-----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, Qvy22o/ZfGMe9nJLdfaftkAmxpiZ2Uguy2+dBIsWFMBjajkNGTV5grRViji4tLs/ lBLDN3tYgf+Iz69pge9ORg== 0001047469-03-008972.txt : 20030318 0001047469-03-008972.hdr.sgml : 20030318 20030317181445 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-03-008972 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030318 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BROWN TOM INC /DE CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000014803 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 951949781 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-31308 FILM NUMBER: 03606715 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 555 SEVENTEENTH ST SUITE 1850 CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 BUSINESS PHONE: 9156829715 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BROWN TOM DRILLING CO INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19710915 10-K 1 a2105536z10-k.htm 10-K

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CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)  
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002
or
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the Transition Period from                            to                             

Commission File Number 001-31308


Tom Brown, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  95-1949781
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
555 Seventeenth Street
Suite 1850
Denver, Colorado
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

80202
(Zip Code)

303-260-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.10 par Value
Convertible Preferred Stock, $.10 par Value
(Title of Class)

        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 ý    No o

        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. Yes o    No o

        The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the last sale price of $24.75 per share as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange) on March 11, 2003 was approximately $975,122,849.

        As of March 11, 2003, there were 39,398,903 shares of Common Stock outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8, 2003 are incorporated by reference into Part III.



TOM BROWN, INC.

FORM 10-K


CONTENTS

        

 
   
PART I
Item 1.   Business
Item 2.   Properties
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

PART II

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

PART III

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14.   Controls and Procedures

PART IV

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
Signatures


PART I

ITEM 1. Business

    GENERAL

        Tom Brown, Inc. (the "Company") was organized in 1955 as a privately-owned drilling company known as Scarber-Brown Drilling Company and in 1959 as Tom Brown Drilling Company, Inc. In 1968, the Company merged into Gold Metals Consolidated Mining Company, a publicly-traded Nevada corporation. The name of the Company after the merger was changed to Tom Brown Drilling Company, Inc. and to Tom Brown, Inc. in 1971. In February 1987, the Company changed its state of incorporation from Nevada to Delaware. In 1999, the Company relocated its headquarters and executive offices to 555 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1850, Denver, Colorado 80202 and its telephone number at that address is (303) 260-5000. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" include Tom Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

        The Company is engaged primarily in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production, marketing, and sale of, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil in North America. The Company's activities are conducted principally in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of Utah and Colorado, the Val Verde Basin and Permian Basin of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, the east Texas Basin and the westernCanadian Sedimentary Basin. The Company also, to a lesser extent, conducts exploration and development activities in other areas of the continental United States and Canada.

        In December 2000, the Company initiated a cash tender for all the outstanding stock of Stellarton Energy Corporation ("Stellarton"). This transaction was completed on January 12, 2001.

        The Company's industry segments are (i) the exploration for, and the acquisition, development and production of, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, (ii) the marketing, gathering, processing and sale of natural gas and (iii) the drilling of gas and oil wells.

        Except for its gas and oil leases with governmental entities and other third parties who enter into gas and oil leases or assignments with the Company in the regular course of its business and options to purchase gas and oil leases with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes, the Company has no material patents, licenses, franchises or concessions which it considers significant to its gas and oil operations.

        The nature of the Company's business is such that it does not maintain or require a substantial amount of products, customer orders or inventory. The Company's gas and oil operations are not subject to renegotiations of profits or termination of contracts at the election of the federal government.

        The Company has not been a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization or similar proceeding, except in connection with its participation as a joint proponent of a plan of reorganization for Presidio Oil Company in 1996.

    BUSINESS STRATEGY

        The Company's business strategy is to increase stockholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of long-lived gas and oil reserves in areas where the Company has industry knowledge and operations expertise. The Company's principal investments have been in natural gas prone basins, which the Company believes will continue to provide the opportunity to accumulate significant long-lived gas and oil reserves at attractive prices. The expansion into Canada in 2001 was an extension of this fundamental strategy.

        The Company's year-end domestic acreage position was approximately 2,677,000 gross (1,773,000 net) acres (including options) located primarily in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah, and the Permian, Val Verde and east Texas Basins of Texas where the Company can utilize its geological and technical expertise and its control of operations for the further development and expansion of these areas. Approximately 89% of the net acreage is undeveloped.

        The Company's year-end Canadian acreage position located in western Alberta was approximately 540,000 gross (359,000 net) acres. Approximately 78% of the net acreage is undeveloped.

        Additionally, by staying focused in its core basins, the Company continues to develop more effective drilling and completion techniques which can improve overall economic efficiency.

        The Company increased its reserves in 2002 over 2001 by 2% due primarily to continued drilling success in its core areas. Year-end proved reserves were 750 billion cubic feet equivalent ("Bcfe"), compared to year-end 2001 reserves of 732 Bcfe. At December 31, 2002, the Canadian reserve base was 82 Bcfe compared to 77 Bcfe at December 31, 2001. Since December 31, 1995, the Company has increased proved reserves at a compounded annual growth rate of 22%, or from 188 Bcfe to 750 Bcfe.

        Reserve replacement for 2002 was 137% from all sources and 119% from extensions, discoveries and revisions only. Finding cost was $1.32 per Mcfe for the year from all sources and a 3-year average finding cost of $1.29 per Mcfe. The Company's reserve to production ratio was 8.8 years at year-end 2002 compared to 9.6 years at year-end 2001. In addition to increasing reserves, the Company also increased its production 12% from 76.4 Bcfe in 2001 to 85.5 Bcfe in 2002.

        The Company markets a majority of its operated gas production and some third party gas in the Rocky Mountains through Retex, Inc. ("Retex"), the Company's wholly-owned marketing subsidiary.

        The Company also conducts gas gathering and processing activities in the Rocky Mountain area. Initially, these functions were conducted through Wildhorse Energy Partners, LLC ("Wildhorse") which was owned 55% by Kinder Morgan, Inc. ("KM") and 45% by the Company. In November 2000, the Wildhorse gathering and processing assets were distributed to the Company in anticipation of the dissolution of Wildhorse. KM received the Wildhorse storage facility and a cash payment. TBI Field Services, Inc. ("TBIFS") was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tom Brown, Inc. to administer these gathering and processing assets. In 2001, TBIFS selectively sold many of the gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse asset distribution, retaining only those gathering systems considered integral to the Company's gas and oil reserve base. As the Company directly owns and operates several gas processing and gathering systems adjacent to its areas of operations, the systems ultimately retained by TBIFS after the Wildhorse dissolution were merged into the Company's operations in 2002 and TBIFS ceased to function as a separate entity.

        The Company plans to continue to selectively pursue acquisitions of gas and oil properties in its core areas of activity and, in connection therewith, the Company from time to time will be involved in evaluations of, or discussions with, potential acquisition candidates. The consideration for any such acquisition might involve the payment of cash and/or the issuance of equity or debt securities.

        Notwithstanding the Company's historical ability to implement the above strategy, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully implement its strategy in the future.

    AREAS OF ACTIVITY

        The following discussion focuses on areas the Company considers to be its core areas of operations and those that offer the Company the greatest opportunities for further exploration and development activities.

    Wind River, Green River, Paradox, and Piceance Basins

        The Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, and the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah account for the major portion of the Company's current and anticipated domestic exploration and development activities with approximately 74% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company owns interests in 1,278 producing wells in these basins that averaged net daily production of 159 Mmcfe for 2002. The Company has approximately 1,565,000 gross (1,224,000 net) developed and undeveloped acres in these basins, including option acreage of approximately 281,000 gross undeveloped (253,000 net) acres in the Wind River Basin.

        In 2002, the Company drilled and completed 16 wells in the Wind River basin, the majority of which were located in the Pavillion field where the Company holds a 92% working interest. In the Piceance basin, the Company drilled 26 wells in 2002 (completing 25). The Piceance wells were principally drilled at the Company's 100% owned White River Dome coal bed methane project in western Colorado.

        The Rocky Mountain region has experienced limited natural gas transportation capacity. Recognizing these restrictions, various pipelines have constructed lines and are continuing to add additional pipeline capacity into this area.

    Permian and Val Verde Basins

        The Permian and Val Verde Basins accounted for approximately 9% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company's share of production from these basins averaged 28 Mmcfepd for 2002. The Company holds between 30% to 50% working interests in approximately 46,800 gross (20,300 net) acres in the Val Verde Basin. The Permian Basin contains significant oil reserves for the Company, located primarily in the Sprayberry Field.

        In the Deep Valley exploration project area of the Permian Basin, the Company drilled a horizontal Montoya well in 2001 which tested non-commercial in the Montoya formation but will be tested in the Devonian formation in 2003. In 2002, the Company successfully completed a Devonian well in this area with a 50% working interest that commenced production in June 2002 at initial rates approximating 10 Mmcfepd declining to 2.5 Mmcfepd in early 2003. Two wells were drilled subsequent to this discovery in 2002 that are currently being evaluated. The Company also attempted a horizontal re-entry in Deep Valley to test the Devonian section of a well in 2002 that was unsuccessful.

    East Texas Basin

        The Company participates in a continuing developmental drilling program in the Mimms Creek Field (Bossier Sands play) in Freestone County, Texas. During 2002, 11 wells were drilled and completed under this program, with the Company owning working interests ranging from 50% to 62.5%.

        In recent years, the Company has acquired approximately 80,000 net acres in the James Lime (horizontal) Trend of the east Texas Basin. In 2001, the Company drilled seven wells in the James Lime (horizontal) Trend of which five were initially completed. This large regional play is in its early stages of development and the Company is working to determine its potential based upon the initial production rates and variable decline rates of the wells drilled to date.

    Canada

        The western Canadian Sedimentary Basin accounted for approximately 11% of the Company's proved reserves at December 31, 2002. The Company's share of production from these basins averaged 24 Mmcfepd in 2002. The Company owns interests in 252 wells and has approximately 540,000 gross (359,000 net) developed and undeveloped acres in this area. In 2002, the Company drilled 13 wells in Canada of which 12 were completed. These wells were primarily located in the Carrot Creek and Edson fields operated by the Company.

    BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

    Current Developments in the Gas and Oil Business

    Acquisition of Stellarton Energy Corporation

        Effective January 16, 2001, the Company purchased 100% of Stellarton Energy Corporation ("Stellarton"), in a transaction valued at $95 million, which was funded through a five-year Canadian term loan. Stellarton's assets are located in western Alberta, Canada with estimated total net proved reserves (after royalty) of 58.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas and 2.82 million barrels of oil and natural gas liquids for total equivalent proved reserves of 75.5 Bcfe, as of the date of this acquisition.

    Acquisition of Rocky Mountain Assets

        In June 2002, the Company purchased certain Rocky Mountain assets located within the Greater Green River Basin of Wyoming for approximately $8.1 million from an undisclosed seller. In December 2002, the Company acquired additional assets within this basin from this seller for $6.8 million. The acquisition cost of both of these transactions was net of normal closing adjustments. The acquired interests from these two transactions included an estimated 12.7 Bcfe of proved reserves.

        In June 2000, the Company purchased an additional working interest in the Company operated Pavillion Field in the Wind River Basin in Wyoming. The acquired interests included an estimated 24 Bcfe of proved reserves purchased for total consideration of $15.2 million net of normal closing adjustments.

    Acquisition of the Assets of Unocal Corporation

        In July 1999, the Company completed an acquisition of substantially all of the Rocky Mountain oil and gas assets of Unocal Corporation ("Unocal") for 5.8 million shares of common stock and $5 million in cash for a total purchase price of $68.5 million ($60.9 million after deducting normal purchase price adjustments).

        The Unocal oil and gas assets are primarily located in the Paradox Basin of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. These assets and properties compliment the Company's 163,000 net undeveloped acres in the Paradox Basin.

        Included in the acquisition was the Lisbon Plant, a modern sophisticated cryogenic (60 million cubic feet per day capacity) natural gas processing plant that extracts natural gas liquids and merchantable helium; and separates carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen from the raw gas stream. The net proved reserves of these Unocal properties were estimated to be 93.2 billion cubic feet equivalent of gas as of the closing date of July 1, 1999. Approximately 65,000 net undeveloped acres were also acquired.

    Current Developments in the Marketing, Gathering and Processing Business

        In September 1999, KM became the operator of, and 55% partner in, Wildhorse as a result of a merger with KN Energy, Inc. ("KNE"). Wildhorse was formed in connection with the Company's 1996 acquisition of KN Production Company, the wholly-owned oil and gas production subsidiary of KNE. Wildhorse was created to provide services related to natural gas, natural gas liquids and other natural gas products, including gathering, processing and storage services and field services. The Company owned 45% of Wildhorse since its inception. Effective September 1, 1999, Wildhorse assigned 100% of its marketing operations to Retex, the Company's wholly-owned marketing subsidiary. Additionally, firm transportation contracts were assigned 55% to KM and 45% remained in Retex. In November 2000, the Wildhorse gathering and processing assets were distributed to the Company in anticipation of the dissolution of Wildhorse. KM received the Wildhorse storage facility and a cash payment. "TBIFS" was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tom Brown, Inc. to administer the gathering and processing assets received in this distribution.

        In 2001, TBIFS selectively sold many of the gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse asset distribution. The principal asset retained in this process was the Wind River gathering system in one of the Company's core areas. In 2002, the Company liquidated TBIFS and transferred the remaining gathering and processing assets to Tom Brown, Inc.

    Current Developments in the Drilling Business

    Acquisition of Assets of W. E. Sauer Companies, LLC

        On January 7, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the drilling assets of W. E. Sauer Companies L.L.C. of Casper, Wyoming for approximately $8.1 million. The Company operates the assets in its subsidiary, Sauer Drilling Company ("Sauer"), and plans to continue to serve the drilling needs of operators in the central Rocky Mountain region in addition to drilling for the Company. The assets included five drilling rigs, tubular goods, a yard and related assets. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sauer has acquired three additional drilling rigs for approximately $4 million.

