-----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, HNXvtsfs25PQ/jCMiviAZc2BKg8hfrZTYXEWMhs2secG4OsmFkXOYqmE6nEheRF3 IqCUW31NKWATg5x4DQN22w== 0001193125-05-161085.txt : 20050809 0001193125-05-161085.hdr.sgml : 20050809 20050808190846 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-05-161085 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20041231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050809 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050808 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001060990 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 752756163 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14837 FILM NUMBER: 051007126 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 777 WEST ROSEDALE ST STREET 2: SUITE 300 CITY: FORT WORTH STATE: TX ZIP: 76104 BUSINESS PHONE: 8176655000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 777 WEST ROSEDALE STREET STREET 2: SUITE 300 CITY: FORT WORTH STATE: TX ZIP: 76104 10-K/A 1 d10ka.htm FORM 10-K/A Form 10-K/A

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

 


 

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             .

 

Commission file number: 001-14837

 


 

QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

75-2756163 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

777 West Rosedale, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76104

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 665-5000

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

 

    Title of each class    


 

    Name of each exchange on which registered    


Common Stock, par value

$0.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Share Purchase Rights   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

As of June 30, 2004, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Quicksilver Resources Inc. was approximately $993,572,897 based on the New York Stock Exchange composite trading closing price of $33.53 on June 30, 2004. Shares of the registrant’s voting stock owned by its directors, executive officers and certain Darden family members and related entities were excluded from this aggregate market value calculation; however, such exclusion does not represent a conclusion by the registrant that any or all of such directors, executive officers and certain Darden family members and related entities are affiliates of the registrant.

 

As of February 28, 2005, 50,233,180 shares of common stock of Quicksilver Resources Inc. were outstanding.

 

Documents incorporated by reference: Proxy statement of the registrant relating to the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 2005 which is incorporated into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 



EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A amends our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. We are filing this Amendment to correct the classification of certain amounts presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the original Form 10-K. A description of these reclassifications and a summary showing their effect on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is provided in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These reclassifications affect only respective amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other, purchase of property, plant and equipment and related totals of operating activities and investing activities and do not affect the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income or Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

 

This Amendment includes corresponding changes in Items 6, 7 and 8 of Part II to our original Form 10-K. All other portions of the original Form 10-K remain unchanged.

 

 

2


PART II

 

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The following tables set forth, as of the dates and for the periods indicated, our selected financial information. Our financial information is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for such periods. The information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this document. The following information is not necessarily indicative of our future results.

 

Selected Financial Data

(in thousands, except for per share data)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:                                         

Total revenues

   $ 179,729     $ 140,949     $ 121,979     $ 141,963     $ 118,392  

Income before income taxes

     45,446       28,502       21,333       30,110       27,731  

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     31,272       18,505       13,835       19,310       17,618  

Net income

     31,272       16,208       13,835       19,310       17,618  

Earnings – per share before accounting change (1)

                                        

Basic

   $ 0.63     $ 0.41     $ 0.35     $ 0.52     $ 0.48  

Diluted

     0.62       0.41       0.34       0.50       0.48  

Earnings – per share (1)

                                        

Basic

   $ 0.63     $ 0.36     $ 0.35     $ 0.52     $ 0.48  

Diluted

     0.62       0.35       0.34       0.50       0.48  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:                                         

Net cash provided by (used in):

                                        

Operating activities

   $ 82,798     $ 48,687     $ 41,650     $ 51,624     $ 45,135  

Investing activities

     (203,849 )     (136,829 )     (81,111 )     (60,930 )     (192,962 )

Financing activities

     134,389       79,369       40,050       5,199       158,103  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   $ 215,106     $ 138,579     $ 86,417     $ 61,112     $ 188,601  
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:                                         

Working capital (deficit) (2)

   $ (17,255 )   $ (30,803 )   $ (23,678 )   $ (19,141 )   $ 935  

Properties – net

     802,610       604,576       470,078       412,455       374,099  

Total assets

     888,334       666,934       529,538       471,884       440,111  

Long-term debt

     399,134       249,097       248,493       248,425       239,986  

Stockholders’ equity

     304,276       241,816       128,905       94,387       86,758  

(1) Per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2004.
(2) Working capital includes the current portion of assets and liabilities, which reflect estimated fair value of derivative obligations.

 

 

3


ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand Quicksilver Resources Inc. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Item 1. Business”, “Item 2. Properties”, “Item 6. Selected Financial Data”, and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Our MD&A includes the following sections:

 

    Overview – a general description of our business; the value drivers of our business; measurements; and opportunities, challenges and risks.

 

    Financial Risk Management – information about debt financing and financial risk management.

 

    Application of critical accounting policies – a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates.

 

    Results of Operations – an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the three years presented in our financial statements. We operate in one business – exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and NGLs. Except to the extent those differences between our two geographic operating segments are material to an understanding of our business as a whole, we present the discussion to this MD&A on a consolidated basis.

 

    Liquidity and Capital Resources – an analysis of our cash flows, sources and uses of cash, contractual obligations and commercial commitments.

 

    Forward-Looking Statements – cautionary information about forward-looking statements and a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical results or our current expectations or projections.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, acquisition, development, production and sale of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids primarily from unconventional reservoirs such as fractured shales, coal beds and tight sands. We generate revenue, income and cash flows by producing and selling natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. We produce these products in quantities and at prices that, in addition to generating operating income, allow us to conduct exploration, development and acquisition activities to replace the reserves that have been produced.

 

At December 31, 2004, approximately 92% of our proved reserves were natural gas. Our Michigan reserves make up approximately 62% of those reserves. Our Michigan activities in the Antrim shale have allowed us to develop a technical and operational expertise in the acquisition, development and production of unconventional natural gas reserves. Consistent with one of our business strategies, we have applied our expertise gained in our Michigan activities to our Canadian coal bed methane (“CBM”) projects in Alberta, Canada. Our Canadian reserves made up about 27% of our proved reserves at December 31, 2004. Our Indiana/Kentucky New Albany Shale and Texas Barnett Shale projects represent additional extensions of that expertise.

 

For 2005, we plan to continue our focus on the exploration and development of CBM properties in Alberta, Canada and our Barnett Shale acreage in Texas. We expect budgeted capital expenditures in 2005 to be as much as $261 million, of which about $107 million is allocated to our Canadian CBM projects and approximately $115 million is allocated to our Barnett Shale position in north Texas. The remainder is allocated to our fractured shale projects in Michigan and Indiana/Kentucky.

 

Our Company focuses on three key value drivers:

 

    reserve growth;

 

    production growth; and

 

    improving the Company’s cash flows.

 

The Company’s reserve growth is dependent upon our ability to apply the Company’s technical and operational expertise in our exploration and development of unconventional natural gas reservoirs. We strive to increase reserves and production through aggressive management of operations and relatively low-risk development drilling. We will also continue to identify high potential exploratory projects with higher levels of financial risk. Both our low-risk development programs and exploratory projects are aimed at providing the Company with opportunities to explore for, and develop, unconventional natural gas reservoirs to which our technical and operational expertise is well suited.

 

4


Our principal properties are well suited for production increases through exploitation activities and development drilling. We perform workover and infrastructure projects to reduce operating costs and increase current and future production. We regularly review operations on operated properties to determine if steps can be taken to profitably increase reserves and production.

 

As these elements are implemented, our results are measured through these key measurements: earnings; cash flow from operating activities; production and overhead costs per unit of production; production volumes; reserve growth; and finding costs per unit of reserve addition.

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Operating income

   $ 60,693    $ 48,498    $ 40,702

Cash flow from operations

     82,798      48,687      41,650

Production cost per mcfe (1)

   $ 1.24    $ 1.08    $ 0.94

General and administrative cost per mcfe

     0.29      0.20      0.19

Production (MMcfe)

     44,257      40,192      39,209

(1) Excludes production taxes.

 

The possibility of decreasing prices received for production is among the several risks that we face. We seek to manage this risk by entering into natural gas sales contracts with price floors and natural gas and crude oil financial hedges. Our use of pricing collars and, to a lesser degree, fixed price swaps for both natural gas and crude oil helps to ensure a predictable base level of cash flow while allowing Quicksilver to participate in all, or a portion, of any favorable price increases. This commodity price strategy enhances our ability to execute our drilling and exploration programs, meet debt service requirements and pursue acquisition opportunities despite price fluctuations. If our revenues were to decrease significantly as a result of presently unexpected declines in natural gas prices or otherwise, we could be forced to curtail our development and exploratory drilling and acquisition activities. We might also be forced to sell some of our assets on an untimely or unfavorable basis.

 

Natural gas prices were favorable throughout 2004 and 2003 and industry analysts expect them to remain favorable for the foreseeable future. With continued favorable gas prices, the expiration of our remaining fixed price natural gas hedges in April 2005 and increasing natural gas production, we expect to fund more of our capital expenditures with cash flow from operations; however, we do not expect our cash flow from operations to be sufficient to satisfy our total budgeted capital expenditures. We plan to use cash flows from operations, credit facility utilization and possible issuance of debt or equity securities to fund our total budgeted capital expenditures in 2005.

 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

 

We have established policies and procedures for managing risk within our organization, including internal controls. The level of risk assumed by us is based on our objectives and capacity to manage risk.

 

Our primary risk exposure is related to natural gas and crude oil commodity prices. We have mitigated the downside risk of adverse price movements through the use of long-term sales contracts, swaps and collars; however, in doing so, we have also limited future gains from favorable price movements.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We sell approximately 25,000 Mcfd and 10,000 Mcfd of natural gas under long-term contracts with floor prices of $2.49 per Mcf and $2.47 per Mcf, respectively, through March 2009. Approximately 5,300 Mcfd sold under these contracts in 2004 were third party volumes controlled by us. We also enter into financial contracts to hedge our exposure to commodity price risk associated with anticipated future natural gas and crude oil production. These contracts have included price ceilings and floors, no-cost collars and fixed price swaps.

 

Natural gas sales volumes of 30,000 Mcfd are hedged for the first four months of 2005 using fixed price swap agreements entered into in May 2000. The weighted average price for natural gas volumes under those agreements is $2.79. Natural gas price collars hedge approximately 20,000 Mcfd of our budgeted natural gas sales volumes for the first quarter of 2005. Natural gas price collars hedge nearly 33,000 Mcfd of our budgeted natural gas sales volumes for the remainder of 2005. Additionally, price collars hedge approximately 750 Bbld of our 2005 budgeted crude oil sales.

 

5


The following table summarizes our open financial derivative positions as of December 31, 2004 related to natural gas and crude oil production.

 

Product

  Type

  Contract Period

  Volume

 

Weighted Avg

Price Per

Mcf or Bbl


  Fair Value

 
                    (in thousands)  
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd   $ 2.79   $ (4,016 )
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd     2.79     (4,025 )
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd     2.79     (4,025 )
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.60     62  
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   10,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.63     115  
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.90     86  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-6.75     (109 )
Gas   Collar   Apr 2005-Oct 2005   10,000 Mcfd     5.50-6.75     (219 )
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   15,000 Mcfd     5.50-7.15     (15 )
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     6.50-8.15     624  
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     6.50-8.22     632  
Gas   Collar   Nov 2005-Mar 2006   10,000 Mcfd     6.50-11.20     779  
Gas   Collar   Nov 2005-Mar 2006   10,000 Mcfd     6.50-11.20     779  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2006-Oct 2006   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-8.10     332  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2006-Oct 2006   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-8.25     339  
Oil   Collar   Jan 2005-Jun 2005   500 Bbld     40.00-52.80     93  
Oil   Collar   Jan 2005-Jun 2005   500 Bbld     40.00-46.75     (5 )
Oil   Collar   Jul 2005-Dec 2005   250 Bbld     38.00-47.75     13  
                     


                  Net open positions   $ (8,560 )
                     


 

Utilization of our financial hedging program may result in realization of natural gas and crude oil prices that vary from the actual prices that we receive from the sale of natural gas and crude oil. As a result of the hedging programs, revenues from production were lower than if the hedging programs had not been in effect by $43.9 million in 2004, $39.8 million in 2003 and $7.4 million in 2002.

 

Commodity price fluctuations affect our remaining natural gas and crude oil volumes as well as our NGL volumes. Up to 4,500 Mcfd of natural gas is committed at market price through May 2005. Additional natural gas volumes of 16,500 Mcfd are committed at market price through September 2008. During 2004, approximately 6,400 Mcfd of our natural gas production was sold under these contracts. The remaining Mcfd contractual volumes were third-party volumes controlled by us.

 

Based on our 2004 average production and long-term natural gas sales contracts with floor prices of $2.49 per Mcf and $2.47 per Mcf, and our 2004 average production, each $1.00 per Mcf increase/decrease in the price of natural gas would increase/decrease our revenue by approximately $28.1 million. Should additional revenue of $28.1 million be realized, approximately $3.6 million would be required for settlement of our remaining fixed price hedges.

 

We have entered into various financial contracts to hedge exposure to commodity price risk associated with future contractual natural gas sales and purchases with derivative instruments. These contracts include either fixed and floating price sales to, or purchases from, third parties. As a result of these firm sale and purchase commitments and associated financial price swaps, the hedge derivatives qualified as fair value hedges for accounting purposes. Marketing revenues were $0.5 million and $0.3 million higher and lower by $2.2 million as a result of our hedging activities in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Hedge ineffectiveness resulted in $118,000 of net losses, $188,000 of net gains and $26,000 net losses recorded to other revenue for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

6


The following table summarizes our open financial derivative positions and hedged firm commitments as of December 31, 2004 related to natural gas marketing.

 

Contract Period


   Volume

  

Weighted Avg

Price per Mcf


   Fair Value

 
               (in thousands)  

Natural Gas Sales Contracts

                    

Jan 2005

   2,262 Mcfd    $ 7.74    $ 104  

Feb 2005

   3,935 Mcfd    $ 7.53      136  

Mar 2005

   1,935 Mcfd    $ 7.58      74  
                


                 $ 314  

Natural Gas Financial Derivatives

                    

Jan 2005-Mar 2005

   1,333 Mcfd      Floating Price    $ (171 )

Jan 2005-Mar 2005

   333 Mcfd      Floating Price      (44 )

Jan 2005

   645 Mcfd      Floating Price      (35 )

Feb 2005

   1,428 Mcfd      Floating Price      (43 )

Feb 2005

   714 Mcfd      Floating Price      (17 )

Mar 2005

   323 Mcfd      Floating Price      (12 )
                


                   (322 )
                


     Total-net           $ (8 )
                


 

The fair value of fixed price and floating price natural gas and crude oil derivatives and associated firm commitments as of December 31, 2004 was estimated based on published market prices of natural gas and crude oil for the periods covered by the contracts. The net differential between the prices in each derivative and commitment and market prices for future periods, as adjusted for estimated basis, has been applied to the volumes stipulated in each contract to arrive at an estimated future value. This estimated future value was discounted on each contract at rates commensurate with federal treasury instruments with similar contractual lives. As a result, the fair value of our derivatives and commitments does not necessarily represent the value a third party would pay to assume our contract positions.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We manage our exposure associated with interest rates by entering into interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2004, the interest payments for $75.0 million notional variable-rate debt are hedged with an interest rate swap that converts a floating three-month LIBOR base to a 3.74% fixed-rate through March 31, 2005. Our liability associated with the swap was $0.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2003.

 

On September 10, 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the $40.0 million of fixed-rate second lien notes issued on June 27, 2003. The swap converted the debt’s 7.5% fixed-rate debt to a floating six-month LIBOR base. In January 2004, the swap position was cancelled, and we received a cash settlement of $0.3 million that is being recognized over the original term for the swap, which ends December 31, 2006. A deferred gain of $0.2 million remains at December 31, 2004.

 

Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $0.8 million, $1.4 million and $2.6 million higher, respectively, as a result of the interest rate swaps.

 

If interest rates on our variable interest-rate debt of $112.8 million, as of February 28, 2004, and $75 million of variable rate debt hedged through March 31, 2005 increase or decrease by one percentage point, our annual pretax income will decrease or increase by $1.7 million.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. We sell a portion of our natural gas production directly under long-term contracts with the remainder of our natural gas and crude oil production sold at spot or short-term contract prices. All our natural gas and crude oil production is sold to large trading companies and energy marketing companies, refineries and other users of petroleum products. We also enter into hedge derivatives with financial counterparties. We monitor exposure to counterparties by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and credit service reports. Exposure levels are limited and parental guarantees and collateral to support the obligations of our counterparty are required according to our established policy. Each customer and/or counterparty is reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a regular basis thereafter. In this manner, we reduce credit risk.

 

While we follow our credit policies at the time we enter into sales contracts, the credit worthiness of counterparties could change over time. The credit ratings of the parent companies of the two counterparties to our long-term gas contracts were downgraded in early 2003 and remain below the credit ratings required for the extension of credit to new customers. Please see “Item 1. Business – Risk Factors.”

 

7


Performance Risk

 

Performance risk results when a financial counterparty fails to fulfill its contractual obligations such as commodity pricing or volume commitments. Typically, such risk obligations are defined within the trading agreements. We manage performance risk through management of credit risk. Each customer and/or counterparty is reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a regular basis thereafter.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

Our Canadian subsidiary uses the Canadian dollar as its functional currency. To the extent that business transactions in Canada are not denominated in Canadian dollars, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. During October and November 2004, Quicksilver loaned MGV approximately $11.4 million. To reduce its exposure to exchange rate risk, MGV entered into a forward contract that fixed the Canadian-to-US exchange rate. The balance of the loan was repaid at the end of November and upon settlement of the forward contract, MGV recognized a gain of $0.2 million.

 

While cross-currency transactions are minimized, the result of a ten percent change in the Canadian-U.S. exchange rate would increase or decrease equity by approximately $6.4 million at December 31, 2004.

