Bill Barrett Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2011 Results and Announces Positive Initial Rates from Uteland Butte Exploration Wells

DENVER, Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG) today reported second quarter 2011 operating results highlighted by:

• Natural gas and oil production growth, up 6% to 26.5 Bcfe compared with the second quarter of 2010
• Discretionary cash flow growth, up 6% to $122.8 million or $2.61 per diluted common share compared with the second quarter of 2010
• Net income of $32.6 million or $0.69 per diluted common share and adjusted net income of $27.6 million or $0.59 per diluted common share
• Uteland Butte horizontal exploration well with positive initial flow rates
• Key Uinta Basin East Bluebell oil acquisition closed adding 5 MMBoe proved reserves with 20,300 net acres
• Denver-Julesburg exploration and development position to be acquired including 7 MMBoe proved reserves and 28,000 net acres, complementing existing 38,200 acre position

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett commented: “We enjoyed a terrific second quarter with several highlights to report. Strong second quarter cash flow and earnings reflect our success in ramping up West Tavaputs operations quickly and efficiently as well as growing the oil component in our portfolio from the Uinta Basin. Comparing sequentially the second quarter to the first quarter of 2011, West Tavaputs production was up a dramatic 57% and Uinta Basin oil production was up more than 30%. While we are executing on strong production growth from our development portfolio, we also pursued future growth through two bolt-on acquisitions that offer existing oil production and reserves with sizable upside potential, located in the Uinta and DJ Basins –areas of Bill Barrett Corporation expertise.

“We are also announcing today drilling results from our first Uteland Butte formation horizontal well in Lake Canyon. The first well had an average rate of 717 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) over the first 30 days of production. While it is too early to estimate EURs, we are encouraged by the performance to date. Success in the Uteland Butte would open the potential for inventory expansion at Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon, where we have a vast undeveloped acreage position, as well as increase the recoveries from currently producing horizons.

“Looking through the remainder of 2011, we are on track to meet production guidance, we expect to initiate development operations at our acquisition properties and we will drill a handful of new exploration prospects that are all directed at oil. We will be working diligently to position the Company for very strong growth in 2012.”  

Second quarter 2011 natural gas and oil production totaled 26.5 billion cubic feet equivalent (“Bcfe”), up 6% from 25.1 Bcfe in the second quarter of 2010 and up 14% sequentially from the first quarter of 2011. For the first half of 2011, production totaled 49.7 Bcfe, also up 6% from the 2010 period. The Company is on-track for its full year guidance of 106 to 110 Bcfe. Production growth was predominantly from the West Tavaputs natural gas program and the Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon oil program, both in the Uinta Basin. Including the effects of the Company’s hedging activities and natural gas liquids recovery, the average realized sales price in the second quarter of 2011 was $7.01 per thousand cubic feet equivalent (“Mcfe”) compared with $7.10 per Mcfe in the second quarter of 2010. The Company’s commodity hedging program increased second quarter 2011 natural gas and oil revenues by net $11.2 million, or $0.42 per Mcfe of production.

Discretionary cash flow (a non-GAAP measure, see “Discretionary Cash Flow Reconciliation” below) in the second quarter of 2011 was $122.8 million, or $2.61 per diluted common share. Discretionary cash flow was up slightly compared with $2.55 per diluted common share in the second quarter of 2010 and up 17% sequentially compared with $2.24 per diluted common share in the first quarter of 2011. Year-over-year, the second quarter of 2011 had higher production partially offset by slightly lower realized prices and slightly higher cash operating costs.  Discretionary cash flow for the first half of 2011 was $227.5 million, up 3% from $220.7 million in the first half of 2010.