    MARKETS

        The Company's gas production has historically been sold primarily under month-to-month contracts with marketing companies and local distribution companies (LDC's). During 2001 and 2002, there was a significant amount of volatility in the prices received for natural gas. Monthly closing gas prices in 2001 as measured on the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") varied from a high of $9.98 per million British thermal unit ("Mmbtu") for January 2001 to a low of $1.83 per Mmbtu for October 2001. In 2002, the NYMEX gas prices varied from a high of $4.14 per Mmbtu in December 2002 to a low of $2.01 per Mmbtu in February 2002. The U.S. Rocky Mountain region represented approximately 68% of the Company's 2002 gas production and 66% of its 2001 production. The price of gas in the Rocky Mountains at the Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) hub was $1.25 and $.77 per Mmbtu below the NYMEX posted gas price on average for 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company's Canadian production base has also been subject to price volatility. In 2001, gas production from the Canadian fields was subject to gas pricing that ranged from $1.10 per Mmbtu above the February 2001 NYMEX price to a price that was $.98 per Mmbtu below the October 2001 NYMEX price. In 2002, the Canadian gas prices continued to be volatile ranging from $.12 per Mmbtu below the NYMEX posting for February 2002 to $1.24 below the August 2002 NYMEX price.

        The Company markets most of its oil production with independent third-party resellers and refiners at market ("posted") prices. These posted prices generally reflect the prices determined by the trading of West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") oil futures contracts on the NYMEX, with adjustments due to basis differential and for the quality of oil produced.

        NYMEX prices for both gas and oil are influenced by weather, seasonal demand, levels of storage, production levels and a variety of political and economic factors over which the Company has no control.

    Production Volumes, Unit Prices and Costs

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's volumes of production sold and average prices received associated with its production and sales of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil for each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.

 
  Years Ended December 31,
United States

  2002
  2001
  2000
Production Volumes:                  
  Natural Gas (MMcf)     65,781     57,163     51,199
  Crude Oil (Mbbls)     623     723     773
  Natural Gas Liquids (Mbbls)     1,189     1,074     1,074
Net Average Daily Production Volumes:                  
  Natural Gas (Mcf)     180,221     156,611     139,888
  Crude Oil (Bbls)     1,708     1,979     2,113
  Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls)     3,258     2,943     2,934
Average Sales Prices:                  
  Natural Gas (per Mcf)(1)   $ 2.10   $ 3.73   $ 3.46
  Crude Oil (per Bbl)   $ 23.20   $ 22.64   $ 28.05
  Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl)   $ 11.39   $ 13.25   $ 16.77
Average Production Cost (per Mcfe)(2)   $ .57   $ .70   $ .76
 
  Years Ended December 31,
   
Canada

   
  2002
  2001
   
Production Volumes:                
  Natural Gas (MMcf)     6,386     6,661    
  Crude Oil (Mbbls)     220     158    
  Natural Gas Liquids (Mbbls)     193     143    
Net Average Daily Production Volumes:                
  Natural Gas (Mcf)     17,496     18,247    
  Crude Oil (Bbls)     601     432    
  Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls)     529     392    
Average Sales Prices:                
  Natural Gas (per Mcf)(1)   $ 3.04   $ 3.49    
  Crude Oil (per Bbl)   $ 23.86   $ 25.11    
  Natural Gas Liquids (per Bbl)   $ 16.17   $ 20.23    
Average Production Cost (per Mcfe)(2)   $ .55   $ .62    

(1)
Includes the effects of hedging.

(2)
Includes lease operating expenses and production taxes. (Mcfe means one thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent, calculated on the basis of six barrels of oil and natural gas liquids to one Mcf of gas.)

    Competition

        The Company encounters strong competition from major oil companies and independent operators in acquiring properties and leases for the exploration for, and the development and production of, natural gas and crude oil. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped gas and oil leases. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of undeveloped gas and oil leases include the availability and quality of staff and data necessary to identify, investigate and purchase such leases, and the financial resources necessary to acquire and develop such leases. Many of the Company's competitors have financial resources, staffs and facilities substantially greater than those of the Company. In addition, the producing, processing and marketing of natural gas and crude oil is affected by a number of factors which are beyond the control of the Company, the effect of which cannot be accurately predicted.

        The principal raw materials and resources necessary for the exploration and development of natural gas and crude oil are leasehold prospects under which gas and oil reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment to drill for and produce such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of gas and oil operations. The Company must compete for such raw materials and resources with both major oil companies and independent operators.

        Retex encounters competition from other natural gas transportation and marketing entities in the marketing of gas. Such competition may materially affect the volumes and margins that Retex may derive.

    EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

        On January 19, 2001, Donald L. Evans, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer resigned to accept an appointment as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Company's Board of Directors elected James B. Wallace as the new Chairman of the Board and James D. Lightner to the additional position of Chief Executive Officer in 2001 following Mr. Evans resignation. At the annual stockholder's meeting in May 2002, James D. Lightner was elected to replace Mr. Wallace as the new Chairman of the Board.

        The executive officers of the Company on March 18, 2003 were as follows:

Name

  Age
  Position with Company
  Since
James D. Lightner   50   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President   1999 (President)
2002 (Chairman)

Daniel G. Blanchard

 

42

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

1999

Thomas W. Dyk

 

49

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

1998

Peter R. Scherer

 

46

 

Executive Vice President

 

1982

Bruce R. DeBoer

 

50

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

1997

Doug R. Harris

 

48

 

Vice President—Operations

 

2001

Rodney G. Mellott

 

45

 

Vice President—Land and Business Development

 

1999

        Each executive officer is elected annually by the Company's Board of Directors to serve at the Board's discretion.

    Employees

        At December 31, 2002, the Company had 429 employees of which 103 were employed by Sauer. None of the Company's employees are represented by labor unions or covered by any collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory.

    REGULATION—UNITED STATES

    Regulation of Gas and Oil Production

        Gas and oil operations are subject to various types of regulation by state and federal agencies. Legislation affecting the gas and oil industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion. Also, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue rules and regulations binding on the gas and oil industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. The regulatory burden on the gas and oil industry increases the Company's cost of doing business and, consequently, affects its profitability.

        States in which the Company conducts its gas and oil activities regulate the production and sale of natural gas and crude oil, including requirements for obtaining drilling permits, the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation of wells and the prevention of waste of gas and oil resources. In addition, most states regulate the rate of production and may establish maximum daily production allowables for wells on a market demand or conservation basis.

    Gas Price Controls

        Prior to January 1993, certain natural gas sold by the Company was subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 ("NGPA"). The NGPA prescribed maximum lawful prices for natural gas sales effective December 1, 1978. Effective January 1, 1993, natural gas prices were completely deregulated and sales of the Company's natural gas are now made at market prices. The majority of the Company's gas sales contracts either contain decontrolled price provisions or already provide for market prices.

    Oil Price Controls

        Sales of crude oil, condensate and gas liquids by the Company are not regulated and are made at market prices.

    Environmental Regulation

        The Company's activities are subject to federal and state laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control. The existence of such regulations has a material effect on the Company's operations but the cost of such compliance has not been material to date. However, the Company believes that the gas and oil industry may experience increasing liabilities and risks under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as well as other federal, state and local environmental laws, as a result of increased enforcement of environmental laws by various regulatory agencies. As an "owner" or "operator" of property where hazardous materials may exist or be present, the Company, like all others in the petroleum industry, could be liable for fines and/or "clean-up" costs, regardless of whether the Company was responsible for the release of any hazardous substances.

        Rocno Corporation ("Rocno"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is a party to a trust agreement in connection with the environmental clean-up plan for the Sheridan Superfund Site in Waller County, Texas. See Item 3, Legal Proceedings.

    Indian Lands

        The Company's Muddy Ridge and Pavillion Fields are located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes levy taxes on the production of hydrocarbons. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Minerals Management Service and Bureau of Land Management of the United States Department of the Interior perform certain regulatory functions relating to operation of Indian gas and oil leases. The Company owns interests in three leases in the Pavillion Field which were issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of August 21, 1916, for initial terms of 20 years each, with a preferential right by the lessee to renew the leases for subsequent ten-year terms. The leases were renewed for an additional ten-year term in 1992, effective as of June 23, 1993. One of these leases has been amended to provide for incremental extensions of this lease term of up to an additional 12 years by drilling and completing additional wells on each lease prior to June 2003. In December of 2000 the Company added to its Tribal base inventory around the Pavillion Field by signing eleven additional ten-year leases covering nearly 25,800 net acres. The Company is currently awaiting final approval of the leases by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has deferred drilling initially planned for early 2003 until certain issues have been resolved.

    REGULATION—CANADA

    Regulation of Gas and Oil Production and Price Controls

        The oil and natural gas industry in Canada is subject to extensive controls and regulations imposed by various levels of government. It is not expected that any of these controls or regulations will affect our operations in a manner materially different than they would affect other oil and gas companies of similar size.

        In Canada, oil and gas exports are subject to regulation by the National Energy Board (NEB), an independent federal regulatory agency. The Company does not, at present, export oil or gas under the terms of these regulations, but may be affected if regulations imposed by the NEB act to restrict the sales of gas and oil by other companies. Exports are also subject to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which became effective on January 1, 1994. NAFTA carries forward most of the material energy terms contained in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. In the context of energy resources, Canada continues to remain free to determine whether exports to the United States or Mexico will be allowed provided that any export restrictions do not: (i) reduce the proportion of energy resource exported relative to domestic use (based upon the proportion prevailing in the most recent 36-month period), (ii) impose an export price higher than the domestic price, and (iii) disrupt normal channels of supply. All three countries are prohibited from imposing minimum export or import price requirements. NAFTA contemplates clearer disciplines on regulators to ensure fair implementation of any regulatory changes and to minimize disruption of contractual arrangements, which is important for Canadian natural gas exports.

        The provincial government of Alberta also regulates the volume of natural gas which may be removed from the province for consumption elsewhere based on such factors as reserve availability, transportation arrangements and market considerations.

        In addition to federal regulation, each province has legislation and regulations which govern land tenure, royalties, production rates, environmental protection and other matters. The royalty regime on Crown lands is a significant factor in the profitability of oil and natural gas production. Royalties payable on production from lands other than Crown lands are determined by negotiations between the mineral owner and the lessee. Crown royalties are determined by government regulation and are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of the gross production, and the rate of royalties payable generally depends in part on prescribed reference prices, well productivity, geographical location, field discovery date and the type or quality of the petroleum product produced.

        From time to time the governments of Canada and Alberta have established incentive programs which have included royalty rate deductions, royalty holidays and tax credits for the purpose of encouraging oil and natural gas exploration or enhanced recovery projects. At present, few of these programs are currently in effect.

        In Alberta, certain producers of oil or natural gas are currently entitled to a credit against the royalties to the Crown by virtue of the ARTC (Alberta royalty tax credit) program. The credit is determined by applying a specified rate to a maximum of $2 million CDN of Alberta Crown royalties payable for each producer or associated group of producers. The specified rate is a function of the Royalty Tax Credit reference price (RTCRP) which is set quarterly by the Alberta Department of Energy and ranges from 25% to 75%, depending on oil and gas par prices for the previous calendar quarter. The provincial government of Alberta has proposed changes to the ARTC program which have not been finalized.

    Environmental Regulation

        In Canada, the oil and natural gas industry is currently subject to environmental regulation pursuant to provincial and federal legislation. Environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on releases or emissions of various substances produced or utilized in association with certain oil and gas industry operations. In addition, legislation requires that well and facility sites be abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of provincial authorities.

        In Alberta, environmental compliance has been governed by the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act ("AEPEA") since September 1, 1993. In addition, AEPEA also imposes certain environmental responsibilities on oil and natural gas operators in Alberta and in certain instances also imposes penalties for violations.


ITEM 2. Properties

    GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES

        The principal properties of the Company consist of developed and undeveloped gas and oil leases. Generally, the terms of developed gas and oil leaseholds are continuing and such leases remain in force by virtue of, and so long as, production from lands under lease is maintained. Undeveloped gas and oil leaseholds are generally for a primary term, such as five or ten years, subject to maintenance with the payment of specified minimum delay rentals or extension by production. The Company also has options to lease undeveloped gas and oil leaseholds on Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal lands. The oil and gas leases had initial terms of twenty years and the Company has a preferential right to negotiate with the Tribes for renewals of subsequent ten-year terms.

    TITLE TO PROPERTIES

        As is customary in the gas and oil industry, the Company makes only a cursory review of title to undeveloped gas and oil leases at the time they are acquired by the Company. However, before drilling commences, the Company causes a thorough title search to be conducted, and any material defects in title are remedied prior to the time actual drilling of a well on the lease begins. The Company believes that it has good title to its gas and oil properties, some of which are subject to immaterial encumbrances, easements and restrictions. The gas and oil properties owned by the Company are also typically subject to royalty and other similar non-cost bearing interests customary in the industry. The Company does not believe that any of these encumbrances or burdens materially affects the Company's ownership or use of its properties.

    ACREAGE

        The following table sets forth the gross and net acres of developed and undeveloped gas and oil leases held by the Company at December 31, 2002. Included in the table are approximately 281,000 gross (253,000 net) acres in Wyoming under gas and oil option agreements acquired from certain Indian tribes.

 
  DEVELOPED
  UNDEVELOPED
 
  GROSS
  NET
  GROSS
  NET
Colorado   106,681   87,045   551,438   476,074
Louisiana   1,419   671   7   4
Michigan       303   121
Montana   102   76   158,307   26,443
Nebraska       31,455   30,861
New Mexico   15,412   3,952   2,440   2,092
North Dakota       2,960   80
Texas   112,526   42,852   353,906   229,960
Utah   6,599   5,821   111,573   104,396
West Virginia   3,852   1,240   150,041   74,820
Wyoming   116,632   57,983   950,962   628,396
Canada   143,520   80,889   396,664   278,503
Other       10   2
   
 
 
 
  Total   506,743   280,529   2,710,066   1,851,752
   
 
 
 

        "Gross" acres refer to the number of acres in which the Company owns a working interest. "Net" acres refer to the sum of the fractional working interests owned by the Company in gross acres.

    GAS AND OIL RESERVES

        Estimates of the Company's gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves including future net revenues and the present value of future net cash flows, were prepared by the Company's petroleum engineering staff and reviewed by Ryder Scott (independent petroleum consultants). Guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") were utilized to prepare these reserve estimates. Estimates of gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves and their estimated values require numerous engineering assumptions as to the productive capacity and production rates of existing geological formations and require the use of certain SEC guidelines as to assumptions regarding costs to be incurred in developing and producing reserves and prices to be realized from the sale of future production.

