HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Energy XXI Gulf Coast, Inc. (“EGC” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:EXXI) today reported financial and operational results for the third quarter of 2017.

Third Quarter 2017 Highlights and Recent Key Items:

  • Produced an average of approximately 32,600 barrels of oil equivalent (“BOE”) per day, of which 77% was oil; tropical weather reduced production an average of approximately 1,200 BOE per day during the third quarter
  • Completed the West Delta 30 High Tide well and initiated production in September; currently producing 650 BOE per day
  • Reduced total lease operating expense (“LOE”) by 9% quarter-over-quarter
  • Lowered general and administrative costs (“G&A”) by 27% quarter-over-quarter
  • Incurred a net loss of $31.6 million which included a loss on financial derivatives of $12.5 million ($14.4 million unrealized loss offset by $1.9 million realized gain)
  • Generated Adjusted EBITDA of $35.3 million, up 45% from $24.4 million in the prior quarter
  • Benefited from oil price realizations of $49.77 per barrel (before the impact of derivatives) compared to an average WTI price of $48.20 per barrel during the quarter due to positive differentials for crude pricing received for the Company’s production
  • Reported cash and cash equivalents of $173 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $165 million at December 31, 2016
  • Expanded 2018 commodity hedging program
  • Provided summary of strategic alternatives review process

For the third quarter of 2017, EGC reported a net loss of $31.6 million or $0.95 loss per diluted share.  Despite reductions in total costs and expenses of $18.8 million, compared to the second quarter, third quarter 2017 financial results were negatively impacted by lower production and a loss on derivative financial instruments. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company reported a net loss of $23.6 million, or $0.71 loss per diluted share.   

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $35.3 million for the third quarter 2017, up 45% from $24.4 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measure and is described and reconciled to net loss in the attached table under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”
           
Douglas E. Brooks, EGC’s Chief Executive Officer and President commented, “Our successful efforts to reduce LOE and G&A costs contributed to a 45% improvement in Adjusted EBITDA quarter-over-quarter. We also further enhanced our hedge position for 2018 at an average oil price of around $52.00, and successfully completed and brought online our first new well in nearly two years.  The West Delta 30 High Tide well, which we operate with a 100% working interest, came in about $1 million under the authorized expenditure for the well and is currently producing 650 BOE per day. We remain confident in our inventory of approximately 50 potential well locations that are available to us in the future.”

Brooks continued, “We have been working with our financial advisor on our long-term strategic plan for the past six months that focused initially on Gulf of Mexico consolidation discussions, where we felt that significant potential synergies could drive improved results for those involved.  We concurrently were developing a stand-alone strategy if that were determined to be the best option.  Since no executable combination has resulted from these discussions, we are now focused on our stand-alone options, which include a drilling program beginning in early 2018.  This activity in 2018 and beyond may be funded internally through existing liquidity, the benefit of higher oil prices, and continued progress on reducing costs, but could also require accessing the capital markets.  We will be finalizing our plan for 2018 over the next several weeks and expect to provide additional guidance early next year, but in the interim we have released a range of forward-looking scenarios that our Board has considered.  In all cases we will maintain our strong financial discipline and focus on operating safely, efficiently and effectively.  We will continue to drive down costs, enhance production with a recompletion and workover program, and evaluate potential dispositions of non-core properties.  We believe that these activities, coupled with an efficient capital investment program, will maximize value for our shareholders and maintain our optionality to include once again considering other strategic options should the opportunity arise in the future.” 

The Company posted an updated investor presentation on its web site this morning that includes additional detail on the results of the strategic review process, full production and cost guidance for the fourth quarter of 2017, and a 2018 outlook along with varying scenarios related to its stand-alone forward strategy.  This presentation will be referenced in today’s conference call.

Revenue, Production and Pricing
Total revenues for the third quarter of 2017 were $117.0 million, which includes a $12.5 million loss on derivative financial instruments, while in the second quarter, revenues totaled $143.7 million, which included a $9.4 million gain on derivatives.