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Management discusses with our Audit Committee the development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We believe our accounting policies are appropriately selected and applied.

 

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing the financial statements, our management makes informed judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including asset retirement obligations, litigation, income taxes and determination of proved reserves. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

Oil and Gas Properties

 

We employ the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Under the full cost method, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties are capitalized and accumulated in cost centers on a country-by-country basis. This includes any internal costs that are directly related to exploration and development activities, but does not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Effective with the adoption of SFAS No. 143 in 2003, the carrying amount of oil and gas properties also includes estimated asset retirement costs recorded based on the fair value of the asset retirement obligation when incurred. Gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties is not recognized, unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas attributable to a country. The application of the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties generally results in higher capitalized costs and higher depletion rates compared to the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas properties. The sum of net capitalized costs and estimated future development and dismantlement costs for each cost center is depleted on the equivalent unit-of-production basis using proved oil and gas reserves as determined by independent petroleum engineers.

 

Net capitalized costs are limited to the lower of unamortized cost net of related deferred tax or the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (i) estimated future net revenues, discounted at 10% per annum, from proved reserves, based on unescalated year-end prices and costs, adjusted for contract provisions, financial derivatives that hedge our oil and gas revenue and asset retirement obligations; (ii) the cost of properties not being amortized; (iii) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized less (iv) income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the oil and gas properties. Such limitations are imposed separately for the U.S. and Canadian cost centers.

 

Oil and Gas Reserves

 

Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10(a) 2(i), 2(ii), 2(iii), (3) and (4), are the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions (i.e., prices and costs as of the date the estimate is made). Prices include consideration of changes in existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements, which include financial derivatives that hedge our oil and gas revenue.

 

8


The Company’s estimates of proved reserves are made using available geological and reservoir data as well as production performance data. These estimates, made by the Company’s engineers, are reviewed annually and revised, either upward or downward, as warranted by additional data. Revisions are necessary due to changes in, among other things, reservoir performance, prices, economic conditions and governmental restrictions. Decreases in prices, for example, may cause a reduction in some proved reserves due to reaching economic limits sooner. A material change in the estimated volumes of reserves could have an impact on the DD&A rate calculation and the financial statements.

 

Ceiling Test

 

Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties are required to perform the ceiling test each quarter. The ceiling is an impairment test performed on a country-by-country basis as prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The test determines a limit, or ceiling, on the book value of oil and gas properties. That limit is basically the after-tax value of the future net cash flows from proved natural gas and crude oil reserves, including the effect of cash flow hedges, discounted at ten percent per annum. This ceiling is compared to the net book value of the oil and gas properties reduced by the related net deferred income tax liability and asset retirement obligations. If the net book value reduced by the related net deferred income tax liability and asset retirement obligations exceeds the ceiling, an impairment or noncash writedown is required. A ceiling test impairment can give the Company a significant loss for a particular period; however, future depletion expense would be reduced.

 

The ceiling test is affected by a decrease in net cash flow from reserves due to higher operating or capital costs or reduction in market prices for natural gas and crude oil. These changes can reduce the amount of economically producible reserves. At December 31, 2004, capitalized costs, inclusive of future development costs, for U.S. and Canadian reserves were $1.18 per Mcfe and $0.78 per Mcfe, respectively.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

We enter into financial derivative instruments to hedge risk associated with the prices received from natural gas and crude oil production and marketing. We also utilize financial derivative instruments to hedge the risk associated with interest rates on our debt outstanding. We account for our derivative instruments under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounts Standard (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Under this statement, derivative instruments, other than those that meet the normal purchases and sales exception, are recorded on our balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value determined by reference to published future market prices and interest rates. The cash settlement of all derivative instruments is recognized as income or expense in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. Gains or losses on derivative instruments terminated prior to their original expiration date are deferred and recognized as income or expense in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. The ineffective portion of hedges is recognized currently in earnings.

 

Portions of our hedge derivatives were classified as current based upon the maturity of the derivative instruments. Based upon the estimated fair values of those hedge derivatives as of December 31, 2004, our revenues for 2005 will decrease approximately $10.2 million and interest expense will increase approximately $0.2 million. Net income, after income taxes, will be approximately $6.8 million lower. These amounts will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income in 2005.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

We have significant obligations to remove equipment and restore land at the end of oil and gas production operations. Our removal and restoration obligations are primarily associated with plugging and abandoning wells and associated production facilities. We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” effective January 1, 2003. Under SFAS No. 143, the estimated fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement obligations of tangible long-lived assets is recorded in the periods in which it is incurred. When the liability is recorded, we increase the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to the fair value at the time of the settlement over the useful life of the asset, and the capitalized cost is depleted or depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

 

The fair value of the liability associated with these retirement obligations is determined using significant assumptions, including current estimates of the plugging and abandonment or retirement, annual inflation of these costs, the productive life of the asset and our risk adjusted costs to settle such obligations discounted using our risk-adjusted interest rate. Changes in any of these assumptions can result in significant revisions to the estimated asset retirement obligation. Revisions to the asset obligation are recorded with an offsetting change to the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, resulting in prospective changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and accretion of discount. Because of the subjectivity of assumptions and the relatively long life of most of our oil and gas assets, the costs to ultimately retire these assets may vary significantly from previous estimates.

 

9


Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are established for all temporary differences between the book and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred tax balances must be adjusted to reflect tax rates that will be in effect in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. MGV, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, computes taxes at rates in effect in Canada. U.S. deferred tax liabilities are not recognized on profits that are expected to be permanently reinvested by MGV and thus are not considered available for distribution to the parent Company.

 

Included in our net deferred tax liability are $51.8 million of future tax benefits from prior unused tax losses. Realization of these tax assets depends on sufficient future taxable income before the benefits expire. We believe we will have sufficient future taxable income to utilize the loss carry forward benefits before they expire; however, if not, we could be required to recognize a loss for some or all of these tax assets. Net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets are reviewed annually for recoverability, and are recorded, net of a valuation allowance, if necessary.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements within the meanings of Item 303(a)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K.

 

 

10


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Summary Financial Data

Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Total operating revenues

   $ 179,729    $ 140,949    $ 121,979

Total operating expenses

     120,214      93,782      81,477

Operating income

     60,693      48,498      40,702

Income before accounting change

     31,272      18,505      13,835

Net income

     31,272      16,208      13,835

 

Net income for each of the years ending December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $31.3 million ($0.62 per diluted share), $16.2 million ($0.35 per diluted share) and $13.8 million ($0.34 per diluted share), respectively. Included in 2003 was a $2.3 million charge ($0.05 per diluted share), net of tax, for the adoption of SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, as of January 1, 2003. The 2003 period also included a $3.8 million pre-tax charge ($2.5 million after tax) to interest expense as a result of our early redemption of $53 million in principal amount of our subordinated notes payable.

 

Operating Revenues

 

Our 2004 revenues were $179.7 million as compared to $141.0 million for 2003, primarily as a result of additional Canadian revenue in 2004. The additional Canadian revenue was from a 5,776,000 net Mcfe increase in Canadian production from coal bed methane (“CBM”) projects and a 24% increase in realized prices. U.S. production revenue increased by approximately 5% over 2003 revenue with an 11% increase in realized prices being partially offset by a decrease in production of 1,711,000 Mcfe.

 

Total revenues for 2003 were $141.0 million, a $19.0 million increase from the $122.0 million reported in 2002. Higher realized prices and additional sales volumes increased revenue $26.7 million. The increase was primarily the result of sales volumes added from our Canadian CBM development projects and an 84% increase in Canadian realized sales prices. Additionally, U.S. realized prices increased approximately 19%. Additional revenue associated with U.S. prices increases was partially offset by an approximately 1,000,000 Mcfe decrease in U.S. sales volumes. Other revenue for 2003 was $7.8 million lower from the prior year. Revenue of $5.1 million was recognized from the sale of Section 29 tax credits in 2002. The tax credits expired in 2002. In 2003, a $0.5 million decrease in other revenue was the result of the completion of our negotiations to purchase the tax credit properties.

 

Gas, Oil and NGL Sales

 

Our sales volumes, revenues and average prices for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Average daily sales volume

              

Natural gas – Mcfd

              

United States

   83,727    86,608    87,425

Canada

   23,789    8,011    2,563
    
  
  

Total

   107,516    94,619    89,988

Crude oil – Bbld

              

United States

   1,882    2,212    2,479

Canada

   —      1    —  
    
  
  

Total

   1,882    2,213    2,479

NGL – Bbld

              

United States

   351    365    426

Canada

   1    4    —  
    
  
  

Total

   352    369    426

Total sales – Mcfed

              

United States

   97,120    102,073    104,858

Canada

   23,802    8,042    2,563
    
  
  

Total

   120,922    110,115    107,421

 

11


     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Natural gas, oil and NGL sales (in thousands)

                    

United States

   $ 134,268    $ 127,339    $ 110,263

Canada

     42,905      11,698      2,033
    

  

  

Total natural gas, oil and NGL sales

   $ 177,173    $ 139,037    $ 112,296
    

  

  

Product sale revenues (in thousands)

                    

Natural gas sales

   $ 150,716    $ 116,563    $ 90,289

Crude oil sales

     22,782      19,576      19,679

NGL sales

     3,675      2,898      2,328
    

  

  

Total oil, gas and NGL sales

   $ 177,173    $ 139,037    $ 112,296
    

  

  

Unit prices - including impact of hedges

                    

Natural gas - per Mcf

                    

United States

   $ 3.52    $ 3.32    $ 2.77

Canada

     4.92      3.98      2.13

Consolidated

     3.83      3.38      2.75

Crude oil - per Bbl

                    

United States

   $ 33.07    $ 24.23    $ 21.74

Canada

     —        24.46      —  

Consolidated

     33.07      24.23      21.74

NGL - per Bbl

                    

United States

   $ 28.55    $ 21.45    $ 14.97

Canada

     22.18      26.01      —  

Consolidated

     28.52      21.50      14.97

 

Our natural gas sales for 2004 were $150.7 million and increased $34.1 million from 2003 natural gas sales of $116.6 million. Our realized gas prices in the U.S. and Canada increased 6% and 24%, respectively. Increased prices contributed $23.8 million of the increase in 2004 sales. Natural gas sales volumes showed a net increase of 4,815,000 Mcf for 2004. Canadian 2004 sales volumes were nearly 5,760,000 Mcf over 2003 production of 2,935,000 Mcf; an increase of almost 200%. U.S. sales volumes were increased by production from new wells drilled in the New Albany Shale in Indiana and Kentucky, 1,380,000 Mcf; the Michigan Antrim Shale, 975,000 Mcf; the Michigan Prairie du Chien formation, 185,000 Mcf; and our initial production from the Barnett Shale in north Texas, 130,000 Mcf. Declining production rates on existing wells was the primary factor in production decreases that partially offset the production from new wells.

 

Our 2004 revenue from crude oil was $22.8 million and $3.2 million higher than 2003 crude oil revenue of $19.6 million. A 36% increase in realized crude oil prices from $24.23 to $33.07 per barrel boosted revenue $7.1 million. Lower volumes partially offset the increase due to prices by $3.9 million. The sale of Wyoming crude oil properties to Meritage Energy Partners LLC in the third quarter of 2004 lowered volumes by approximately 53,200 barrels. The remainder of the decrease was primarily due to natural declines from existing wells.

 

Sales of NGLs increased $0.8 million for 2004 to $3.7 million. The additional revenue was primarily the result of a 33% increase in realized NGL prices to $28.52 per barrel for 2004. A decrease in NGL volumes of approximately 6,000 barrels partially offset the increase from higher prices. Property dispositions in the third quarter of 2004 caused approximately 1,100 barrels of the volume decrease.

 

Natural gas sales for 2003 increased $26.3 million from 2002 to $116.6 million. Our average realized natural gas price increased 23% to $3.38 per Mcf for 2003 and increased sales $20.6 million. Volumes increased 1,690,000 Mcf from 2002 to 2003 and increased sales $5.7 million. Sales volumes for 2003 increased approximately 5,856,000 Mcf as a result of our drilling programs in the U.S. and Canada. Sales volumes from our Canadian CBM projects, which started production in January 2003, were approximately 2,113,000 Mcf for 2003. U.S. sales volumes increased 2,434,000 Mcf as a result of the additional interests in Michigan properties purchased from Enogex in December 2002. New wells drilled in the Michigan Antrim and Indiana New Albany formations increased sales volumes 1,071,000 Mcf and 239,000 Mcf, respectively. These increases were offset by curtailments in sales volumes as a result of extremely cold weather in the first quarter of 2003 and shutdowns of third party processing plants and pipelines in the second through fourth quarters of 2003. These events reduced sales volumes by approximately 260,000 Mcf and 814,000 Mcf, respectively. Additionally, March through September 2003 sales from our Indiana properties were curtailed when our local end-user reduced its deliveries of gas by approximately 161,000 Mcf. The remaining decreases were the result of natural decline in production from our existing natural gas wells.

 

12


Crude oil sales were $19.6 million for 2003 compared to $19.7 million in 2002. The $2.49 per barrel increase in our average realized crude oil price increased sales $2.3 million, which was nearly offset by the decrease in oil sales volumes for 2003. The 11% decrease in sales volumes to 808,000 barrels for the year was the result, in part, of a decrease of approximately 20,300 barrels due to the sale of Wyoming and Texas oil properties in June 2002. Natural production declines on existing wells contributed most of the remaining decreases. These reductions were partially offset by a full year’s production from wells drilled in the Beaver Creek Detroit River Zone 3 development that increased sales volumes 31,800 barrels.

 

NGL sales for 2003 increased $0.6 million to $2.9 million. NGL prices increased $6.53 from 2002 to $21.50 and resulted in a $1.0 million increase in sales that was partially offset by a decrease in sales volumes.

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenue, consisting primarily of revenue from the marketing, transportation and processing of natural gas, was $2.6 million for 2004 and about $0.6 million higher than other revenue for 2003. Other revenue in 2003 was reduced by $0.5 million as a result of the repurchase of Section 29 tax credit properties.

 

Other revenue of $1.9 million in 2003 consisted of revenue from the marketing, transportation and processing of natural gas. In 2002, other revenue also included revenue of $5.1 million from the sale of Section 29 tax credits. The tax credits expired in 2002. In 2003, a $0.5 million reduction in other revenue was the result of the repurchase of the tax credit properties. Natural gas marketing, transportation and processing revenue for 2003 was $2.5 million as compared to $4.6 million in 2002. Marketing revenue in 2003 decreased $1.8 million from 2002 primarily as a result of pipeline delivery imbalances that occurred during 2003. Repayments of those imbalances required the purchase of natural gas when natural gas prices had increased from the time in which the imbalances occurred resulting in marketing margin losses.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Our operating expenses for 2004 were $120.2 million and $26.4 million higher than operating expenses for 2003. Increases were primarily the result of higher sales volumes and producing well counts in Canada and Indiana, higher depletion rates and added depreciation on facilities and pipelines placed into service since mid-2003, and an increase in U.S. compressor overhauls performed in 2004 as compared to 2003. General and administrative costs also increased by $4.8 million in 2004.

 

Operating expenses were $93.8 million in 2003 compared to $81.5 million for 2002. The increase was primarily the result of additional sales volumes.

 

Oil and Gas Production Costs

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Production expenses

                    

United States

   $ 54,783    $ 48,243    $ 40,505

Canada

     10,403      3,951      1,723
    

  

  

     $ 65,186    $ 52,194    $ 42,228
    

  

  

Production expenses – per Mcfe

                    

United States

   $ 1.54    $ 1.29    $ 1.06

Canada

     1.19      1.35      1.84

Consolidated

     1.47      1.30      1.08

 

Costs for the production of oil and gas were $65.2 million and $13.0 million higher in 2004 as compared to 2003. Higher oil and gas prices, as well as higher Canadian sales volumes for 2004, increased production tax expense $1.5 million. U.S. production expense increased $6.0 million in 2004, excluding production tax increases of $0.6 million. Initial operating expenses associated with new Indiana and Kentucky wells and production increased production expense approximately $2.2 million. The increase included approximately $0.9 million for salt-water disposal and equipment rentals. These expenses were the result of inadequate salt-water disposal capacity and delays in completing electricity connections at each well. During 2004, 35 new wells and 22 non-producing wells acquired in 2003 began production, in addition to 47 wells that began production in the fourth quarter of 2003. Operating costs began to decrease as initial production containing high concentrations of water was followed by natural gas production increases. Production overhead in Indiana increased approximately $0.8 million as a result of personnel added to operate and maintain these properties. Michigan and Indiana operating expenses increased approximately $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as a result of the routine periodic

 

13


overhaul of several compressors. Similar overhaul expenses were not incurred during 2003. These items increased U.S. production expenses by $0.14 per Mcfe for 2004 compared to 2003. Remaining production expense increases were attributable to modest price increases across a broad range of expense categories.

 

Canadian production expenses in 2004, excluding a production tax increase of $0.9 million, increased $5.5 million for 2004. A net increase in Canadian production of approximately 5,780,000 Mcf and higher well counts were the primary factors for the increase. Total Canadian production expense, including production taxes, continued to reflect improving economies of scale as expense decreased on a Mcfe-basis to $1.19 per Mcfe.

 

Oil and gas production expense for 2003 was $52.2 million, compared to 2002 expense of $42.2 million. Production taxes were $3.0 million higher as a result of higher sales volumes and higher average natural gas and crude oil prices in 2003. Production expenses for U.S. properties in 2003 increased $5.0 million, excluding production tax increases of $2.7 million. Notable production expense increases included $3.1 million of additional expense associated with natural gas volumes produced from the acquired Enogex interests and $0.8 million resulting from settlement costs for post-production cost allowances in Michigan and environmental issues in Indiana and Michigan. Inventory losses, primarily in Indiana, increased expense $0.3 million in 2003. Additional operating expenses of approximately $0.8 million were primarily due to the start-up of producing wells in Indiana during the fourth quarter.