        Accordingly, estimates of reserves and their value are inherently imprecise and are subject to constant revision and change and should not be construed as representing the actual quantities of future production or cash flows to be realized from the Company's gas and oil properties or the fair market value of such properties.

        Certain additional unaudited information regarding the Company's reserves, including the present value of future net cash flows, is set forth in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

        The Company has no gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves or production subject to long-term supply or similar agreements with foreign governments or authorities.

        Estimates of the Company's total proved gas and oil reserves have not been filed with or included in reports to any federal authority or agency other than the SEC.

    PRODUCTIVE WELLS

        The following table sets forth the gross and net productive gas and oil wells in wells in which the Company owned an interest at December 31, 2002.

 
  Productive Wells
 
  Gross
  Net
 
  Gas
  Oil
  Gas
  Oil
Colorado   556   4   360.21   3.13
Louisiana   4     1.98  
New Mexico   22   30   5.51   9.63
Utah   9   21   8.24   20.91
Texas   191   258   81.67   100.02
West Virginia   89     32.95  
Wyoming   639   6   320.39   3.69
Canada   150   102   76.34   72.39
   
 
 
 
  Total   1,660   421   887.29   209.77
   
 
 
 

        A "gross" well is a well in which the Company owns a working interest. "Net" wells refer to the sum of the fractional working interests owned by the Company in gross wells.

    GAS AND OIL DRILLING ACTIVITY

        The following table sets forth the Company's gross and net interests in exploratory and development wells drilled during the periods indicated.

 
  United States
  Canada
 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2002
Type of Well

  Gross
  Net
  Net%
  Gross
  Net
  Net%
Exploratory                        
  Gas   5   3.0   47   1   1.0   100
  Oil            
  Dry   7   3.4   53      
   
 
 
 
 
 
    12   6.4   100   1   1.0   100
           
         
Development                        
  Gas   66   43.7   95   8   5.6   62
  Oil         3   2.5   27
  Dry   3   2.4   5   1   1.0   11
   
 
 
 
 
 
    69   46.1   100   12   9.1   100
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   81   52.5       13   10.1    
   
 
     
 
   

 
  United States
  Canada
 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2001
  2001
Type of Well

  Gross
  Net
  Net%
  Gross
  Net
  Net%
Exploratory                        
  Gas   7   6.6   49      
  Oil            
  Dry   12   6.7   51   4   3.6   100
   
 
 
 
 
 
    19   13.3   100   4   3.6   100
           
         
Development                        
  Gas   139   98.1   97   22   16.0   71
  Oil         1   .5   2
  Dry   7   3.3   3   8   6.1   27
   
 
 
 
 
 
    146   101.4   100   31   22.6   100
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   165   114.7       35   26.1    
   
 
     
 
   
 
  United States
   
   
   
 
  Year ended December 31,
   
   
   
 
  2000
   
   
   
Type of Well

   
   
   
  Gross
  Net
  Net%
   
   
   
Exploratory                        
  Gas                  
  Oil                  
  Dry   3   2.3   100            
   
 
 
           
    3   2.3   100            
           
           
Development                        
  Gas   63   33.7   93            
  Oil   1   .2   1            
  Dry   4   2.3   6            
   
 
 
           
    68   36.2   100            
   
 
 
           
Total   71   38.5                
   
 
               

        At December 31, 2002, 5 gross (2.6 net) development wells and 6 gross (4.7 net) exploration wells were in various stages of drilling and completion in Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming, while 3 gross (2.5 net) development wells were in various stages of drilling and completion in Canada. The investment in the exploratory wells in progress was approximately $10 million at December 31, 2002.

    OTHER PROPERTIES

        The Company leases its corporate office facilities in Denver, Colorado. The lease covers approximately 56,500 square feet and expires January 31, 2004. Of this amount, the Company subleases 7,246 square feet under an agreement that expires January 31, 2004.

        The Company leases office facilities in Midland, Texas. The lease covers approximately 33,150 square feet for a term of five years and expires December 31, 2003.

        The Company also leases office facilities in Calgary, Alberta. The lease covers approximately 14,600 square feet for a term of five years and expires August 31, 2004.

        The Company owns a 3,200 square foot building located on a 2.94 acre tract in Midland, Texas. The facility is used primarily for storage of pipe and oilfield equipment.


ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

        The Company is a defendant in several routine legal proceedings incidental to its business.

        In addition to routine legal proceedings incidental to the Company's business, Rocno was a defendant in a complaint filed by the United States of America which, among other things, alleged that Rocno and approximately 117 other companies arranged for the disposal of "hazardous materials" (within the meaning of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) in Waller County, Texas (the "Sheridan Superfund Site"). Effective August 31, 1989, Rocno and thirty-six other defendants executed the Sheridan Site Trust Agreement (the "Trust") for the purpose of creating a trust to perform agreed upon remedial action at the Sheridan Superfund Site. In connection with the establishment of the Trust, the parties to the Trust have agreed to the terms of a Consent Decree entered December 3, 1991 in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, Civil Action No. H-91-3529, pursuant to which the defendants joining the Consent Decree will carry out the clean-up plan prescribed by the Consent Decree. The estimate of the total clean-up cost is approximately $30 million. Under terms of the Trust, each party is allocated a percentage of costs necessary to fund the Trust for clean-up costs. Rocno's proportionate share of the estimated clean-up costs is 0.33% or $99,000, of which $16,000 has been paid, and the remainder was accrued in the Company's consolidated financial statements. If the clean-up costs exceed the projected amount, Rocno will be required to pay its pro rata share of the excess clean-up costs.

        The Company is also a party to an action brought in Sweetwater County, Wyoming by three overriding royalty interest owners seeking certification as a class of all non-governmental entities which are paid royalties or overriding royalties by the Company in Wyoming. This action is one of more than a dozen virtually identical class action lawsuits filed in various Wyoming courts against producers and operators in Wyoming. The complaint alleges that the Company violated the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act (the "Act") by improperly deducting gas transportation costs in calculating royalties and overriding royalties on Wyoming production and by failing to properly itemize all deductions taken on its payee reports. The issue in the case is whether transportation of natural gas off the lease to market is deductible transportation or nondeductible gathering within the meaning of the Act. In January 2003, the Wyoming Supreme Court agreed to answer two certified questions in a separate lawsuit which are (1) what is meant by the term "gathering" as that term is employed in the Act in defining nondeductible "costs of production," and (2) when do the causes of action for recovery of the reporting penalty and for improper deductions under the Act accrue. Because of the preliminary nature of the proceedings, it is not possible to fully determine the ultimate loss exposure or probable outcome of this litigation.


ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2002.


PART II

ITEM 5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

        The Company's Common Stock is listed and principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the ticker symbol "TBI". Prior to May 16, 2002, the Company traded on the NASDAQ National Market System. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing quotations for each quarterly period during the past two fiscal years as reported by NASDAQ National Market System for the March 31, 2001 through the March 31, 2002 periods, and the NYSE for the June 30, 2002 through December 31, 2002 period.

 
  Closing Sale Price
Quarter Ended

  High
  Low
March 31, 2001   $ 35.25   $ 29.56
June 30, 2001     32.99     23.34
September 30, 2001     27.45     20.16
December 31, 2001     27.46     20.20
March 31, 2002     27.84     23.62
June 30, 2002     29.53     26.56
September 30, 2002     27.60     21.11
December 31, 2002     26.70     22.05

        On March 11, 2003 the last sale price of the Company's Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was $24.75 per share.

        The transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., Canton, Massachusetts.

        On December 31, 2002, the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock (39,261,191 shares) were held by approximately 1,763 holders of record.

        The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends to the holders of Common Stock and has no present intention to pay cash dividends to the holders of Common Stock in the future. Under the terms of the Company's Credit Agreement, the Company is prohibited from paying cash dividends to the holders of Common Stock without the written consent of the bank lenders.

        In January 1996, in connection with the acquisition of KN Production Company, ("KNPC") the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its $1.75 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock") to the seller. The Preferred Stock was exchangeable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company on any dividend payment date at any time on or after March 15, 1999, and prior to March 15, 2001, for shares of Common Stock at the exchange rate of 1.666 shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock; provided that (i) on or prior to the date of exchange, the Company shall have declared and paid or set apart for payment to the holders of Preferred Stock all accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of exchange, and (ii) the current market price of the Common Stock was above $18.375 (the "Threshold Price"). On June 15, 2000, the Company elected to exchange 1,666,000 shares of its Common Stock for all 1,000,000 outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock as the Common Stock had traded above the Threshold Price.

        In July 1999, the Company completed an acquisition of substantially all of the Rocky Mountain oil and gas assets of Unocal Corporation for 5.8 million shares of common stock and $5 million in cash.

        On March 1, 1991, the Board of Directors adopted a Rights Plan designed to help assure that all stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of a hostile attempt to take over the Company, and to help guard against abusive takeover tactics. The Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Common Stock. The dividend was distributed on March 15, 1991 to the stockholders of record on that date. As of March 1, 2001, the Board of Directors amended and restated the Rights Plan. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase, for the $120 per share exercise price, shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or, under certain circumstances, of the acquiring person) worth twice the per share exercise price of the Right.

        The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock or announces a tender offer which would result in ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Common Stock. The date on which the above occurs is to be known as the "Distribution Date". The Rights will expire on March 1, 2011, unless extended or redeemed earlier by the Company.

        At the time the Rights dividend was declared, the Board of Directors further authorized the issuance of one Right with respect to each share of the Company's Common Stock that shall become outstanding between March 15, 1991 and the earlier of the Distribution Date or the expiration or redemption of the Rights. Until the Distribution Date occurs, the certificates representing shares of the Company's Common Stock also evidence the Rights. Following the Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates.

        The provisions described above may tend to deter any potential unsolicited tender offers or other efforts to obtain control of the Company that are not approved by the Board of Directors and thereby deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices higher than the prevailing market price. On the other hand, these provisions will tend to assure continuity of management and corporate policies and to induce any person seeking control of the Company or a business combination with the Company to negotiate on terms acceptable to the then elected Board of Directors.


ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

        The following tables set forth selected financial information for the Company for each of the years shown.

        The Company's historical results of operations have been materially affected by the increase in the Company's size as a result of the Stellarton Acquisition in January 2001 and the Unocal Acquisition in July 1999. (See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere herein.)

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Revenues   $ 235,645   $ 326,324   $ 253,910   $ 123,411   $ 89,939  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(1)

 

 

9,926

 

 

67,477

 

 

65,703

 

 

5,007

 

 

(45,233

)
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net (loss) income attributable to common stock

 

 

(8,177

)

 

69,503

 

 

65,703

 

 

5,007

 

 

(45,233

)
   
 
 
 
 
 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Basic

 

 

39,217

 

 

38,943

 

 

36,664

 

 

32,228

 

 

29,251

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted

 

 

40,327

 

 

40,227

 

 

37,897

 

 

32,466

 

 

29,251

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net (loss) income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Basic

 

 

(.21

)

 

1.78

 

 

1.79

 

 

..16

 

 

(1.55

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted

 

 

(.20

)

 

1.73

 

 

1.76

 

 

..15

 

 

(1.55

)
   
 
 
 
 
 

Total assets

 

 

850,952

 

 

844,975

 

 

629,535

 

 

536,299

 

 

441,882

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

 

133,172

 

 

120,570

 

 

54,000

 

 

81,000

 

 

55,000

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
EBITDAX(2)

 

 

142,557

 

 

226,753

 

 

177,643

 

 

74,438

 

 

49,348

 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital(2)

 

 

114,400

 

 

195,635

 

 

159,956

 

 

59,821

 

 

34,404

 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

121,562

 

 

207,900

 

 

132,958

 

 

38,857

 

 

60,100

 
 
Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(137,171

)

 

(276,987

)

 

(117,738

)

 

(54,999

)

 

(89,634

)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

13,972

 

 

66,975

 

 

(10,196

)

 

25,982

 

 

25,667

 

(1)
Income (loss) in 2000, 1999 and 1998 shown net of the preferred dividends paid in these periods of $875,000, $1,750,000 and $1,750,000, respectively.

(2)
EBITDAX reflects income before taxes, plus interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, exploration costs and impairments of leasehold costs. EBITDAX and cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital are not measures determined pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are not intended to be used in lieu of GAAP presentations of net income or cash flows from operating activities. EBITDAX for 1998 excludes $51.3 million for impairment of gas and oil properties, which were non-cash charges. EBITDAX for 2002 and 2001 excludes the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles.

        The following tables set forth selected information for the Company's gas and oil sales volumes and the proved reserves for each of the years shown.

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
Volumes sold:                    
 
Gas (Mmcf)

 

72,167

 

63,824

 

51,199

 

40,514

 

35,887
  Oil (MBbls)   843   881   773   910   1,027
  Natural Gas Liquids (MBbls)   1,382   1,217   1,074   535  

Proved reserves at period end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Gas (Mmcf)

 

674,037

 

641,579

 

535,373

 

445,933

 

372,022
  Oil (MBbls)   6,025   6,647   6,116   6,735   5,682
  Natural Gas Liquids (MBbls)   6,655   8,360   5,077   6,266  


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

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK

        Certain statements in this report, including statements of the future plans, objectives, and expected performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside the Company's control which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Some of these include, but are not limited to, economic and competitive conditions, inflation rates, legislative and regulatory changes, financial market conditions, political and economic uncertainties, future business decisions, and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict.

        There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proven oil and gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures. The total amount or timing of actual future production may vary significantly from reserves and production estimates. The drilling of exploratory wells can involve significant risks including those related to timing, success rates and cost overruns. Lease and rig availability, complex geology and other factors can affect these risks. Future oil and gas prices also could affect results of operations and cash flows.

