Gulfport Energy Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2015 Results

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gulfport Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:GPOR) (“Gulfport” or the “Company”) today reported financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 and provided an update on its 2016 activities.  Key information includes the following:

• Year-end 2015 total proved reserves grew to 1.7 Tcfe, as compared to 933.6 Bcfe at year-end 2014, an increase of 83% year-over-year.
• Net production during the full year of 2015 averaged 548.2 MMcfe per day, exceeding the high-end of Gulfport’s 2015 annual guidance of 541 MMcfe per day.
• Adjusted net loss (as defined and reconciled below) of $16.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the full year of 2015.
• Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $361.7 million for the full year of 2015.
• Budgeted 2016 drilling and completion expenditures are $335 million to $375 million.
• Budgeted 2016 total capital expenditures are $425 million to $475 million, approximately 36% to 43% lower than total 2015 capital expenditures.
• Forecasted 2016 full year production is estimated to be 695 MMcfe to 730 MMcfe per day, an increase of approximately 27% to 33% over the average daily net production of 548.2 MMcfe per day during 2015.
• Increased hedge position to approximately 480 MMcf per day of natural gas fixed price swaps for 2016 at an average fixed price of $3.29 per Mcf, securing over 75% of its anticipated natural gas production at a favorable average price.
• Bank syndicate recently reaffirmed Gulfport’s borrowing base of $700 million.

Michael G. Moore, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “While 2015 was a year that held many challenges for the industry, Gulfport’s achievements in the face of a lower commodity price environment highlight the strength of the Company’s assets.  For 2016, we remain dedicated to capital discipline, conservative leverage and creating long-term value for our stockholders. Our top priority is to mindfully develop our high-quality asset base while keeping the balance sheet strong and preserving financial flexibility. As we contemplated appropriate levels of activity for 2016, we focused on developing a program that is efficient with our available capital while maintaining reasonable leverage metrics. We believe that our high-quality asset base in the Utica will benefit from our solid hedge position in 2016 and allow us to deliver an attractive rate of return, while growing production thoughtfully, not only year-over-year but also exit-to-exit, positioning the Company well going into 2017.”

Financial Results
For the fourth quarter of 2015, Gulfport reported a net loss of $830.9 million, or $7.67 per diluted share, on oil and natural gas revenues of $190.2 million.  For the fourth quarter of 2015, EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) was $81.0 million and cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital was $93.1 million.  Gulfport’s GAAP net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 includes the following items:  

• Aggregate non-cash unrealized hedge gain of $24.8 million.
• Aggregate loss of $845.6 million in connection with the impairment of oil and gas properties.
• Aggregate gain of $10.0 million attributable to net insurance proceeds in connection with a 2014 legacy environmental litigation settlement.
• Aggregate loss of $43.6 million in connection with the impairment associated with Gulfport’s equity interest in Grizzly Oil Sands.
• Aggregate loss of $5.5 million in connection with Gulfport's equity interests in certain equity investments.
• Associated adjusted taxable benefit of $7.0 million.

Excluding the effect of these items, Gulfport’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2015 would have been as follows:

• Adjusted oil and natural gas revenues of $165.4 million.
• Adjusted net loss of $609,000, or $0.01 per diluted share.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $95.2 million.

For the full year of 2015, Gulfport reported a net loss of $1.2 billion, or $12.27 per diluted share, on oil and natural gas revenues of $709.0 million.  For the full year of 2015, EBITDA was $349.3 million and cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital was $338.7 million.  Gulfport’s GAAP net loss for the full year of 2015 includes the following items:  

• Aggregate non-cash unrealized hedge gain of $83.7 million.
• Aggregate loss of $1.4 billion in connection with the impairment of oil and gas properties.
• Aggregate gain of $10.0 million attributable to net insurance proceeds in connection with a 2014 legacy environmental litigation settlement.
• Aggregate loss of $101.6 million in connection with the impairment associated with Gulfport’s equity interest in Grizzly Oil Sands.
• Aggregate loss of $4.5 million in connection with Gulfport's equity interests in certain equity investments.
• Associated adjusted taxable benefit of $11.8 million.