 

Canadian production expenses in 2003, excluding production taxes of $0.3 million, increased $1.9 million. Canadian production increased approximately 2,000,000 Mcf, primarily as a result of the start-up of production from our CBM projects in January 2003. Although absolute Canadian production expense increased, expense per Mcfe, including production taxes, decreased $0.49 to $1.35 per Mcfe for 2003 as a result of 2003 CBM production.

 

Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Depletion

   $ 34,530    $ 27,379    $ 26,953

Depreciation of other fixed assets

     5,179      3,949      3,206

Accretion

     982      739      —  
    

  

  

Total depletion, depreciation and accretion

   $ 40,691    $ 32,067    $ 30,159
    

  

  

Average depletion cost per Mcfe

   $ 0.78    $ 0.68    $ 0.69

 

Depletion expense for 2004 was $34.5 million, as compared to 2003 depletion expense of $27.4 million. Additional sales volumes of approximately 4,070,000 Mcfe and a $0.10 per Mcfe increase in the consolidated depletion rate added $7.2 million of depletion expense from 2003 to 2004. The $0.10 per Mcfe higher consolidated depletion rate was the result of additional increases in future development costs as compared to increases in proved reserves when comparing engineering estimates of proved reserves for December 31, 2004 and 2003. The $1.2 million increase in 2004 depreciation was primarily the result of the addition of compression and transportation assets and overhead assets.

 

Depletion expense increased $0.4 million to $27.4 million in 2003. Increased depletion expense was the result of higher sales volumes partially offset by a slight decrease in our consolidated depletion rate. Additional depreciation of $0.7 million was primarily the result of additions to processing and transportation assets including the Cardinal Pipeline, which began operations in September 2003. Accretion expense of $0.7 million in 2003 was the result of the adoption of SFAS No. 143 as of January 1, 2003.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $12.9 million for 2004. Of the $4.8 million increase from 2003, additional expenses of $2.3 million were primarily the result of an increase in management and administrative personnel from August 2003 through March 2004. Contract labor, legal and accounting fees increased approximately $1.0 million for 2004 due largely to new Sarbanes-Oxley and corporate governance requirements. Engineering and other professional fees increased approximately $0.4 million from 2003 due primarily to additional fees for preparation of required outside engineering reserve reports. Various other expenses including outside directors’ fees, charitable donations, insurance, investor relations and stock exchange fees increased a total of $0.6 million from 2003 expense amounts.

 

General and administrative expenses were $8.1 million for 2003 and $0.6 million higher than 2002 general and administrative expenses. The increase is primarily the result of $0.7 million in additional bonuses earned in 2003 and $0.3 million due to the addition of management personnel in the last half of the year. Professional fees were $0.2 million higher than in 2002 and were related to the use of additional engineering and accounting services. These increases were partially offset by the $0.3 million reduction in expense for contract labor in 2003.

 

14


Income from Equity Affiliates

 

Income from equity affiliates for 2003 increased $1.1 million from the prior year when we recorded losses of $0.8 million associated with Voyager Compression Services LLC. During 2002, Voyager recorded operating losses in addition to an impairment of its assets and lease termination costs in conjunction with ending its operations.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for 2004 was $15.7 million and $4.5 million less than 2003 interest expense. Interest expense in 2003 included a charge of $3.8 million as a result of the early redemption of $53.0 million in principal amount of our subordinated notes payable, which included a $3.2 million prepayment penalty and the write-off of $1.5 million of remaining deferred financing costs, partially offset by a deferred hedging gain of $0.9 million. Ongoing interest expense decreased approximately $0.7 million due to a decrease in LIBOR interest rates and the 2003 issuance of our second mortgage notes, which accrue interest at a substantially lower rate than the subordinated notes payable that were retired in mid-2003, partially offset by an increase in our average debt outstanding during 2004 as compared to 2003.

 

Interest expense was $20.2 million in 2003. Interest expense for 2003 included a charge of $3.8 million as a result of the early redemption of $53.0 million in principal amount of our subordinated notes payable through the issuance of $70.0 million in principal amount of second mortgage notes. The $3.8 million charge consisted of a prepayment premium of $3.2 million and the write-off of $1.5 million of remaining deferred financing costs, partially offset by an associated deferred hedging gain of $0.9 million. Ongoing interest expense decreased $2.8 million as a result of a significant decrease in our effective interest rates that was partially offset by an increase in our average debt outstanding in 2003. The interest rates paid on our debt were lower in 2003 because of lower LIBOR rates and the refinancing of our subordinated notes payable through the issuance of our second mortgage notes.

 

Income Taxes

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Income tax provision (in thousands)

   $ 14,174     $ 9,997     $ 7,498  

Effective tax rate

     31.2 %     35.1 %     35.2 %

 

Our income tax provision for 2004 was $14.2 million. Our U.S. income tax provision was established using the statutory U.S. federal tax rate of 35.0%. In addition to the deferred tax provision of approximately $8.8 million, a current U.S. tax provision of $0.8 million was accrued for U.S. federal income tax due on a dividend distribution of approximately $86.5 million made to us by MGV in 2004 and consisted of estimated earnings and profits of $15.5 million. We have planned for reinvestment of the dividend in the U.S. under a qualified domestic reinvestment plan as defined under recently enacted Internal Revenue Code Section 965(a)(1), which allows 85% of the dividend to be excluded from U.S. taxable income for the year. The Canadian income tax provision consisted of a deferred tax provision of approximately $5.9 million accrued at a Canadian combined federal and provincial statutory rate of 33.6% and a current tax provision of $0.3 million. The deferred tax provision was reduced by a scientific, research and experimental development tax credit of $1.7 million. This credit was granted by Revenue Canada to MGV in 2004 for expenditures incurred in 2001.

 

Our income tax provision of $10.0 million for 2003 was established using an effective U.S. federal tax rate of 35%. The provision also includes $1.7 million for Canadian federal and provincial income tax expense. Canadian income tax expense includes consideration of tax rate reductions that were enacted during 2003. Income tax expenses increased from the prior year as a result of higher 2003 pretax income as compared to 2002.

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Our statements of cash flows are summarized as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

   $ 82,798    $ 48,687    $ 41,650

 

Cash flows from operating activities increased $34.1 million, or 70%, for 2004 compared to 2003. The principal factor in the increase was a $12.2 million increase in operating income for 2004, together with increases in accounts receivable and payable, accrued liabilities and depletion, depreciation and amortization. In addition, 2003 income included a $3.2 million prepayment premium incurred when the $53 million of subordinated notes were redeemed. Operating cash flows were also higher because of MGV’s use of cash calls on other working interest owners prior to incurring capital expenditures on various CBM exploration and development projects. A reduction in QRI’s third party marketing activities further increased operating cash flows about $2.0 million.

 

15


Cash flows from operating activities were $7.0 million, or 17%, higher for 2003 compared to 2002. A 19% increase in operating income for 2003 as compared to 2002 was the principal factor. The $7.8 million increase in operating income was largely due to a 21% increase in realized average prices and a 3% increase in sales volumes. Operating income for 2002 included $5.1 million of deferred revenue that was offset by additional oil, gas and NGL revenue for 2003, which effectively increased operating cash flows by $5.1 million for 2003.

 

Our principal operating sources of cash include sales of natural gas, crude oil and NGLs and revenues from natural gas transportation and processing. We sold approximately 74% and 85% of our 2004 and 2003 natural gas and crude oil production, respectively, under long-term contracts with price floors and financial hedges. As a result, we benefit from significant predictability of our natural gas and crude oil revenues. However, when natural gas and crude oil market prices exceed our financial hedge swap prices, we are required to make payment for the settlement of our hedge derivatives on the fifth day of the production month for natural gas hedges and the fifth day after the production month for crude oil hedges. We do not receive market price cash payment from our customers until 25 to 60 days after the month of production. Additionally, in the event of a significant production curtailment, we are required contractually to fulfill our commitments under our long-term sales contracts by purchasing natural gas volumes at market prices.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (in thousands)  

Cash flow (used in) provided by investing activities:

                        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   $ (215,106 )   $ (138,579 )   $ (86,417 )

Distributions and advances from equity affiliates - net

     2,097       1,649       4,043  

Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment

     9,160       101       1,263  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities:

   $ (203,849 )   $ (136,829 )   $ (81,111 )
    


 


 


Net working capital changes related to acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   $ (16,651 )   $ (10,593 )   $ (2,548 )
    


 


 


 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment accounted for the most significant cash outlays for investing activities in each of the three years ended December 31, 2004. We currently estimate that our spending for property, plant and equipment in 2005 will be as much as $261 million. Total property and equipment costs incurred (purchases of property and equipment plus net working capital changes related to acquisition of property and equipment) by operating segment for 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

Property and equipment costs incurred

 

     United
States


   Canada

   Consolidated

     (in thousands)
2004                     

Proved acreage

   $ 11,907    $ 2,942    $ 14,849

Unproved acreage

     31,857      7,144      39,001

Development costs

     45,213      71,094      116,307

Exploration costs

     25,673      22,631      48,304

Gas processing, transportation and administrative

     12,527      769      13,296
    

  

  

Total

   $ 127,177    $ 104,580    $ 231,757
    

  

  

2003                     

Proved acreage

   $ 3,215    $ 3,388    $ 6,603

Unproved acreage

     24,063      6,739      30,802

Development costs

     37,682      41,820      79,502

Exploration costs

     9,411      17,066      26,477

Gas processing, transportation and administrative

     4,820      284      5,104
    

  

  

Total

   $ 79,191    $ 69,297    $ 148,488
    

  

  

2002                     

Proved acreage

   $ 32,199    $ —      $ 32,199

Unproved acreage

     550      5,422      5,972

Development costs

     34,178      938      35,116

Exploration costs

     5,925      8,659      14,584

Gas processing, transportation and administrative

     952      142      1,094
    

  

  

Total

   $ 73,804    $ 15,161    $ 88,965
    

  

  

 

 

16


Our 2004 property and equipment costs incurred for exploration and development activities were focused in four areas. Capital costs incurred for Canadian exploration and development projects were approximately $104.6 million. Those expenditures continued exploration and development of our initial CBM projects as well as exploration of several additional CBM projects. Included in the $104.6 million of Canadian expenditures was $7.1 million for acquisition of additional acreage in several areas of Alberta. Expenditures for Texas exploration and development activities were approximately $55.1 million, including approximately $29.3 million for additional acreage in north Texas. An additional $6.0 million was expended for the first phase of the Cowtown Pipeline. We spent approximately $31.5 million for continued development of our Michigan properties and an additional $2.1 million was spent on transportation and processing infrastructure. New wells and associated infrastructure in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky accounted for approximately $20.6 million of our expenditures for exploration and development activities. An additional $1.1 million was expended for the construction of plant and pipeline infrastructure in the Indiana/Kentucky area.

 

Capital costs incurred in 2003 of $148.5 million included $69.0 million for development and exploration of our Canadian CBM projects and acreage. We spent $31.8 million for further development of our Indiana/Kentucky properties and additional acreage positions. Our pipeline in the area, Cardinal Pipeline, accounted for $4.0 million of our capital expenditures. Michigan capital expenditures of $24.6 million focused on continued development and exploitation of the Antrim Shale. A significant acreage position in north Texas was acquired for approximately $12.6 million in 2003.

 

We acquired Michigan natural gas interests from Enogex Exploration Corporation in December 2002 for approximately $32.0 million. Canadian capital costs incurred were $15.0 million associated with CBM exploration costs and acreage acquisition. The remaining $42.0 million was spent on exploration and development costs incurred primarily in Michigan and Indiana.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (in thousands)  

Cash flow provided by financing activities:

                        

Issuance of debt

   $ 511,091     $ 114,000     $ 16,000  

Repayment of debt

     (371,178 )     (113,116 )     (14,912 )

Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

     2,499       79,926       40,640  

Purchase of treasury stock

     —         —         (316 )

Debt issuance costs

     (8,023 )     (1,441 )     (1,362 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities:

   $ 134,389     $ 79,369     $ 40,050  
    


 


 


 

During 2004, we extended and increased our senior secured credit facility. Currently, our credit facility is a revolving facility that matures on July 28, 2009 and permits us to obtain revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed the lesser of the borrowing base or $600 million. The current borrowing base is $300 million and is subject to annual redetermination and certain other redeterminations based upon several factors. Scheduled redeterminations occur on May 1 of each year. Our borrowing base is impacted primarily by the fair value of our oil and gas reserves. Changes in the fair value of our oil and gas reserves are affected by prices for natural gas and crude oil, operating expenses and the results of our drilling activity. A significant decline in the fair value of our reserves could reduce our borrowing base. A borrowing base reduction could limit our ability to carry out our capital expenditure programs and, in some circumstances, require the repayment of a portion of our outstanding borrowings under the facility.

 

At our option, loans may be prepaid, and revolving credit commitments may be reduced, in whole or in part at any time in minimum amounts. As of year-end, we can designate the interest rate on amounts outstanding at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) +1.375% or specified bank rates. The collateral for the credit facility consists of substantially all of our existing assets and any future reserves acquired. The loan agreements prohibit the declaration or payment of dividends by us and contain other restrictive covenants, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a minimum current ratio (calculated in accordance with provisions of the loan agreements) of at least 1.0. At December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all such restrictions and we had $119.1 million available under the credit facility.

 

On November 1, 2004, we sold $150 million of 1.875% convertible subordinated debentures due in 2024 for gross proceeds of approximately $147.8 million. Holders of the debentures may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their debentures on November 1, 2011, 2014 or 2019 at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. The debentures are convertible into Quicksilver common stock at a rate of 21.8139 shares for each $1,000 debenture, subject to adjustment. This results in an initial conversion price of approximately $45.84 per share and represents a premium of 42.5 percent over the closing sale price of $32.17 per share on October 26, 2004. Generally, except upon the occurrence of

 

17


specified events, holders of the debentures are not entitled to exercise their conversion rights until the Company’s stock price is $55.01 (120 % of the conversion price per share). Upon conversion, we have the option to deliver in lieu of Quicksilver common stock, cash or a combination of cash and Quicksilver common stock.

 

On December 31, 2004, we had outstanding $70 million of Second Mortgage Notes due 2006, of which $40 million bore interest at a fixed rate of 7.5% and $30 million bore interest at a variable rate based upon three-month LIBOR plus 5.48%. The Second Mortgage Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of a minimum current ratio of at least 1.0, a ratio of net present value of proved reserves to total debt of at least 1.8 to 1.0; and a ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and non-cash income and expense to interest expense of at least 1.25 (calculated in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Second Mortgage Notes). At December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with such restrictions.

 

As of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, our total capitalization was as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Long-term and short-term debt:

                    

Senior secured credit facility

   $ 180,422    $ 178,000    $ 192,000

Convertible subordinated debentures

     147,769      —        —  

Second mortgage notes payable

     70,000      70,000      —  

Subordinated notes payable

     —        —        53,000

Mercury note payable

     —        —        1,920

Various loans

     1,073      1,386      1,582

Deferred gain – fair value interest hedge

     226      —        —  

Fair value interest hedge

     —        50      942
    

  

  

Total debt

     399,490      249,436      249,444

Stockholders’ equity

     304,276      241,816      128,905
    

  

  

Total capitalization

   $ 703,766    $ 491,252    $ 378,349
    

  

  

 

We believe that our capital resources are adequate to meet the requirements of our existing business. We anticipate that our 2005 capital expenditure budget of approximately $261 million will be funded by cash flow from operations, credit facility utilization and the possible issuance of debt or equity securities.

 

Financial Position

 

The following impacted our balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, as compared to our balance sheet as of December 31, 2003:

 

    A $150.0 million increase in our debt used to finance the exploration and development of our oil and gas properties in 2004.

 

    A $198.0 million increase in our net property, plant and equipment balances resulting from capital expenditures for exploration and development of our oil and gas properties.

 

    A $21.8 million and $9.7 million decrease in our current and deferred derivative obligations, respectively, reflecting the four-month remaining term on our $2.79 per Mcf natural gas swaps as of December 31, 2004.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

Information regarding our contractual obligations (within the scope of Item 303(a)(5) of Regulations S-K) as of December 31, 2004 is set forth in the following table. At December 31, 2004, we did not have any capital lease obligations or material purchase obligations that were binding on us and that specified all significant terms. Other long-term liabilities constituting contractual obligations reflected on our balance sheet at December 31, 2004 consisted of derivative obligations and asset retirement obligations.

 

     Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

  

Less than

1 Year


   1-3
Years


  

4-5

Years


   More than
5 Years


   (in thousands)

Long-Term Debt

   $ 401,495    $ 356    $ 70,718    $ 180,421    $ 150,000

Derivative Obligations

     13,090      13,090      —        —        —  

Asset Retirement Obligations

     18,471      504      168      112      17,687

Gas Purchase Obligations

     1,803      1,803      —        —        —  

Operating Lease Obligations

     6,894      2,160      4,059      675       
    

  

  

  

  

Total Obligations

   $ 441,753    $ 17,913    $ 74,945    $ 181,208    $ 167,687
    

  

  

  

  

 

18


    Long-Term Debt – As of December 31, 2004, we had $180.4 million outstanding under our credit facility, $150.0 million of contingently convertible debentures (before discount), $70 million of second mortgage notes and $1.1 million of other debt. Based upon our debt outstanding at December 31, 2004, we anticipate interest payments to be approximately $15.7 million in 2005. We expect to increase borrowings under our credit facility to fund our capital program throughout 2005. For each additional $10 million in borrowings, annual interest payments will increase by approximately $0.4 million. If our borrowing base were to be fully utilized by year-end 2005, we estimate that interest payments would increase by approximately $4.0 million. If interest rates on our variable interest-rate debt of $112.8 million, as of February 28, 2005, and $75 million of variable rate debt hedged through March 31, 2005 increase or decrease by one percentage point, our annual pretax income will decrease or increase by $1.7 million. Interest payments would increase by a further $2.8 million annually should we utilize all of the $119.1 million available under our senior credit facility at December 31, 2004.