    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

        The discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations was based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We have identified certain of these policies as being of particular importance to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and which require the application of significant judgment by management. We analyze our estimates, including those related to the accounting for oil and gas revenues, bad debts, oil and gas properties, marketable securities, income taxes, derivatives, contingencies and litigation, and base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies relate to the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company's financial statements:

    Successful Efforts Method of Accounting

        The Company accounts for its natural gas and crude oil exploration and development activities utilizing the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, costs of productive exploratory wells, development dry holes and productive wells and undeveloped leases are capitalized. Gas and oil lease acquisition costs are also capitalized. Exploration costs, including personnel costs, certain geological and geophysical expenses and delay rentals for gas and oil leases, are charged to expense as incurred. Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized, but charged to expense if and when the well is determined not to have found reserves in commercial quantities. The sale of a partial interest in a proved property is accounted for as a cost recovery and no gain or loss is recognized as long as this treatment does not significantly affect the unit-of-production amortization rate. A gain or loss is recognized for all other sales of producing properties.

        The application of the successful efforts method of accounting requires managerial judgment to determine the proper classification of wells designated as developmental or exploratory which will ultimately determine the proper accounting treatment of the costs incurred. The results from a drilling operation can take considerable time to analyze and the determination that commercial reserves have been discovered requires both judgment and industry experience. Wells may be completed that are assumed to be productive and actually deliver gas and oil in quantities insufficient to be economic, which may result in the abandonment of the wells at a later date. Wells are drilled that have targeted geologic structures that are both developmental and exploratory in nature and an allocation of costs is required to properly account for the results. The evaluation of gas and oil leasehold acquisition costs requires judgment to estimate the fair value of these costs with reference to drilling activity in a given area. Drilling activities in an area by other companies may also effectively condemn leasehold positions.

        The successful efforts method of accounting can have a significant impact on the operational results reported when the Company is entering a new exploratory area in hopes of finding a gas and oil field that will be the focus of future development drilling activity. Any initial exploratory wells that are unsuccessful are expensed. Seismic costs can be substantial which will result in additional exploration expenses when incurred.

    Reserve Estimates

        The Company's estimates of gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves, by necessity, are projections based on geologic and engineering data, and there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of such data as well as the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of gas and oil and the recovery factor for each accumulation, both of which are difficult to measure. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Estimates of economically recoverable gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves and future net cash flows necessarily depend upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the area, the assumed effects of regulations by governmental agencies and assumptions governing future gas, oil and natural gas liquids prices, future operating costs, severance taxes, development costs and workover costs, all of which may in fact vary considerably from actual results. The future drilling costs associated with reserves assigned to proved undeveloped locations may ultimately increase to an extent that these reserves may be later determined to be uneconomic. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of gas, oil and natural gas liquids attributable to any particular group of properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk of recovery, and estimates of the future net cash flows expected therefrom may vary substantially. Any significant variance in the assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of the reserves, which could affect the carrying value of the Company's gas and oil properties and/or the rate of depletion of the gas and oil properties. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to the Company's reserves will likely vary from estimates, and such variances may be material.

    Impairment of Gas and Oil Properties

        The Company reviews its gas and oil properties for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of their carrying value. The Company estimates the expected undiscounted future cash flows of its gas and oil properties and compares such future cash flows to the carrying amount of the gas and oil properties to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the gas and oil properties to their fair value. The factors used to determine fair value include estimates of proved reserves, future commodity pricing, future production estimates, anticipated capital expenditures, and a discount rate commensurate with the risk associated with realizing the expected cash flows projected. There were no impairments of producing gas and oil properties in 2002, 2001 or 2000.

        Given the complexities associated with gas and oil reserve estimates and the history of price volatility in the gas and oil markets, events may arise that would require the Company to record an impairment of the recorded book values associated with gas and oil properties. In 1998, the Company recognized an impairment of $51.3 million primarily as a result of the low market prices in effect at that time and there can be no assurance that impairments will not be required in the future.

    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company periodically hedges a portion of its gas and oil production through swap and collar agreements. The purpose of the hedges is to provide a measure of stability to our cash flows in an environment of volatile gas and oil prices and to manage the exposure to commodity price risk. We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair value. For cash flow hedges, changes in fair value, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings currently.

        The estimation of fair values for our hedging derivatives requires substantial judgment. The fair values of our derivatives are estimated on a monthly basis using an option-pricing model. The option-pricing model uses various factors that include closing exchange prices on the NYMEX, over-the-counter quotations, volatility and the time value of options. These pricing and discounting variables are sensitive to market volatility as well as changes in future price forecasts, regional price differentials and interest rates.

    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following analysis of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and associated footnotes included in this 10-K.

        Excluding the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, the Company realized net income for the year ended December 31, 2002 of $9.9 million or $.25 per share (diluted basis) as compared to net income of $67.5 million or $1.68 per share (diluted basis) for the same period in 2001. The majority of this decrease was attributable to lower commodity prices in 2002. The Company realized net income of $65.7 million or $1.76 per share (diluted basis) in the year ended December 31, 2000. The majority of the Company's production is natural gas and these general earnings trends were impacted significantly by the natural gas prices in effect each of these periods. The average realized natural gas price for 2002, 2001 and 2000 was $2.19 per Mcf, $3.71 per Mcf and $3.46 per Mcf, respectively.

        The net loss and net income recognized in the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 were both impacted by the adoption of new accounting principles during these periods. On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the new accounting standard, SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (SFAS No. 142). In conjunction with the January 2001 Stellarton Energy acquisition, the Company allocated $20 million of the purchase price to goodwill. The fair value test performed to evaluate the carrying value of this business segment and the recorded goodwill as required by SFAS No. 142 resulted in the recognition of a non-cash charge of $18.1 million. The year ended December 31, 2001 was similarly impacted by the adoption of SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities effective January 1, 2001 for which a $2.0 million gain (net of tax) was recognized.

    Revenues

        During 2002, revenues from gas, oil and natural gas liquids production decreased 29% to $194.3 million, as compared to $274.0 million in 2001. This decrease was the result of (i) a decrease in average gas prices realized by the Company from $3.71 per Mcf in 2001 to $2.19 per Mcf in 2002, which decreased revenues $109.7 million, (ii) a decrease in average oil and natural gas liquids prices received from $17.86 to $16.35 which decreased revenues $3.4 million partially offset by, (iii) an increase in gas sales volumes of 13% to 72 Bcf which increased revenues by $31.0 million, and (iv) an increase in oil and natural gas liquids sales volumes of 6% to 2.2 million barrels, which increased revenues by $2.4 million.

        Revenues in 2002 were not materially impacted by hedging activities.

        During 2001, revenues from gas, oil and natural gas liquids production increased 26% to $274.0 million, as compared to $217.0 million in 2000. This increase was the result of (i) an increase in average gas prices received by the Company from $3.46 per Mcf in 2000 to $3.71 per Mcf in 2001, which increased revenues $16.0 million, (ii) a decrease in average oil and natural gas liquids prices received from $21.49 to $17.86 which decreased revenues $7.6 million, (iii) an increase in gas sales volumes of 25% to 63.8 Bcf which increased revenues by $43.7 million, and (iv) an increase in oil and natural gas liquids sales volumes of 14% to 2.1 million barrels, which increased revenues by $4.9 million.

        Revenues in 2001 were also impacted by cash gains realized from hedging activities. The NYMEX collar and swap transactions considered effective hedges and settled in 2001, resulted in realized gains of $15.9 million, which were included in gas and oil sales. There was no material hedging activity in 2000.

        The revenues contributed by the Stellarton transaction for the period subsequent to the closing date of January 12, 2001 were $30.1 million in 2001 and $27.8 million in 2002.

        The following table reflects the Company's revenues, average prices received for gas and oil, and amount of gas and oil production in each of the years shown:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Revenues:                  
  Natural gas sales   $ 157,881   $ 236,551   $ 177,267
  Crude oil sales     19,733     20,350     21,686
  Natural gas liquids     16,662     17,130     18,015
  Gathering and processing     20,467     23,245     18,283
  Marketing and trading, net     5,276     1,891     5,841
  Drilling     14,347     14,828     11,472
  Cash (paid) received on derivatives     (2,061 )   4,121    
  Change in derivative fair value     (345 )   (3,224 )  
  Gain on sale of property     4,114     10,078    
  Interest income and other     (429 )   1,354     1,346
   
 
 
  Total revenues   $ 235,645   $ 326,324   $ 253,910
   
 
 
 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Natural gas production (Mmcf)     72,167     63,824     51,199
Crude oil production (Mbbls)     843     881     773
Natural gas liquid production (Mbbls)     1,382     1,217     1,074
Average natural gas sales price ($/Mcf)   $ 2.19   $ 3.71   $ 3.46
Average crude oil sales price ($/Bbl)   $ 23.41   $ 23.09   $ 28.05
Average natural gas liquid sales price ($/Bbl)   $ 12.05   $ 14.07   $ 16.77

        Gathering and processing revenues decreased 12% to $20.5 million in 2002 compared to $23.2 million in 2001. A number of non-strategic gathering and processing assets were sold throughout 2001 resulting in the decrease in gathering and processing revenue in 2002. In 2001, gathering and processing revenue increased 27% to $23.2 million, as compared to $18.3 million in 2000. This increase was attributable to the distribution of certain gathering and processing assets to the Company from Wildhorse Energy Partners, LLC ("Wildhorse") in November 2000. Incremental revenues were recognized in 2001 as a result of the 100% ownership of these gathering and processing assets which previously were 45% owned by the Company through the Wildhorse partnership.

        Net marketing and trading income increased to $5.3 million in 2002 from a net margin of $1.9 million in 2001 and $5.8 million in 2000. Income increased in 2002 due to the Company transporting gas into the Mid Continent region to take advantage of higher gas prices in this market. Net marketing and trading income has increased principally as a result of this marketing opportunity that utilized the Company's firm transportation. Although this marketing differential increased marketing and trading income, the Company had previously entered into certain financial instruments to lock the basis differential for the June through October contract periods in the Mid Continent market. As these financial instruments were considered trading derivatives under SFAS No. 133, the cash settlements of $2.1 million in 2002 were recognized as derivative losses during the year ended December 31, 2002. The cash profits realized on the physical sales included in marketing and trading income were partially offset by the $2.1 million cash settlement on the trading derivatives. However, the net impact of these transactions for 2002 was that the Company was successful in realizing an additional $.29 Mmbtu margin (after transportation costs) on gas moved into the Mid Continent region. The marketing and trading margins in 2000 benefited from certain term and spot marketing arrangements at more favorable terms than were available in the 2001 market.

        Drilling revenue associated with the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Sauer, remained relatively unchanged in 2002 at $14.3 million. In 2002 Sauer generated a higher percentage of its contract drilling revenue from third-party contracts not affiliated with Tom Brown. Contract drilling revenues associated with wells operated by the Company and drilled by Sauer are eliminated in consolidation. This change in mix for 2002 resulted in essentially equivalent drilling revenues for 2002 and 2001 despite a decrease in the rig utilization rates from over 90% in 2001 to approximately 70% in 2002. Drilling revenue increased from $11.5 million in 2000 to $14.8 million in 2001 due to higher rig utilization rates and increased day rates resulting from the general increase in activity within the oil and gas industry in 2001 as compared to 2000.

    Costs and Expenses

        Expenses related to gas and oil production remained flat from 2001 to 2002. On an Mcfe basis, gas and oil production costs decreased to $.38 in 2002 from $.42 in 2001 as a result of a continued focus on cost containment.

        Expenses related to gas and oil production increased 26% from 2000 to 2001 due primarily to the Stellarton acquisition and increased production levels in 2001. On an Mcfe basis, gas and oil production costs remained relatively flat at $.42 in 2001 and $.41 in 2000.

        Taxes on gas and oil production decreased by 21% or ($4.4 million) in 2002 primarily due to a 29% or ($80 million) decrease in revenue from gas, oil and natural gas liquids from 2001 due to lower natural gas and natural gas liquids commodity prices.

        Taxes on gas and oil production decreased by 5% or ($1.1 million) in 2001 despite a 26% or ($57 million) increase in revenue from gas, oil and natural gas liquids for 2001. This resulted from the inclusion of $30.1 million of Canadian revenues in the 2001 results which are not subject to severance and other taxes typically incurred in the United States. Additionally, $15.9 million realized on the natural gas hedge transactions was included in gas and oil sales in 2001 which is not subject to production related taxes. The Company also obtained a refund in 2001 of a portion of the production taxes paid in prior years which reduced the expenses reported.

        Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $16.9 million in 2002 as compared to 2001. The production increase of 12% on a Mcfe basis for 2002 contributed $8.8 million to the increased depreciation, depletion and amortization. The Company's per unit depletion rate also increased in 2002 as a result of higher finding costs on the gas and oil reserve additions associated with the 2002 and 2001 capital programs. In 2002, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense on the producing gas and oil properties was $.95 per Mcfe as compared to $.83 per Mcfe in 2001.

        Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $24.0 million in 2001 as compared to 2000. Approximately $14.1 million of this increase was associated with the depletion recorded on the Stellarton assets acquired in January 2001. The production increase of 9% on a Mcfe basis on the domestic properties for 2001 also increased depreciation, depletion and amortization.

        Gathering and processing costs principally represent costs associated with operating and maintaining the field systems. The $3.9 million decrease in gathering and processing costs for 2002 was caused by the Company's disposition of a number of the gathering and processing assets in 2001 which were considered non-strategic to the Company's operations.

        Expenses associated with the Company's exploration activities were $22.8 million, $34.2 million and $11.0 million for the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Exploration expense for these periods was impacted by the dry hole costs of $7.8 million, $15.8 million and $1.2 million recognized in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company also incurred additional seismic costs in 2001 which were primarily associated with the James Lime and Deep Valley projects in Texas that contributed to the increased exploration expense incurred in that period. Capital expenditures of $161.7 million were incurred in 2002 compared to $358.1 million in 2001, which included $95 million associated with the Stellarton Acquisition. The 2002 exploration, development and land related expenditures were $139 million, a decrease of 43% in comparison to 2001. In 2000, the exploration, development and land related expenditures were $109.6 million. The Company's capital program budgets are influenced by the gas and oil prices received for its production. The exploration expenses recognized by the Company are influenced by the magnitude of the capital expenditures incurred in each year. Capital programs are risk adjusted to balance exploration and development opportunities.

