-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, EyQiRl3mtfISD4NYoFn0zBSObJ229bc2V88itN7gZ1fCNsKnwWMMzVxtprbN7Fv2 Sej5xVU1vo7QLXgvJxoMLg== 0001275287-07-001144.txt : 20070306 0001275287-07-001144.hdr.sgml : 20070306 20070306093446 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001275287-07-001144 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070305 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20070306 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070306 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BRIGHAM EXPLORATION CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001034755 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 752692967 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-22433 FILM NUMBER: 07673481 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6300 BRIDGE POINT PARKWAY STREET 2: BLDG 2 SUITE 500 CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78730 BUSINESS PHONE: 5124273300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6300 BRIDGE POINT PARKWAY STREET 2: BLDG 2 SUITE 500 CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78730 8-K 1 bc9208.htm FORM 8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 5, 2007

BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

 

000-22433

 

75-2692967

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6300 Bridgepoint Parkway
Building Two, Suite 500
Austin, Texas  78730

 

 

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (512) 427-3300

 

 


(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

 

o

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

 

o

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

 

o

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-4(c))

 

 



Item 2.02  Results of Operation and Financial Condition.

          Registrant is furnishing its press release dated March 5, 2007, which announces its financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2006 and provided first quarter and full year forecasts.  The text of that press release is attached to this Report as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

          With the filing of this report on Form 8-K and the issuance of the attached press release correction, we are also updating our corporate presentation, which can be found on our website at www.bexp3d.com.  We caution you that the information provided in our corporate presentation is given as of March 5, 2007 based on currently available information, and that we are not undertaking any obligation to update our estimates as conditions change or other information becomes available.

           Registrant is also furnishing its press release dated March 5, 2007, which provides operational update. The text of the release is furnished as attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

Item 7.01  Regulation FD Disclosure.

           Registrant is furnishing its press release dated March 5, 2007, which provides operational update. The text of the press release as attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

          (d)                    Exhibit 99.1     Press Release dated March 5, 2007.

          (d)                    Exhibit 99.2     Press Release dated March 5, 2007.

2



SIGNATURE

          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.

 

BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY

 

 

Date: March 6, 2007

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Eugene B. Shepherd, Jr.

 

 


 

 

Eugene B. Shepherd, Jr.

 

 

Executive Vice President &

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

3



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Item Number

 

Exhibit


 


99.1*

 

Press Release dated March 5, 2007.

99.2*

 

Press Release dated March 5, 2007.

4


EX-99.1 2 bc9208ex991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Brigham Exploration Reports Year-End and Fourth Quarter 2006 Results

          AUSTIN, Texas, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brigham Exploration Company (Nasdaq: BEXP) today announced financial results for the year-end and quarter ended December 31, 2006. 

          YEAR-END 2006 RESULTS

          Average daily production volumes for 2006 were 36.8 MMcfe per day, up 11% when compared to 2005.  Revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas including hedge settlements for 2006 were $103.6 million, which represents a 7% increase when compared to last year.  Higher production volumes and hedge settlement gains increased revenue by $11.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively, while lower commodity prices decreased revenue by $12.3 million.

          Our average realized price for natural gas in 2006 was $7.09 per Mcf, which included a $0.35 per Mcf gain associated with the settlement of our natural gas derivative contracts.  This compares to an average realized price in 2005 of $7.97 per Mcf, which included a $0.32 per Mcf loss due to the settlement of our natural gas derivative contracts.  Our average realized price for oil for 2006 was $64.39 per barrel, which included a $0.35 per Bbl gain due to the settlement of our oil derivative contracts.  This compares to an average realized price in 2005 of $51.95, which included a $2.78 per barrel loss due to the settlement of oil derivative contracts last year.

          Our production costs, which include costs for operating and maintaining (O&M expense) our producing wells, expensed workovers, ad valorem taxes and production taxes, were up $0.23 per Mcfe, or 26%, when compared to 2005.  O&M expenses increased $0.16 per Mcfe, or 34%.  Increased costs associated with salt water disposal, equipment rental, chemical testing and treating, and well service and repair accounted for 69% of the increase in O&M expense.  Ad valorem taxes increased $0.03 per Mcfe, or 33%, due to an increase in property valuations for our oil and natural gas properties due to higher commodity prices.

          Our general and administrative (G&A) expense for 2006 was 43% higher than 2005.  G&A expense increased primarily because of $1.6 million of non-cash employee compensation expense associated with our 2006 adoption of SFAS 123R, which deals with the change in accounting methodology for employee stock option expense.  G&A expense also increased because of increases in payroll and benefits associated with higher employee retention costs and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the number of employees.  These increases resulted in our G&A expense increasing by $0.14 per Mcfe, or 30%.

          Our depletion expense for 2006 was 39% higher than 2005.  Approximately 72% of the increase in our depletion expense for 2006 was due to an increase in our depletion rate while the remaining 28% of the increase was due to an increase in our production volumes.  The increase in depletion rate is attributable to an increase in finding and development costs incurred in 2006 and an increase in future development costs associated with our year-end 2006 proved reserves.