 

    Derivative Obligations – We utilize financial derivatives to manage price risk associated with our natural gas and crude oil product revenue. We also manage interest rate risk associated with our long-term debt. The recorded assets and liabilities associated with our derivative obligations were estimated based on published market prices of natural gas and crude oil for the periods covered by the contracts. Estimates of the liability associated with our interest rate derivative obligations are based upon estimates prepared by our counterparties. These amounts do not necessarily reflect what payments will be made to settle these obligations.

 

    Asset Retirement Obligations – Our liabilities include the fair value, $18.5 million, of asset retirement obligations that result from the acquisition, construction or development and the normal operation of our long-lived assets.

 

    Gas Purchase Obligations – Cinnabar, our subsidiary that ceased operations January 1, 2004, previously contracted to purchase gas through May 2005 for resale to the open market. Quicksilver has assumed the obligation.

 

    Operating Leases – We lease office buildings and other property under operating leases. $3.6 million of our operating lease obligations are with an affiliate of Mercury, which is owned by members of the Darden family.

 

We have the following commercial commitments as of December 31, 2004.

 

     Amounts of Commitments Expiration per Period

Commercial Commitments


   Total
Committed


  

Less than

1 Year


   1-3
Years


  

4-5

Years


   More than
5 Years


   (in thousands)

Standby Letters of Credit

   $ 637    $ 637    $ —      $ —      $ —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total Commitments

   $ 637    $ 637    $ —      $ —      $ —  
    

  

  

  

  

 

Standby Letters Of Credit – Our letters of credit have been issued to fulfill contractual or regulatory requirements. The majority of these letters of credit were issued under our senior credit facility. All letters have an annual renewal option.

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

Certain statements contained in this report and other materials we file with the SEC, or in other written or oral statements made or to be made by us, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Words such as “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “position,” “predict,” “strategy,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “budget,” “potential,” or “continue,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. They can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. Actual results may vary materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:

 

    changes in general economic conditions;

 

    fluctuations in natural gas and crude oil prices;

 

19


    failure or delays in achieving expected production from natural gas and crude oil exploration and development projects;

 

    uncertainties inherent in estimates of natural gas and crude oil reserves and predicting natural gas and crude oil reservoir performance;

 

    competitive conditions in our industry;

 

    actions taken by third-party operators, processors and transporters;

 

    changes in the availability and cost of capital;

 

    operating hazards, natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;

 

    the effects of existing and future laws and governmental regulations;

 

    the effects of existing or future litigation; and

 

    certain factors discussed elsewhere in this annual report.

 

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which establishes accounting standards for all transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services. SFAS No. 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for transactions with employees, and carries forward without change prior guidance for shared-based payments for transactions with non-employees.

 

SFAS No. 123(R) eliminates the intrinsic value measurement objective in Accounting Principle Board (“APB”) Opinion 25 and generally requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments be based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The standard requires grant date fair value to be estimated using either an option-pricing model that is consistent with the terms of the award or a market observed price, if such a price exists. Such cost must be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (which is usually the vesting period). The standard also requires estimation of the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur.

 

We are required to apply SFAS No. 123(R) to all awards granted, modified or settled in our first reporting period under U.S. GAAP after June 15, 2005. The standard requires use of either the “modified prospective method” or the “modified retrospective method.” Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all awards granted after adoption of the standard and for the unvested portion of previously grant awards that are outstanding on that date. The modified retrospective method is used to recognize compensation cost for prior periods whereby previous issued financial statements must be restated to recognize the amounts we previously calculated and reported on a pro forma basis. Under both methods, the standard permits the use of either a straight-line or an accelerated method to amortize the cost as an expense for awards that vest over time. The standard permits and encourages early adoption.

 

Management has commenced analysis of the impact of SFAS No. 123(R), but has not yet decided: (1) whether to elect early adoption, (2) if early adoption is elected, at what date to adopt the standard, (3) whether to use the modified prospective method or elect to use the modified retrospective method, and (4) whether to use straight-line amortization or an accelerated method. Additionally we cannot predict with reasonable certainty the number of options that will be unvested and outstanding on December 31, 2005. Accordingly, management cannot currently quantify with precision the effect this standard would have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the future, except that a greater expense will probably be recognized for any awards that we may grant in the future.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, which amends Chapter 4 of ARB No. 43 that deals with inventory pricing. The statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs and spoilage. Under paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, such items might be considered to be so abnormal, under certain circumstances, as to require treatment as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 eliminates the criterion of “so abnormal” and requires that those items be recognized as current period charges. The statement also requires allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, although earlier application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issuance date of the statement.

 

20


Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of SFAS No. 151 and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

The FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB No. 29 in December 2004. The statement amends Opinion 29 by eliminating the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 provides that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date of the issuance of the statement. Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of SFAS No. 151 and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, was issued in December 2004. This FSP provides guidance on accounting for special reductions in taxes included in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. In particular, the Act allows a one-time decrease in U.S. Federal taxes on repatriated foreign earnings. FSP No. 109-2 clarifies that a company’s consideration of the Act does not overrule their prior contention that the foreign earnings were permanently reinvested. Also, this FSP indicates that companies should provide tax expense when a decision is made to repatriate some or all foreign earnings, and provide disclosure about the possible range of repatriation if the analysis is not yet complete. We repatriated $86.5 million through a Canadian divdend distribution in 2004 and provided approximately $0.8 million of current income tax expense in 2004.

 

In September 2004, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 106. This pronouncement requires companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities to include an estimate of future asset retirement costs to be incurred as a result of future development activities on proved reserves in their calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortization. It also requires full cost companies to exclude any cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations from their full cost ceiling test calculation. In addition, it requires specific disclosures regarding the impact of asset retirement obligations on oil and gas producing activities, ceiling test calculations and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations. We will adopt the provisions of this pronouncement in the first quarter of 2005. We believe the adoption of SAB No. 106 will have no immediate effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

21


ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Management’s Statement of Responsibilities

   23

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   24

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

   25

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   26

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   27

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   28

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   29

 

22


MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

 

To the Stockholders of Quicksilver Resources Inc.:

 

Management of Quicksilver Resources Inc. is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of its published consolidated financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, as such, include amounts based on judgments and estimates made by management. The Company also prepared the other information included in the annual report and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.

 

Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report reliable financial data. The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting, which is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation of reliable published financial statements and safeguarding of the Company’s assets. The system includes a documented organizational structure and division of responsibility, established policies and procedures, including a code of conduct to foster a strong ethical climate, which are communicated throughout the Company, and the careful selection, training and development of our people.

 

The Board of Directors, acting through its Audit Committee, is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s accounting policies, financial reporting and internal control. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent of management. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. It meets periodically with management, the independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors to ensure that they are carrying out their responsibilities. The Audit Committee is also responsible for performing an oversight role by reviewing and monitoring the financial, accounting and auditing procedures of the Company in addition to reviewing the Company’s financial reports. Internal auditors monitor the operation of the internal control system and report findings and recommendations to management and the Audit Committee. Corrective actions are taken to address control deficiencies and other opportunities for improving the system as they are identified. The independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have full and unlimited access to the Audit Committee, with or without management, to discuss the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, and any other matters which they believe should be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee.

 

Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.

 

Management assessed the Company’s internal control system as of December 31, 2004 in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, the Company has determined that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, which was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board. Reports of the independent registered public accounting firm, which includes the independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation of management’s assessment of internal controls, are also presented within this document.

 

/s/ Glenn Darden


 

/s/ Bill Lamkin


President and Chief Executive Officer   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Fort Worth, Texas

March 16, 2005

   

 

 

23


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Quicksilver Resources Inc.

Fort Worth, Texas

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Quicksilver Resources Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 16, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

March 16, 2005 (August 8, 2005 as to the effects of the reclassifications described in Note 21)

 

24


QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

In thousands, except for share data

 

     2004

    2003(1)

 
ASSETS                 

Current assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 15,947     $ 4,116  

Accounts receivable

     38,037       26,247  

Current deferred income taxes

     3,523       11,760  

Inventories and other current assets

     8,689       7,588  
    


 


Total current assets

     66,196       49,711  

Investments in and advances to equity affiliates

     8,254       9,173  

Property, plant and equipment

                

Oil and gas properties, full-cost method

                

Subject to depletion

     838,134       665,457  

Unevaluated costs

     97,168       49,919  

Pipelines and processing facilities

     70,851       56,980  

General properties

     12,597       7,645  

Accumulated depletion and depreciation

     (216,140 )     (175,425 )
    


 


Property, plant and equipment – net

     802,610       604,576  

Other assets

     11,274       3,474  
    


 


     $ 888,334     $ 666,934  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current liabilities

                

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 356     $ 339  

Accounts payable

     28,407       17,954  

Accrued derivative obligations

     12,784       34,577  

Accrued liabilities

     41,904       27,644  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     83,451       80,514  

Long-term debt

     399,134       249,097  

Deferred derivative obligations

     —         9,662  

Asset retirement obligations

     17,967       15,135  

Deferred income taxes

     83,506       70,710  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

     —         —    

Stockholders’ equity

                

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 1 share issued as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 and 80,000,000 shares authorized, and 52,690,971 and 52,045,726 shares issued as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     527       520  

Paid in capital in excess of par value

     200,941       194,246  

Treasury stock of 2,568,611 and 2,578,904 shares as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     (10,258 )     (10,299 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     6,762       (17,683 )

Retained earnings

     106,304       75,032  
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     304,276       241,816  
    


 


     $ 888,334     $ 666,934  
    


 



(1) Share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2004. The split did not affect treasury shares.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

25


QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

In thousands, except for per share data

 

     2004

    2003(1)

    2002(1)

 

Revenues

                        

Oil, gas and NGL sales

   $ 177,173     $ 139,037     $ 112,296  

Other revenue

     2,556       1,912       9,683  
    


 


 


Total revenues

     179,729       140,949       121,979  

Expenses

                        

Oil and gas production costs

     65,186       52,194       42,228  

Other operating costs

     1,250       1,301       1,538  

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

     40,691       32,067       30,159  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     153       87       —    

General and administrative

     12,934       8,133       7,552  
    


 


 


Total expenses

     120,214       93,782       81,477  
    


 


 


Income from equity affiliates

     1,178       1,331       200  
    


 


 


Operating income

     60,693       48,498       40,702  

Other income-net

     (415 )     (186 )     (470 )

Interest expense

     15,662       20,182       19,839  
    


 


 


Income before income taxes

     45,446       28,502       21,333  

Income tax expense

     14,174       9,997       7,498  
    


 


 


Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     31,272       18,505       13,835  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

     —         2,297       —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 31,272     $ 16,208     $ 13,835  
    


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss) – net of taxes

                        

Net derivative settlements

     26,875       27,037       7,114  

Net change in derivative fair value

     (5,174 )     (20,939 )     (27,237 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     2,744       10,389       (40 )
    


 


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 55,717     $ 32,695     $ (6,328 )
    


 


 


Basic net income per common share:

                        

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.63     $ 0.41     $ 0.35  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

     —         (0.05 )     —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 0.63     $ 0.36     $ 0.35  
    


 


 


Diluted net income per common share:

                        

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.62     $ 0.41     $ 0.34  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

     —         (0.06 )     —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 0.62     $ 0.35     $ 0.34  
    


 


 


Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     49,769       44,789       39,613  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     51,343       45,689       40,789  

(1) Share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2004. The split did not affect treasury shares.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

26


QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

In thousands, except for share and per share data

 

     2004

    2003(1)

    2002(1)

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized

                        

Balance at beginning of year

   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Issuance of 1 share special voting preferred

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Balance at end of year: 1 share issued at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     520       448       413  

Issuance of common stock

     7       72       35  
    


 


 


Balance at end of year: 52,690,971; 52,045,726 and 44,756,392 shares issued at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively

     527       520       448  
    


 


 


Paid in capital in excess of par value

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     194,246       113,902       77,627  

Acquisition of minority interest

     —         —         (189 )

Acquisition of Voyager Compression Services assets

     —         (515 )     —    

Warrants exercised

     —         —         16,355  

Treasury stock reissued

     148       —         19,459  

Issuance of common stock

     —         79,205       —    

Stock options exercised

     2,304       1,014       842  

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

     4,243       739       —    

Fair value of options issued

     —         —         229  

Stock issuance costs

     —         (99 )     (421 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

     200,941       194,246       113,902  
    


 


 


Treasury stock, at cost

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     (10,299 )     (10,099 )     (14,634 )

(Acquisition) reissuance of treasury stock-net

     41       (200 )     4,535  
    


 


 


Balance at end of year: 2,568,611; 2,578,904 and 2,570,502 shares at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively

     (10,258 )     (10,299 )     (10,099 )
    


 


 


                          

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

                        

Deferred losses on hedge derivatives

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     (27,359 )     (33,457 )     (13,334 )

Net change during the year related to cash flow hedges

     21,701       6,098       (20,123 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

     (5,658 )     (27,359 )     (33,457 )
    


 


 


Deferred foreign exchange adjustment

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     9,676       (713 )     (673 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     2,744       10,389       (40 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

     12,420       9,676       (713 )
    


 


 


Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     6,762       (17,683 )     (34,170 )
    


 


 


Retained earnings

                        

Balance at beginning of year

     75,032       58,824       44,989  

Net income

     31,272       16,208       13,835  
    


 


 


Balance at end of year

     106,304       75,032       58,824  
    


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 304,276     $ 241,816     $ 128,905  
    


 


 



(1) Share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2004. The split did not affect treasury shares.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

27


QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS END DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

In thousands

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 31,272     $ 16,208     $ 13,835  

Charges and credits to net income not affecting cash

                        

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —         2,297       —    

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

     40,691       32,067       30,159  

Deferred income taxes

     12,989       9,736       7,760  

Recognition of unearned revenues

     —         507       (3,678 )

Income from equity affiliates

     (1,178 )     (1,331 )     (200 )

Amortization of deferred loan costs

     1,249       2,637       1,239  

Non-cash (gain) loss from hedging activities

     (786 )     (678 )     842  

Other

     91       455       169  

Changes in assets and liabilities

                        

Accounts receivable

     (11,562 )     (5,259 )     414  

Inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets

     2,364       (918 )     (852 )

Accounts payable

     2,220       1,246       (1,497 )

Accrued and other liabilities

     5,448       (8,280 )     (6,541 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     82,798       48,687       41,650  
    


 


 


Investing activities:

                        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (215,106 )     (137,895 )     (86,417 )

Acquisition of Voyager Compression Service assets

     —         (684 )     —    

Distributions and advances from equity affiliates-net

     2,097       1,649       4,043  

Proceeds from sale of properties

     9,160       101       1,263  
    


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (203,849 )     (136,829 )     (81,111 )
    


 


 


Financing activities:

                        

Issuance of debt

     511,091       114,000       16,000  

Repayments of debt

     (371,178 )     (113,116 )     (14,912 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

     —         79,176       39,725  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     2,499       750       915  

Purchases of treasury stock

     —         —         (316 )

Debt issuance costs

     (8,023 )     (1,441 )     (1,362 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     134,389       79,369       40,050  
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rates on cash

     (1,507 )     3,773       (199 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

     11,831       (5,000 )     390  

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

     4,116       9,116       8,726  
    


 


 


Cash and equivalents at end of period

   $ 15,947     $ 4,116     $ 9,116  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

28


QUICKSILVER RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Quicksilver Resources Inc. (“Quicksilver”) is an independent oil and gas company incorporated in the state of Delaware and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Quicksilver engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, production and sale of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids as well as the marketing, processing and transmission of natural gas. Substantial portions of Quicksilver’s reserves are located in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, the Rocky Mountains and Alberta, Canada. Quicksilver has U.S. offices in Gaylord, Michigan; Corydon, Indiana; Cut Bank, Montana; Fort Worth, Texas; Granbury, Texas and a Canadian subsidiary, MGV Energy Inc. (“MGV”) located in Calgary, Alberta.

 

Quicksilver’s results of operations are largely dependent on the difference between the prices received for its natural gas and crude oil products and the cost to find, develop, produce and market such resources. Natural gas and crude oil prices are subject to fluctuations in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of factors beyond Quicksilver’s control. These factors include worldwide political instability, quantity of natural gas in storage, foreign supply of crude oil and natural gas, the price of foreign imports, the level of consumer demand and the price of available alternative fuels. Quicksilver manages a portion of the operating risk relating to natural gas and crude oil price volatility through hedging and fixed price contracts.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Stock Split

 

On June 1, 2004, Quicksilver announced that its Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of Quicksilver’s outstanding common stock effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was payable on June 30, 2004, to holders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2004. The split did not affect treasury shares.

 

The capital accounts, all share data and earnings per share data included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for all years presented have been adjusted to retroactively reflect the stock split.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Quicksilver and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The Company accounts for its ownership in unincorporated partnerships and companies under the equity method of accounting as it has significant influence over those entities, but because of terms of the ownership agreements Quicksilver does not meet the criteria for control which would require consolidation of the entities. The Company also consolidates its pro-rata share of oil and gas joint ventures. All significant inter-company transactions are eliminated.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Management believes its estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, such estimates and assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s estimates. Significant estimates underlying these financial statements include the estimated quantities of proved natural gas and crude oil reserves used to compute depletion of natural gas and crude oil properties and the related present value of estimated future net cash flows therefrom (see Supplemental Information beginning on page 87), estimates of current revenues based upon expectations for actual deliveries and prices received, the estimated fair value of financial derivative instruments and the estimated fair value of asset retirement obligations.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of time deposits and liquid debt investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company’s customers are natural gas and crude oil purchasers. Each customer and/or counterparty of the Company is reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a regular basis thereafter. Although the Company does not require collateral, appropriate credit ratings are required and, in some instances, parental guarantees are obtained. Receivables are generally due in 30-60 days. When collections of specific amounts due are no longer reasonably assured, an allowance for doubtful accounts is established. During 2004, two purchasers accounted for approximately 15% and 14%, respectively, of the Company’s total consolidated natural gas and crude oil sales.