Net income in the second quarter of 2011 was $32.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, compared with $39.2 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of 2010. The lower net income was primarily due to a larger non-cash derivative gain in the 2010 quarter. Dry hole expense in the second quarter of 2011 was $0.2 million and was related to wells determined to be dry holes in prior periods. Net income for the first half of 2011 was $47.9 million, down 24% from the first half of 2010 primarily due to non-cash derivative gains in the 2010 period. Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2011 (a non-GAAP measure, see “Adjusted Net Income Reconciliation” below) was $27.6 million, or $0.59 per diluted common share, compared with $28.1 million, or $0.62 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of 2010. Adjusted net income removes the effect of non-recurring charges such as unrealized derivative gains and losses, impairment expenses, property sales and one-time items.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

At June 30, 2011, the Company’s revolving credit facility had an outstanding balance of $145.0 million, a borrowing base of $800.0 million, total commitments of $700.0 million and, after deducting an outstanding letter of credit for $26.0 million, borrowing capacity of $529.0 million. The Company expects to continue to draw from its revolving credit facility as planned capital expenditures including acquisition costs are expected to exceed cash flows from operations. The Company also had $172.5 million in 5% convertible senior notes and $250.0 million in 9.875% senior notes outstanding at June 30, 2011.

OPERATIONS

Production, Wells Spud and Capital Expenditures

The following table lists production, wells spud and total capital expenditures by basin for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011:

Capital expenditures totaled $283.2 million for the second quarter of 2011, including the acquisition of East Bluebell in the Uinta Basin for $119.4 million.

Operating and Drilling Update

The Company anticipates drilling approximately 300 gross development wells in 2011, including approximately 30 coal bed methane (“CBM”) wells. The Company currently has six active drilling rigs with two at West Tavaputs, two at Gibson Gulch and two at Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon. The Company’s development program is focused on growth in production and reserves as well as driving operating efficiencies at West Tavaputs.

Uinta Basin, Utah

West Tavaputs – Current net production is approximately 93 million cubic feet equivalent per day (“MMcfe/d”). The Company is successfully executing its full-field development program in the area, driving rapid growth and increasingly efficient operations. The Company is on track for its approximate 100-well program in the area for 2011. West Tavaputs is the Company’s largest development asset based on its current reserve base of 345 Bcfe proved and 1.3 Tcfe proved, probable and possible reserves (see “Reserve Disclosure” below), providing a multi-year, high growth program for the Company.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had an approximate 97% working interest in production from 220 gross wells in its West Tavaputs shallow and deep programs. The West Tavaputs program’s primary development targets include the shallow Mesaverde and Wasatch zones.  Upside potential is also recognized in the shallow Green River oil zones and deeper formations including the Mancos.

Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon – Current net production, including production from the East Bluebell acquisition, is approximately 3,700 Boe/d. The Company plans to add a third rig to the combined Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon and East Bluebell areas in September of 2011.  This area offers upside potential through horizontal drilling, increased density and field extension.

During the second quarter of 2011, the Company drilled two horizontal wells into the Uteland Butte formation (working interest 56.25%). The first well was completed in the Uteland Butte at approximately 4,700’ with a 3,100’ lateral and 15 fracture stimulation stages and flowed an average 717 Boe/d over the first 30 days of production. The second well was more recently completed in the Uteland Butte at approximately 4,600’ with a 3,200’ lateral and 15 fracture stimulation stages also with positive initial rates. The Company is encouraged by these initial results and is planning up to an additional five horizontal wells targeting the Uteland Butte formation in the second half of 2011. Success in the Uteland Butte formation opens the potential for inventory expansion at Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon as well as increasing the recoveries from currently producing horizons.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had an approximate 63% working interest in production from 61 gross wells. The working interests in this area range from 19% to 100%.

East Bluebell – During the second quarter of 2011, the Company closed on the acquisition of oil properties and related assets located approximately 35 miles east-northeast of the Company’s Blacktail Ridge-Lake Canyon operations. In the transaction, the Company acquired an estimated 5 MMBoe net proved reserves, an estimated 25 MMBoe proved, probable and possible reserves, 750 Boe/d net production, associated gathering and transportation infrastructure and 20,300 net acres of mineral leasehold for a purchase price of $119.4 million, subject to final purchase price adjustments.