          Our net interest expense for 2006 was 143% higher than last year.  This increase was primarily due to interest incurred on our 9 5/8% senior notes due 2014 (“Senior Notes”), which we issued in April 2006.  The issuance of the Senior Notes resulted in an increase in our weighted average debt outstanding and our weighted average cost of debt.  Our weighted average debt outstanding for 2006 was $123.0 million versus $80.2 million in 2005.  In addition, we wrote-off approximately $1.0 million in subordinated note issuance costs associated with the termination of the subordinated credit facility in April 2006.

          We recorded deferred income tax expense of $12.7 million in 2006 compared to deferred income tax expense of $15.0 million in 2005.  Although overall tax expense was down relative to 2005, our effective tax rate increased due to our adoption of the Texas state margin tax in 2006, which required us to record $1.3 million of deferred margin tax in 2006 to account for the cumulative differences between book and tax accounting for periods prior to and including December 31, 2006.



          Our reported net income for 2006 was $19.8 million ($0.43 per diluted share) versus net income of $27.4 million ($0.63 per diluted share) for the same period last year.  Net income for 2006 includes $3.5 million after-tax ($5.8 million before-tax) in unrealized gains on derivatives.  Excluding the impact of unrealized hedging gains, net income for 2006 would have been $16.3 million ($0.36 per diluted share).

          As of December 31, 2006, we had $4.3 million in cash, $25.9 million of debt outstanding under our senior credit facility and a net debt to book capitalization ratio of 38%.

          In 2006, we spent $184.6 million on oil and gas capital expenditures, which represents a 56% increase from 2005.  Oil and gas capital expenditures for 2006 and 2005 were:

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Drilling

 

$

142,338

 

$

90,873

 

Net land and seismic

 

 

31,683

 

 

19,641

 

Capitalized costs

 

 

9,954

 

 

6,789

 

Capitalized SFAS 143 ARO

 

 

609

 

 

1,324

 

 

 



 



 

Total oil and gas capital expenditures

 

$

184,584

 

$

118,627

 

 

 



 



 

          FOURTH QUARTER 2006 RESULTS

          Our average net daily production volumes for the fourth quarter 2006 were 38.8 MMcfe per day, down 5% when compared to the fourth quarter 2005. Revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas including hedge settlements for the fourth quarter 2006 were down 29% to $26.0 million when compared to the fourth quarter 2005.  Lower realized prices and production volumes decreased revenues by $12.0 and $1.9 million, respectively, while hedge settlement gains increased revenues by $3.4 million.

          Our average realized price for natural gas for the fourth quarter 2006 was $7.00 per Mcf, which included a $0.36 per Mcf gain associated with the settlement of our natural gas derivative contracts.  This compares to an average realized price in the fourth quarter 2005 of $10.02, which included a $0.71 per Mcf loss due to the settlement of our natural gas derivative contracts.  During the fourth quarter 2006, our average realized price for oil was $56.09 per barrel, which included a $1.38 per barrel gain due to the settlement of our oil derivative contracts.  This compares to an average realized price in the fourth quarter 2005 of $57.71, which included a $0.95 per barrel loss due to the settlement of our oil derivative contracts.

          Our fourth quarter 2006 production costs were up 1% on a per unit basis when compared to the fourth quarter 2005.  A $0.24 per Mcfe increase in our O&M expenses was offset by a $0.23 per Mcfe decrease in our production taxes. Increases in salt water disposal, compressor and equipment rental, and well service and repair accounted for 64% of the per unit increase in O&M expense. The decrease in production taxes is attributable to both lower production volumes and an increase in the level of severance tax refunds approved by states in the fourth quarter 2006 as compared to the fourth quarter 2005.

          Our G&A expense for the fourth quarter 2006 was 8% higher than the fourth quarter 2005.  G&A expense increased primarily because of $0.4 million of non- cash employee compensation expense associated with our 2006 adoption of SFAS 123R.

          Our depletion expense for the fourth quarter 2006 was $1.5 million higher than the fourth quarter 2005.  Depletion increased by $2.1 million due to an increase in our depletion rate and was partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease due to lower production volumes.



          Our net interest expense for the fourth quarter 2006 increased by $1.5 million.  This increase was primarily due to our higher weighted average debt outstanding and our higher weighted average interest cost associated with our Senior Notes.  Our weighted average debt outstanding for the fourth quarter 2006 was $149.6 million compared to $91.9 million for the comparable period last year.

          We recorded deferred income tax expense of $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of this year compared to deferred income tax expense of $6.5 million in the fourth quarter last year.  The decrease in our deferred income tax expense was primarily due to lower fourth quarter 2006 income before income taxes.

          Our net income for the fourth quarter 2006 was $5.0 million ($0.11 per diluted share) compared to net income of $11.9 million ($0.26 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter 2005.  Fourth quarter 2006 net income includes $1.8 million after-tax ($2.9 million before-tax) in unrealized commodity derivative gains.  Excluding the impact of these unrealized derivative gains, net income for the quarter would have been $3.2 million ($0.07 per diluted share). 