 

29


Hedging

 

The Company enters into financial derivative instruments to hedge price risk for its natural gas and crude oil sales and interest rate risk. Hedging is accounted for in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedge Activities, and SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, which amended SFAS No. 133 (see note 4). The Company does not enter into financial derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

 

All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses that qualify as hedges are recognized in revenues or interest expense in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. Gains or losses on derivative instruments terminated prior to their original expiration date are deferred and recognized as income or expense in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. Fair value is determined by reference to published future market prices or interest rates. Ineffective portions of hedges are recognized currently in earnings.

 

The Company’s long-term contracts for delivery of 25,000 Mcfd and 10,000 Mcfd at a floor of $2.49 and $2.47, respectively, through March 2009 are not considered derivatives but rather normal sales contracts under SFAS No. 133. For 2004, approximately 5,300 Mcfd of these volumes were third-party volumes controlled by the Company.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of well equipment, spare parts and supplies carried on a first-in, first-out basis at the lower of cost or market.

 

Investments in Equity Affiliates

 

Income from equity affiliates is included as a component of operating income as the operations of the affiliates are associated with processing and transportation of the Company’s natural gas production.

 

Properties, Plant, and Equipment

 

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, including costs of undeveloped leasehold, geological and geophysical expenses, dry holes, leasehold equipment and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities, are capitalized. Proceeds received from disposals are credited against accumulated cost except when the sale represents a significant disposal of reserves, in which case a gain or loss is recognized.

 

The sum of net capitalized costs and estimated future development and dismantlement costs for each cost center is depleted on the equivalent unit-of-production method, based on proved oil and gas reserves as determined by independent petroleum engineers. Excluded from amounts subject to depletion are costs associated with unevaluated properties. Natural gas and crude oil are converted to equivalent units based upon the relative energy content, which is six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil.

 

Net capitalized costs are limited to the lower of unamortized cost net of deferred tax or the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (i) estimated future net revenues, discounted at 10% per annum, from proved reserves, based on unescalated year-end prices and costs, adjusted for contract provisions, financial derivatives that hedge the Company’s oil and gas revenue and asset retirement obligations, (ii) the cost of properties not being amortized, (iii) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties included in the cost being amortized less (iv) income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the natural gas and crude oil properties. Such limitations are imposed separately for the U.S. and Canadian cost centers.

 

All other properties and equipment are stated at original cost and depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives from five to forty years.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recognized when title to the products transfer to the purchaser. The Company follows the “sales method” of accounting for its natural gas and crude oil revenue, so that the Company recognizes sales revenue on all natural gas or crude oil sold to its purchasers, regardless of whether the sales are proportionate to the Company’s ownership in the property. A receivable or liability is recognized only to the extent that the Company has an imbalance on a specific property greater than the expected remaining proved reserves. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s aggregate natural gas and crude oil imbalances were not material to its consolidated financial statements.

 

Environmental Compliance and Remediation

 

Environmental compliance costs, including ongoing maintenance and monitoring, are expensed as incurred. Environmental remediation costs, which improve the condition of a property, are capitalized.

 

30


Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are established for all temporary differences between the book and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred tax balances must be adjusted to reflect tax rates that will be in effect in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. MGV, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, computes taxes at rates in effect in Canada. U.S. deferred tax liabilities are not recognized on profits that are expected to be permanently reinvested by MGV and thus not considered available for distribution to the parent Company. Net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets, are reviewed annually for recoverability, and if necessary, are recorded net of a valuation allowance.

 

Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments include cash, time deposits, accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, long-term debt and financial derivatives. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities for credit risk. The carrying amounts reflected in the balance sheet for financial assets classified as current assets and the carrying amounts for financial liabilities classified as current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of such instruments.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company’s Canadian subsidiary, MGV, uses the Canadian dollar as its functional currency. All balance sheet accounts of Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rate of exchange and statement of income items are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of income.

 

Earnings per share

 

Basic net income or loss per common share is computed by dividing the net income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income or loss per common share is computed using the treasury stock method, which also considers the impact to net income and common shares for the potential dilution from stock options, stock warrants and outstanding convertible securities.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used for the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share.

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

    2002

     (in thousands, except per share data)

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 31,272    $ 18,505     $ 13,835

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —        2,297       —  
    

  


 

Net income

     31,272      16,208       13,835

Impact of assumed conversions – interest on 1.875% contingently convertible debentures, net of income taxes

     317      —         —  
    

  


 

Income available to stockholders assuming conversion of contingently convertible debentures

   $ 31,589    $ 16,208     $ 13,835
    

  


 

Weighted average common shares – basic

     49,769      44,789       39,613

Effect of dilutive securities:

                     

Stock options

     1,029      900       1,117

Warrants

     —        —         59

Contingently convertible debentures

     545      —         —  
    

  


 

Weighted average common shares – diluted

     51,343      45,689       40,789
    

  


 

Basic:

                     

Income before effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.63    $ 0.41     $ 0.35

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —        (0.05 )     —  
    

  


 

Net income

   $ 0.63    $ 0.36     $ 0.35

Diluted:

                     

Income before effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.62    $ 0.41     $ 0.34

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —        (0.06 )     —  
    

  


 

Net income

   $ 0.62    $ 0.35     $ 0.34

 

31


No outstanding options were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation for either 2004 or 2003. Warrants representing 1,100,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the 2002 diluted net income per share computation for the period prior to their exercise as the exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common stock.

 

Stock-Based Employee Compensation

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company has two stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 16. The Company accounts for its plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net income, as reported

   $ 31,272     $ 16,208     $ 13,835  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of income taxes

     (3,169 )     (436 )     (674 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 28,103     $ 15,772     $ 13,161  
    


 


 


Earnings per share

                        

Basic – as reported

   $ 0.63     $ 0.36     $ 0.35  

Basic – pro forma

   $ 0.56     $ 0.35     $ 0.33  

Diluted – as reported

   $ 0.62     $ 0.35     $ 0.34  

Diluted – pro forma

   $ 0.55     $ 0.35     $ 0.32  

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which establishes accounting standards for all transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services. SFAS No. 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for transactions with employees, and carries forward without change prior guidance for shared-based payments for transactions with non-employees.

 

SFAS No. 123(R) eliminates the intrinsic value measurement objective in Accounting Principle Board (“APB”) Opinion 25 and generally requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments be based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The standard requires grant date fair value to be estimated using either an option-pricing model which is consistent with the terms of the award or a market observed price, if such a price exists. Such cost must be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (which is usually the vesting period). The standard also requires estimation of the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur.

 

SFAS No. 123(R) will apply to all awards granted, modified or settled in our first reporting period under U.S. GAAP after June 15, 2005. The standard requires use of either the “modified prospective method” or the “modified retrospective method.” Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all awards granted after adoption of the standard and for the unvested portion of previous grant awards that are outstanding on that date. The modified retrospective method is used to recognize compensation cost for prior periods whereby previously issued financial statements must be restated to recognize the amounts we previously calculated and reported on a pro forma basis. Under both methods, the standard permits the use of either a straight-line or an accelerated method to amortize the cost as an expense for awards that vest over time. The standard permits and encourages early adoption.

 

Management has commenced analysis of the impact of this statement, but has not yet decided: (1) whether to elect early adoption, (2) if early adoption is elected, at what date to adopt the standard, (3) whether to use the modified perspective method or elect to use the modified retrospective method, and (4) whether to use straight-line amortization or an accelerated method. Additionally management cannot predict with reasonable certainty the number of options that will be unvested and outstanding on December 31, 2005. Accordingly, the effect of this standard would have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the future cannot be currently quantified with precision, except that a greater expense will probably be recognized for any awards granted in the future.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, which amends Chapter 4 of ARB No. 43 that deals with inventory pricing. The statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal

 

32


amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs and spoilage. Under paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, such items might be considered to be so abnormal, under certain circumstances, as to require treatment as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 eliminates the criterion of “so abnormal” and requires that those items be recognized as current period charges. The statement also requires allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, although earlier application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issuance date of the statement. Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of SFAS No. 151 and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

The FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB No. 29 in December 2004. The statement amends Opinion 29 by eliminating the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 provides that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date of the issuance of the statement. Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of SFAS No. 151 and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, was issued in December 2004. This FSP provides guidance on accounting for special reductions in taxes included in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. In particular, the Act allows a one-time decrease in U.S. Federal taxes on repatriated foreign earnings. FSP No. 109-2 clarifies that a company’s consideration of the Act does not overrule their prior contention that the foreign earnings were permanently reinvested. Also, this FSP indicates that companies should provide tax expense when a decision is made to repatriate some or all foreign earnings, and provide disclosure about the possible range of repatriation if the analysis is not yet complete. Quicksilver repatriated $86.5 million as the result of a Canadian dividend distribution in 2004 and provided approximately $0.8 million of current income tax expense in 2004.

 

In September 2004, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 106. This pronouncement requires companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities to include an estimate of future asset retirement costs to be incurred as a result of future development activities on proved reserves in their calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortization. It also requires full cost companies to exclude any cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations from their full cost ceiling test calculation. In addition, it requires specific disclosures regarding the impact of asset retirement obligations on oil and gas producing activities, ceiling test calculations and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations. The Company will adopt the provisions of this pronouncement in the first quarter of 2005. Management believes there will be no immediate effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

The FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which became effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. This statement, adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2003, establishes accounting and reporting standards for the legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction or development and the normal operation of long-lived assets. It requires that the fair value of the liability for asset retirement obligations be recognized in the period in which it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of the asset retirement liability, an asset retirement cost is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the long-lived asset by the same amount as the liability. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, the asset retirement cost is allocated to expense using a systematic method over the asset’s useful life. Changes in the liability for the asset retirement obligation are recognized for (a) the passage of time and (b) revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows.

 

In connection with adoption of SFAS No. 143, all asset retirement obligations of the Company were identified and the fair value of the retirement costs were estimated as of the date the long-lived assets were placed into service. The asset retirement obligations’ fair values were then estimated as of January 1, 2003. At January 1, 2003, the Company recognized asset retirement costs of $10.8 million and asset retirement obligations of $13.3 million, of which $0.9 million was classified as current. The cumulative-effect adjustment of $2.3 million included $1.3 million for additional depletion and depreciation of the asset retirement costs, $2.2 million for accretion of the fair value of the asset retirement obligations and $1.2 million for deferred tax benefits. The asset retirement obligation would have been $12.6 million at January 1, 2002 had FAS No. 143 then been in effect.

 

33


The following table reflects pro forma income for all periods assuming that SFAS No. 143 was applied retroactively.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

   2003

   2002

 
     (in thousands)  

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 31,272    $ 18,505    $ 13,835  

Deduct: accretion of asset retirement obligation and depletion and depreciation of associated fixed assets, net of income taxes

     —        —        (523 )
    

  

  


Pro forma net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 31,272    $ 18,505    $ 13,312  
    

  

  


Pro forma net income – per share

                      

Basic

   $ 0.63    $ 0.41    $ 0.34  

Diluted

     0.62      0.41      0.33  

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the estimated asset retirement obligation from the amount recorded upon adoption of SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004.

 

     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Beginning asset retirement obligation

   $ 15,189     $ 13,326  

Additional liability incurred

     2,538       999  

Accretion expense

     982       739  

Sale of properties

     (680 )     —    

Asset retirement costs incurred

     (267 )     (39 )

Loss on settlement of liability

     143       —    

Currency translation adjustment

     566       164  
    


 


Ending asset retirement obligation

   $ 18,471     $ 15,189  
    


 


 

During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, accretion expense was recognized and included in depletion, depreciation and accretion expense reported in the statement of income for the year. There have not been any revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows during 2003 or 2004. Asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are $18.5 million and $15.2 million, respectively, of which $504,000 and $54,000, respectively, has been classified as current.

 

4. HEDGING

 

The Company hedges a portion of its equity production of natural gas and crude oil using various financial derivatives. All derivatives are evaluated using the hedge criteria established under SFAS Nos. 133 and 138. If hedge criteria are met, the change in a derivative’s fair value (for a cash flow hedge) is deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These deferred gains and losses are recognized into income in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized in revenues to the extent the hedge is effective. The ineffective portions of hedges are recognized currently in earnings.

 

During 2004, the Company entered into both fixed and floating price firm natural gas sale and purchase commitments and associated financial price swaps that extend through March 2005. The derivative transactions qualify as fair value hedges. Hedge ineffectiveness resulted in $118,000 of net losses, $188,000 of net gains and $26,000 of net losses in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

During 2002, the Company cancelled three interest rate swap agreements. The first, covering its $53 million of Second Mortgage Notes (“Subordinated Notes”), was cancelled on July 15, 2002 and the Company received a cash settlement of $1.0 million. The swap agreement converted the debt’s 14.75% fixed rate to a floating three-month LIBOR base rate and qualified as a fair value hedge. The Company deferred the $1.0 million gain resulting from the settlement, which was to be recognized through the original maturity date for the swap, March 30, 2009. The Company redeemed the $53 million in principal amount of Subordinated Notes in June 2003. At that time the remaining $0.9 million deferred gain was recognized.

 

In October 2002, the Company cancelled two fixed-rate interest rate swaps related to $75 million of the Company’s variable-rate debt and entered into a new fixed-rate interest swap that converted the interest rate to a fixed-rate of 3.74% through March 31, 2005. The fair value of the open swap at its inception was $1.9 million. The Company recognized the $1.9 million loss associated with the cancelled swaps through the original maturity date of the swaps, March 31, 2003. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of the open interest swap was a liability of $0.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

 

34


On September 11, 2003, the Company entered into a fair value interest swap covering $40 million of its fixed rate 2003 Second Mortgage Notes. The swap converted the debt’s 7.5% fixed rate to a floating six-month LIBOR base rate plus 4.07% through the termination of the notes. The fair value of the swap was $50,000 as of December 31, 2003. In January 2004, the swap position was cancelled and the Company received a cash settlement of $0.3 million that will be recognized over the original maturity date for the swap, December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2004, $0.2 million of the gain remains to be recognized.

 

The change in carrying value of the Company’s derivatives, firm sale and purchase commitments accounted for as hedges and interest rate swaps in the Company’s balance sheet since December 31, 2003 resulted from a decrease in the remaining hedged volumes partially offset by an increase in market prices for natural gas, crude oil and a decrease in the remaining period covered by the interest rate swap. The change in fair value of all cash flow hedges was reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax effects. Natural gas and crude oil derivative assets and liabilities reflected as current in the December 31, 2004 balance sheet represent the estimated fair value of contract settlements scheduled to occur over the subsequent twelve-month period based on market prices for natural gas and crude oil as of the balance sheet date. These settlement amounts are not due and payable until the monthly period in which the related underlying hedged gas or oil sales transaction occurs. Settlement of the underlying hedged transactions occurs in the following 20 to 85 days.

 

The estimated fair values of all derivatives and the associated fixed price firm sale and purchase commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are provided below. The associated carrying values of these swaps are equal to the estimated fair values for each period presented.

 

     As of December 31,

     2004

   2003

     (in thousands)

Derivative assets:

             

Fixed price sale commitments

   $ 314    $ 43

Natural gas financial collars

     3,563      330

Crude oil financial collars

     106      —  

Floating price natural gas financial swaps

     —        463

Fixed price natural gas financial swaps

     —        336

Fixed to floating interest rate swap

     —        50
    

  

     $ 3,983    $ 1,222
    

  

Derivative liabilities:

             

Fixed price natural gas financial swaps

   $ 12,066    $ 41,363

Floating price natural gas financial swaps

     322      42

Natural gas financial collars

     158      —  

Crude oil financial collars

     5      448

Fixed price sale commitments

     —        356

Floating to fixed interest rate swap

     233      2,030
    

  

     $ 12,784    $ 44,239
    

  

 

The fair value of all natural gas and crude derivatives and firm sale and purchase commitments accounted for as hedges as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was estimated based on market prices of natural gas and crude oil for the periods covered by the derivatives. The net differential between the prices in each derivative and market prices for future periods, as adjusted for estimated basis, has been applied to the volumes stipulated in each contract to arrive at an estimated future value. This estimated future value was discounted on each contract at rates commensurate with federal treasury instruments with similar contractual lives. The fair value of the interest rate swap was based upon counterparty estimates of the fair value of such swaps. As a result, the fair value of the Company’s derivatives and commitments does not necessarily represent the value a third party would pay to assume the Company’s contract positions. Of the $4.0 million of derivatives assets and $12.8 million of derivative liabilities, $2.4 million of assets and $12.8 million of liabilities have been classified as current at December 31, 2004 based on the maturity of the derivative instruments, resulting in $6.8 million of after-tax losses to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income in 2005.

 

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company has established policies and procedures for managing risk within its organization, including internal controls. The level of risk assumed by the Company is based on its objectives and capacity to manage risk.

 

35


Quicksilver’s primary risk exposure is related to natural gas and crude oil commodity prices. The Company has mitigated the downside risk of adverse price movements through the use of swaps, futures and forward contracts; however in doing so, it has also limited future gains from favorable price movements.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company enters into contracts to hedge its exposure to commodity price risk associated with anticipated future natural gas and crude oil production. These contracts have included physical sales contracts and derivatives including price ceilings and floors, no-cost collars and fixed price swaps. As of December 31, 2004, Quicksilver sells approximately 25,000 Mcfd and 10,000 Mcfd of natural gas under long-term contracts with a floor of $2.49 per Mcf and $2.47 per Mcf, respectively, through March 2009. Approximately 29,700 Mcfd of the Company’s natural gas production was sold under these contracts during 2004. The remaining 5,300 Mcfd sold under these contracts were third-party volumes controlled by the Company. These contracts are not considered derivatives, but rather normal sales contracts under SFAS No. 133.