Piceance Basin, Colorado

Gibson Gulch – Current net production is approximately 130 MMcfe/d. The Company plans to operate two rigs in the area through 2011 with an approximate 100 well program. The Company continues to benefit from its election to process the majority of its Gibson Gulch natural gas production, which exposes the Company to natural gas liquids pricing. The incremental benefit to production revenues related to natural gas liquids increased to $1.23 per Mcfe to the Company-wide realized price in the second quarter of 2011, up as a result of higher per gallon realized liquids pricing. Gibson Gulch operations offer strong margins due to low operating costs and the currently higher revenues related to liquids. The program continues to be a key, lower risk development area for the Company.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had an approximate 98% working interest in production from 765 gross wells in its Gibson Gulch program.

Cottonwood Gulch – The status of the Company’s Cottonwood Gulch acquisition remains unchanged. In June 2009, the Company acquired a 90% working interest in 40,300 gross undeveloped acres in Cottonwood Gulch. The leases were challenged in Federal District Court by environmental groups and resolution of the case is currently pending with a District Court judge.

Denver-Julesburg (“DJ”) Basin, Colorado and Wyoming

Wattenberg/Chalk Bluffs/Sagebrush – In July 2011, the Company announced the signing of a purchase and sale agreement to acquire properties in the DJ Basin that include a preliminary estimate of 7 MMBoe net proved reserves, approximately 650 Boe/d net production and approximately 28,000 net acres. Current production is from the Wattenberg Field from the Codell, Niobrara and J Sands formations. The purchase price is $150 million and the transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2011. The Company also holds approximately 38,200 net acres in the Sagebrush area. The Company’s DJ Basin exploration is targeting Niobrara oil.

Wind River Basin, Wyoming

McRae Gap - The Company has identified approximately 103,000 net undeveloped acres within its acreage position in the area that it considers prospective for Niobrara shale oil. In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company drilled a horizontal exploration well into the lower bench of the Niobrara Shale at approximately 8,200 feet depth with an approximate 3,200 foot lateral and the well is currently undergoing completion operations, which were delayed due to regional wildlife stipulations.

Paradox Basin, Colorado

Yellow Jacket and Green Jacket – At the Yellow Jacket shale gas prospect (100% working interest), the Company continues to produce from three wells. The Company currently is seeking a partner prior to re-starting exploration drilling in the area. The Yellow Jacket and Green Jacket prospects include approximately 469,000 gross acres and 359,000 net undeveloped acres.

Additional Financial Information

Guidance

The Company’s 2011 guidance (please reference “Forward-Looking Statements” below) is updated as follows:

• Capital expenditures for exploration and development of $685 to $705 million including additional drilling and facilities capital expenditures at the East Bluebell acquisition area and pending DJ Basin acquisition area. This amount is before acquisition purchase costs.
• Oil and natural gas production of 106 to 110 Bcfe, unchanged and inclusive of East Bluebell and the pending DJ Basin acquisitions for which the 2011 production contribution is within the guidance range.
• Lease operating costs per Mcfe of $0.54 to $0.58, reduced from previous guidance of $0.56 to $0.60 as a result of effective cost discipline across operations.
• Gathering, transportation and processing costs per Mcfe of $0.89 to $0.93, unchanged.
• General and administrative expenses before non-cash stock-based compensation between $46.0 and $47.5 million, slightly increased from between $45 and $47 million, partially due to additional personnel associated with acquisitions.

Commodity Hedges Update

It is the Company’s strategy to hedge a portion of its production to reduce the risks associated with unpredictable future commodity prices and to provide predictability for a portion of cash flows in order to support the Company’s capital expenditure program.

For July through December 2011 and for 2012, the Company has hedges in place as outlined in the table below. Swap and collar hedge positions are tied to regional sales points and include:

• For July through December 2011, approximately 38.3 Bcfe at a weighted average blended floor price of $7.34 per Mcfe.
• For 2012, approximately 50.5 Bcfe at a weighted average blended floor price of $7.09 per Mcfe.