          2006 PROVED RESERVES

          Our estimated net proved reserve volumes at December 31, 2006 totaled 146.5 Bcfe of which approximately 82% was natural gas.  During 2006, we added approximately 26.5 Bcfe in net proved reserves and replaced 200% of the 13.3 Bcfe of production.  Our 2006 net proved reserve additions included 26.8 Bcfe of extensions, discoveries and other additions which were partially offset by 0.3 Bcfe of revisions to prior estimates.  Our estimated net proved developed reserves at December 31, 2006 totaled 81.0 Bcfe and our net proved undeveloped reserves totaled 65.5 Bcfe.  With net proved undeveloped reserves remaining flat from 2005 to 2006, our net proved developed reserves increased 19% from the prior year and represented 55% of total proved reserves at year- end 2006 versus 51% at year-end 2005.

 

 

Equivalent
Reserves
(MMcfe)

 

 

 



 

2006 Beginning Proved Reserves

 

 

133,223

 

Extensions, discoveries & other additions

 

 

26,764

 

Revisions of prior estimates

 

 

(281

)

Production

 

 

(13,254

)

 

 



 

2006 Ending Proved Reserves

 

 

146,452

 

 

 



 

          At year-end 2006, the standardized measure and the pre-tax present value (“Pre-tax PV10% Value”) of our estimated proved reserves were $302.7 million and $338.5 million, respectively.  For 2006, these measures were calculated using a West Texas Intermediate Sweet price of $61.06 per barrel and a Henry Hub natural gas price of $5.48 per MMBtu.

 

 

At
December 31, 2006

 

 

 



 

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows

 

$

302.7

 

Add present value of future income tax discounted at 10%

 

 

34.6

 

FAS 143 assumption differences

 

 

1.2

 

 

 



 

Pre-tax PV10%

 

$

338.5

 

 

 



 




          Pre-tax PV10% Value is the estimated present value of the future net revenues from our proved oil and natural gas reserves before income taxes discounted using a 10% discount rate.  Pre-tax PV10% Value is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC regulations because it does not include the effects of future income taxes, as is required in computing the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  We believe that Pre-tax PV10% Value is an important measure that can be used to evaluate the relative significance of our oil and natural gas properties and that Pre-tax PV10% Value is widely used by security analysts and investors when evaluating oil and natural gas companies.  Because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future income taxes to be paid, the use of a pre-tax measure provides greater comparability of assets when evaluating companies.  We believe that most other companies in the oil and natural gas industry calculate Pre-tax PV10% Value on the same basis.  Pre-tax PV10% Value is computed on the same basis as the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows but without deducting income taxes. 

          FULL YEAR AND FIRST QUARTER 2007 FORECASTS

          The following forecasts and estimates of our first quarter 2007 and full year 2007 production volumes are forward looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties identified in the “Forward Looking Statements Disclosure” at the end of this release.  We currently expect our first quarter 2007 production volumes to average between 37.5 MMcfe per day and 40.0 MMcfe per day.  We expect full year 2007 production volumes to average between 40.0 MMcfe per day and 45.0 MMcfe per day.

          For the first quarter 2007, lease operating expenses are projected to be $0.82 per Mcfe based on the mid-point of our production guidance, production taxes are projected to be approximately 5.5% of pre-hedge oil and natural gas revenues, and general and administrative expenses are projected to be $2.1 million ($0.62 to $0.58 per Mcfe). 

          MANAGEMENT COMMENTS

          Bud Brigham, Brigham’s CEO and President, commented, “During 2006, we made very substantial long-term investments in acreage, 3-D seismic, and the drilling of early wells in our emerging resource plays.  We expect these investments to pay dividends for us in 2007 and subsequent years. We also aggressively developed our proved undeveloped reserves in 2006 with very good results. While this negatively impacted our total proved finding cost, it generated strong growth in proved developed reserves. Specifically, regarding our focus plays, the Texas Frio underperformed for us during 2006.  However, we once again achieved exceptional results in the Vicksburg, including low total proved finding costs and strong rates of return on our drilling investments.  Our total proved drilling finding costs were attractive in our other focus plays including Southern Louisiana as well as the Hunton, Springer and the Granite Wash plays of the Anadarko Basin.  As evidenced by our capital plan for 2007, our drilling this year will be focused in those plays that have generated our strongest returns, led by the Vicksburg.” 

          CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

          Our management will host a conference call to discuss operational and financial results for the year-end and fourth quarter 2006 with investors, analysts and other interested parties on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  To participate in the call, participants within the U.S. please dial 800-561-2813 and participants outside the U.S. please dial 617-614-3529. The participant passcode for the call is 36418303.  A telephone recording of the conference call will be available to interested parties approximately two hours after the call is completed through 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 6, 2007.  To access the recording, domestic callers dial 888-286-8010 and international callers dial 617-801-6888.  The passcode for the conference call playback is 83238140.  In addition, a live and archived web cast of the conference call will be available over the Internet at either http://www.bexp3d.com or http://www.streetevents.com .



          A copy of this press release and other financial and statistical information about the periods covered by this press release and by the conference call that will take place on March 6, 2007, will be available on our website.  To access the press release: go to http://www.bexp3d.com and click on News Releases.  The file with a copy of the press release is named Brigham Exploration Reports Year-End and Fourth Quarter 2006 Results and is dated March 5, 2007.  To access the other financial and statistical information that will be covered by the conference call that will take place on March 6, 2007, go to http://www.bexp3d.com and click on Event Calendar. The file with the other financial and statistical information is named Financial and Statistical Information for the Fourth Quarter 2006 Conference Call and is dated March 6, 2007. 