 

The Company hedged 30,000 Mcfd natural gas production in May 2000 using fixed price swap agreements at prices averaging $2.79 per Mcf. These agreements expire in April 2005. Natural gas price collars hedge approximately 20,000 Mcfd of the Company’s budgeted natural gas sales volumes for the first quarter of 2005. Natural gas price collars of nearly 33,000 Mcfd hedge the Company’s budgeted natural gas sales volumes for the remainder of 2005. Additionally, the Company has used price collar agreements to hedge approximately 750 Bbld of its crude oil production for 2005. As a result of these various contracts, the Company benefits from significant predictability of its natural gas and crude oil revenues. The following table summarizes the Company’s open financial derivative positions as of December 31, 2004 related to its natural gas and crude oil production.

 

Product

  Type

  Contract Period

  Volume

 

Weighted Avg

Price Per

Mcf or Bbl


  Fair Value

 
                    (in thousands)  
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd   $ 2.79   $ (4,016 )
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd     2.79     (4,025 )
Gas   Swap   Jan 2005-Apr 2005   10,000 Mcfd     2.79     (4,025 )
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.60     62  
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   10,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.63     115  
Gas   Collar   Jan 2005-Mar 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-9.90     86  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-6.75     (109 )
Gas   Collar   Apr 2005-Oct 2005   10,000 Mcfd     5.50-6.75     (219 )
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   15,000 Mcfd     5.50-7.15     (15 )
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     6.50-8.15     624  
Gas   Collar   May 2005-Oct 2005   5,000 Mcfd     6.50-8.22     632  
Gas   Collar   Nov 2005-Mar 2006   10,000 Mcfd     6.50-11.20     779  
Gas   Collar   Nov 2005-Mar 2006   10,000 Mcfd     6.50-11.20     779  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2006-Oct 2006   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-8.10     332  
Gas   Collar   Apr 2006-Oct 2006   5,000 Mcfd     5.50-8.25     339  
Oil   Collar   Jan 2005-Jun 2005   500 Bbld     40.00-52.80     93  
Oil   Collar   Jan 2005-Jun 2005   500 Bbld     40.00-46.75     (5 )
Oil   Collar   Jul 2005-Dec 2005   250 Bbld     38.00-47.75     13  
                     


                  Net open positions   $ (8,560 )
                     


 

Utilization of the Company’s financial hedging program may result in natural gas and crude oil realized prices that vary from actual prices that the Company receives from the sale of natural gas and crude oil. As a result of the hedging programs, revenues from production in 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $43.9 million, $39.8 million and $7.4 million lower, respectively, than if the hedging programs had not been in effect.

 

Commodity price fluctuations affect the remaining natural gas and crude oil volumes as well as the Company’s NGL volumes. Natural gas volumes of 4,500 Mcfd are committed at market price through May 2005 and an additional 16,500 Mcfd of natural gas is committed at market price through September 2008. During 2004, almost 6,400 Mcfd of Quicksilver’s natural gas production was sold under these contracts. An additional 14,600 Mcfd sold under these contracts were third-party volumes controlled by the Company.

 

The Company entered into various financial contracts to hedge exposure to commodity price risk associated with future contractual natural gas sales and purchases with derivative instruments. These contracts include either fixed and floating price sales or purchases from third parties. As a result of the firm sale and purchase commitments and associated financial price swaps, the hedge derivatives qualified as fair value hedges. Marketing revenues were $0.5 million and $0.3 million higher and lower by $2.2 million as a result of its hedging activities in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

36


The following table summarizes our open financial derivative positions and hedged firm commitments as of December 31, 2004 related to natural gas marketing.

 

Contract Period


   Volume

  

Weighted Avg

Price per Mcf


   Fair Value

 
               (in thousands)  

Natural Gas Sales Contracts

                    

Jan 2005

   2,262 Mcfd    $ 7.74    $ 104  

Feb 2005

   3,935 Mcfd    $ 7.53      136  

Mar 2005

   1,935 Mcfd    $ 7.58      74  
                


                 $ 314  

Natural Gas Financial Derivatives

                    

Jan 2005-Mar 2005

   1,333 Mcfd      Floating Price    $ (171 )

Jan 2005-Mar 2005

   333 Mcfd      Floating Price      (44 )

Jan 2005

   645 Mcfd      Floating Price      (35 )

Feb 2005

   1,428 Mcfd      Floating Price      (43 )

Feb 2005

   714 Mcfd      Floating Price      (17 )

Mar 2005

   323 Mcfd      Floating Price      (12 )
                


                   (322 )
                


            Total-net    $ (8 )
                


 

The fair values of fixed price and floating price natural gas and crude oil derivatives and associated firm commitments as of December 31, 2004 were estimated based on market prices of natural gas and crude oil for the periods covered by the contracts. The net differential between the prices in each contract and market prices for future periods, as adjusted for estimated basis, has been applied to the volumes stipulated in each contract to arrive at an estimated future value. This estimated future value was discounted on each contract at rates commensurate with federal treasury instruments with similar contractual lives. As a result, the natural gas and crude oil financial swap and firm commitment fair value does not necessarily represent the value a third party would pay to assume the Company’s contract positions.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company manages its exposure associated with interest rates by entering into interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2004, the interest payments for $75.0 million notional variable-rate debt are hedged with an interest rate swap that converts a floating three-month LIBOR base to a 3.74% fixed-rate through March 31, 2005. The liability associated with the swap was $0.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2003.

 

On September 10, 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the $40.0 million of fixed-rate second lien notes issued on June 27, 2003. The swap converted the debt’s 7.5% fixed-rate debt to a floating six-month LIBOR base. The asset associated with the swap was $50,000 at December 31, 2003. In January 2004, the swap position was cancelled and the Company received a cash settlement of $0.3 million that is being recognized over the original term of the swap, which ends December 31, 2006. The deferred gain remaining at December 31, 2004 is $0.2 million.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. The Company sells a portion of its natural gas production directly under long-term contracts, and the remainder of its natural gas and crude oil is sold to large trading companies and energy marketing companies, refineries and other users of petroleum products at spot or short-term contracts. Quicksilver also enters into hedge derivatives with financial counterparties. The Company monitors its exposure to counterparties by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and credit service reports. Exposure levels are limited and parental guarantees are required according to Company policy. Each customer and/or counterparty of the Company is reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a regular basis thereafter. In this manner, the Company reduces credit risk.

 

While Quicksilver follows its credit policies at the time it enters into sales contracts, the credit worthiness of counter parties could change over time. The credit ratings of the parent companies of the two counter parties to the Company’s long-term gas contracts were downgraded in early 2003 and remain below the credit ratings required for the extension of credit to new customers.

 

Performance Risk

 

Performance risk results when a financial counterparty fails to fulfill its contractual obligations such as commodity pricing or volume commitments. Typically, such risk obligations are defined within the trading agreements. The Company manages performance risk through management of credit risk. Each customer and/or counterparty of the Company is reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a regular basis thereafter.

 

37


Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses the Canadian dollar as its functional currency. To the extent that business transactions in Canada are not denominated in Canadian dollars, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. During October and November 2004, Quicksilver loaned MGV approximately $11.4 million. To reduce its exposure to exchange rate risk, MGV entered into a forward contract that fixed the Canadian-to-US exchange rate. The balance of the loan was repaid at the end of November and upon settlement of the forward contract, MGV recognized a gain of $0.2 million.

 

6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Accrued production receivables

   $ 24,351     $ 19,318  

Joint interest receivables

     13,247       6,478  

Other receivables

     753       552  

Allowance for bad debts

     (314 )     (101 )
    


 


     $ 38,037     $ 26,247  
    


 


 

7. INVENTORIES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

Inventories and other current assets consist of:

 

     As of December 31,

     2004

   2003

     (in thousands)

Inventories

   $ 4,161    $ 4,595

Hedge derivatives (see note 4)

     2,383      1,172

Prepaid expenses and deposits

     2,145      1,821
    

  

     $ 8,689    $ 7,588
    

  

 

8. PROPERTIES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment includes the following:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Oil and gas properties

                

Subject to depletion

   $ 838,134     $ 665,457  

Unevaluated costs

     97,168       49,919  

Accumulated depletion

     (195,415 )     (159,801 )
    


 


Net oil and gas properties

     739,887       555,575  

Other equipment

                

Pipelines and processing facilities

     70,851       56,980  

General properties

     12,597       7,645  

Accumulated depreciation

     (20,725 )     (15,624 )
    


 


Net other property and equipment

     62,723       49,001  
    


 


Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion

   $ 802,610     $ 604,576  
    


 


 

38


Unevaluated Natural Gas and Crude Oil Properties Excluded From Depletion

 

Under full cost accounting, the Company may exclude certain unevaluated costs from the amortization base pending determination of whether proved reserves have been discovered or impairment has occurred. A summary of the unevaluated properties excluded from natural gas and crude oil properties being amortized at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the year in which they were incurred as follows:

 

     December 31, 2004 Costs Incurred During

   December 31, 2003 Costs Incurred During

     2004

   2003

   2002

   Prior

   Total

   2003

   2002

   2001

   Prior

   Total

     (in thousands)    (in thousands)

Acquisition costs

   $ 38,051    $ 31,972    $ 8,809    $ 1,258    $ 80,090    $ 31,834    $ 11,658    $ 903    $ 1,307    $ 45,702

Exploration costs

     16,125      845      108      —        17,078      3,337      880      —        —        4,217
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 54,176    $ 32,817    $ 8,917    $ 1,258    $ 97,168    $ 35,171    $ 12,538    $ 903    $ 1,307    $ 49,919
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Costs are transferred into the amortization base on an ongoing basis, as the projects are evaluated and proved reserves established or impairment determined. Pending determination of proved reserves attributable to the above costs, the Company cannot assess the future impact on the amortization rate. As of December 31, 2004, approximately $38.3 million and $39.2 million of the total unevaluated costs of $97.2 million related to the Company’s Texas Barnett Shale and Canadian coal bed methane projects, respectively. These costs will be transferred into the amortization base as the undeveloped projects and areas are evaluated. The Company anticipates that the majority of this activity should be completed over the next two to three years.

 

Capitalized Costs

 

Capitalized overhead costs that directly relate to exploration and development activities were $3.1 million, $2.2 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Depletion per Mcfe was $0.78, $0.68 and $0.69 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

9. OTHER ASSETS

 

Other assets consist of:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Deferred financing costs

   $ 15,018     $ 6,995  

Less accumulated amortization

     (5,891 )     (4,634 )
    


 


Net deferred financing costs

     9,127       2,361  

Hedge derivatives (see note 4)

     1,600       50  

Other

     547       1,063  
    


 


     $ 11,274     $ 3,474  
    


 


 

Costs related to the acquisition of debt are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt.

 

10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accrued liabilities include the following:

 

     As of December 31,

     2004

   2003

     (in thousands)

Accrued capital expenditures

   $ 18,597    $ 10,179

Prepayments from partners

     7,607      —  

Accrued operating expenses

     4,382      3,498

Suspended revenue

     3,834      3,577

Accrued property and production taxes

     2,430      1,981

Accrued product purchases

     1,421      6,626

Interest payable

     1,112      522

Environmental liabilities

     972      923

Other

     1,549      338
    

  

     $ 41,904    $ 27,644
    

  

 

39


11. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Senior secured credit facility

   $ 180,422     $ 178,000  

Contingently convertible debentures, net of unamortized discount of $2,231

     147,769       —    

Second mortgage notes payable

     70,000       70,000  

Other loans

     1,073       1,386  

Deferred gain – fair value interest hedge

     226       —    

Fair value interest hedge

     —         50  
    


 


       399,490       249,436  

Less current maturities

     (356 )     (339 )
    


 


     $ 399,134     $ 249,097  
    


 


 

Maturities are as follows, in thousands of dollars:

 

2005

   $ 356

2006

     70,367

2007

     351

2008

     —  

2009

     180,421

Thereafter

     150,000
    

     $ 401,495
    

 

On July 28, 2004, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility. Currently, the credit facility is a revolving facility that matures on July 28, 2009 and permits the Company to obtain revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time in an aggregate amount outstanding not to exceed the lesser of the borrowing base or $600 million. The current borrowing base is $300 million and is subject to annual redeterminations and certain other redeterminations, based upon several factors. The lenders’ commitments under the facility are allocated between U.S. and Canadian funds, with the U.S. funds being available for borrowing by the Company and Canadian funds being available for borrowing by the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, MGV Energy Inc. The Company’s interest rate options under the facility include rates based on LIBOR and specified bank rates. As borrowings increase, LIBOR margins increase in specified increments from 1.125% to a maximum of 1.75%. The facility is secured by Quicksilver’s oil and gas properties, and the lenders annually re-determine the global borrowing base under the facility in accordance with their customary practices for oil and gas loans based upon the estimated value of the Company’s year-end proved reserves. The loan agreements for the credit facility prohibit the declaration or payment of dividends by the Company and contain certain financial covenants, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a minimum current ratio and a minimum earnings (before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, non-cash income and expense, and exploration costs) to interest expense ratio. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at December 31, 2004. The senior credit facility was also used to issue letters of credit. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $0.6 million in letters of credit and $119.1 million available under the senior revolving credit facility.

 

On November 1, 2004, the Company sold $150 million $1.875% convertible subordinated debentures due November 1, 2024, which are contingently convertible into 3,272,085 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment). Each $1,000 debenture was issued at 98.5% of par and bears interest at an annual rate of 1.875% payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Holders of the debentures can require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their debentures on November 1, 2011, 2014 or 2019 at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. The debentures are convertible into Quicksilver common stock at a rate of 21.8139 shares for each $1,000 debenture, subject to adjustment. Generally, except upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the debentures are not entitled to exercise their conversion rights until the Company’s stock price is $55.01 (120 % of the conversion price per share). Upon conversion, the Company has the option to deliver in lieu of Quicksilver common stock, cash or a combination of cash and Quicksilver common stock. At December 31, 2004, the fair value of the $150 million in principal amount of contingently convertible debentures was $162.3 million.

 

On June 27, 2003, the Company redeemed $53 million in principal amount of subordinated notes payable through the issuance of $70 million in principal amount of second mortgage notes due 2006 (“the Second Mortgage Notes”). As a result of the redemption, the Company recognized additional interest expense of $3.8 million, consisting of a prepayment premium of $3.2 million and write-off of the remaining deferred financing costs of $1.5 million, partially offset by an associated deferred hedging gain of $0.9 million. A portion ($30 million) of the $70 million Second Mortgage Notes bear interest at a variable annual rate based upon the three-month LIBOR rate plus 5.48%, and the remainder ($40 million) bear interest at the

 

40


fixed rate of 7.5% per annum. The Second Mortgage Notes contain restrictive covenants, which, among other things, require maintenance of a minimum current ratio of at least 1.0, a ratio of net present value of proved reserves to total debt of at least 1.8 to 1.0; and a ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and non-cash income and expense to interest expense (consolidated net interest expense and current maturities of debt) of at least 1.25 (calculated in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Second Mortgage Notes). At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all such restrictions. At December 31, 2004, the fair value of the $70 million in principal amount of second mortgage notes approximated the face value of $70 million.

 

On September 11, 2003, the Company entered into a fair value interest swap covering the $40 million fixed rate Second Mortgage Notes. The swap converted the debt’s 7.5% fixed-rate to a floating six-month LIBOR base rate plus 4.07% through the termination of the notes. In January 2004, the swap position was closed, and the Company received $0.3 million. The gain on the swap settlement will be amortized through the original term of the swap, December 31, 2006.

 

12. TAX CREDIT SALES

 

Until expiration of the tax credit at December 31, 2002, certain properties of the Company earned Internal Revenue Code Section 29 income tax credits. Code Section 29 allowed a credit against regular federal income tax liability for certain eligible gas production.

 

On March 31, 2000, the Company sold, to a bank, Section 29 tax credits relating to production from certain wells located in Michigan. Cash proceeds received from the sale were $25 million and were recorded as unearned revenue. Revenue was recognized as reserves were produced. The purchase and sale agreement and ancillary agreements with the bank included a production payment in favor of Quicksilver burdening future production on the properties. Revenue of $3.7 million and $9.4 million was recognized in 2002 and 2001, respectively, in other revenue. During 1997, other tax credits attributable to properties owned by the Company were conveyed through the sale of certain working interests to a bank by entities who contributed properties to the Company at the time of its formation. Revenue of $1.4 million and $1.5 million was recognized in 2002 and 2001, respectively, in other revenue.

 

On July 3, 2003, Quicksilver repurchased interests owned by the bank as a result of the Company’s tax credit sales. Quicksilver paid $6.3 million to acquire all such interests in the Section 29 tax-eligible properties. As a result of the planned repurchase, the Company recorded, in the first quarter of 2003, a $0.5 million reduction of deferred revenue previously recognized.

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases office buildings and other property under operating leases. Future minimum lease payments, in thousands, for operating leases with initial non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2004, were as follows:

 

2005

   $ 2,160

2006

     1,845

2007

     1,283

2008

     931

2009

     675

Thereafter

     —  
    

Total lease commitments

   $ 6,894
    

 

Rent expense for operating leases with terms exceeding one month was $1.5 million in 2004, $1.4 million in 2003 and $1.4 million in 2002.

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $0.6 million in letters of credit outstanding related to various state and federal bonding requirements.