        Recurring general and administrative expenses have increased from year to year as a result of the Company's increased level of operations. On an Mcfe basis, general and administrative expenses were $.22, $.30, and $.19 for the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Included in the expenses for 2001 was a $5.3 million ($.07 per Mcfe) pre-tax charge recorded in the first quarter of 2001 associated with the retirement of Donald L. Evans, previously Tom Brown, Inc.'s Chairman and CEO. Mr. Evans received a $1.5 million retirement payment and the Company recognized a $3.8 million non-cash charge in conjunction with the acceleration of Mr. Evans' stock options. General and administrative expenses related to the new Canadian operations contributed $2.0 million ($.02 per Mcfe) to the increase in 2002 and $2.5 million ($.03 per Mcfe) for 2001. Expenses also increased due to the addition of personnel necessary to implement the increased capital expenditure programs in 2001 and 2002.

        Bad debt expense increased in 2002 as a result of a default by a previous purchaser of the Company's natural gas liquids in the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah on payments owed the Company totaling $6.2 million. An allowance for this entire receivable was recorded in the third quarter of 2002 given the uncertainty of collection at that time. The Company continued to aggressively pursue recovery of the amount owed and in the fourth quarter of 2002, a $1.4 million settlement was received in cash. The collection of this settlement was treated as an adjustment to the allowance originally recorded. As of December 31, 2002, the Company does not anticipate that any future settlements will be received that will materially reduce the loss recognized as a result of this purchaser's default.

        Interest and other expense in 2002 was impacted by standby fees incurred under the terms of a two-year commitment for a drilling rig utilized by the Company at the Deep Valley project in West Texas. This rig became available in 2002 and $1.6 million of standby fees were charged to expense when the rig was not being utilized. Interest expense also increased in 2001 and 2002 after the Stellarton acquisition in January 2001 for which $95 million in debt was incurred. The Company's effective interest rate under its credit facility was 3.9% at December 31, 2002 and 4.1% at December 31, 2001.

        The Company recorded income tax provisions of $3.2 million, $38.1 million and $39.8 million in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of 24.4%, 36.1% and 37.4%, respectively. The 2002 income tax provision of $3.2 million was impacted by a $1.6 million tax reduction associated with certain Canadian expenses deductible in the United States and by $0.7 million in state tax credits associated with drilling incentives in Colorado and Utah. There was no tax impact associated with the goodwill impairment recorded in conjunction with the change in accounting principle as goodwill is not considered a deductible expense for tax purposes. At December 31, 2002, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward available for U.S. Federal tax purposes of $25.9 million and a net operating loss carryforward available to reduce future Canadian federal income taxes of $6.0 million ($9.4 million CDN). Additionally, statutory depletion carryforwards of approximately $7.2 million and $4.8 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards are available in the U.S. to offset future taxes. Based upon the operating results for 2002 and the present economic environment for the gas and oil industry, the Company believes that it will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize these carryforwards.

    CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

    Growth and Acquisitions

        The Company continues to pursue opportunities which will add value by economically increasing its reserve base and presence in significant natural gas areas, and further developing the Company's ability to control and market the production of natural gas. As the Company continues to evaluate potential acquisitions and property development opportunities, it will benefit from its financing flexibility and the leverage potential of the Company's overall capital structure.

    Capital and Exploration Expenditures

        The Company's capital and exploration expenditures and sources of financing for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In millions)

 
CAPITAL AND EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES:                    
ACQUISITIONS:                    
  Stellarton   $   $ 95.0   $  
  Rocky Mountain assets and other     15.9     3.3     17.1  
Exploration costs     33.2     56.0     18.4  
Development costs     94.6     163.2     74.4  
Acreage     10.9     22.6     16.8  
Gas gathering and processing     4.7     9.3     16.3  
Sauer Drilling Company     .9     5.2     2.7  
Other     1.5     3.5     4.8  
   
 
 
 
    $ 161.7   $ 358.1   $ 150.5  
   
 
 
 
FINANCING SOURCES:                    
Common stock issued   $ 2.2   $ 11.2   $ 17.7  
Net long term bank debt     11.8     55.8     (27.0 )
Debt assumed on Stellarton transaction         16.8      
Proceeds from sale of assets     10.8     52.4     9.7  
Cash flow provided by operating activities     121.6     207.9     133.0  
Other     15.3     14.0     17.1  
   
 
 
 
    $ 161.7   $ 358.1   $ 150.5  
   
 
 
 

        The Company anticipates capital and exploration expenditures between $155 to $185 million in 2003, approximately 90% of which will be allocated to exploration and development activity. The timing of most of the Company's capital expenditures is discretionary and there are no material long-term commitments associated with the Company's capital expenditure plans. Consequently, the Company is able to adjust the level of its capital expenditures as circumstances warrant. The level of capital expenditures by the Company will vary in future periods depending on energy market conditions and other related economic factors.

        Historically, the Company has funded capital expenditures and working capital requirements with both internally generated cash, borrowings and stock transactions.

    Property Sales

        In April 2002, the Company sold its interest in oil and gas properties located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming for net cash proceeds of $7.2 million. These properties had a net book value of $3.1 million which resulted in a $4.1 million gain on the sale.

        In April 2002, the Company also sold certain oil and gas properties located primarily in Louisiana for $2.0 million. In November 2002, the Company sold certain oil and gas properties located in Colorado for $1.6 million. As these sales represented partial interests in these proved properties, the proceeds were recorded as a reduction to the recorded cost of the oil and gas properties.

        In 2001, $52.4 million in cash proceeds were derived from property sales. In May 2001, the Company sold its interest in gas and oil properties located in Oklahoma. These properties had a net book basis of $14.4 million. This transaction resulted in a gain of $10.l million with net cash proceeds of $24.5 million. Cash proceeds of $24 million were also realized in conjunction with several sales transactions in 2001 associated with the disposition of gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse distribution in November 2000. As the systems sold were non-strategic to the Company's operations and these divestitures were anticipated as part of the Wildhorse integration process, the proceeds derived on these transactions were recorded as a reduction to the investment in the gathering assets.

    Debt

    Contractual Obligations

        In addition to the bank credit facility discussed in the following note, the Company had various other contractual obligations as of December 31, 2002. The Company has no off-balance sheet debt or other such unrecorded obligations and the Company has not guaranteed the debt of any other party. The following table lists the Company's significant liabilities at December 31, 2002 including the credit facility:

 
  Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations

  Less than
1 year

  2-3 Years
  4-5 Years
  After 5
Years

  Total
 
  (In thousands)

Bank credit facility   $   $ 38,172   $ 95,000   $   $ 133,172
Operating leases     1,639     494     49         2,182
Transportation commitments     5,274     6,386     1,420     228     13,308
Processing commitment     2,640     5,280     5,280     10,560     23,760
Drilling rig obligation     7,337     2,995             10,332
   
 
 
 
 
  Total contractual cash obligations   $ 16,890   $ 53,327   $ 101,749   $ 10,788   $ 182,754
   
 
 
 
 

        The Company leases its corporate office in Denver, Colorado under the terms of an operating lease, which expires in January 2004. Yearly payments under the lease are approximately $1,061,000 net of sublease income. The Company's offices in Midland, Texas represents a commitment of $215,000 per year through December 2003 and the office lease in Calgary, Alberta expires in August 2004 at a rate of $152,000 per year. The remaining operating lease commitments represent equipment leases, which expire during 2002 through 2008.

        The Company has entered into various firm transportation commitments for approximately 56.8 Mmcf of gross gas sales per day as of December 31, 2002. The majority of these contracts expire in 2003 through 2006. Subsequent to December 31, 2002, the Company entered into additional firm transportation commitments on approximately 29 Mmcf of gross gas sales per day under varying terms that expire in 2008 and 2011. These 2003 commitments totaled $19.6 million and are not included in the above schedule.

        On December 31, 2001, the Company had entered into an agreement with a third party to process its gas production from the White River Dome coal bed methane project in the Piceance Basin. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company is obligated to pay the third party $220,000 per month over the ten year term to cover the fixed operating costs of the plant and provide for a recovery of the plant investment to the third party. The Company is also obligated to reimburse the third party for certain variable expenses associated with the volumes processed through the plant and for compression made available to the Company. Under certain circumstances, the Company has the right but not the obligation to purchase the processing facility from the third party during the term of this agreement.

        To assure the availability of a drilling rig in conjunction with an exploration program in west Texas, the Company entered into a two-year commitment with a drilling contractor in 2001. The rig became available in 2002 and the two-year drilling obligation commenced on May 29, 2002. Under the terms of this arrangement, the Company is required to pay a day rate of $20,100 per day during drilling operations and $16,700 per day for rig moves.

    Bank Credit Facility

        On June 30, 2000, the Company entered into a $125 million credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that was to mature in June 2003. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the borrowing base was established at $225 million.

        On March 20, 2001, as part of the final financing of the Stellarton acquisition, the Company repaid and cancelled its previous $125 million Credit Facility and entered into a new $225 million credit facility (the "Global Credit Facility"). The Global Credit Facility is comprised of: a $75 million line of credit in the U.S. and a $55 million line of credit in Canada which both mature in March 2004, and a $95 million five-year term loan in Canada. The borrowing base under the Global Credit Facility was set at $300 million. The Global Credit Facility allows the lenders one scheduled redetermination of the borrowing base each December. In addition, the lenders may elect to require one unscheduled redetermination in the event the borrowing base utilization exceeds 50% of the borrowing base at any time for a period of 15 consecutive business days. At December 31, 2002, the Company had borrowings outstanding under the Global Credit Facility totaling $133.2 million or 44% of the borrowing base at an average interest rate of 3.9% The amount available for borrowing under the Global Credit Facility at December 31, 2002 was $91.8 million.

        Borrowings under the Global Credit Facility are unsecured and bear interest, at the election of the Company, at a rate equal to (i) the greater of the global administrative agents prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus an applicable margin, (ii) adjusted LIBOR for Eurodollar loans plus applicable margin, or (iii) Bankers' Acceptances plus applicable margin for Canadian dollar loans. Interest on amounts outstanding under the Global Credit Facility is due on the last day of each quarter for prime based loans, and in the case of Eurodollar loans with an interest period of more than three months, interest is due at the end of each three month interval.

        The Global Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of not less than $350 million (adjusted upward by 50% of quarterly net income subsequent to March 31, 2001 and 50% of the net cash proceeds of any stock offering). The Company must also maintain a ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest expense, state and federal taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and exploration expense of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 as calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants during 2002 and at December 31, 2002.

    MARKETS AND PRICES

        The Company's revenues and associated cash flows are significantly impacted by changes in gas and oil prices. All of the Company's gas and oil production is currently market sensitive as none of the Company's gas and oil production has been presold at contractually specified prices. During 2002, the average prices received for gas and oil by the Company were $2.19 per Mcf and $16.35 per barrel, respectively, as compared to $3.71 Mcf and $17.86 per barrel in 2001 and $3.46 per Mcf and $21.49 per barrel in 2000.


ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

    COMMODITY PRICE FLUCTUTATIONS

        The Company's results of operations are highly dependent upon the prices received for oil and natural gas production. Accordingly, in order to increase the financial flexibility and to protect the Company against commodity price fluctuations, the Company may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, enter into hedging arrangements, including commodity swap agreements, forward sale contracts, commodity futures, options and other similar agreements relating to natural gas and crude oil expected to be produced. The Company has also entered into certain financial instruments that did not qualify as hedging arrangements. These transactions have principally involved basis contracts entered into to secure a pricing differential into markets where the Company has transportation agreements.

        Financial instruments designated as hedges are accounted for on the accrual basis with gains and losses being recognized based on the type of contract and exposure being hedged. Gains and losses on natural gas and crude oil swaps designated as hedges of anticipated transactions, including gains or losses recognized upon early termination of contracts, are deferred and recognized in income when the associated hedged commodities are produced. In order for natural gas and crude oil swaps or collars to qualify as a hedge of an anticipated transaction, the derivative contract must identify the expected date of the transaction, the commodity involved, and the expected quantity to be purchased or sold among other requirements. In the event that it becomes probable that a hedged transaction will not occur, gains and losses, including gains or losses upon early termination of contracts, are included in the income statement.

        The Company has natural gas hedges, in the form of costless collars and swaps (including related basis swaps), as follows as of December 31, 2002:

 
  Natural Gas Collars
  Natural Gas Swaps
Period

  Mmbtu/d
  Weighted Average
Floor/Ceiling

  Mmbtu/d
  Weighted Average
Swap Price


First Quarter 2003

 

37,500

 

$3.82/5.01

 

80,000

 

$

3.05
Second Quarter 2003   40,000   $3.37/4.65   57,500   $ 3.02
Third Quarter 2003   40,000   $3.37/4.65   55,800   $ 3.04
Fourth Quarter 2003   23,500   $3.27/4.61   19,000   $ 3.04

        The Company also entered into certain financial instruments to lock the basis differential on 15,000 Mmbtu/day of firm transportation volumes during the June through October contract periods of 2002. These contracts effectively fixed a price differential into the Mid Continent market at a weighted average price of $0.78 above the price index for a delivery point in the Rocky Mountain area where the Company markets a significant portion of its natural gas production. Under SFAS 133, these basis swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, these basis swaps resulted in the recognition of derivative losses of $2.1 million in 2002 which were recorded directly to earnings.

    INTEREST RATE RISK

        At December 31, 2002, the Company had $133.2 million outstanding under the Global Credit Facility at an average interest rate of 3.9%. Borrowings under the Global Credit Facility bear interest, at the election of the Company, at (i) the greater of the agent bank's prime rate or the federal funds effective rate, plus an applicable margin or (ii) the agent bank's Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin. As a result, the Company's annual interest cost in 2003 will fluctuate based on short-term interest rates. Assuming no change in the amount outstanding during 2003, the impact on interest expense of a ten percent change in the average interest rate would be approximately $.5 million. As the interest rate is variable and is reflective of current market conditions, the carrying value of the Global Credit Facility approximates the fair value.

    FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK

        The Company conducts business in Canada where the Canadian dollar has been designated as the functional currency. This subjects the Company to foreign currency exchange risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing and investing transactions. The Company has not entered into any foreign currency forward contracts or other similar financial instruments to manage this risk.


ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Independent Auditors' Report
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2002 and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tom Brown, Inc.:

        We have audited the 2002 consolidated financial statements of Tom Brown, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements of Tom Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. Those auditors' report, dated February 27, 2002, on those consolidated financial statement was unqualified and included an explanatory paragraph that described the change in the Company's method of accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities discussed in Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 statement presentation We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the 2002 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tom Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        As discussed in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets in 2002, and as discussed in Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities in 2001.

    KPMG LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 20, 2003

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS A COPY OF THE PREVIOUSLY ISSUED REPORT FROM ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP (ANDERSEN). ANDERSEN DID NOT PERFORM ANY PROCEDURES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K NOR HAS ANDERSEN PROVIDED A CONSENT TO THE INCLUSION OF ITS REPORT IN THIS FORM 10-K. FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION, SEE EXHIBIT 23.2 TO THE FORM 10-K OF WHICH THIS REPORT FORMS A PART. ACCORDINGLY, THIS REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ANDERSEN.

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tom Brown, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tom Brown, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the 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 statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tom Brown, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        As explained in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2001, the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities.


 

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Denver, Colorado

February 27, 2002


TOM BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
ASSETS              
CURRENT ASSETS:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 13,555   $ 15,196  
  Accounts receivable     47,414     63,745  
  Inventories     1,808     1,689  
  Other     3,988     2,332  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     66,765     82,962  
   
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:              
  Gas and oil properties, successful efforts method of accounting     959,807     849,628  
  Gas gathering and processing and other plant     101,054     89,343  
  Other     35,930     33,689  
   
 
 
    Total property and equipment     1,096,791     972,660  
  Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     320,306     234,134  
   
 
 
    Net property and equipment     776,485     738,526  
   
 
 
OTHER ASSETS:              
  Goodwill, net         18,125  
  Other assets     7,702     5,362  
   
 
 
    $ 850,952   $ 844,975  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              
CURRENT LIABILITIES:              
  Accounts payable   $ 42,773   $ 59,172  
  Accrued expenses     21,993     12,512  
  Fair value of derivative instruments     10,886      
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     75,652     71,684  
   
 
 
BANK DEBT     133,172     120,570  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES     73,967     75,194  
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES     4,543     2,299  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)              
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:              
  Convertible preferred stock, $.10 par value
Authorized 2,500,000 shares; none issued
         
  Common Stock, $.10 par value
Authorized 55,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding 39,261,191 and 39,127,649 shares, respectively
    3,926     3,913  
  Additional paid-in capital     537,449     534,790  
  Retained earnings     29,678     37,855  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (7,435 )   (1,330 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     563,618     575,228  
   
 
 
    $ 850,952   $ 844,975  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


TOM BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
REVENUES:                    
  Gas, oil and natural gas liquids sales   $ 194,276   $ 274,031   $ 216,968  
  Gathering and processing     20,467     23,245     18,283  
  Marketing and trading, net     5,276     1,891     5,841  
  Drilling     14,347     14,828     11,472  
  Gain on sale of properties     4,114     10,078      
  Cash (paid) received on derivatives     (2,061 )   4,121      
  Change in derivative fair value     (345 )   (3,224 )    
  Loss on marketable security     (600 )        
  Interest income and other     171     1,354     1,346  
   
 
 
 
    Total revenues     235,645     326,324     253,910  
   
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:                    
Gas and oil production     32,151     32,060     25,488  
  Taxes on gas and oil production     16,621     21,020     22,105  
  Gathering and processing costs     6,918     10,855     7,212  
  Drilling operations     13,763     11,851     9,715  
  Exploration costs     22,824     34,195     11,001  
  Impairments of leasehold costs     5,564     5,236     3,900  
  General and administrative     18,413     22,742     11,614  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     91,307     74,371     50,417  
  Bad debts     5,222     1,043     133  
  Interest expense and other     9,726     7,347     5,967  
   
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses     222,509     220,720     147,552  
   
 
 
 
    Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     13,136     105,604     106,358  
Income tax provision                    
  Current     (229 )   (1,200 )   (1,968 )
  Deferred     (2,981 )   (36,927 )   (37,812 )
   
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     9,926     67,477     66,578  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     (18,103 )   2,026      
   
 
 
 
Net (loss) income     (8,177 )   69,503     66,578  
Preferred stock dividends             (875 )
   
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock   $ (8,177 ) $ 69,503   $ 65,703  
   
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                    
  Basic     39,217     38,943     36,664  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted     40,327     40,227     37,897  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per common share-Basic:                    
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ .25   $ 1.73   $ 1.79  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     (.46 )   .05      
   
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock   $ (.21 ) $ 1.78   $ 1.79  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per common share-Diluted:                    
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ .25   $ 1.68   $ 1.76  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     (.45 )   .05      
   
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock   $ (.20 ) $ 1.73   $ 1.76  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


TOM BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
  Preferred Stock
  Common Stock
   
  Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Balance as of December 31, 1999   1,000   $ 100   35,308   $ 3,531   $ 495,724   $ (97,351 ) $ 93   $ 402,097  
Stock options exercised         1,378     137     17,475             17,612  
Income tax benefit of stock options exercised                 3,779             3,779  
Preferred stock dividends                     (875 )       (875 )
Preferred stock conversion   (1,000 )   (100 ) 1,666     167     (67 )            
Comprehensive income (loss):                                              
  Unrealized loss on marketable securities                         (298 )   (298 )
  Net income                     66,578         66,578  
                                         
 
Total comprehensive income                                           66,280  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2000         38,352     3,835     516,911     (31,648 )   (205 )   488,893  
Stock options exercised         776     78     11,085             11,163  
Income tax benefit of stock options exercised                 2,897             2,897  
Accelerated vesting of options                 3,897             3,897  
Comprehensive income (loss):                                              
  Translation loss                         (790 )   (790 )
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (net of tax)                         (4,449 )   (4,449 )
  Change in fair value of derivative hedging instruments                         14,466     14,466  
  Settlements of derivative hedging instruments reclassified to income (net of tax)                         (10,017 )   (10,017 )
  Unrealized loss on marketable securities                         (335 )   (335 )
    Net income                     69,503         69,503  
                                         
 
Total comprehensive income                                           68,378  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2001         39,128     3,913     534,790     37,855     (1,330 )   575,228  
Stock options exercised         133     13     2,145             2,158  
Income tax benefit of stock options exercised                 514         514        
Comprehensive income (loss):                                              
  Translation loss                         (80 )   (80 )
  Unrealized loss on marketable securities reclassified to income                         540     540  
  Change in fair value of derivative hedging instruments (net of tax)                         (6,517 )   (6,517 )
  Unrealized loss on marketable securities                         (50 )   (50 )
  Settlements of derivative hedging instruments reclassified to income (net of tax)                         2     2  
    Net loss                     (8,177 )       (8,177 )
                                         
 
Total comprehensive loss                                           (14,282 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2002     $   39,261   $ 3,926   $ 537,449   $ 29,678   $ (7,435 ) $ 563,618  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


TOM BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net (loss) income   $ (8,177 ) $ 69,503   $ 66,578  
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     91,307     74,371     50,417  
    Unrealized loss on derivatives     345          
    Loss on marketable security     600          
    Gain on sales of assets     (4,114 )   (10,078 )    
    Accelerated vesting of options         3,897      
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     18,103          
    Deferred tax provision     2,981     36,927     37,812  
    Dry hole costs     7,791     15,779     1,249  
    Impairments of leasehold costs     5,564     5,236     3,900  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects from the purchase of Stellarton:                    
      Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable     15,966     43,520     (42,232 )
      (Increase) decrease in inventories     (114 )   (109 )   307  
      (Increase) decrease in other current assets     (1,762 )   388     (1,541 )
      (Decrease)increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses     (5,820 )   (28,597 )   15,549  
      (Increase) decrease in other assets, net     (1,108 )   (2,937 )   919  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     121,562     207,900     132,958  
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                    
    Proceeds from sales of assets     10,781     52,366     9,681  
    Capital and exploration expenditures     (146,681 )   (244,663 )   (140,719 )
    Acquisition of Stellarton stock         (74,500 )    
    Direct costs of Stellarton acquisition         (3,107 )    
    Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses for capital expenditures     (1,271 )   (7,082 )   13,300  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities     (137,171 )   (276,986 )   (117,738 )
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                    
    Borrowings of long-term bank debt     36,183     109,812     20,000  
    Repayments of long-term bank debt     (24,369 )   (54,000 )   (47,000 )
    Preferred stock dividends             (875 )
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options     2,158     11,163     17,679  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     13,972     66,975     (10,196 )
   
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     (4 )   (227 )    
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (1,641 )   (2,338 )   5,024  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR     15,196     17,534     12,510  
   
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR   $ 13,555   $ 15,196   $ 17,534  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                    
Cash paid during the year for:                    
      Interest   $ 5,662   $ 7,219   $ 4,941  
      Income taxes     1,084     7,421     840  
Refund received of income tax deposit     6,000          
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:                    
        Debt assumed in Stellarton Acquisition   $   $ 16,800   $  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


TOM BROWN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

(1) Nature of Operations

        Tom Brown, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company") is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, marketing, production and sale of, natural gas and crude oil. The Company's industry segments are (i) the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production, and sale of, natural gas and crude oil, (ii) the marketing, gathering and processing of natural gas and (iii) drilling gas and oil wells. The Company's marketing activities are primarily conducted through Retex, Inc. ("Retex") and contract drilling is conducted through Sauer Drilling Company ("Sauer"). The Company's operations are conducted in the United States and Canada. The Company's United States operations are presently focused in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of eastern Utah and western Colorado, the Val Verde and Permian Basins of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and the east Texas Basin. The Company also, to a lesser extent, conducts exploration and development activities in other areas of the continental United States. The Company expanded its operations into Canada in 2001, establishing western Canada as a core area through the acquisition of Stellarton Energy Corporation ("Stellarton"). This transaction was completed in January 2001. The Canadian operations are focused in the Carrot Creek, Edson and Davey Lake areas of the western sedimentary basin of Alberta.

        Wildhorse was originally formed by KN Energy, Inc. ("KNE") and the Company in January 1996. KNE was subsequently acquired by Kinder Morgan Inc. ("KM"). Initially, Wildhorse was owned fifty-five percent (55%) by KNE and forty-five percent (45%) by the Company. The Company dedicated a significant amount of its Rocky Mountain gas reserves to Wildhorse and KNE contributed substantial gas marketing contracts. The Company also transferred a natural gas storage facility in western Colorado to Wildhorse. The principal purpose of Wildhorse was to provide services related to natural gas, natural gas liquids and other natural gas products, including gathering, processing and storage services. In September 1999, Wildhorse assigned 100% of its marketing operations to Retex. Firm transportation contracts were also assigned 55% to KM and 45% to Retex at that time. In November 2000, the remaining gathering and processing assets were distributed to the Company in anticipation of the dissolution of Wildhorse. KM received the storage facility and a cash payment. TBIFS was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tom Brown, Inc. to administer the gathering and processing assets received in the Wildhorse distribution. In 2001, TBIFS selectively sold many of the gathering and processing facilities received in the Wildhorse asset distribution retaining only those gathering systems considered integral to the Company's operations. The Wind River gathering system was the main system retained. In 2002, the Company liquidated TBIFS and transferred the remaining gathering and processing assets to the parent company, Tom Brown, Inc.

        Substantially all of the Company's production is sold under market-sensitive contracts. The Company's revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent upon the price of, and demand for, oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. Prices for natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids are subject to wide fluctuation in response to relatively minor changes in their supply and demand as well as market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond the control of the Company. These factors include the level of consumer product demand, weather conditions, domestic and foreign governmental regulations, the price and availability of alternative fuels, political conditions in foreign countries, the foreign supply of natural gas and oil and the price of foreign imports and overall economic conditions. The Company is affected more by fluctuations in natural gas prices than oil prices because a majority of its production (84 percent in 2002 and 2001 on a volumetric equivalent basis) is natural gas.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company's proportionate share of revenues and expenses associated with certain interests in a gas and oil partnership were consolidated in the accompanying financial statements for the periods prior to Wildhorse asset distribution. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts reported in previous years to conform to the 2002 presentation.

    Inventories

        Inventories consist of pipe, other production equipment and natural gas placed in storage. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out) or estimated net realizable value.

    Property and Equipment

        The Company accounts for its natural gas and crude oil exploration and development activities under the successful efforts method of accounting. Under such method, costs of productive exploratory wells, development dry holes and productive wells and undeveloped leases are capitalized. Gas and oil lease acquisition costs are also capitalized. Exploration costs, including personnel costs, certain geological and geophysical expenses and delay rentals for gas and oil leases, are charged to expense as incurred. Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized, but charged to expense if and when the well is determined not to have found reserves in commercial quantities. The sale of a partial interest in a proved property is accounted for as a cost recovery and no gain or loss is recognized as long as this treatment does not significantly affect the unit-of-production amortization rate. A gain or loss is recognized for all other sales of producing properties.

        Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense; renewals and betterments are capitalized to the appropriate property and equipment accounts. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses, if any, reflected in results of operations.

        Unproved properties with significant acquisition costs are assessed quarterly on a property-by-property basis and any impairment in value is charged to expense. Unproved properties whose acquisition costs are not individually significant are aggregated, and the portion of such costs estimated to be nonproductive, based on historical experience, is amortized over the average holding period. If the unproved properties are determined to be productive, the related costs are transferred to proved gas and oil properties. Proceeds from sales of partial interests in unproved leases are accounted for as a recovery of cost without recognizing any gain or loss.

        The Company reviews its gas and oil properties for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of their carrying value. The Company estimates the expected future cash flows of its gas and oil properties and compares such future cash flows to the carrying amount of the gas and oil properties to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the oil and gas properties to fair value. The factors used to determine fair value include estimates of proved reserves, future commodity prices, future production estimates, anticipated capital expenditures, and a discount rate commensurate with the risk associated with realizing the expected cash flows projected. There were no impairments of producing gas and oil properties in 2002, 2001 or 2000.

        The provision for depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties is calculated on a basin-by-basin basis using the unit-of-production method. Included in such calculations are estimated future dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values.

        Other property and equipment is recorded at cost or estimated fair value upon acquisition and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Gas gathering, processing and other plant equipment is generally depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives that range from 10 to 20 years.