          ABOUT BRIGHAM EXPLORATION

          Brigham Exploration Company is an independent exploration and production company that applies 3-D seismic imaging and other advanced technologies to systematically explore and develop onshore domestic natural gas and oil provinces.  For more information about Brigham Exploration, please visit our website at http://www.bexp3d.com or contact Investor Relations at 512-427-3444. 

          FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLOSURE

          Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements including our growth strategies, our ability to successfully and economically explore for and develop oil and gas resources, anticipated trends in our business‚ our liquidity and ability to finance our exploration and development activities‚ market conditions in the oil and gas industry‚ our ability to make and integrate acquisitions, the impact of governmental regulation and other risks more fully described in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and similar words, although some forward- looking statements may be expressed differently.  All forward looking statements contained in this release, including any forecasts and estimates, are based on management’s outlook only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward looking statements, whether as a result of subsequent developments or otherwise.

 

Contact:

Rob Roosa, Finance Manager

 

 

(512) 427-3300




BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas sales

 

$

24,817

 

$

38,703

 

$

99,794

 

$

100,994

 

Hedging settlements

 

 

1,175

 

 

(2,209

)

 

3,796

 

 

(4,174

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

25,992

 

 

36,494

 

 

103,590

 

 

96,820

 

Unrealized hedging gains (losses)

 

 

2,868

 

 

—  

 

 

2,580

 

 

—  

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

28,860

 

 

36,494

 

 

106,170

 

 

96,820

 

Other revenue

 

 

40

 

 

84

 

 

127

 

 

220

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total Revenue

 

 

28,900

 

 

36,578

 

 

106,297

 

 

97,040

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating

 

 

2,763

 

 

2,012

 

 

10,701

 

 

7,161

 

Production taxes

 

 

566

 

 

1,444

 

 

4,021

 

 

3,353

 

General and administrative

 

 

1,951

 

 

1,814

 

 

7,887

 

 

5,533

 

Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

 

 

13,114

 

 

11,656

 

 

46,386

 

 

33,268

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

161

 

 

219

 

 

537

 

 

762

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

 

88

 

 

54

 

 

317

 

 

180

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

18,643

 

 

17,199

 

 

69,849

 

 

50,257

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

 

10,257

 

 

19,379

 

 

36,448

 

 

46,783

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

(2,789

)

 

(1,335

)

 

(9,688

)

 

(3,980

)

Interest income

 

 

135

 

 

92

 

 

1,207

 

 

245

 

Gain (loss) on derivatives, net

 

 

—  

 

 

181

 

 

3,213

 

 

(814

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

171

 

 

94

 

 

1,352

 

 

238

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

(2,483

)

 

(968

)

 

(3,916

)

 

(4,311

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

7,774

 

 

18,411

 

 

32,532

 

 

42,472

 

Income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Deferred

 

 

(2,773

)

 

(6,512

)

 

(12,744

)

 

(15,037

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

(2,773

)

 

(6,512

)

 

(12,744

)

 

(15,037

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

5,001

 

$

11,899

 

$

19,788

 

$

27,435

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income per share available to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.65

 

Diluted

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.63

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

45,054

 

 

43,389

 

 

45,017

 

 

42,481

 

Diluted

 

 

45,515

 

 

45,233

 

 

45,580

 

 

43,728

 




BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY
PRODUCTION, SALES PRICES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Average net daily production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (MMcf)

 

 

 

31.3

 

 

32.7

 

 

29.5

 

 

25.6

 

Oil (Bbls)

 

 

 

1,247

 

 

1,344

 

 

1,227

 

 

1,250

 

Equivalent natural gas (MMcfe)

(6:1)

 

 

38.8

 

 

40.8

 

 

36.8

 

 

33.1

 

Total net production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (MMcf)

 

 

 

2,814

 

 

2,945

 

 

10,603

 

 

9,213

 

Oil (MBbls)

 

 

 

112

 

 

121

 

 

442

 

 

450

 

Equivalent natural gas (MMcfe)

(6:1)

 

 

3,488

 

 

3,673

 

 

13,254

 

 

11,913

 

% Natural gas

 

 

 

81

%

 

80

%

 

80

%

 

77

%

Sales price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

 

 

$

6.64

 

$

10.73

 

$

6.74

 

$

8.29

 

Oil ($/Bbl)

 

 

 

54.71

 

 

58.66

 

 

64.04

 

 

54.73

 

Equivalent natural gas ($/Mcfe)

(6:1)

 

 

7.11

 

 

10.54

 

 

7.53

 

 

8.48

 

Sales price including derivative settlement gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

 

 

$

7.00

 

$

10.02

 

$

7.09

 

$

7.97

 

Oil ($/Bbl)

 

 

 

56.09

 

 

57.71

 

 

64.39

 

 

51.95

 

Equivalent natural gas ($/Mcfe)

(6:1)

 

 

7.45

 

 

9.94

 

 

7.82

 

 

8.13

 

Sales price including derivative settlement gains (losses) and unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

 

 

$

7.96

 

 

NA

 

$

7.31

 

 

NA

 

Oil ($/Bbl)

 

 

 

57.43

 

 

NA

 

 

64.79

 

 

NA

 