In the third quarter, the Company produced and sold approximately 32,600 net BOE per day, which was comprised of 25,100 barrels of oil per day (“BOPD”) at an average realized price of $49.77 per barrel (“BBL”) (before the effect of derivatives), 800 barrels of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) per day at an average realized price of $32.15 per BBL, and 40.6 million cubic feet of gas (“MMCF”) per day at an average realized price of $3.28 per thousand cubic feet (“MCF”).  EGC’s realized oil price (before the effect of derivatives) was about 3% higher than average WTI prices during the quarter due to the positive differentials that EGC receives on it oil sales.  Tropical weather reduced production for the third quarter an average of approximately 1,200 BOE per day.

In the second quarter, EGC produced and sold approximately 36,000 net BOE per day which was comprised of 26,800 BOPD at an average realized price of $48.45 per BBL (before the effect of derivatives), 1,000 barrels of NGLs per day at an average realized price of $27.37 per BBL, and 48.9 MMCF per day at an average realized price of $3.09 per MCF.  When compared with the second quarter, third quarter production declined primarily due to disruptions associated with shut-ins from tropical weather, production equipment maintenance, pipeline shut-ins, facility-related unscheduled downtime and natural declines.  

Third Quarter 2017 Costs and Expenses
Total LOE was $77.8 million, or $25.93 per BOE, which consisted of $64.3 million in direct lease operating expense, $8.5 million in workover and maintenance and $5.0 million in insurance expense. Total LOE for the second quarter of 2017 was $85.3 million, or $26.11 per BOE.  Lease operating expense was reduced 9% quarter-over-quarter primarily due to continued implementation of cost saving measures and reduced insurance premiums.

Gathering and Transportation expense for the third quarter of 2017 was a credit of $2.4 million, or ($0.81) per BOE which included a net refund of $10.6 million from the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (“ONRR”) as part of a multi-year federal royalty refund claim. Pipeline Facility Fee expense, which was previously included in Gathering and Transportation expense, was $10.5 million or $3.50 per BOE.  In the second quarter of 2017, Gathering and Transportation expense was $2.7 million, or $0.82 per BOE which included a $4.7 million ONRR refund, while Pipeline and Facility Fee expense was $10.5 million or $3.21 per BOE.

G&A expense in the third quarter of 2017 was $15.0 million, or $5.01 per BOE compared to $20.7 million, or $6.34 per BOE in the second quarter 2017.   G&A expense was reduced 27% quarter-over-quarter due to continued efforts to bring organizational costs in line with operational needs. G&A includes non-cash compensation costs of $3.0 million ($1.00 per BOE) in the third quarter compared with $2.9 million ($0.88 per BOE) in the second quarter. 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) expense was $36.1 million, or $12.01 per BOE compared to $38.7 million, or $11.83 per BOE in the second quarter of 2017. 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation was $9.9 million during the third quarter 2017 differing slightly from $10.1 million in the second quarter.

For the first nine months of 2017, EGC recorded no income tax expense or benefit.

Commodity Hedging 
During the third quarter, EGC entered into fixed price swap contracts benchmarked to NYMEX-WTI, to hedge a total of 8,000 BOPD of production for full year 2018 with an average fixed price swap of $50.68 and fixed price swap contracts benchmarked to LLS-Argus for 2,000 BOPD with an average fixed price of $55.45 for the period of January – June 2018.  In October, the Company entered into 2,500 BOPD fixed price swap contracts benchmarked to ICE-Brent for January to June 2018 with an average fixed price of $56.59.  For the remainder of calendar 2017, EGC has fixed price swap contracts benchmarked to NYMEX-WTI for 1,500 BOPD of production at an average fixed price swap of $51.68, 3,500 BOPD of production for November 2017 and December 2017 with an average fixed price swap of $51.81, in addition to costless collars covering 10,000 BOPD, with an average floor price of $52.30 and an average ceiling price of $57.43 per barrel.  The Company continues to evaluate additional derivative arrangements to help limit the downside risk of adverse price movements.  EGC does not have any hedges in place on natural gas production.

Operational Update and Capital Expenditure Program
The High Tide well at West Delta 30 that was successfully drilled by the Company with a 100% working interest had first production on September 9, 2017 and is currently producing 650 BOE per day. The cost of the well came in 10% below Authorization for Expenditure (“AFE”) costs. The total drilling and completion costs, net of hurricane costs, were $9.0 million versus an AFE cost of $10.1 million.