    Natural Gas Revenues

        The Company utilizes the accrual method of accounting for natural gas revenues whereby revenues are recognized as the Company's entitlement share of gas is produced based on its working interests in the properties. The Company records a receivable (payable) to the extent it receives less (more) than its proportionate share of gas revenues. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the net imbalance positions were not significant.

    Foreign Currency Translation

        The functional currency of the Company's Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. For purposes of consolidation, substantially all assets and liabilities of the Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Unrealized currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates during the year. As a result of the change in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, the Company reported translation losses of $80,000 in 2002 and $790,000 in 2001.

    Derivative Financial Instruments

        In order to increase financial flexibility and to protect the Company against commodity price fluctuations, the Company may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, enter into non-speculative hedge transactions, including, commodity swap agreements, forward sale contracts, commodity futures, options and other similar agreements relating to natural gas and crude oil expected to be produced.

        In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. It also requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities". This pronouncement amended portions of SFAS 133 and was adopted by the Company with SFAS 133 effective January 1, 2001.

        SFAS 133, in part, allows special hedge accounting for cash flow hedges and provides that the effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument be reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income and be reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

    Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which addresses, among other things, the financial accounting and reporting for goodwill subsequent to an acquisition. The new standard eliminates the requirement to amortize acquired goodwill; instead, such goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002 and conducted a fair value based test to evaluate the goodwill originally recorded in conjunction with the January 2001 Stellarton Energy Corporation acquisition. This test resulted in the Company recording a non-cash charge of $18.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2002. This expense has been reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. After this write down, the Company has no goodwill recorded on its consolidated balance sheet or associated amortization expense recorded on its consolidated statements of operations. Had SFAS No. 142 been effective for the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company's net income would have increased by $.9 million, or $.02 per share, as the result of the elimination of goodwill amortization.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted each period toward its future value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity reports a gain or loss upon settlement to the extent the actual costs differ from the recorded liability. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company will record a discounted liability of $14.5 million for the future retirement obligation, increase net property and equipment by $13.0 million and record a charge of $1.0 million (net of a deferred tax benefit of $.5 million) as the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle. The majority of the asset retirement obligation to be recognized will relate to the projected cost to plug and abandon gas and oil wells. Liabilities will also be recorded for processing plants, compressors and other field facilities.

        In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of". SFAS No. 121 did not address the accounting for a segment of a business accounted for as a discontinued operation which resulted in two accounting models for long-lived assets to be disposed of. SFAS No. 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and requires that those long-lived assets be measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations. SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 on January 1, 2002. There was no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations upon adoption of SFAS No. 144.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 146 nullifies the guidance of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost that is associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. SFAS 146 also establishes that fair value is the objective for the initial measurement of the liability. The provisions of SFAS 146 are required for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee. FIN 45's provisions for initial recognition and measurement should be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The guarantor's previous accounting for guarantees that were issued before the date of FIN 45's initial application may not be revised or restated to reflect the effect of the recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of both interim and annual periods that end after December 15, 2002. The Company is not a guarantor under any significant guarantees and thus this interpretation is not expected to have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on the reported results. The provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an interpretation of ARB No. 51" (FIN 46). FIN 46 is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements", and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIE's). The primary objective of FIN 46 is to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIE's. FIN 46 requires an enterprise to consolidate a variable interest entity if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entity's expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity's expected residual return if they occur, or both. An enterprise shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this determination. This guidance applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. The Company does not hold any interest in VIE's that would be impacted by FIN 46. Therefore, the adoption of this interpretation will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

    Income Taxes

        The Company provides for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax laws or tax rates is recognized in income in the period such changes are enacted.

    Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations under which no compensation cost has been recognized for grants of options under the Company's stock option plans. Alternatively, if compensation costs for these plans had been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and net income per common share would approximate the following pro forma amounts:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands,
except per share amounts)

 
Net (loss) income                    
  As reported   $ (8,177 ) $ 69,503   $ 65,703  
    Add: Compensation cost included in reported net (loss) income (net of tax) (1)         2,361      
    Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards (net of tax)     (5,090 )   (5,294 )   (2,010 )
   
 
 
 
  Pro forma   $ (13,267 ) $ 66,570   $ 63,693  
   
 
 
 
Basic net (loss) income per common share:                    
  As reported   $ (.21 ) $ 1.78   $ 1.79  
  Pro forma   $ (.34 ) $ 1.71   $ 1.74  
Diluted net (loss) income per common share:                    
  As reported   $ (.20 ) $ 1.73   $ 1.76  
  Pro forma   $ (.33 ) $ 1.65   $ 1.70  

(1)
Compensation cost in 2001 is the result of accelerated vesting of options

    Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates affecting these financial statements include the estimate of proved oil and gas reserve volumes and the related present value of estimated future net revenues to be received therefrom.

    Net Income Per Common Share

        Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period including the weighted average impact of the shares of common stock issued during the year from the date of issuance. Diluted EPS calculations also give effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

        The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  Net
Loss

  Shares
  Per
Share
Amount

  Net
Income

  Shares
  Per
Share
Amount

  Net
Income

  Shares
  Per
Share
Amount

 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic EPS:                                                
  Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stock and Share Amounts   $ (8,177 ) 39,217   $ (.21 ) $ 69,503   38,943   $ 1.78   $ 65,703   36,664   $ 1.79
Dilutive Securities:                                                
  Stock Options       1,110           1,284           473    
  Convertible preferred stock                         875   760    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:                                                
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stock and Diluted Share Amounts   $ (8,177 ) 40,327   $ (.20 ) $ 69,503   40,227   $ 1.73   $ 66,578   37,897   $ 1.76
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Options to purchase 1,688,000 and 1,180,000 shares of common stock in 2002 and 2001 were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the Company's common stock. No options were excluded in 2000.

    Cash Equivalents

        The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

    Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income represents all non-shareholder related changes in equity of an entity during the reporting period, including net income and charges directly to equity which are excluded from net income. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the reconciling items between net income as reflected in the statement of operations and comprehensive income were an unrealized loss on marketable securities, a translation loss, and an unrealized loss on derivatives. The only reconciling items between net income as reflected in the statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2000 was an unrealized loss on marketable securities.

(3) Acquisitions and Divestitures

    Acquisition of Stellarton

        On January 12, 2001, the Company completed an acquisition of 97.2% of the outstanding common shares of Stellarton. The remaining shares of Stellarton were then subsequently acquired pursuant to the compulsory acquisition provisions of the Business Corporation Act (Alberta). Including assumed debt of approximately $16.8 million, this business combination had a value of approximately $95 million and was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets of Stellarton by $20 million which was recorded as goodwill, a portion of which was amortized in 2001 on a straight-line basis utilizing a twenty year life. Effective January 1, 2002 the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and expensed the unamortized goodwill of $18.1 million associated with this change in accounting principle. The net proved reserves associated with the Stellarton properties were estimated to be 75.8 billion cubic feet equivalent of gas (Bcfe) (unaudited) as of the closing date. The results of operations of Stellarton are included with the results of the Company from January 12, 2001 (closing date) forward.

        The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Cash paid for acquisition:        
  Long-term debt incurred   $ 74,500  
  Long-term debt assumed     16,800  
  Direct acquisition costs     3,107  
   
 
    Total cash paid     94,407  
Allocation of acquisition costs:        
  Oil and gas properties—proved     (117,000 )
  Unproved properties     (9,975 )
  Deferred income taxes     36,375  
  Gas sales contracts assumed     10,825  
  Net working capital deficit assumed     5,368  
   
 
  Goodwill   $ 20,000  
   
 

        In the acquisition costs identified above, the Company recorded a deferred income tax liability of $36.4 million to recognize the difference between the historical tax basis of the Stellarton assets and the acquisition costs recorded for book purposes. The recorded book value of the proved oil and gas properties was increased and goodwill was recorded to recognize this tax basis differential.

        The gas sales contracts assumed in conjunction with the acquisition represented contractual obligations associated with the sale of natural gas at fixed prices below the then current market prices. These contracts were subsequently purchased (for an amount approximately equal to the original liability recorded) and cancelled in the quarter ended June 30, 2001.

    Pro Forma Results of Operations (Unaudited)

        The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 as though the Stellarton Acquisition had occurred on January 1 of each period presented. The pro forma amounts are not necessarily representative of the results that may be reported in the future.

 
  Years Ended
December 31,

 
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands, except
per share data)

Revenues   $ 328,267   $ 278,794
Net Income     69,503     64,008
Basic net income per share     1.78     1.75
Diluted net income per share     1.73     1.71

    Acquisition of Rocky Mountain Assets

        In June 2002, the Company purchased certain Rocky Mountain assets located within the Greater Green River Basin of Wyoming for approximately $8.1 million from an undisclosed seller. In December 2002, the Company acquired additional assets within this basin from this seller for $6.8 million. The acquisition cost of both of these transactions was net of normal closing adjustments. The acquired interests from these two transactions included an estimated 12.7 Bcfe of proved reserves (unaudited).

        In June 2000, the Company purchased an additional working interest in a field operated by the Company in the Wind River Basin in Wyoming. The acquired interests included an estimated 24.0 Bcfe of proved reserves (unaudited) purchased for total consideration of $15.2 million net of normal closing adjustments.

    Property Sales

        During May 2001, the Company sold its interest in oil and gas properties primarily located in Oklahoma, with a net book value of $14.4 million, for net cash proceeds of $24.5 million. The resulting gain of $10.1 million is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

        In June and October 2001, the Company sold certain of the gathering and processing assets originally received in the Wildhorse distribution completed in 2000 for net cash proceeds of $24.0 million. The systems sold were considered non-strategic to the Company's operations.

        In April 2002, the Company sold its interest in oil and gas properties, located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, for net cash proceeds of $7.2 million. These properties had a net book value of $3.1 million which resulted in a $4.l million gain on the sale.

        In April 2002, the Company sold certain oil and gas properties located primarily in Louisiana for $2.0 million and in November 2002, certain oil and gas properties located primarily in Colorado were sold for $1.6 million. As these sales represented partial interests in these proved properties, the proceeds were recorded as a reduction to the recorded cost of the oil and gas properties.

(4) Debt

        On June 30, 2000, the Company entered into a $125 million credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that was to mature in June 2003. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the borrowing base was established at $225 million.

        On March 20, 2001, as part of the final financing of the Stellarton acquisition, the Company repaid and cancelled its previous $125 million Credit Facility and entered into a new $225 million credit facility (the "Global Credit Facility"). The Global Credit Facility is comprised of: a $75 million line of credit in the U.S. and a $55 million line of credit in Canada which both mature in March 2004, and a $95 million five-year term loan in Canada. The borrowing base under the Global Credit Facility was set at $300 million. The Global Credit Facility allows the lenders one scheduled redetermination of the borrowing base each December. In addition, the lenders may elect to require one unscheduled redetermination in the event the borrowing base utilization exceeds 50% of the borrowing base at any time for a period of 15 consecutive business days. At December 31, 2002, the Company had borrowings outstanding under the Global Credit Facility totaling $133.2 million or 44% of the borrowing base at an average interest rate of 3.9%. The amount available for borrowing under the Global Credit Facility at December 31, 2002 was $91.8 million.

        Borrowings under the Global Credit Facility are unsecured and bear interest, at the election of the Company, at a rate equal to (i) the greater of the global administrative agents prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus an applicable margin, (ii) adjusted LIBOR for Eurodollar loans plus applicable margin, or (iii) Bankers' Acceptances plus applicable margin for Canadian dollar loans. Interest on amounts outstanding under the Global Credit Facility is due on the last day of each quarter for prime based loans, and in the case of Eurodollar loans with an interest period of more than three months', interest is due at the end of each three month interval.

        The Global Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants and other restrictions that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of not less than $350 million (adjusted upward by 50% of quarterly net income subsequent to March 31, 2001 and 50% of the net cash proceeds of any stock offering). The Company must also maintain a ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest expense, state and federal taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and exploration expense of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 as calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants in 2002 and at December 31, 2002.

(5) Taxes

        The income tax (expense) benefit was different from amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal and State income tax rates to income before income taxes for the following reasons:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Tax expense at 35% of income before income taxes and change in accounting principle   $ (4,598 ) $ (36,961 ) $ (37,225 )
State tax expense net of federal benefit     (263 )   (2,112 )   (2,127 )
Franchise and other taxes     (614 )   (486 )   (1,614 )
Canadian Crown payments (net of Alberta Royalty Tax Credit) not deductible for tax purposes     (2,879 )   (4,136 )    
Canadian resource allowance     2,699     3,556      
Canadian expenses deductible in the United States     1,578     1,845      
Canadian Large Corporation Tax     (285 )   (335 )    
Adjustments to prior periods due to filed returns     397     502      
Valuation allowance adjustment             1,953  
Enterprise zone tax credits     1,018          
Other     (263 )       (767 )
   
 
 
 
Total income tax expense   $ (3,210 ) $ (38,127 ) $ (39,780 )
   
 
 
 

        Deferred income taxes result from recognizing income and expenses at different times for financial and tax reporting. In the United States, the largest differences are created by the tax effect of the capitalization of certain development, exploration and other costs under the successful efforts method of accounting for book purposes. In Canada, differences result in part from accelerated cost recovery of oil and gas capital expenditures for tax purposes.