Equivalent natural gas ($/Mcfe)

(6:1)

 

 

8.27

 

 

NA

 

 

8.01

 

 

NA

 

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

 

 

December 31,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 



 



 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

31,218

 

$

28,325

 

Oil and natural gas properties, net (full cost method)

 

 

485,525

 

 

347,329

 

Other property and equipment, net

 

 

936

 

 

1,027

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

4,908

 

 

3,746

 

 

 



 



 

Total assets

 

$

522,587

 

$

380,427

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

$

57,453

 

$

37,467

 

Senior notes

 

 

123,434

 

 

—  

 

Senior credit facility

 

 

25,900

 

 

33,100

 

Senior subordinated notes

 

 

—  

 

 

30,000

 

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, Series A

 

 

10,101

 

 

10,101

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

 

34,609

 

 

23,563

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

5,075

 

 

4,556

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

$

256,572

 

$

138,787

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

266,015

 

 

241,640

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

522,587

 

$

380,427

 




BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

5,001

 

$

11,899

 

$

19,788

 

$

27,435

 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

 

13,275

 

 

11,875

 

 

46,923

 

 

34,030

 

Accretion of discount on ARO

 

 

88

 

 

54

 

 

317

 

 

180

 

Interest paid through issuance of additional redeemable preferred stock

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

581

 

Amortization of deferred loan fees and debt issuance costs

 

 

209

 

 

118

 

 

1,682

 

 

491

 

Non-cash stock compensation

 

 

437

 

 

—  

 

 

1,571

 

 

—  

 

Market value adjustments for derivatives instruments

 

 

(2,868

)

 

(181

)

 

(5,794

)

 

814

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

2,773

 

 

6,512

 

 

12,744

 

 

15,037

 

Provision for doubtful account

 

 

48

 

 

456

 

 

48

 

 

456

 

Other noncash items

 

 

—  

 

 

31

 

 

64

 

 

134

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

(4,571

)

 

(6,447

)

 

11,344

 

 

(14,779

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

 

$

14,392

 

$

24,317

 

$

88,687

 

$

64,379

 

Cash flows used by investing activities

 

 

(45,608

)

 

(29,935

)

 

(171,747

)

 

(113,220

)

Cash flows (used) provided by financing activities

 

 

25,902

 

 

3,720

 

 

83,385

 

 

50,535

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(5,314

)

$

(1,898

)

$

325

 

$

1,694

 

 

SUMMARY PER MCFE DATA
(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas sales

 

$

8.27

 

$

9.94

 

$

8.01

 

$

8.13

 

Other revenue

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

8.28

 

$

9.96

 

$

8.02

 

$

8.15

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating

 

 

0.79

 

 

0.55

 

 

0.81

 

 

0.60

 

Production taxes

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.30

 

 

0.28

 

General and administrative

 

 

0.56

 

 

0.49

 

 

0.60

 

 

0.46

 

Depletion of natural gas and oil properties

 

 

3.76

 

 

3.17

 

 

3.50

 

 

2.79

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.06

 

Accretion of discount on ARO

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

5.35

 

$

4.67

 

$

5.27

 

$

4.21

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

$

2.93

 

$

5.29

 

$

2.75

 

$

3.94

 

Interest expense, net of interest income (a)

 

 

(0.76

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.64

)

 

(0.31

)

Other income (expense) (b)

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.03

(b)

 

0.10

 

 

0.02

(b)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Adjusted income

 

$

2.22

 

$

4.98

 

$

2.21

 

$

3.65

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



(a)

Calculated as interest expense minus interest income divided by production for period.

 

 

(b)

Excludes non-cash gains/(losses) arising from hedge accounting for certain of our oil and natural gas hedges.




BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY
SUMMARY OF COMMODITY PRICE HEDGES OUTSTANDING AS OF MARCH 5, 2007
(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge
Strategy

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Natural Gas Collars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily volumes

 

 

MMBtu/d

 

 

 

 

 

20,056

 

 

18,022

 

 

14,565

 

 

11,196

 

Floor

 

 

$/MMBtu

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

7.580

 

$

7.133

 

$

7.162

 

$

7.835

 

Cap

 

 

$/MMBtu

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

16.146

 

$

10.885

 

$

11.422

 

$

12.850

 

Oil Collars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily volumes

 

 

Bbls/d

 

 

 

 

 

844

 

 

670

 

 

560

 

 

473

 

Floor

 

 

$/Bbl

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

55.76

 

$

55.56

 

$

55.46

 

$

58.86

 

Cap

 

 

$/Bbl

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

79.05

 

$

82.99

 

$

82.81

 

$

84.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge
Strategy

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Natural Gas Collars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily volumes

 

 

MMBtu/d

 

 

 

 

 

9,560

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Floor

 

 

$/MMBtu

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

8.272

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Cap

 

 

$/MMBtu

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

13.807

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Oil Collars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily volumes

 

 

Bbls/d

 

 

 

 

 

346

 

 

121

 

 

98

 

 

33

 

Floor

 

 

$/Bbl

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

60.36

 

 

64.66

 

 

65.70

 

 

65.70

 

Cap

 

 

$/Bbl

 

 

Cash flow

 

$

86.15

 

 

87.23

 

 

90.00

 

 

90.00

 

          Note: Hedged volumes and prices reflected in this table represent average contract amounts for the quarterly periods presented; natural gas hedge prices and crude oil hedge contract prices are based on NYMEX pricing.