As of July 31, 2011:

In addition, the Company has natural gas basis only hedges in place for 2011 for 20,000 MMBtu/d at a basis differential price between CIG Rocky Mountains and Henry Hub of ($1.72) per MMBtu and for 2012 of 20,000 MMBtu/d at a basis differential price of ($1.22) per MMBtu. These hedges are not in the money.

SECOND QUARTER 2011 WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

As previously announced, a webcast and conference call will be held later this morning to discuss second quarter 2011 results. Please join Bill Barrett Corporation executive management at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time (“ET”)/10:00 a.m. Mountain time (“MT”) for the live webcast, accessed at www.billbarrettcorp.com, or join by telephone by calling 800-260-8140 (617-614-3672 international callers) with passcode 64733949. The webcast will remain available on the Company’s website for approximately 30 days, and a replay of the call will be available through August 11, 2011 at call-in number 888-286-8010 (617-801-6888 international) with passcode 77348244. The Company also has tentatively scheduled its third quarter 2011 earnings conference call for November 3, 2011 at noon ET/10:00 a.m. MT.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Updated investor presentations will be posted to the homepage of the Company’s website at www.billbarrettcorp.com for each event below. Please check the website at 5:00 p.m. MT on the business day prior to the investor event for the most recent presentation, unless otherwise noted:

Investor Conferences

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett will present at the EnerCom Oil & Gas Conference in Denver on August 18, 2011 at 8:25 a.m. MT. The event will be webcast. The presentation for this event will be posted at 5:00 p.m. MT on Monday, August 15, 2011.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett will present at the Barclays CEO Energy Conference in New York City on September 7, 2011 at 1:45 p.m. ET. The event will be webcast.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett will participate at the Deutsche Bank Energy Conference in Boston to be held September 21-22, 2011. The event is not webcast.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding projected results and future events, including guidance and the upside potential and other prospects of acquisitions and other planned activities. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s judgment as of this date and include certain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC, and other filings including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and Current Reports on Form 8-K, for a list of certain risk factors.

Actual results may differ materially from Company projections and can be affected by a variety of factors outside the control of the Company including, among other things, the final and timely closing of the acquisition, market conditions, oil and gas price volatility, exploration and development drilling and testing results, the ability to receive drilling and other permits and rights-of-way, regulatory approvals, governmental laws and regulations and changes in enforcement of those laws and regulations, new laws and regulations, risks related to and costs of hedging activities including counterparty viability, surface access and costs, availability of third party gathering, transportation and processing, the availability and cost of services and materials, the ability to obtain industry partners to jointly explore certain prospects and the willingness and ability of those partners to meet capital obligations when requested, availability and costs of financing to fund the Company’s operations, uncertainties inherent in oil and gas production operations and estimating reserves, the speculative actual recovery of estimated potential volumes, unexpected future capital expenditures, competition, risks associated with operating in one major geographic area, the success of the Company’s risk management activities, title to properties, litigation, environmental liabilities, and other factors discussed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.  Bill Barrett Corporation encourages readers to consider the risks and uncertainties associated with projections and other forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements based on future events or circumstances.

Reserve Disclosure

The SEC, under its recently revised guidelines, permits oil and gas companies to disclose probable and possible reserves in their filings with the SEC. The Company does not plan to include probable and possible reserve estimates in its filings with the SEC.  

The Company has provided internally generated estimates for probable and possible reserves in this release. The estimates conform to SEC guidelines. They are not prepared or reviewed by third party engineers. Our probable and possible reserve estimates are determined using strip pricing, which we use internally for planning and budgeting purposes. The Company's estimate of probable and possible reserves is provided in this release because management believes it is useful, additional information that is widely used by the investment community in the valuation, comparison and analysis of companies. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, available on the Company's website at www.billbarrettcorp.com or from the corporate offices at 1099 18th Street, Suite 2300, Denver, CO 80202. You can also obtain this form from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330 or at www.sec.gov.

ABOUT BILL BARRETT CORPORATION

Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG), headquartered in Denver, Colorado, explores for and develops natural gas and oil in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Additional information about the Company may be found on its website www.billbarrettcorp.com.

SOURCE Bill Barrett Corporation

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