Excluding the effect of these items, Gulfport’s financial results for the full year of 2015 would have been  as follows:

• Adjusted oil and natural gas revenues of $625.3 million.
• Adjusted net loss of $16.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $361.7 million.

Production and Realized Prices
Gulfport’s net daily production for the fourth quarter of 2015 averaged approximately 643.8 MMcfe per day. For the fourth quarter of 2015, Gulfport’s net daily production mix was comprised of approximately 83% natural gas, 10% natural gas liquids and 7% oil. Gulfport’s net daily production for the full year of 2015 averaged approximately 548.2 MMcfe per day. For the full year of 2015, Gulfport’s net daily production mix was comprised of approximately 78% natural gas, 13% natural gas liquids and 9% oil.

Gulfport’s realized prices for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $2.94 per Mcf of natural gas, $44.63 per barrel of oil and $0.37 per gallon of NGL, resulting in a total equivalent price of $3.21 per Mcfe. Gulfport's realized prices for the fourth quarter of 2015 include an aggregate non-cash unrealized hedge gain of $24.8 million. Before the impact of derivatives, realized prices for the fourth quarter of 2015, including transportation costs, were $1.62 per Mcf of natural gas, $36.38 per barrel of oil and $0.34 per gallon of NGL, for a total equivalent price of $2.00 per Mcfe.

Gulfport’s realized prices for the full year of 2015 were $3.25 per Mcf of natural gas, $48.91 per barrel of oil and $0.32 per gallon of NGL, resulting in a total equivalent price of $3.54 per Mcfe.  Gulfport's realized prices for the full year of 2015 include an aggregate non-cash unrealized hedge gain of $83.7 million. Before the impact of derivatives, realized prices for the full year of 2015, including transportation costs, were $2.08 per Mcf of natural gas, $42.29 per barrel of oil and $0.31 per gallon of NGL, for a total equivalent price of $2.53 per Mcfe.

Gulfport’s estimated January 2016 net production averaged approximately 606 MMcfe per day. As previously disclosed, Rice Energy, Inc. has completed a lateral that connects two existing dry gas gathering systems on which Gulfport currently flows the majority of its dry gas volumes and first flow commenced on February 1, 2016. Gulfport currently estimates that its first quarter of 2016 net production will range from 670 MMcfe per day to 685 MMcfe per day.

2015 Capital Spending
Throughout 2015, Gulfport was focused on driving efficiencies. As a result, Gulfport’s capital expenditures for the full year of 2015 totaled approximately $747 million, which is below the previously provided guidance range of $752 to $772 million. Mr. Moore commented, “During 2015, we substantially reduced our drilling and completion costs per lateral foot, establishing Gulfport as a leader in the basin with regard to well costs. I am very proud of our team for this accomplishment and even prouder of the reductions they continue to pursue.” 

Borrowing Base Redetermination
Gulfport chose to complete its spring borrowing base redetermination under the Company’s revolving credit facility ahead of schedule and the bank syndicate affirmed and maintained the existing $700 million borrowing base. “We are very pleased to announce that Gulfport’s robust reserve growth and strong hedge position enabled our lenders to reaffirm our borrowing base. I think Gulfport will be one of the few companies in our industry with this outcome in the current commodity price environment and I believe it speaks to the significant strength and quality of our assets.  As always, we appreciate the continued support of our bank group and their hard work in getting this finished early,” stated Gulfport’s Chief Financial Officer, Aaron Gaydosik. As of December 31, 2015, Gulfport’s revolving credit facility was undrawn with outstanding letters of credit totaling $178.6 million, and Gulfport had cash on hand of approximately $113.0 million.