SOURCE  Brigham Exploration Company
           -0-                                                            03/05/2007
          /CONTACT:  Rob Roosa, Finance Manager of Brigham Exploration Company, +1-512-427-3300/
           /Web site:  http://www.bexp3d.com /
           (BEXP)


EX-99.2 3 bc9208ex992.htm EXHIBIT 99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Brigham Exploration Announces High Rate Southern Louisiana Development Well and Provides an Operational Update

          AUSTIN, Texas, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brigham Exploration Company (Nasdaq: BEXP) announced successful production testing of its recently completed Cotten Land #3 well, which is expected to commence producing to sales in late March or early April at an initial rate of between 15 and 20 MMcfe per day.  Brigham also announced another apparently successful Vicksburg development well and provided an operational update.

          SIGNIFICANT WELLS RECENTLY COMPLETED, COMPLETING, DRILLING OR PREPARING TO DRILL

 

Conventional Wells

 

Objective

 

WI%

 

NRI

 

Status / Comments

 


 


 


 


 


 

Cotten Land #3

 

Oligocene

 

47%

 

33%

 

Production tested, likely to begin producing later this month @ 15-20 MMcfed, additional pay behind pipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mills Ranch 96 #1

 

Hunton

 

68%

 

56%

 

Produced ~ 3.0 MMcfed from Viola, planning to perforate and stimulate primary Hunton pay intervals this week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sullivan C-33

 

Vicksburg

 

100%

 

76%

 

Floyd Fault Block Field well initially produced 9.5 MMcfed, currently ~ 7.9 MMcfed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawson #1S

 

Vicksburg

 

100%

 

76%

 

Drilling after encountering apparent pay intervals comparable to offset wells in 9800’ & Loma Blanca Sands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sullivan C-35

 

Vicksburg

 

100%

 

76%

 

Expected March spud of Triple Crown well, potentially proving up significant potential locations and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sullivan #14

 

Vicksburg

 

100%

 

76%

 

Expected May spud of Triple Crown Field Upper & Lower Vicksburg development well

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sullivan #15

 

Vicksburg

 

100%

 

76%

 

Expected June spud of Home Run well, potentially proving up significant potential locations and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Snyder #1

 

Oligocene

 

13%

 

10%

 

Completing Bayou Postillion well, expect production to sales in March

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cotten Land #2

 

Oligocene

 

41%

 

29%

 

Planned May spud of Bayou Postillion well that could prove up new reserves in an adjacent fault block

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cotten Land #4

 

Oligocene

 

47%

 

33%

 

Planned June spud of offset to Cotten Land #1, which continues to produce approximately 15 MMcfed




 

Mills Ranch 98 #2

 

Hunton

 

100%

 

75%

 

Remediation unsuccessful, will likely sidetrack well at a later date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource Plays

 

Objective

 

WI%

 

NRI

 

Status / Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mill Trust. 1-12H

 

Mowry

 

44%

 

34%

 

Fraced & production testing outer 415’ of open hole lateral @ recent rate of 47 Bo & 120 barrels of load water with additional load remaining to be recovered, 885’ cased hole for future completion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krejci Fed. #3-29H

 

Mowry

 

50%

 

40%

 

Successfully fraced 1,400’ cased hole, commingled with open hole portion prior to sub pump failure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Werner #1-14H

 

Mowry

 

50%

 

40%

 

Expect to spud next week the 1st well in continuous 2007 rig line planned for Mowry development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State #1-16H

 

Mowry

 

50%

 

40%

 

Planned April spud of 2nd well in continuous rig line planned for Mowry development in 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erickson 8-17 1-H

 

Bakken

 

100%

 

79%

 

Subsequent to fracture stimulation producing ~ 82 Bo, 42 Mcfg & 28 Bw per day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mracheck 15-22 1-H

 

Bakken

 

100%

 

77%

 

Pre frac production rate of 30 bopd on rod pump, planning to fracture stimulate this Spring

          Gulf Coast Exploration Trend

          Southern Louisiana Bayou Postillion Project, Iberia Parish - Brigham has successfully production tested the Cotten Land #3, which encountered approximately 80 feet of apparent net pay in two intervals.  The Cotten Land #3 was tested from the lowest 30 feet of pay at a production rate of 12.9 MMcf of natural gas and 48 barrels of oil per day with strong pressures.  Based on the minimal pressure differences between the flowing and shut in tubing pressures, Brigham expects to produce the well at an initial rate between 15 MMcfe and 20 MMcfe per day.  Approximately 50 feet of shallower pay will remain behind pipe for future completion.  Brigham operates the Cotten Land #3 with an approximate 47% working and 33% net revenue interest, and expects the well to commence production to sales by late March or early April.   Penn Virginia (NYSE: PVA) is also a participant with Brigham in the Cotten Land wells, and operates the wells during the production phase.