 

On October 6, 2004, Quicksilver entered into an Incentive Arrangements Agreement (the “Agreement”) with three executives of MGV and one employee of Quicksilver. The Agreement provides for the amendment and restatement of employment agreements with two MGV executives and terminates incentive agreements with the other two individuals. In addition, the Agreement provides for awards of cash bonuses based upon the achievement of specified proved reserve targets, as well as options granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option and Retention Stock Plan covering 1,183,422 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $31.27. The cash bonuses, in the aggregate, will be determined as a base amount of $5.0 million for achieving proved reserves of 400 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) at December 31, 2005. Proved reserves in excess of 400 Bcfe to but not exceeding 1,000 Bcfe will increase the cash bonuses earned by $0.05 per Mcfe. Presently, the Company has not recognized an obligation for the cash bonuses; however, the Company will continue to monitor its potential liability in respect of these matters, and will record accruals in respect of such liabilities when payment thereof becomes probable and estimable.

 

41


In August 2001, a group of royalty owners, Athel E. Williams et al., brought suit against the Company and three of its subsidiaries in the Circuit Court of Otsego County, Michigan. The suit alleges that Terra Energy Ltd, one of Quicksilver’s subsidiaries, underpaid royalties or overriding royalties to the 13 named plaintiffs and to a class of plaintiffs who have yet to be determined. The pleadings of the plaintiffs seek damages in an unspecified amount and injunctive relief against future underpayments. The court heard arguments on class certification on November 8, 2002, and on December 6, 2002 the court issued a memorandum opinion granting class certification in part and denying it in part. On December 20, 2002, the Company filed a motion for clarification and reconsideration of the court’s order. That motion was denied on March 9, 2003. After an extended delay resulting from the retention of new counsel by the plaintiffs and the initiation of settlement discussions, on January 21, 2005, the Circuit Court issued an order certifying certain claims to proceed on behalf of a class. The Circuit Court also entered a scheduling order setting trial for January 2007, and declined Defendants’ request to stay proceedings in that court pending an appeal of the certification order.

 

Defendants have sought leave to appeal the certification order by filing an Application for Leave to Appeal on February 11, 2005 with the Michigan Court of Appeals. Defendants have also requested that the Court of Appeals stay proceedings in the Circuit Court pending the consideration of its appeal, and have requested that the Court of Appeals consider all matters in an expedited manner. The Company is currently awaiting a ruling from that court on the application and the requests for stay and immediate consideration.

 

Based on information currently available to the Company, the Company’s management believes that the final resolution of this matter will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

The Company is subject to various possible contingencies, which arise primarily from interpretation of federal and state laws and regulations affecting the natural gas and crude oil industry. Such contingencies include differing interpretations as to the prices at which natural gas and crude oil sales may be made, the prices at which royalty owners may be paid for production from their leases, environmental issues and other matters. Although management believes it has complied with the various laws and regulations, administrative rulings and interpretations thereof, adjustments could be required as new interpretations and regulations are issued. In addition, production rates, marketing and environmental matters are subject to regulation by various federal and state agencies.

 

14. INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred income taxes are established for all temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. In addition, deferred tax balances must be adjusted to reflect tax rates that will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. For years prior to 2004, the Company had accrued no U.S. deferred income taxes on MGV’s undistributed earnings or on the related translation adjustments pursuant to FAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and APB No. 23, Accounting for Income Taxes – Special Areas as the Company expected that MGV’s undistributed earnings would be permanently reinvested for use in the development of its oil and gas reserves. In July 2004, however, a dividend distribution of $86.5 million was made by MGV to Quicksilver. The distribution represented the repayment of Quicksilver’s capital contributions that had been made to MGV for the period January 1, 2001 through July 27, 2004 in the amount of $114.4 million, Canadian. This dividend is to be reinvested in the U.S. under a qualified domestic reinvestment plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 965 (b)(4). The funds are to be used for capital expenditures in the Barnett Shale exploration and development program. After application of the 85% dividend exclusion on estimated accumulated earnings and profits of approximately $15.5 million, a current U.S. federal income tax of approximately $0.8 million has been accrued on this dividend distribution. No other deferred taxes have been accrued on MGV’s undistributed earnings and the Company continues to expect that the balance of MGV’s undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested for use in the development of its oil and gas reserves.

 

42


Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Deferred tax asset

             

Deferred tax benefit on cash flow hedge losses

   $ 3,523    $ 11,760
    

  

Non-current

             

Deferred tax assets

             

Deferred tax benefit on cash flow hedge losses

   $ —      $ 3,022

Tax credit sale and unearned income

     —        —  

Net operating loss carry forwards

     18,118      18,920

Other

     233      166
    

  

Total deferred tax assets

     18,351      22,108
    

  

Deferred tax liabilities

             

Properties, plant, and equipment

     100,845      92,818

Deferred tax liability on cash flow hedge gains

     593      —  

Deferred tax liability on convertible debenture interest

     419      —  
    

  

Total deferred tax liabilities

     101,857      92,818
    

  

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 83,506    $ 70,710
    

  

 

The provisions for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

 
     (in thousands)  

Current state income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 70    $ 79    $ (139 )

Current federal income tax expense (benefit)

     814      —        (178 )

Current foreign income tax expense

     301      182      55  
    

  

  


Total current income tax expense (benefit)

     1,185      261      (262 )
    

  

  


Deferred federal income tax expense

     8,756      8,175      7,928  

Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit)

     4,233      1,561      (168 )
    

  

  


Total deferred income tax expense

     12,989      9,736      7,760  
    

  

  


Total

   $ 14,174    $ 9,997    $ 7,498  
    

  

  


 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

U.S. federal statutory tax rate

   35.00 %   35.00 %   35.00 %

Dividend income from Canadian subsidiary

   1.79 %   —       —    

Permanent differences

   .12 %   .18 %   .86 %

State income taxes net of federal deduction

   .10 %   .18 %   (.42 )%

Foreign income taxes

   (5.77 )%   (.27 )%   —    

Other

   (.05 )%   (.02 )%   (.29 )%
    

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   31.19 %   35.07 %   35.15 %
    

 

 

 

Income tax benefits recognized as additional paid-in capital for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Income tax benefit recognized on employee stock option exercises

   $ 4,243    $ 739    $ —  
    

  

  

 

Included in deferred tax assets are net operating losses of approximately $51.8 million that are available for carryover beginning in the year 2005 to reduce future U.S. taxable income. The net operating losses will expire in 2005 through 2024. These net operating losses have not been reduced by a valuation allowance, because management believes that future taxable income will more likely than not be sufficient to utilize substantially all of its tax carry forwards prior to their expirations. However, under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, a change of ownership was deemed to have occurred for our predecessor, MSR Exploration Ltd. (“MSR”) in 1998. Due to the limitations imposed by Section 382, a portion of MSR’s net operating losses could not be utilized and are not included in deferred tax assets.

 

43


15. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

Quicksilver has a 401(k) retirement plan available to all employees with three months of service and who are at least 21 years of age. The Company may make discretionary contributions to the plan. Company contributions were $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The Company initiated a self-funded health benefit plan effective July 1, 2001. The plan has been reinsured on an individual claim and total group claim basis. Quicksilver is responsible for payment of the first $50,000 for each individual claim. The claim liability for the total group was $2.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the plan years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Aggregate level reinsurance is in place for payment of claims up to $1 million over and above the estimated maximum claim liability of $2.1 million for the plan year ending June 30, 2005. Administrative expenses for the plan years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

16. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock Split

 

On June 1, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of the Company’s outstanding common stock effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was payable on June 30, 2004, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2004. The split did not affect treasury shares.

 

The capital stock accounts, all share data and earnings per share data included in the consolidated financial statements and notes give effect to the stock split, applied retroactively, to all periods presented.

 

Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Treasury Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 100 million shares of common stock with a par value per share of one cent ($0.01) and 10 million shares of preferred stock with a par value per share of one cent ($0.01). At December 31, 2004, the Company had 50,122,360 shares of common stock outstanding (including 172,626 shares issuable upon exchange of the MGV exchangeable shares and excluding treasury shares) and one share of special voting preferred stock outstanding.

 

In connection with the December 2000 MGV minority interest acquisition, all issued and outstanding shares of MGV capital stock, other than those held by Quicksilver, were converted into 567,338 MGV exchangeable shares. Each MGV exchangeable share is a non-voting share of MGV’s capital stock exchangeable for one share of Quicksilver common stock. Redemption or exchange can occur as a result of (i) liquidation of MGV; (ii) exercise of a redemption right by an MGV shareholder requiring MGV to purchase exchangeable shares; or (iii) exercise of an exchange put right by an MGV shareholder requiring Quicksilver to exchange the exchangeable shares for Quicksilver common stock. Any MGV exchangeable shares still outstanding on December 31, 2005 will be treated as having been the subject of an exercise of an exchange put right on that date. Upon exchange, the holder of exchangeable shares is entitled to receive one share of Quicksilver common stock and the full amount of all cash dividends declared on a share of Quicksilver common stock from the date of issuance of the exchangeable share to the date of exchange. In order to provide voting rights to holders of MGV exchangeable shares equivalent to the voting rights of the Quicksilver common shares, Quicksilver created, on December 15, 2000, a series of its preferred stock designated as Special Voting Stock. Quicksilver issued a single share of Special Voting Stock to an appointee. Through December 31, 2004, 27,000 exchangeable shares of MGV have been presented to MGV for redemption for $248,343 and 394,712 MGV exchangeable shares have been exchanged for shares of Quicksilver common stock.

 

44


The following table shows common share and treasury share activity since January 1, 2002:

 

    

Common

Shares Issued


    Treasury
Shares Held


 

Opening Balance January 1, 2002

   41,317,898     3,751,852  

Stock options exercised

   299,894     —    

Warrants exercised

   1,971,500     —    

MGV Class C Retraction

   (20,000 )   —    

Treasury stock purchased

   —       5,750  

Treasury stock issued

   1,187,100     (1,187,100 )
    

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

   44,756,392     2,570,502  

Stock options exercised

   289,334     8,402  

Stock issuance

   7,000,000     —    
    

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   52,045,726     2,578,904  

Stock options exercised

   645,245     (10,293 )
    

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

   52,690,971     2,568,611  
    

 

 

Stockholder Rights Plan

 

On March 11, 2003, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company outstanding on March 26, 2003. Each right, when it becomes exercisable, entitles stockholders to buy one one-thousandth of a share of the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $50.00.

 

The rights will be exercisable only if such a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of the common stock of Quicksilver or announces a tender offer the consummation of which would result in ownership by such a person or group (an “Acquiring Person”) of 15 percent or more of the common stock of the Company. This 15 percent threshold does not apply to certain members of the Darden family who collectively owned, directly or indirectly, approximately 37% of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2004.

 

If an Acquiring Person acquires 15 percent or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company, each right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the right’s then-current exercise price, a number of common shares of the Company having a market value of twice such price. If Quicksilver is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after an Acquiring Person has acquired 15 percent or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company, each right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the right’s then-current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price.

 

Prior to the acquisition by an Acquiring Person of beneficial ownership of fifteen percent or more of the common stock of Quicksilver, the rights are redeemable for $0.005 per right at the option of the board of directors of the Company.

 

Stock Option Plans

 

On October 4, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 1999 Stock Option and Retention Stock Plan (the “1999 Plan”), which was approved at the annual stockholders’ meeting held in June 2000. Upon approval of the 1999 Plan, 2.6 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to grants of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and retention stock awards. Pursuant to an amendment approved at the annual shareholders meeting held in May 2004, an additional 2.4 million shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 1999 Plan.

 

In April 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”), which was approved at the annual stockholders’ meeting held in May 2004. There were 500,000 shares reserved under the 2004 Plan, which provides for the grant of non-qualified options to Quicksilver’s outside directors.

 

45


Under terms of the 1999 Plan and 2004 Plan, options may be granted to officers, employees and non-employee directors at an exercise price that is not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Incentive stock options and non-qualified options may not be exercised more than ten years from date of grant. A summary of stock option transactions under the plans is as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Shares

    Wtd Avg
Exercise
Price


   Shares

    Wtd Avg
Exercise
Price


   Shares

    Wtd Avg
Exercise
Price


Outstanding at beginning of year

   1,258,712     $ 4.45    1,476,422     $ 3.75    1,692,174     $ 2.94

Granted

   1,844,496       26.98    104,188       11.45    138,506       8.51

Exercised

   (655,538 )     3.47    (297,736 )     3.18    (337,694 )     2.43

Cancelled

   —         —      —         —      (12,564 )     3.56

Forfeited

   (11,500 )     16.52    (24,162 )     8.46    (4,000 )     8.51
    

 

  

 

  

 

Outstanding at end of year

   2,436,170     $ 21.50    1,258,712     $ 4.45    1,476,422     $ 3.75
    

 

  

 

  

 

Exercisable at end of year

   583,163     $ 4.96    913,848     $ 3.83    770,314     $ 3.33
    

 

  

 

  

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

         $ 9.93          $ 6.18          $ 3.69
          

        

        

 

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that statement. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Wtd avg grant date

   Jul 6, 2004     Feb 21, 2003     Feb 5, 2002  

Risk-free interest rate

   2.7 %   2.8 %   3.0 %

Expected life (in years)

   4.1     6.0     3.5  

Expected volatility

   45.4 %   54.9 %   55.6 %

Dividend yield

   —       —       —    

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004.

 

    Options Outstanding

  Options Exercisable

Range of

Exercisable Prices


  At 12/31/04

  Wtd Avg
Remaining
Contractual Life


  Wtd Avg
Exercise Price


  At 12/31/04

  Wtd Avg
Exercise Price


$ 1-2   325,424   0.1   $ 1.84   325,424   $ 1.84
4-7   47,536   1.1     4.90   47,536     4.90
8-10   145,392   2.0     8.22   145,392     8.22
11-13   87,822   3.1     11.41   55,837     11.62
16-24   576,814   4.0     16.71   8,974     23.75
31-36   1,253,182   3.1     31.52   —       —  
   
 
 

 
 

    2,436,170   2.8   $ 21.50   583,163   $ 4.96
   
 
 

 
 

 

17. OTHER REVENUE

 

Other revenue consists of the following:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

    2002

     (in thousands)

Tax credit revenue

   $ 221    $ (582 )   $ 5,129

Marketing

     928      1,208       3,021

Processing and transportation

     1,407      1,286       1,533
    

  


 

     $ 2,556    $ 1,912     $ 9,683
    

  


 

 

18. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash paid for interest and income taxes is as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Interest

   $ 14,742    $ 19,543    $ 19,730

Income taxes

     72      66      147

 

46


Other non-cash transactions are as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (in thousands)  

Noncash changes in working capital related to acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   $ (16,651 )   $ (10,593 )   $ (2,548 )

Distribution of equity to Mercury Exploration Company

   $ —       $ (515 )   $ —    

Tax benefit recognized on employee stock option exercises

     4,243       739       —    

Treasury stock (acquired) reissued:

                        

10,293 shares for non-employee director stock option exercise

     189       —         —    

8,402 shares for employee stock option exercise

     —         (200 )     —    

74,200 shares for payment of executives’ compensation

     —         —         364  

 

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2004, members of the Darden family, Mercury Exploration Company and Quicksilver Energy L.P., entities that are owned by members of the Darden family, beneficially owned approximately 37% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Thomas Darden, Glenn Darden and Anne Darden Self are officers and directors of the Company.

 

During 2002, Quicksilver paid $0.85 million and $0.90 million, respectively, for principal and interest on the note payable to Mercury associated with the 2000 acquisition of assets from Mercury. During 2003, Quicksilver paid Mercury $2.05 million principal and interest to retire the note. Quicksilver and its associated entities paid $0.86 million, $0.78 million and $0.74 million for rent in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, on buildings which are owned by a Mercury affiliate. Rental rates were determined based on comparable rates charged by third parties.

 

Effective July 1, 2000, Quicksilver purchased the natural gas producing, gathering, transmission and marketing assets of Mercury, including 65% of Voyager Compression Services, LLC (“Voyager”), a gas compression company, from Mercury for $18 million. An independent appraiser determined the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the $18 million purchase price and the disinterested members of the Board of Directors approved the purchase. Mercury continued to own 33% of Voyager, and Jeff Cook, an officer of the Company, 2%. Quicksilver accounted for its 65% holdings in Voyager under the equity method since control over Voyager was shared equally with Mercury.

 

During 2002, Quicksilver purchased compressors and equipment for $3.7 million and maintenance and related services for $1.8 million from Voyager at terms as favorable as those granted by Voyager to third parties. Also in 2002, Voyager recognized an impairment loss of $0.9 million related to its inventory, fixed assets and operating leases for facilities. Subsequently, Voyager sold, to a third party, its Michigan inventory and fixed assets and recognized a gain on the sale of $0.2 million. Quicksilver recognized its proportionate share of these items during 2002.

 

Voyager sold its compressor service fixed assets and the majority of its Texas inventory to Quicksilver for $1.6 million (its historical cost that approximated fair value) in February 2003. In addition, Quicksilver paid Voyager $2.2 million for the fair value of its compressor service contracts. After completion of the sale of the service contracts and other assets, Quicksilver received a $0.2 million cash distribution from Voyager and recorded a $0.5 million equity distribution to Mercury for its share of Voyager’s gain from the disposition of the Compressor service contracts to Quicksilver. The transaction was reviewed and approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Mercury’s portion of the gain on the sale of the service contracts was treated as an equity distribution by Quicksilver as Mercury and the Darden family are considered as having a controlling interest in Quicksilver. Quicksilver’s gain on the sale of the contracts was eliminated.

 

During 2003, Voyager also sold, to a Mercury affiliate, leasehold improvements on operating leases with that Mercury affiliate at historical cost, which approximates fair value, of approximately $0.8 million. The leases were cancelled, and Voyager’s lease cancellation costs were $0.4 million.