Derivatives
Gulfport continues to hedge a significant portion of its expected production to lock in prices and returns that provide certainty of cash flow to execute on its capital plans. Mr. Moore commented, “Maintaining a strong hedge book is an integral part of our business strategy and our significant hedge position, not only for 2016 but also the large base level for 2017 and beyond, secures a healthy rate of return for a large portion of our anticipated near-term activities and helps insulate us from the volatility of the current commodity price environment.” The table below sets forth the Company's hedging positions as of February 16, 2016.

2016 Capital Budget and Production Guidance
For 2016, Gulfport estimates total capital expenditures will be in the range of $425 million to $475 million, an approximate 36% to 43% decrease from its total capital expenditures in 2015. The 2016 budget includes approximately $335 million to $375 million for drilling and completion activities, $30 million to $35 million for midstream capital expenditures associated with the previously announced joint venture with a subsidiary of Rice Energy and $60 million to $65 million for leasehold in the Utica Shale during 2016.

Gulfport currently estimates that 2016 average daily production will be in the range of 695 MMcfe to 730 MMcfe per day, an increase of 27% to 33% over its 2015 average daily production of 548.2 MMcfe per day. 2016 production is expected to be 87% to 91% natural gas.

Gulfport expects that its realized natural gas price, utilizing current strip pricing and before the effect of hedges and inclusive of the Company’s firm transportation expense, will average in the range of $0.61 to $0.66 per Mcf below NYMEX settlement prices in 2016. Before the effect of hedges, the Company estimates that its 2016 realized NGL price will be in the range of $0.18 to $0.22 per gallon and its 2016 realized oil price will be in the range of $7.00 to $8.00 per barrel below WTI.

The table below summarizes the Company’s full year 2016 guidance:

Operational Update and 2016 Outlook 
Utica Shale
In the Utica Shale, Gulfport spud 49 gross (38.4 net) wells and turned-to-sales 55 gross (50.2 net) wells during 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, net production from Gulfport’s Utica acreage averaged approximately 623.7 MMcfe per day. At present, Gulfport has three operated horizontal rigs drilling in the play.

During 2016, Gulfport plans to run an approximate average of 2.5 operated horizontal rigs and participate in non-operated activities on its Utica Shale acreage that will equal approximately a third of a rig, bringing Gulfport’s total estimated operated and non-operated average rig count during 2016 to approximately 2.8 horizontal rigs. Gulfport has budgeted to drill approximately 29 to 32 gross (19 to 21 net) horizontal wells and turn-to-sales 44 to 48 gross (28 to 30 net) horizontal wells in the Utica. In addition, Gulfport plans to participate in non-operated activities taking place on its acreage by other operators that plan to drill approximately 2 to 3 horizontal wells and turn-to-sales 8 to 9 horizontal wells, in each case net to Gulfport’s interest.

Southern Louisiana
At its West Cote Blanche Bay and Hackberry fields, Gulfport performed 72 recompletions at the fields during 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, net production at the fields totaled approximately 18.7 MMcfe per day. 

During 2016, Gulfport has budgeted for a maintenance capital program.

Year-End 2015 Reserves
Gulfport reported year-end 2015 total proved reserves of 1.7 Tcfe, consisting of 1.6 Tcf of natural gas, 6.5 MMBbls of oil and 17.7 MMBbls of natural gas liquids.  Gulfport's year-end total proved reserves increased 83% over year-end 2014. The table below provides information regarding the components driving the 2015 net proved reserve increase:

Proved developed reserves increased by 69% over 2014 to approximately 767.1 Bcfe as of December 31, 2015. At year-end 2015, approximately 45% of Gulfport’s proved reserves were classified as proved developed reserves. Proved undeveloped reserves increased by 96% over 2014 to approximately 938.2 Bcfe as of December 31, 2015. The table below summarize the Company’s 2015 net proved reserves:

The following table presents Gulfport’s 2015 net proved reserves by major operating areas:

In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, at year-end 2015, reserve calculations were based on the average first day of the month price for the prior 12 months.  The prices utilized for Gulfport’s year-end 2015 reserve report were $50.28 per barrel of oil and $2.59 per MMBtu of natural gas, in each case as adjusted by lease for transportation fees and regional price differentials.  Utilizing these prices, the present value of Gulfport’s total proved reserves discounted at 10% (referred to as “PV-10”) was $766 million at December 31, 2015. PV-10 is a non-GAAP measure because it excludes income tax effects. Management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measure of PV-10 provides useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional analysts and sophisticated investors in evaluating oil and gas companies. PV-10 is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP. PV-10 should not be considered as an alternative to the standardized measure as defined under GAAP. We have included a reconciliation of PV-10 of proved reserves to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

The following table reconciles the standardized measure of future net cash flows to the PV-10 value of Gulfport’s proved reserves:

Presentation
An updated presentation has been posted to the Company’s website. The presentation can be found at www.gulfportenergy.com under the “Company Information” section on the “Investor Relations” page.  Information on the Company’s website does not constitute a portion of this press release.   

Conference Call
Gulfport will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. CST to discuss its fourth quarter and full year of 2015 financial and operational results and to provide an update on the Company’s recent activities. Gulfport's fourth quarter and full year of 2015 earnings are scheduled to be released after the market close on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. 

Interested parties may listen to the call via Gulfport’s website at www.gulfportenergy.com or by calling toll-free at 866-373-3408 or 412-902-1039 for international callers.  The passcode for the call is 13622396.  A replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 for international callers.  The replay passcode is 13622396.  The webcast will also be available for two weeks on the Company’s website and can be accessed on the Company’s “Investor Relations” page. 

About Gulfport
Gulfport Energy Corporation is an Oklahoma City-based independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with its principal producing properties located in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In addition, Gulfport holds a sizeable acreage position in the Alberta Oil Sands in Canada through its 25% interest in Grizzly Oil Sands ULC.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Gulfport expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive strength, goals, expansion and growth of Gulfport's business and operations, plans, market conditions, references to future success, reference to intentions as to future matters and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Gulfport in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with Gulfport's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, general economic, market, credit or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Gulfport; Gulfport’s ability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions of properties and businesses; competitive actions by other oil and gas companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Gulfport. Information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments anticipated by Gulfport will be realized, or even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on Gulfport, its business or operations. Gulfport has no intention, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, accretion expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairment of oil and gas properties. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to EBITDA less unrealized gain from hedges, gain from insurance proceeds, loss from impairment of Grizzly equity investment and loss from equity method investments. Cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to cash provided by operating activity before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to pre-tax net loss less unrealized gain from hedges, loss from impairment of oil and gas properties, gain from insurance proceeds, impairment of Grizzly equity investment and gain/loss from equity investments. The Company has presented EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because it uses these measures as an integral part of its internal reporting to evaluate its performance and the performance of its senior management. These measures are considered important indicators of the operational strength of the Company's business and eliminate the uneven effect of considerable amounts of non-cash depletion, depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of certain intangible assets. A limitation of these measures, however, is that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Company's business. Management evaluates the costs of such tangible and intangible assets and the impact of related impairments through other financial measures, such as capital expenditures, investment spending and return on capital. Therefore, the Company believes that these measures provide useful information to its investors regarding its performance and overall results of operations. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net loss and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to be performance measures that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net loss and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to represent funds available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net loss and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities presented in this press release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in the Company's various agreements.

General Reserve Information Notes:
Gulfport's estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2015 were prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI") with respect to Gulfport's assets in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and Gulfport's WCBB, Hackberry and Niobrara fields and by Gulfport's personnel with respect to its overriding royalty and non-operated interests (less than 1% of its proved reserves at December 31, 2015), and comply with definitions promulgated by the SEC. NSAI is an independent petroleum engineering firm.