          In May, Brigham plans to commence the Cotten Land #2, which is expected to test an apparent new fault block adjacent to the fault block in which Brigham drilled the Cotten Land #1 well.  The unrisked reserve potential of this apparent fault block is estimated at approximately 4 to 12 Bcfe, with results expected in June.   Following the Cotten Land #2, Brigham plans to commence the Cotten Land #4, offsetting Brigham’s previously drilled Cotten Land #1 discovery.

          Bud Brigham, the Chairman, President and CEO stated, “Six months after commencing production, our first Bayou Postillion well, the Cotten Land #1, continues to produce approximately 15 MMcfe per day, or over 4 MMcfe per day net.  By the end of the second quarter, we could have a total of three Bayou Postillion wells providing gross production of over 40 MMcfe per day, or 10 MMcfe per day net.  The two additional wells planned in 2007, if successful, could also significantly impact our third quarter production.  Given the success we’ve enjoyed here and the low total proved finding costs we achieved in this play during 2006, we are currently working to grow our activity in this area.”



          Gulf Coast Vicksburg Development

          Triple Crown Field Development - Brigham expects to drill through the Dawson Sand objective and reach total depth in the Dawson #1S by next week. The Dawson #1S is a sidetrack of the previously drilled Dawson #1 well, and offsets the Sullivan F-33.  The Sullivan F-33 has been a strong Dawson Sand producer, which commenced production at a rate of approximately 9.5 MMcfe per day, with additional apparent pay in the Loma Blanca, 9800’ and Brigham Sand intervals remaining behind pipe.  Based on mud logs and wireline logs, the Dawson #1S appears to have encountered roughly comparable 9800’ and Loma Blanca pay to that found in the offsetting wells.  Brigham retains a 100% working and 75% net revenue interest in the Dawson #1S, which is expected to commence production to sales by early April.

          In mid-March, Brigham plans to commence the Sullivan C-35.  The Sullivan C-35 is expected to develop various Upper Vicksburg intervals, including the Dawson Sand, and potentially prove up significant additional Upper Vicksburg reserves.  Results for the Sullivan C-35 are expected in May.   Following the Sullivan C-35, Brigham plans to commence the Sullivan #14 in May.  The Sullivan #14 is expected to test additional reserve potential in the Upper and Lower Vicksburg, with results for the Sullivan #14 expected in June.

          Home Run Field Development - In June, Brigham plans to commence the Sullivan #15, a significant development well in its Home Run Field.  The Sullivan #15 appears to be located in a structurally high location at various Lower Vicksburg intervals in the Home Run Field, and could potentially prove up significant additional locations and reserves.  Brigham expects to retain a 100% working interest in the Sullivan #15 subject to a 66% back-in at 350% payout.  Results are expected in July.

          Bud Brigham stated, “As has been the case in recent years, the Vicksburg was our top performer in 2006, delivering high value reserves at an approximate average proved developed finding cost of $1.73 per Mcfe and a total proved finding cost of $3.32 per Mcfe.  As we began 2006 we did not anticipate the high level of productivity demonstrated with our Dawson sand completions, nor did we anticipate the level of new reserve adds proven up during the year by our 2006 Vicksburg drilling program.  Partly as a result of this success, we believe we’ve delineated specific opportunities to convert meaningful probable and possible Vicksburg reserves to the proved category during 2007.”

          Anadarko Basin Hunton Development

          Mills Ranch Field Update - After successfully production testing the Viola in the Mills Ranch 96 #1, Brigham commenced operations to complete and eventually commingle in the more substantial apparent pay in the lower, middle and upper Hunton intervals.  These operations have taken longer than anticipated.  However, Brigham is preparing to perforate the upper Chimney Hill, Haragan and Henryhouse Hunton intervals, with stimulation planned for March 10th.  Production to sales is expected later this month.  Brigham operates the Mills Ranch 96 #1 with an approximate 68% working and 56% revenue interest, with Panhandle Royalty (Amex: PHX) participating with an approximate 10% working and 13% revenue interest.

          Brigham’s attempts to repair the casing problem in the Mills Ranch 98 #2 were unsuccessful.  As a result, a kick off plug has been set, and the company expects to re-enter and sidetrack the well at a later date.  The Mills Ranch 98 #2 was producing approximately 3.3 MMcfed prior to identifying a casing leak during the second quarter of 2006.



          Bud Brigham stated, “We’re disappointed that we were unable to repair the Mills Ranch 98 #2.  At this point, we are better off simply sidetracking around the problem area.  We will be developing an operational plan over the next several months in order to achieve the lowest cost possible for the operation, which could occur later this year.  On the other hand, we’re very eager to commence commingled production for the Mills Ranch 96 #1, which we expect to be a significant long life producer for our company.  We’re also excited about our new 180 square mile high resolution Laker 3-D seismic program, which is in the later stages of processing.  The Laker 3-D shoot was a substantial investment for our company in 2006.  We’re encouraged by the early indications regarding the quality of the imaging, and we’re hoping to receive final processed data during the second quarter.  This state-of-the-art 3-D seismic data should help us image our existing inventory of leased prospects in the trend, generate new prospects on our optioned and leased acreage, and facilitate the further development of our Mills Ranch Field.”