 

47


20. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in two geographic segments, the United States and Canada. Both areas are engaged in the exploration and production segment of the oil and gas industry. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income and property and equipment costs incurred (purchases of property and equipment plus noncash changes in working capital related to acquisition of property and equipment).

 

     United
States


   Canada

    Corporate

    Consolidated

2004

                             

Revenues

   $ 136,580    $ 43,149     $ —       $ 179,729

Depletion, depreciation and accretion

     30,808      9,282       601       40,691

Operating income

     50,763      23,465       (13,535 )     60,693

Fixed assets – net

     581,575      219,369       1,666       802,610

Property and equipment costs incurred

     126,512      104,580       665       231,757

2003

                             

Revenues

   $ 129,235    $ 11,714     $ —       $ 140,949

Depletion, depreciation and accretion

     29,036      2,562       469       32,067

Operating income (loss)

     51,898      5,202       (8,602 )     48,498

Fixed assets – net

     496,102      106,789       1,685       604,576

Property and equipment costs incurred

     78,936      69,297       255       148,488

2002

                             

Revenues

   $ 119,917    $ 2,062     $ —       $ 121,979

Depletion, depreciation and accretion

     28,932      675       552       30,159

Operating income (loss)

     49,143      (337 )     (8,104 )     40,702

Fixed assets – net

     436,195      31,984       1,899       470,078

Property and equipment costs incurred

     73,480      15,161       324       88,965

 

21. RECLASSIFICATION OF THE STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

The Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 have been adjusted to correct the classification of certain transactions between sections of the Statements of Cash Flows. The Company determined that it had incorrectly classified the increase in accounts payable related to acquisition of property, plant and equipment as an operating activity inflow and an investing activity outflow rather than a noncash investing activity. Management has concluded that the correction was not material to the consolidated financial statements. The effect of the adjustments to correct the misclassification is to decrease cash flows from operating activities and to increase cash flows from investing activities in the amounts of $16.7 million, $10.6 million, and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

A summary of the effects of these reclassifications are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2004

 
     As Previously
Reported


    Adjustments

    As
Adjusted


 
     (in thousands)  

Net cash flows from operating activities

   $ 99,449     $ (16,651 )   $ 82,798  

Net cash flows from investing activities

     (220,500 )     16,651       (203,849 )

Net cash flows from financing activities

     134,389       —         134,389  

Effect of exchange rates on cash

     (1,507 )     —         (1,507 )
    


 


 


Change in cash and cash equivalents

     11,831       —         11,831  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

     4,116       —         4,116  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

   $ 15,947     $ —       $ 15,947  
    


 


 


Noncash changes to working capital related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   $ —       $ (16,651 )   $ (16,651 )
    


 


 


 

48


     Year Ended December 31, 2003

 
     As Previously
Reported


    Adjustments

    As Adjusted

 
     (in thousands)  

Net cash flows from operating activities

   $ 59,280     $ (10,593 )   $ 48,687  

Net cash flows from investing activities

     (147,422 )     10,593       (136,829 )

Net cash flows from financing activities

     79,369       —         79,369  

Effect of exchange rates on cash

     3,773       —         3,773  
    


 


 


Change in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,000 )     —         (5,000 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

     9,116       —         9,116  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

   $ 4,116     $ —       $ 4,116  
    


 


 


Noncash changes to working capital related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   $ —       $ (10,593 )   $ (10,593 )
    


 


 


     Year Ended December 31, 2002

 
     As Previously
Reported


    Adjustments

    As Adjusted

 
     (in thousands)  

Net cash flows from operating activities

   $ 44,198     $ (2,548 )   $ 41,650  

Net cash flows from investing activities

     (83,659 )     2,548       (81,111 )

Net cash flows from financing activities

     40,050       —         40,050  

Effect of exchange rates on cash

     (199 )     —         (199 )
    


 


 


Change in cash and cash equivalents

     390       —         390  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

     8,726       —         8,726  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

   $ 9,116     $ —       $ 9,116  
    


 


 


Noncash changes to working capital related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   $ —       $ (2,548 )   $ (2,548 )
    


 


 


 

22. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Proved oil and gas reserves estimates were prepared by independent petroleum engineers with Schlumberger Data and Consulting Services, LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd. and Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. The reserve reports were prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, accordingly, were based on existing economic and operating conditions. Natural gas and crude oil prices in effect as of the date of the reserve reports were used without any escalation except in those instances where the sale of production was covered by contract, in which case the applicable contract prices, including fixed and determinable escalations, were used for the duration of the contract, and thereafter the year-end price was used (See “Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein Relating to Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves” below for a discussion of the effect of the different prices on reserve quantities and values.) Operating costs, production and ad valorem taxes and future development costs were based on current costs with no escalation.

 

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting the future rates of production and timing of development expenditures. The following reserve data represents estimates only and should not be

 

49


construed as being exact. Moreover, the present values should not be construed as the current market value of the Company’s natural gas and crude oil reserves or the costs that would be incurred to obtain equivalent reserves.

 

The changes in proved reserves for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     Natural Gas (MMcf)

    Crude Oil (MBbl)

    NGL (MBbl)

 
     United
States


    Canada

    Total

    United
States


    Canada

    Total

    United
States


    Canada

    Total

 

December 31, 2001

   535,009     16,513     551,522     13,344     —       13,344     1,538     —       1,538  

Revisions

   40,288     1,375     41,663     2,153     —       2,153     214     —       214  

Extensions and discoveries

   30,330     36,649     66,979     1,444     —       1,444     619     —       619  

Purchases in place

   64,267     —       64,267     25     —       25     1     —       1  

Sales in place

   —       —       —       (59 )   —       (59 )   —       —       —    

Production

   (31,910 )   (935 )   (32,845 )   (905 )   —       (905 )   (156 )   —       (156 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002

   637,984     53,602     691,586     16,002     —       16,002     2,216     —       2,216  

Revisions

   (9,137 )   2,363     (6,774 )   (2,022 )   1     (2,021 )   (165 )   2     (163 )

Extensions and discoveries

   45,081     93,591     138,672     —       —       —       —       —       —    

Purchases in place

   1,204     —       1,204     —       —       —       —       —       —    

Production

   (31,612 )   (2,924 )   (34,536 )   (807 )   (1 )   (808 )   (133 )   (2 )   (135 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

   643,520     146,632     790,152     13,173     —       13,173     1,918     —       1,918  

Revisions

   (18,350 )   (12,105 )   (30,455 )   (43 )   —       (43 )   (44 )   1     (43 )

Extensions and discoveries

   28,752     131,796     160,548     3     —       3     2,447     —       2,447  

Purchases in place

   5,000     3,461     8,461     —       —       —       —       —       —    

Sales in place

   (602 )   —       (602 )   (3,377 )   —       (3,377 )   (6 )   —       (6 )

Production

   (30,644 )   (8,707 )   (39,351 )   (689 )   —       (689 )   (128 )   (1 )   (129 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

   627,676     261,077     888,753     9,067     —       9,067     4,187     —       4,187  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved developed reserves

                                                      

December 31, 2002

   550,889     22,750     573,639     10,722     —       10,722     1,524     —       1,524  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

   569,978     83,698     653,676     8,734     —       8,734     1,405     —       1,405  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

   556,999     149,453     706,453     4,587     —       4,587     2,464     —       2,464  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50


The capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities and the related accumulated depletion, depreciation and accretion as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 

    

United

States


    Canada

    Consolidated

 
           (in thousands)        

2004

                        

Proved properties

   $ 644,527     $ 193,607     $ 838,134  

Unevaluated properties

     57,929       39,239       97,168  

Accumulated DD&A

     (180,975 )     (14,440 )     (195,415 )
    


 


 


Net capitalized costs

   $ 521,481     $ 218,406     $ 739,887  
    


 


 


2003

                        

Proved properties

   $ 577,322     $ 88,135     $ 665,457  

Unevaluated properties

     27,110       22,809       49,919  

Accumulated DD&A

     (155,183 )     (4,618 )     (159,801 )
    


 


 


Net capitalized costs

   $ 449,249     $ 106,326     $ 555,575  
    


 


 


2002

                        

Proved properties

   $ 524,947     $ 20,431     $ 545,378  

Unevaluated properties

     3,888       13,025       16,913  

Accumulated DD&A

     (129,194 )     (1,712 )     (130,906 )
    


 


 


Net capitalized costs

   $ 399,641     $ 31,744     $ 431,385  
    


 


 


 

Costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 

     United
States


   Canada

   Consolidated

          (in thousands)     

2004

                    

Proved acreage

   $ 11,907    $ 2,942    $ 14,849

Unproved acreage

     31,857      7,144      39,001

Development costs

     45,213      71,094      116,307

Exploration costs

     25,673      22,631      48,304
    

  

  

Total

   $ 114,650    $ 103,811    $ 218,461
    

  

  

2003

                    

Proved acreage

   $ 3,215    $ 3,388    $ 6,603

Unproved acreage

     24,063      6,739      30,802

Development costs

     37,682      41,820      79,502

Exploration costs

     9,411      17,066      26,477
    

  

  

Total

   $ 74,371    $ 69,013    $ 143,384
    

  

  

2002

                    

Proved acreage

   $ 32,199    $ —      $ 32,199

Unproved acreage

     550      5,422      5,972

Development costs

     34,178      938      35,116

Exploration costs

     5,925      8,659      14,584
    

  

  

Total

   $ 72,852    $ 15,019    $ 87,871
    

  

  

 

Results of operations from producing activities for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are set forth below:

 

     United
States


   Canada

    Consolidated

     (in thousands)

2004

                     

Natural gas, crude oil & NGL sales

   $ 134,268    $ 42,905     $ 177,173

Oil & gas production expense

     54,784      10,402       65,186

Depletion expense

     26,444      8,981       35,425
    

  


 

       53,040      23,522       76,562

Income tax expense

     18,564      7,908       26,472
    

  


 

Results from producing activities

   $ 34,476    $ 15,614     $ 50,090
    

  


 

2003

                     

Natural gas, crude oil & NGL sales

   $ 127,339    $ 11,698     $ 139,037

Oil & gas production expense

     48,243      3,951       52,194

Depletion expense

     25,600      2,428       28,028
    

  


 

       53,496      5,319       58,815

Income tax expense

     18,724      1,788       20,512
    

  


 

Results from producing activities

   $ 34,772    $ 3,531     $ 38,303
    

  


 

2002

                     

Natural gas, crude oil & NGL sales

   $ 110,291    $ 2,005     $ 112,296

Oil & gas production expense

     40,505      1,723       42,228

Depletion expense

     26,352      601       26,953
    

  


 

       43,434      (319 )     43,115

Income tax expense

     15,199      (138 )     15,061
    

  


 

Results from producing activities

   $ 28,235    $ (181 )   $ 28,054
    

  


 

 

51


The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein Relating to Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves (“Standardized Measure”) does not purport to present the fair market value of the Company’s natural gas and crude oil properties. An estimate of such value should consider, among other factors, anticipated future prices of natural gas and crude oil, the probability of recoveries in excess of existing proved reserves, the value of probable reserves and acreage prospects, and perhaps different discount rates. It should be noted that estimates of reserve quantities, especially from new discoveries, are inherently imprecise and subject to substantial revision.

 

Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows were estimated by applying year-end prices, adjusted for contracts with price floors but excluding hedges, to the estimated future production of the year-end reserves. These prices have varied widely and have a significant impact on both the quantities and value of the proved reserves as reduced prices cause wells to reach the end of their economic life much sooner and also make certain proved undeveloped locations uneconomical, both of which reduce reserves. The following representative natural gas and crude oil year-end prices were used in the Standardized Measure. These prices were adjusted by field for appropriate regional differentials.

 

     At December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Natural gas – Henry Hub-Spot

   $ 6.18    $ 5.97    $ 4.74

Natural gas – AECO

     5.18      5.32      2.92

Crude oil – WTI Cushing

     43.36      32.55      31.20

 

Future cash inflows were reduced by estimated future production and development costs based on year-end costs to determine pre-tax cash inflows. Future income taxes were computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash inflows over the Company’s tax basis in the associated proved natural gas and crude oil properties. Tax credits and net operating loss carry forwards were also considered in the future income tax calculation. Future net cash inflows after income taxes were discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.

 

The standardized measure of discounted cash flows related to proved oil and gas reserves at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 

     United States

    Canada

    Consolidated

 
           (in thousands)        
2004                         

Future revenues

   $ 4,241,385     $ 1,306,819     $ 5,548,204  

Future production costs

     (1,456,005 )     (295,443 )     (1,751,448 )

Future development costs

     (116,559 )     (145,297 )     (261,856 )

Future income taxes

     (836,557 )     (238,141 )     (1,074,698 )
    


 


 


Future net cash flows

     1,832,264       627,938       2,460,202  

10% discount - calculated difference

     (1,133,990 )     (355,481 )     (1,489,471 )
    


 


 


Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves

   $ 698,274     $ 272,457     $ 970,731  
    


 


 


2003                         

Future revenues

   $ 4,125,685     $ 746,722     $ 4,872,407  

Future production costs

     (1,342,167 )     (122,164 )     (1,464,331 )

Future development costs

     (117,330 )     (60,696 )     (178,026 )

Future income taxes

     (851,337 )     (162,636 )     (1,013,973 )
    


 


 


Future net cash flows

     1,814,851       401,226       2,216,077  

10% discount - calculated difference

     (1,120,056 )     (247,280 )     (1,367,336 )
    


 


 


Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves

   $ 694,795     $ 153,946     $ 848,741  
    


 


 


2002                         

Future revenues

   $ 3,354,927     $ 206,602     $ 3,561,529  

Future production costs

     (1,260,500 )     (40,504 )     (1,301,004 )

Future development costs

     (96,748 )     (14,373 )     (111,121 )

Future income taxes

     (616,865 )     (52,680 )     (669,545 )
    


 


 


Future net cash flows

     1,380,814       99,045       1,479,859  

10% discount - calculated difference

     (802,968 )     (62,040 )     (865,008 )
    


 


 


Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves

   $ 577,846     $ 37,005     $ 614,851  
    


 


 


 

52


The primary changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
           (in thousands)        

Net changes in price and production costs

   $ (82,974 )   $ 140,623     $ 358,878  

Development costs incurred

     61,069       44,167       35,116  

Revision of estimates

     (30,509 )     (27,901 )     63,866  

Changes in estimated future development costs

     3,183       (12,703 )     (63,980 )

Purchase and sale of reserves, net

     (23,367 )     1,832       63,539  

Extensions and discoveries

     219,656       170,660       87,555  

Net change in income taxes

     (21,638 )     (99,013 )     (162,889 )

Sales of oil and gas net of production costs

     (111,987 )     (86,843 )     (70,068 )

Accretion of discount

     120,065       86,775       35,895  

Other

     (11,508 )     16,293       (2,003 )
    


 


 


Net increase

   $ 121,990     $ 233,890     $ 345,909  
    


 


 


 

23. SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

     Mar 31

   Jun 30

   Sep 30

   Dec 31

     (In thousands, except per share data)
2004                            

Operating revenues

   $ 39,777    $ 41,980    $ 45,544    $ 52,428

Operating income

     12,012      13,172      16,109      19,400

Net income

     5,937      7,500      7,889      9,946

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.12    $ 0.15    $ 0.16    $ 0.20

Diluted net income per share

     0.12      0.15      0.16      0.19
2003                            

Operating revenues

   $ 37,516    $ 33,095    $ 33,513    $ 36,825

Operating income

     14,915      10,102      11,643      11,838

Income before effect of accounting change

     6,412      1,109      5,229      5,755

Net income

     4,115      1,109      5,229      5,755

Basic income per share before effect of accounting change

   $ 0.15    $ 0.03    $ 0.12    $ 0.12

Basic net income per share

     0.10      0.03      0.12      0.12

Diluted income per share before effect of accounting change

     0.15      0.03      0.11      0.11

Diluted net income per share

     0.10      0.03      0.11      0.11

 

 

53


PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(b) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


*23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
*31.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*31.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*32.1    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Filed herewith

 

54


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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.

 

 

    Quicksilver Resources Inc.
    (the “Registrant”)
    By:  

/s/ Glenn Darden


        Glenn Darden

Dated: August 8, 2005

      President and Chief Executive Officer

 

55

EX-23.1 2 dex231.htm CONSENT OT DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent ot Deloitte & Touche LLP

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-69496, 333-82180, 333-89204, 333-92196 and 333-117447 on Form S-3, and Registration Statement Nos. 333-94387, 333-91526, 333-113617 and 333-116180 on Form S-8 of Quicksilver Resources Inc. and subsidiaries of our reports dated March 16, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Quicksilver Resources Inc. and subsidiaries and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which report on the financial statements expresses an unqualified opinion, is dated August 8, 2005 as to the effects of the reclassifications described in Note 21, and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, on January 1, 2003), appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 of Quicksilver Resources Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Fort Worth, Texas

August 8, 2005

EX-31.1 3 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CEO Section 302 Certification of CEO

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Glenn Darden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quicksilver Resources Inc., certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Quicksilver Resources Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: August 8, 2005

 

   

/s/ Glenn Darden

   

Glenn Darden

   

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2 4 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CFO Section 302 Certification of CFO

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Bill Lamkin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Quicksilver Resources Inc., certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Quicksilver Resources Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: August 8, 2005

 

   

/s/ Bill Lamkin

   

Bill Lamkin,

   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

Officer

EX-32.1 5 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO Section 906 Certification of CEO and CFO

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with the Quarterly Report of Quicksilver Resources Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Glenn Darden, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Bill Lamkin, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each here certifies that, to his knowledge on the date thereof:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

 

By:

 

/s/ Bill Lamkin

  

By:

 

/s/ Glenn Darden

   

Bill Lamkin

      

Glenn Darden

   

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

      

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: August 8, 2005

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