 33.6 Bcfe for the same six-month period in 2005. The increase is primarily
attributable to the additional wells drilled and completed during 2005 along with the increased
drilling and completion during the first six-months of 2006. Increased production coupled with
average realized prices for natural gas increasing 13% to $6.49 per Mcf during the six month
period ended June 30, 2006 from $5.72 per Mcf for the same period in 2005 contributed to a 41%
increase in revenues to $281.1 million compared to $200.0 million in 2005.
In Wyoming, production costs increased to $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006
compared to $4.0 million during the same period in 2005 due to increased production volumes. On a
unit of production basis, LOE costs remained flat at $0.14 per Mcfe during the six months ended
June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period ended June 30, 2005. During the six months ended June
30, 2006 production taxes were $26.7 million compared to $19.2 million during the same period in
2005, or $0.77 per Mcfe during six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to $0.67 per Mcfe during
the first half of 2005. Production taxes are calculated based on a percentage of revenue from
production. Therefore, higher prices received increased the costs on a per unit basis. Gathering
fees increased slightly to $8.1 million during the first half of 2006 compared to $7.7 million
during the six months ended June 30, 2005.
18
On a per unit basis, gathering fees decreased to $0.24 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30,
2006 from $0.27 per Mcfe for the same period in 2005. This decrease is attributable to revised
gathering and processing arrangements.
In Wyoming, DD&A expenses increased to $30.6 million during the first half of 2006 from $19.9
million for the same period in 2005, attributable to increased production volumes and a higher
depletion rate, due to forecasted increased future development costs. On a unit basis, DD&A
increased to $0.89 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $0.70 per Mcfe for the same
period in 2005.
In China, production costs were $4.7 million during the six months ending June 30, 2006 ($0.92 per
Mcfe or $5.54 per BOE) compared to $3.6 million ($0.72 per Mcfe or $4.31 per BOE) during the same
period in 2005. The increase is attributable to increased production volumes associated with six
fields producing during 2006 compared with two during the same period in 2005. Severance taxes in
China increased to $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $1.7 million for the
same period in 2005. The increase is due $2.8 million in Petroleum Special Profits Tax levied by
the Chinese government beginning in March 2006 combined with increase production volumes.
DD&A expense in China was $6.1 million ($1.19 per Mcfe or $7.11 per BOE) for the first half of 2006
as compared to $4.0 million ($0.79 per Mcfe or $4.75 per BOE) for the same period in 2005. This
increase is largely attributable to higher DD&A rates as a result of costs being allocated from
unevaluated properties to the full cost pool.
Net income before income taxes increased 43% to $187.9 million for the six months ended June 30,
2006 from $131.3 million for the same period in 2005. The income tax provision increased 51% to
$69.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to $46.1 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2005, attributable to an increase in pre-tax income combined with $3.8
million in withholding tax associated with the Companys share repurchase program (See Note 9). The
Companys effective income tax rate was 35.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. For
the six months ended June 30, 2006, net income increased 39% to $118.1 million or $0.72 per diluted
share as compared with $85.2 million or $0.53 per diluted share for the same period in 2005.
General and administrative expenses increased by 18% to $7.9 million during the first half of 2006
compared to $6.7 million for the same period in 2005. On a per unit basis, general and
administrative expenses remained flat at $0.20 per Mcfe during the six months ended June 30, 2006
and 2005.
The discussion and analysis of the Companys financial condition and results of operations is based
upon consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In
addition, application of generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates,
judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date
of the financial statements as well as the revenues and expenses reported during the period.
Changes in these estimates, judgments and assumptions will occur as a result of future events, and,
accordingly, actual results could differ from amounts estimated.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the six month period ended June 30, 2006, the Company relied on cash provided by operations
to finance its capital expenditures. The Company participated in the drilling of 63 wells in
Wyoming and continued to participate in the exploration and development processes in the China
blocks including the ongoing batch drilling program for the development wells. For the six month
period ended June 30, 2006, net capital expenditures were $185.9 million. At June 30, 2006, the
Company reported a cash position of $45.2 million compared to $37.0 million at June 30, 2005.
Working capital at June 30, 2006 was a deficit of $0.6 million compared to working capital at June
30, 2005 of $28.4 million. As of June 30, 2006, the Company had no bank indebtedness outstanding
and other long-term obligations of $22.6 million comprised of items payable in more than one year,
primarily related to production taxes.