During the quarter the Company had to evacuate personnel and shut-in production several times due to multiple storms in the Gulf of Mexico.  While EGC was impacted by curtailed production during the quarter, there was no material damage to any of the Company’s platforms or facilities.  

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred capital costs, including abandonment activities, totaling $36.5 million. 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity  
At September 30, 2017, EGC had approximately $74 million in borrowings and $202.8 million in letters of credit issued under its exit credit agreement. Liquidity totaled approximately $186 million which is comprised of cash and cash equivalents totaling $173 million and $12.5 million in borrowing capacity available under certain conditions.

Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter financial and operating results today, Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Interested parties may participate by dialing (877) 794-3620.  International parties may dial (631) 813-4724.  The confirmation code is 7678989.  This call will also be webcast on EGC’s website at www.energyxxi.com. A replay of the call will be archived and available on the web site shortly after the live call.  

Fresh Start Accounting
Upon emergence from the Company’s Chapter 11 restructuring, EGC elected to adopt fresh start accounting as of December 30, 2016. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting and the effects of the implementation of the plan of reorganization, the financial statements on or after December 31, 2016 are not comparable with the financial statements prior to that date. References to “Successor” refer to the reorganized EGC subsequent to the adoption of fresh start accounting. References to “Predecessor” refer to Energy XXI Ltd. prior to the adoption of fresh start accounting.

Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (“U.S. GAAP”).  EGC believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful because it allows it to more effectively evaluate its operating performance and compare the results of its operations from period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure. EGC excludes items such as property and inventory impairments, asset retirement obligation accretion, unrealized derivative gains and losses, non-cash share-based compensation expense, non-cash deferred rent expense and restructuring and severance expense from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as an indicator of its operating performance or liquidity. EGC’s computations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, including those relating to the intent, beliefs, plans, or expectations of EGC are based upon current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. It is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and the following list should not be considered a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties relating to emergence from Chapter 11, the recent change in EGC’s senior management team, or EGC’s oil and gas reserves, including, but not limited to: (i) the effects of the departure of our senior leaders and the hiring of a new CEO and CFO on our employees, suppliers, regulators and business counterparties; (ii) our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and/or obtain adequate additional financing  necessary to fund our operations, capital expenditures and to execute our business plan, develop our proved undeveloped reserves within five years and to meet our other obligations; (iii) our ability to comply with covenants under our three-year secured credit facility; (iv) further or sustained declines in the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production; and (v) other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results, including project plans and related expenditures and resource recoveries, to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2016 filed by EGC for more information.  EGC assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained herein except as required by law.

About the Company
Energy XXI Gulf Coast, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas development and production company whose assets are primarily located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico waters offshore Louisiana and Texas.  The Company’s near-term strategy emphasizes exploitation of key assets, enhanced by its focus on financial discipline and operational excellence. To learn more, visit EGC’s website at www.energyxxi.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Al Petrie
Investor Relations Coordinator
713-351-3171
[email protected]

 
ENERGY XXI GULF COAST, INC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, except share information)
 
 
    Successor
    September 30,    June 30,   December 31, 
    2017     2017     2016  
    (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)      
ASSETS              
Current Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 173,364     $  178,855     $  165,368  
Accounts receivable                  
Oil and natural gas sales     49,200        52,691        68,143  
Joint interest billings, net     3,249        2,498        5,600  
Other     17,762        8,318        17,944  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     16,096        17,176        25,957  
Restricted cash     6,378        6,365        32,337  
Derivative financial instruments            10,470        —  
Total Current Assets     266,049        276,373        315,349  
Property and Equipment                  
Oil and natural gas properties, net – full cost method of accounting, including $219.1 million, $224.5 million and $376.1 million of unevaluated properties not being amortized at September 30, 2017, June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively     869,810        869,398        1,097,479  
Other property and equipment, net     13,860        15,107        18,807  
Total Property and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment     883,670        884,505        1,116,286  
Other Assets                  
Restricted cash     25,675        25,637        25,583  
Other assets     26,840        27,011        28,244  
Total Other Assets     52,515        52,648        53,827  
Total Assets   $ 1,202,234     $  1,213,526     $  1,485,462  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
Current Liabilities                  
Accounts payable   $ 86,691     $  80,891     $  101,117  
Accrued liabilities     38,652        34,517        63,660  
Asset retirement obligations     64,066        61,766        56,601  
Derivative financial instruments     3,302        —        —  
Current maturities of long-term debt     23        3,443        4,268  
Total Current Liabilities     192,734        180,617        225,646  
Long-term debt, less current maturities     73,946        73,940        74,229  
Asset retirement obligations     556,301        553,515        696,763  
Derivative financial instruments     574        —        —  
Other liabilities     18,134        16,347        14,481  
Total Liabilities     841,689        824,419        1,011,119  
Commitments and Contingencies                  
Stockholders’ Equity                  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized and no shares outstanding at September 30, 2017, June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016            —        —  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 33,221,427, 33,221,427 and 33,211,594 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017, June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively     332        332        332  
Additional paid-in capital     887,026        884,008        880,286  
Accumulated deficit     (526,813 )      (495,233 )      (406,275 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity     360,545        389,107        474,343  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 1,202,234     $  1,213,526     $  1,485,462  