          Resource Plays

          Powder River Basin Mowry Shale Play Completions - Completion operations are continuing on Brigham’s first two horizontal Mowry wells.  Brigham successfully fracture stimulated the outer 415 feet of open hole interval in the Mill Trust 1-12H.  A rod pumping unit has been installed, and during the last 24 hours the well produced approximately 120 barrels of load water and 47 barrels of oil, with 400 to 500 barrels of load water remaining to be recovered.  Subsequent to testing the open hole section, Brigham will production test the remaining 885 feet of the lateral which is currently behind production casing.

          Brigham successfully fracture stimulated the 1,381 foot cased hole portion of its first horizontal Mowry well, the Krecji #3.  The Krecji was previously production tested in the outer 219 foot open hole section at rates of between 120 and 160 barrels of oil and approximately 120 Mcf of natural gas per day. After stimulating the cased hole portion, Brigham briefly tested the cased interval utilizing a submersible pump.  During this testing the cased portion produced significant volumes of load water and between 50 and 90 barrels of oil per day.  Brigham subsequently drilled out the temporary plug in order to production test the cased and uncased sections together, again utilizing a down hole submersible pump.  However, submersible pump problems have prevented Brigham from obtaining a stabilized rate; and Brigham is currently pulling the submersible pump to determine the problem.  Brigham expects to either reinsert a submersible pump or to install a more conventional rod pump.

          Powder River Basin Mowry Shale Play Drilling - Next week, Brigham expects to commence a continuous 2007 drilling program in the Mowry with the spudding of the Werner 1-14H.  The Werner 1-14H is a probable location that should further delineate the Mowry shale recoverable reserves.  If successful, it could move additional locations to the proved category.  The Werner 1-14H is expected to reach total depth in April.  Following the Werner 1-14H, Brigham plans to commence the State 1-16H, another probable location which could prove up additional locations.  The State 1-16H is expected to reach total depth in May.

          Brigham owns a 50% interest in its Mowry joint venture, with American Oil and Gas, Inc. (Amex: AEZ) retaining a 45% interest and privately-held North Finn retaining 5%. Brigham’s acreage holdings in the play are approximately 63,000 net acres.  With success, assuming 160 acre spacing, over 700 gross, or up to 393 net locations could be drilled to fully develop Brigham’s acreage position.

          Bud Brigham stated, “Although operations have proceeded very slowly due to severe winter weather conditions in Wyoming, our activity continues to generate encouragement, though the results as yet are not conclusive.  We’re intrigued by the potential provided by submersible pumping technology applied to this play.  On the other hand, thus far we’re seeing good early volumes of fluid recovery utilizing a rod pump to produce the open hole portion of the Mill Trust 1-12H well.    We believe that we’re getting close operationally to generating more definitive production data on both of these wells.  These completions, combined with the commencement of our very active eight well 2007 Mowry drilling program, could generate some excitement and meaningful reserve adds for us as we move through the year.”



          Williston Basin Bakken - Subsequent to fracture stimulation and the installation of rod pump, Brigham’s second horizontal Bakken well, the Erickson 8-17 1-H, commenced production on January 22nd at an early rate of approximately 227 barrels of oil, 100 Mcf of natural gas and 212 barrels of water per day.  The Erickson 8-17 1-H is currently producing approximately 82 barrels of oil, 42 Mcf of natural gas and 28 barrels of water per day. Brigham’s third horizontal Bakken well, the Mracheck 15-22 1-H, has been producing on a rod pump at a rate of approximately 30 barrels of oil per day prior to stimulation.  The fracture stimulation for the Mracheck is planned for this Spring.  Brigham has grown its acreage position in the Bakken to approximately 125,000 net acres, approximately 70,000 of which are in Montana, where the company controls all stratigraphic rights, and approximately 55,000 of which are in North Dakota.

          Bud Brigham stated, “We’re currently benefiting from a great deal of operational activity by other operators in the Bakken utilizing various drilling and completion techniques.  Looking ahead, we believe it’s critical that we drill and complete these wells at the lowest cost possible, and we believe we will have that opportunity later in the year.  Given the recent cost trends, the diverse operational activity in the area, and specific opportunities we’re analyzing, we’re hopeful that we’ll be resuming our Bakken drilling later this year.”

          About Brigham Exploration

          Brigham Exploration Company is a leading independent exploration and production company that applies 3-D seismic imaging and other advanced technologies to systematically explore and develop onshore domestic natural gas and oil provinces. For more information about Brigham Exploration, please visit our website at http://www.bexp3d.com or contact Investor Relations at 512-427-3444.

          Forward Looking Statement Disclosure

          Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements including our growth strategies, our ability to successfully and economically explore for and develop oil and gas resources, anticipated trends in our business‚ our liquidity and ability to finance our exploration and development activities‚ market conditions in the oil and gas industry‚ our ability to make and integrate acquisitions, the impact of governmental regulation and other risks more fully described in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and similar words, although some forward- looking statements may be expressed differently.  All forward looking statements contained in this release, including any forecasts and estimates, are based on management’s outlook only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward looking statements, whether as a result of subsequent developments or otherwise.

          Contact:     Rob Roosa, Finance Manager
                            (512) 427-3300

SOURCE  Brigham Exploration Company
          -0-                                                            03/05/2007
          /CONTACT:  Rob Roosa, Finance Manager of Brigham Exploration Company, +1-512-427-3300/
          /Web site:  http://www.bexp3d.com /
          (BEXP PHX AEZ)


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