The Companys positive cash provided by operating activities, along with the availability under the
senior credit facility, are projected to be sufficient to fund the Companys budgeted capital
expenditures for 2006, which are currently projected to be $450 million. Of the $450 million
budget, the Company plans to spend approximately $400 million of its 2006 budget in Wyoming and
approximately $20 million in China with the balance allocated to evaluating other areas. Of the
$400 million for Wyoming, the Company plans to drill or participate in an estimated 160 gross wells
in 2006, of which approximately 25% will be exploration wells and the remaining will be development
wells. Of the $20 million budgeted for China, approximately 33% will be for exploratory/appraisal
activity and the balance will be for development activity. The Company currently has no budget for
acquisitions in 2006.
The Company (through its subsidiary) participates in a revolving credit facility with a group of
banks led by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The agreement specifies a maximum loan amount of $500
million, an aggregate borrowing base of $950 million and a
19
commitment amount of $200 million. The commitment amount may be increased up to the lesser of the
borrowing base amount or $500 million at any time at the request of the Company. Each bank shall
have the right, but not the obligation, to increase the amount of their commitment as requested by
the Company. In the event that the existing banks increase their commitment to an amount less than
the requested commitment amount, then it would be necessary to bring additional banks into the
facility. At June 30, 2006, the Company had no amounts outstanding and $200 million unused and
available under the current committed amount.
The credit facility matures on May 1, 2010. The note bears interest at either (A) the banks prime
rate plus a margin of zero percent (0.00%) to three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) based on the
percentage of available credit drawn or at (B) LIBOR plus a margin of one percent (1.00%) to one
and three-quarters of one percent (1.75%) based on the percentage of available credit drawn. For
purposes of calculating interest, the available credit is equal to the borrowing base. An average
annual commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.375%, depending on the percentage of available credit drawn, is
charged quarterly for any unused portion of the commitment amount.
The borrowing base is subject to periodic (at least semi-annual) review and re-determination by the
banks and may be decreased or increased depending on a number of factors, including the Companys
proved reserves and the banks forecast of future oil and gas prices. If the borrowing base is
reduced to an amount less than the balance outstanding, the Company has sixty days from the date of
written notice of the reduction in the borrowing base to pay the difference. Additionally, the
Company is subject to quarterly reviews of compliance with the covenants under the bank facility
including minimum coverage ratios relating to interest, working capital and advances to
Sino-American Energy Corporation. In the event of a default under the covenants, the Company may
not be able to access funds otherwise available under the facility. As of June 30, 2006, the
Company was in compliance with required covenants of the bank facility.
During the six months ended June 30, 2006, net cash provided by operating activities was $237.7
million, a 42% increase over the $167.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The
increase in net cash provided by operating activities was largely attributable to the increase in
production combined with increased realized average prices during the first half of 2006.
During the six months ended June 30, 2006, net cash used in investing activities was $180.0 million
as compared to $141.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase in net cash
used in investing activities is largely due to increased capital expenditures associated with the
Companys drilling activities.
During the six months ended June 30, 2006, net cash used in financing activities was $56.9 million
as compared to
$6.6 million for the six months ended
June 30, 2005. The change in net financing activities is primarily attributable to shares
repurchased under the Companys share repurchase program during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.
(See Part II, Item 2).
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2006.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SAFE HARBOR PROVISION OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM
ACT OF 1995
This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than
statements of historical facts included in this document, including without limitation, statements
in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding
our financial position, estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, business strategy,
plans and objectives of the Companys management for future operations, covenant compliance and
those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words believe, expects,
anticipates, intends, estimates, projects, target, goal, plans, objective,
should, or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements.
The Company can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements
are based will prove to be correct nor can the Company assure adequate funding will be available to
execute the Companys planned future capital program.
Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the price the
Company receives for oil and gas production, reductions in the quantity of oil and gas sold due to
increased industry-wide demand and/or curtailments in production from specific properties due to
mechanical, marketing or other problems, operating and capital expenditures that are either
significantly higher or lower than anticipated because the actual cost of identified projects
varied from original estimates and/or from the number of
20
exploration and development opportunities being greater or fewer than currently anticipated and
increased financing costs due to a significant increase in interest rates. See the Companys annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 for additional risks related to the
Companys business.
ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Companys major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its gas and oil
production. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing price for the Companys Wyoming
natural gas production. Historically, prices received for gas production have been volatile and
unpredictable. Pricing volatility is expected to continue. Gas price realizations averaged $6.49
per Mcf during the six months ended June 30, 2006.
The Company primarily relies on fixed price forward gas sales to manage its commodity price
exposure. These fixed price forward gas sales are considered normal sales. The Company may, from
time to time and to a lesser extent, use derivative instruments as one way to manage its exposure
to commodity prices. The Company has periodically entered into fixed price to index price swap
agreements in order to hedge a portion of its production. The oil and natural gas reference prices
of these commodity derivatives contracts are based upon crude oil and natural gas futures, which
have a high degree of historical correlation with actual prices the Company receives. Under SFAS
No. 133 all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the
derivatives fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is deferred
in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent the hedge is effective. For
qualifying fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is offset by related results of
the hedged item in the income statement. Gains and losses on hedging instruments included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to oil and natural gas sales revenue
in the period that the related production is delivered. Derivative contracts that do not qualify
for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as derivative assets and liabilities at market value in
the consolidated balance sheet, and the associated unrealized gains and losses are recorded as
current expense or income in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company currently does
not have any derivative contracts in place that do not qualify as a cash flow hedge.
The Company to a larger extent utilizes fixed price forward gas sales contracts at southwest
Wyoming delivery points to manage its commodity exposure. At June 30, 2006, the Company had no
open derivative contracts to manage price risk on its natural gas production. The Company had the
following fixed price physical delivery contracts in place on behalf of its interest and those of
other parties at June 30, 2006. (The Companys approximate average net interest in physical gas
sales is 80%.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
Volume |
|
Average |
Contract |
|
MMBTU |
|
Price / |
Period |
|
/ day |
|
MMBTU |
Calendar 2006 |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.86 |
|
The above forward gas sales contracts represent approximately 24% of the Companys currently
forecasted gas production for the balance of 2006.
ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in the Companys Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules
and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including
the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely
decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and
procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and
operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and
management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of
possible controls and procedures.
In connection with the preparation of the Companys Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 (2005 10-K), an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the
participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). The
Company concluded that control
21
deficiencies in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 constituted
material weaknesses within the meaning of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards Auditing
Standard No. 2.
The material weaknesses identified by the Company were disclosed in its 2005 10-K, which was filed
with the SEC on March 31, 2006. Based on that and subsequent evaluations, the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2006, the Companys disclosure
controls and procedures were not effective as a result of the previously-identified material
weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. As reported in the 2005 10-K and in the
Companys Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, management is in the process of
taking remedial steps to correct these weaknesses.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As reported in Item 9A of the 2005 10-K, the Company determined that material weaknesses in
internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2005. These material
weaknesses also existed as of June 30, 2006, and therefore are reported in this Form 10-Q:
|
|
|
The Company did not maintain effective company level controls. Specifically, (i) certain
of its accounting personnel in key roles did not possess an appropriate level of technical
expertise, and (ii) the Companys monitoring of the internal audit function was not
sufficient to provide management a basis to assess the quality of the Companys internal
control performance over time. These deficiencies resulted in more than a remote likelihood
that a material misstatement of the Companys annual or interim financial statements would
not be prevented or detected. |
|
|
|
|
The Company did not have adequate policies and procedures regarding supervisory review of
account reconciliations and account and transaction analyses. This deficiency resulted in
material errors (as reported in the 2005 10-K) which were corrected prior to the issuance of
the Companys 2005 consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
The Company did not have adequate policies and procedures to ensure that accurate and
reliable interim and annual consolidated financial statements were prepared and reviewed on
a timely basis. Specifically, the Company did not have sufficient personnel with the skills
and experience in the application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and
policies and procedures regarding the preparation and management review of footnote
disclosures accompanying the Companys financial statements. As a result of these
deficiencies, material errors were identified in the footnotes to the Companys preliminary
2005 consolidated financial statements. These errors were corrected by management prior to
the issuance of the Companys 2005 consolidated financial statements. |
Management, with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, has been addressing
the material weakness disclosed in its 2005 10-K and is committed to effectively remediating known
weaknesses as expeditiously as possible. Due to the fact that these remedial steps have not been
completed, the Company performed additional analysis and procedures in order to ensure that the
consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Although the Companys
remediation efforts are well underway, control weaknesses will not be considered remediated until
new internal controls over financial reporting are implemented and operational for a sufficient
period of time to allow for effective testing and are tested, and management and its independent
registered certified public accounting firm conclude that these controls are operating effectively.