 
ENERGY XXI GULF COAST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited)
 
    Successor     Predecessor
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    June 30,     September 30, 
    2017     2017       2016  
Revenues                    
Oil sales   $  114,991     $  118,180       $  122,732  
Natural gas liquids sales      2,209        2,370          2,144  
Natural gas sales      12,261        13,753          17,735  
(Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments      (12,466 )      9,412          —  
Total Revenues      116,995        143,715          142,611  
Costs and Expenses                    
Lease operating      77,822        85,336          65,170  
Production taxes      471        482          214  
Gathering and transportation      (2,441 )      2,678          7,534  
Pipeline facility fee      10,495        10,494          10,165  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization      36,066        38,661          31,573  
Accretion of asset retirement obligations      9,892        10,050          19,437  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties      (2,357 )      (848 )        86,820  
General and administrative expense      15,026        20,716          15,435  
Reorganization items      —        (3,773 )        —  
Total Costs and Expenses      144,974        163,796          236,348  
Operating Loss      (27,979 )      (20,081 )        (93,737 )
                     
Other (Expense) Income                    
Other income, net      52        80          62  
Interest expense      (3,653 )      (3,642 )        (4,838 )
Total Other Expense , net      (3,601 )      (3,562 )        (4,776 )
Loss Before Reorganization Items and Income Taxes      (31,580 )      (23,643 )        (98,513 )
Reorganization items      —        —          (32,633 )
Loss Before Income Taxes      (31,580 )      (23,643 )        (131,146 )
Income Tax Benefit      —        —          —  
Net Loss      (31,580        (23,643 )        (131,146 )
Preferred Stock Dividends      —        —          —  
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders   $  (31,580 )   $  (23,643 )     $  (131,146 )
Loss per Share                    
Basic and Diluted   $  (0.95 )   $  (0.71 )     $  (1.34 )
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding                    
Basic and Diluted      33,241        33,237          97,824  
                           

 
ENERGY XXI GULF COAST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
                     
    Successor     Predecessor
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    June 30,     September 30, 
    2017     2017       2016  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities                    
Net loss   $  (31,580 )   $  (23,643 )     $  (131,146 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization      36,066        38,661          31,573  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties     (2,357 )      (848 )        86,820  
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments      14,346        (7,061 )        —  
Accretion of asset retirement obligations      9,892        10,050          19,437  
Amortization and write off of debt issuance costs and other      5        6          876  
Deferred rent      1,930        2,016          1,685  
Provision for loss on accounts receivable      —        300          —  
Reorganization items      (113 )      (3,773 )        —  
Stock-based compensation      3,019        2,870          109  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities                    
Accounts receivable      (6,704 )      12,153          6,012  
Prepaid expenses and other assets      669        4,165          534  
Restricted cash      (51 )      718          —  
Settlement of asset retirement obligations      (12,293 )      (18,175 )        (16,953 )
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other      3,583        8,515          21,204  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities      16,412        25,954          20,151  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities                    
Capital expenditures      (18,531 )      (5,391 )        (7,682 )
Insurance payments received      —        (2,010 )        —  
Transfer to restricted cash      —        —          (48 )
Proceeds from the sale of other property and equipment      47        10          —  
Other      —        —          71  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities      (18,484 )      (7,391 )        (7,659 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities                    
Payments on long-term debt      (3,419 )      (126 )        —  
Debt issuance costs      —        (61 )        (37 )
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities      (3,419 )      (187 )        (37 )
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents      (5,491 )      18,376          12,455  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period      178,855        160,479          203,258  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period   $  173,364     $  178,855       $  215,713  
                           

 
ENERGY XXI GULF COAST, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In Thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited)
 
As required under Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, provided below is a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. 
 