In order to remediate the material weaknesses described in the 2005 10-K, to date the Company has:
|
|
|
implemented an internal review and assessment process regarding its financial reporting and internal audit functions; |
|
|
|
|
begun a reorganization and alignment of its financial reporting and internal audit functions; |
|
|
|
|
engaged Protiviti to (1) review and assess current Sarbanes-Oxley process and control
documentation and compliance plans, (2) recommend remediation and project plans for 2006,
and (3) assist management with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements during 2006; and |
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engaged Grant Thornton LLP to assist in identifying and recommending any necessary
organization and procedural changes for improving the Companys controls for the purposes of
complying with Sarbanes-Oxley. |
22
Other than as described above, there has been no change in the Companys internal controls over
financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 that has materially affected, or
is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is currently involved in various routine disputes and allegations incidental to its
business operations. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these
matters, the Company believes that the resolution of all such pending or threatened litigation is
not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial position, or results of
operations.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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Maximum Number (or |
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Approximate Dollar |
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Total Number of Shares |
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Value) of Shares that |
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Purchased as Part of |
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may yet be Purchased |
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Total Number of Shares |
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Average Price Paid per |
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Publicly Announced |
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Under the Plans or |
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Period |
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Purchased |
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Share |
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Plans or Programs |
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Programs |
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April 1 April 30,
2006 |
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May 1 May 31, 2006 |
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283,417 |
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$ 56.29 |
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283,417 |
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$984 million |
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June 1 June 30, 2006 |
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1,147,157 |
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$ 50.03 |
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1,147,157 |
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$927 million |
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TOTAL |
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1,430,574 |
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$ 51.27 |
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1,430,574 |
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$927 million |
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On May 17, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase
program for up to an aggregate $1 billion of the Companys outstanding common stock which has been
and will be funded by cash on hand and the Companys senior credit facility. Pursuant to this
authorization, the Company has commenced an initial program to purchase up to $250.0 million of
shares of its common stock through open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS IN SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF THE SECURITY HOLDERS
The Company held its annual meeting on June 29, 2006. At the annual meeting the entire board of
directors of the Company was elected. The votes cast for each of the directors proposed by the
Companys definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A was as follows:
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Michael D. Watford
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112,854,066 voted in favor, zero voted against and 1,796,457 votes withheld. |
W. Charles Helton
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113,938,218 voted in favor, zero voted against and 712,305 votes withheld. |
James E. Nielson
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113,834,568 voted in favor, zero voted against and 815,955 votes withheld. |
James C. Roe
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113,834,138 voted in favor, zero voted against and 816,385 votes withheld. |
Robert E. Rigney
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113,797,774 voted in favor, zero voted against and 852,749 votes withheld. |
23
The shareholders of the Company approved the appointment of Ernst & Young, LLP as the Companys
independent auditors for 2006. There were 114,488,383 votes in favor of approval of the appointment
of Ernst & Young, LLP as the Companys auditors, zero votes against and 162,140 votes withheld.
The shareholders of the Company voted against the shareholder proposal with 51,823,501 votes
against and 14,914,241 votes in favor of the proposal.
A total of 114,650,523 shares were voted by 250 shareholders, representing 74% of the Companys
outstanding shares.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
3.2 By-Laws of Ultra Petroleum Corp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
3.3 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Companys Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December
31, 2005)
4.1 Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
31.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
24
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.
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Date: August 4, 2006 |
By: |
/s/ Michael D. Watford
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Name: |
Michael D. Watford |
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Title: |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Date: August 4, 2006 |
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By: |
/s/ Marshall D. Smith
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Name: |
Marshall D. Smith |
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
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25
EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
3.2 By-Laws of Ultra Petroleum Corp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
3.3 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Companys Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December
31, 2005)
4.1 Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2001.)
31.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
26