    Successor
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30,    June 30,
    2017     2017  
             
Net loss   $  (31,580 )   $  (23,643 )
Interest expense      3,653        3,642  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization      36,066        38,661  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties      (2,357 )      (848 )
Accretion of asset retirement obligations      9,892        10,050  
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments      14,346        (7,061 )
Non-cash stock-based compensation      3,019        2,870  
Deferred rent(1)      1,930        2,016  
Reorganization items      (113 )      (3,773 )
Severance costs      458        2,500  
Adjusted EBITDA      35,314        24,414  
 
(1)  The deferred rent of approximately $2 million for the three months ended September 30 and June 30, 2017, is the non-cash portion of rent which reflects the extent to which our GAAP straight-line rent expense recognized exceeds our cash rent payments
 

Operational Information

 
 
    Successor     Predecessor
    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended
    September 30,    June 30,      September 30, 
Operating Highlights   2017
 
  2017
 
    2016
 
    (In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Operating revenues                    
Oil sales   $  114,991     $  118,180       $  122,732  
Natural gas liquids sales      2,209        2,370          2,144  
Natural gas sales      12,261        13,753          17,735  
(Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments      (12,466 )      9,412          —  
Total revenues      116,995        143,715          142,611  
Percentage of oil revenues prior to (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments     89 %     88 %       86 %
Operating expenses                    
Lease operating expense                    
Insurance expense      5,040        7,101          6,309  
Workover and maintenance      8,490        13,370          11,010  
Direct lease operating expense      64,292        64,865          47,851  
Total lease operating expense      77,822        85,336          65,170  
Production taxes      471        482          214  
Gathering and transportation      (2,441 )      2,678          7,534  
Pipeline facility fee      10,495        10,494          10,165  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization      36,066        38,661          31,573  
Accretion of asset retirement obligations      9,892        10,050          19,437  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties      (2,357 )      (848 )        86,820  
General and administrative      15,026        20,716          15,435  
Reorganization items      —        (3,773 )        —  
Total operating expenses      144,974        163,796          236,348  
Operating loss   $  (27,979 )   $  (20,081 )     $  (93,737 )
Sales volumes per day                    
Oil (MBbls)      25.1        26.8          30.0  
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)      0.8        1.0          1.3  
Natural gas (MMcf)      40.6        48.9          72.8  
Total (MBOE)      32.6        35.9          43.4  
Percent of sales volumes from oil     77 %     75 %       69 %
Average sales price                    
Oil per Bbl   $  49.77     $  48.45       $  44.52  
Natural gas liquid per Bbl      32.15        27.37          18.12  
Natural gas per Mcf      3.28        3.09          2.65  
(Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments per BOE      (4.15 )      2.88          —  
Total revenues per BOE      38.97        43.99          35.73  
Operating expenses per BOE                    
Lease operating expense                    
Insurance expense      1.68        2.17          1.58  
Workover and maintenance      2.83        4.09          2.76  
Direct lease operating expense      21.42        19.85          11.99  
Total lease operating expense per BOE      25.93        26.11          16.33  
Production taxes      0.16        0.15          0.05  
Gathering and transportation      (0.81 )      0.82          1.89  
Pipeline facility fee      3.5        3.21          2.55  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization      12.01        11.83          7.91  
Accretion of asset retirement obligations      3.3        3.08          4.87  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties      (0.79 )      (0.26 )        21.75  
General and administrative      5.01        6.34          3.87  
Reorganization items      —        (1.15 )        —  
Total operating expenses per BOE      48.31        50.13          59.22  
Operating loss per BOE   $ (9.34 )   $  (6.14 )     $  (23.49 )