        The components of the net deferred tax liability by geographical segment at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 
  December 31, 2002
 
 
  United States
  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Deferred tax assets:                    
  Net operating loss carryforward   $ 9,580   $ 2,542   $ 12,122  
  Percentage depletion carryforward     2,520         2,520  
  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward     4,831         4,831  
  Derivative contracts to be settled in a future period     3,176     799     3,975  
  Other     1,031         1,031  
   
 
 
 
    Total gross deferred tax assets     21,138     3,341     24,479  
Deferred tax liabilities:                    
  Property and equipment     (61,502 )   (36,741 )   (98,243 )
  Other     (203 )       (203 )
   
 
 
 
    Total gross deferred tax liabilities     (61,705 )   (36,741 )   (98,446 )
   
 
 
 
    Net deferred tax liabilities   $ (40,567 ) $ (33,400 ) $ (73,967 )
   
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 2001
 
 
  United States
  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Deferred tax assets:                    
  Net operating loss carryforward   $ 6,918   $ 302   $ 7,220  
  Percentage depletion carryforward     2,178         2,178  
  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward     5,190         5,190  
  Other     300         300  
   
 
 
 
    Total gross deferred tax assets     14,586     302     14,888  
Deferred tax liabilities:                    
  Property and equipment     (55,119 )   (34,558 )   (89,677 )
  Other     (405 )       (405 )
   
 
 
 
    Total gross deferred tax liabilities     (55,524 )   (34,558 )   (90,082 )
   
 
 
 
    Net deferred tax liabilities   $ (40,938 ) $ (34,256 ) $ (75,194 )
   
 
 
 

        The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit carryforward available to reduce future U.S. Federal regular taxes aggregated $4.8 million at December 31, 2002. This amount may be carried forward indefinitely. U.S. Federal regular and AMT net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2002 were approximately $25.9 and $19.0 million, respectively, and will expire in 2019. AMT net operating loss carryforwards can be used to offset 90% of AMT income in future years (the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 allowed for 100% of the AMT net operating loss carryforwards to be offset against AMT income for 2001 and 2002.) Realization of the benefit of these carryforwards is dependent upon the Company's ability to generate taxable earnings in future periods.

        Percentage depletion carryforwards available to reduce future U.S. Federal taxable income aggregated $7.2 million at December 31, 2002. This amount may be carried forward indefinitely.

        Canadian net operating losses available to reduce future Canadian Federal income taxes were $6.0 million ($9.4 million CDN) at December 31, 2002 and expire in 2008.

        Canadian tax pools relating to the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas available to reduce future Canadian Federal income taxes aggregate approximately $47.0 million ($74.3 million CDN) at December 31, 2002. These pool balances are deductible on a declining balance basis ranging from 10% to 100% of the balance annually. The amounts may be carried forward indefinitely.

        In conjunction with the acquisition of Stellarton in January 2001, the purchase price allocation resulted in a difference between the book and tax basis of approximately U.S. $63 million. Based upon Stellarton's historical tax rate of 43%, a deferred tax liability of approximately $36.4 million was recognized.

(6) Trading Activities

        The Company engages in natural gas trading activities which involve purchasing natural gas from third parties and selling natural gas to other parties. These transactions are typically short-term in nature and involve positions whereby the underlying quantities generally offset. The Company also markets a significant portion of its own production. Marketing and trading income associated with these activities is presented on a net basis in the financial statements. The Company's gross trading activities are summarized below.

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Revenues   $ 55,162   $ 123,767   $ 111,756
Operating expenses     53,623     122,776     108,370
   
 
 
Net trading margin     1,539     991     3,386
Marketing margin on the Company's production     3,737     900     2,455
   
 
 
Marketing and trading revenues—net   $ 5,276   $ 1,891   $ 5,841
   
 
 

(7) Stockholders' Equity

    Common Stock

        The Company's Common Stock is $.10 par value per share. There were 55,000,000 authorized shares of Common Stock at December 31, 2002 of which 39,261,191 shares and 39,127,649 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

    Rights Plan

        On March 1, 1991, the Board of Directors adopted a Rights Plan designed to help assure that all stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of a hostile attempt to take over the Company, and to help guard against abusive takeover tactics. The Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Common Stock. The dividend was distributed on March 15, 1991 to the stockholders of record on that date. As of March 1, 2001, the Board of Directors amended and restated the Rights Plan. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase, for the $120 per share exercise price, shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or, under certain circumstances, of the acquiring person) worth twice the per share exercise price of the Right.

        The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock or announces a tender offer which would result in ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Common Stock. The date on which the above occurs is to be known as the "Distribution Date". The Rights will expire on March 1, 2011, unless extended or redeemed earlier by the Company.

        At the time the Rights dividend was declared, the Board of Directors further authorized the issuance of one Right with respect to each share of the Company's Common Stock that shall become outstanding between March 15, 1991 and the earlier of the Distribution Date or the expiration or redemption of the Rights. Until the Distribution Date occurs, the certificates representing shares of the Company's Common Stock also evidence the Rights. Following the Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates.

        The provisions described above may tend to deter any potential unsolicited tender offers or other efforts to obtain control of the Company that are not approved by the Board of Directors and thereby deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices higher than the prevailing market price. On the other hand, these provisions will tend to assure continuity of management and corporate policies and to induce any person seeking control of the Company or a business combination with the Company to negotiate on terms acceptable to the then elected Board of Directors.

    Preferred Stock

        In January 1996, in connection with the KNPC acquisition, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its $1.75 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock") to the seller. There are 2,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized. The holder of the Preferred Stock was entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the annual rate of $1.75 per share, payable in cash quarterly on the fifteenth day of March, June, September and December in each year.

        The Preferred Stock was exchangeable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company on any dividend payment date at any time on or after March 15, 1999, and prior to March 15, 2001, for shares of Common Stock at the exchange rate of 1.666 shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock; provided that on or prior to the date of exchange, the Company shall have declared and paid or set apart for payment to the holders of Preferred Stock all accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of exchange, and the current market price of the Common Stock was above $18.375 (the "Threshold Price").

        On June 15, 2000, the Company elected to exchange 1,666,000 shares of its Common Stock for all 1,000,000 outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock as the Common Stock had traded above the Threshold Price. Dividends on the Preferred Stock were paid through June 14, 2000 and did not accrue after the June 15, 2000 exchange date. The Preferred Stock is no longer outstanding.

(8) Benefit Plans

    1989 Plan

        The Company's 1989 Stock Option Plan expired in December 1999. As of December 31, 2002, options to purchase 336,200 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding under the 1989 Plan. These options will expire between 2003 and 2008 if not previously exercised.

    1993 Plan

        In February 1993, the Board of Directors adopted the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan"). The 1993 Plan provides for issuance of options to certain employees and directors to purchase shares of Common Stock. In November 1999, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 1993 Plan was increased from 2,700,000 shares to 3,200,000 shares. The aggregate number of shares was subsequently increased to 4,100,000 in January 2001. The exercise price, vesting and duration of the options may vary and will be determined at the time of issuance. Options to purchase 2,779,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2002.

    1999 Plan

        The 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "1999 Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 17, 1999, and approved by the stockholders on May 20, 1999. The 1999 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, performance awards and incentive awards. There were option grants made to purchase 447,400, 378,700 and 490,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The aggregate number of shares of common stock, which may be issued under the 1999 Plan, may not exceed 2,000,000 shares. The maximum value of any performance award granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed $500,000. The exercise price, vesting and duration of any grants may vary and will be determined at the time of issuance. Options to purchase 1,197,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock were outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2002.

        A summary of the status of the plans described above, as of the dates indicated, and the changes during the years then ended, is presented in the table and narrative below:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  Shares
Under
Option

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
Under
Option

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
Under
Option

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
  (Shares in thousands)

Outstanding, beginning of year   3,919   19.60   3,412   $ 14.52   4,139   $ 13.77
Granted   700   26.61   1,531     29.56   852     15.14
Exercised   (152 ) 13.63   (778 )   14.50   (1,378 )   12.67
Cancellations   (154 ) 23.44   (246 )   26.45   (201 )   14.77
   
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, end of year   4,313   20.81   3,919     19.60   3,412     14.52
   
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, end of year   1,941   16.92   1,331     14.24   1,659     14.22
   
 
 
 
 
 
Available for grant, end of year   759       1,305         1,722      
   
     
       
     

        The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 was $24.33, $18.12, and $9.78, respectively. The fair value of each option is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively: (i) risk-free interest rates of 3.47, 4.46 and 6.25 percent; (ii) expected lives of 7.0, 7.0 and 7.0 years, (iii) expected volatility of 126.0, 56.0 and 53.7 percent, and (iv) no dividend yields.

        The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2002:

 
  OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
  OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
Range of
Exercise Prices

  Number of Shares
Under
Outstanding
Options

  Weighted
Average
Life
(Years)

  Weighted Average
Exercise
Price

  Number of Shares
Under
Exercisable
Options

  Weighted Average
Exercise
Price

 
  (Shares in thousands)

$3.81 to $12.625   531   5.50   $ 11.65   328   $ 11.10
$12.6875 to $15.25   931   4.62     13.72   623     13.88
$15.6875 to $23.75   1,099   6.34     18.19   702     16.93
$23.89 to $30.13   935   8.88     27.09   81     27.41
$31.00 to $34.00   817   8.09     31.17   207     31.17
   
           
     
    4,313   6.75     20.81   1,941     16.92
   
           
     

        In January 2001, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer resigned to become the United States Secretary of Commerce. The Company accelerated the vesting of 228,300 of his outstanding stock options upon his resignation and as a result of this modification to the initial terms of these stock options, a new measurement date was established. Based upon the difference between the market price of the Company's stock on the date the stock options were amended and the exercise price of the stock options, a non-cash pre-tax charge to earnings of $3.8 million was recognized.

    Employee Benefit Plans

        Effective January 1, 2000, the Company adopted a 401(k) retirement plan that superseded a profit sharing plan and KSOP plan previously in existence. The Company has a policy to match employee contributions to the plan, at its discretion. As of December 31, 2002, the Company's policy was to match 100% of the employee contribution up to a total match of seven percent of the employee's salary. The match for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, was approximately $1,403,000, $864,000 and $492,000, respectively.

(9) Financial Instruments

        The carrying values of trade receivables and trade payables approximated market value. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of debt approximated fair value because the interest rate is variable and is reflective of current market conditions.

    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company periodically enters into natural gas and crude oil futures contracts with counter parties to hedge the price risk associated with a portion of its production. These derivatives are not held for trading purposes. To the extent that changes occur in the market prices of natural gas and oil, the Company is exposed to market risk on these open contracts. This market risk exposure is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity hedged.

        At December 31, 2002 the Company had a current derivative liability of $10.9 million, a tax deferred tax asset of $4.0 million and accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $6.5 million. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had no open derivative contracts.

        In April and May 2002, the Company entered into several natural gas costless collars (put and call options) that were based on separate regional price indexes where the Company physically delivers its natural gas. The collars are designated as hedges of production from May through December 2003. In July and August 2002, the Company entered into several natural gas price swaps and corresponding basis swap transactions that together fixed the price the Company will receive for a portion of its natural gas production. These swaps were designed as hedges of production from September 2002 through October 2003 in certain of the regions where the Company physically delivers its gas. A derivative loss of $0.4 million was recognized on the basis portion of these transactions prior to designating the basis contracts as hedges when the corresponding natural gas price swap contracts were executed. In December 2002, the Company entered into additional costless collar arrangements (put and call options) that were based on several of the regional price indexes where the Company physically delivers its natural gas. The collars are designed as hedges of production from January 2003 through October 2003.

        As a result of the above transactions, the Company has natural gas hedges, in the form of costless collars and swaps (including related basis swaps) as follows as of December 31, 2002:

 
  Natural Gas Collars
  Natural Gas Swaps
Period

  Mmbtu/d
  Weighted Average
Floor/Ceiling

  Mmbtu/d
  Weighted
Average
Swap Price

First Quarter 2003   37,500   $3.82/5.01   80,000   $ 3.05
Second Quarter 2003   40,000   $3.37/4.65   57,500   $ 3.02
Third Quarter 2003   40,000   $3.37/4.65   55,800   $ 3.04
Fourth Quarter 2003   23,500   $3.27/4.61   19,000   $ 3.04

        The Company also entered into certain financial instruments to lock the basis differential on 15,000 Mmbtu/day of firm transportation volumes during the June through October 2002 contract periods. These contracts effectively fixed a price differential into the Mid Continent market at a weighted average price $0.78 above the price index for a delivery point in the Rocky Mountain area where the Company markets a significant portion of its natural gas production. Under SFAS 133, these basis swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, these basis swaps resulted in the recognition of derivative gains and losses directly to earnings. As of December 31, 2002, the Company recognized derivative losses of $2.1 million on these contracts all of which were settled.

        The Company recognized an increase in gas and oil sales of $17.4 million in 2001 as a result of cash flow hedges. In 2002, cash flow hedges had no impact on gas and oil sales. The Company recognized a net loss of $2.4 million in 2002 and a gain of $.9 million in 2001 as a result of derivatives that did not qualify as hedges in those years.

        In December 2000, the Company entered into natural gas basis swaps covering essentially the same time period of natural gas costless collars also entered into in December 2000. Under SFAS 133, these basis swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, upon adoption of SFAS 133, these basis swaps resulted in the recognition of derivative gains of $2.0 million, recorded as cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, (net of the deferred tax liability of $1.2 million) and a derivative asset of $3.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2001, a $.9 million gain was recognized in conjunction with the change in the value of these contracts and cash receipts of $4.1 million were received upon settlement of the swaps.

(10) Related Parties and Significant Customers

    Related Parties

        One of the Company's directors participates (either individually or indirectly through various entities) with the Company and other unrelated investors in the drilling, development and operation of gas and oil properties. Receivables and payables arising from related party transactions are non-interest bearing and are settled in the normal course of business with terms which, in management's opinion, are similar to those with other joint owners.

        The Company paid approximately $38,000, $41,000 and $44,000 during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, to a consulting firm that has a partner who serves as a director of the Company.

        The Company participates in exploration activity with a partnership, one of whose partner is a director of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, the Company billed $111,000, $621,000 and $612,000, respectively, to such partnership for their share of certain leasehold and drilling costs.

        In addition, a director of the Company is also a director of a drilling contractor that has performed drilling services on wells operated by the Company. The fees charged for these services were $787,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. No fees were paid in 2002 or 2001.

        In management's opinion, the above described transactions and services were provided on the same terms as could be obtained from non-related sources.

    Significant Customers

        Gas and oil sales to ConocoPhillips, Inc. accounted for 17%, 11% and 11% of gas and oil sales for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Because there are numerous other parties available to purchase the Company's production, the Company believes the loss of this purchaser would not materially affect its ability to sell natural gas or crude oil.

    Concentration of Credit Risk

        The Company's revenues are derived principally from uncollateralized sales to customers in the gas and oil industry. The concentration of credit risk in a single industry affects the Company's overall exposure to credit risk because customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions.

    Purchaser Default

        The Company's previous purchaser of its natural gas liquids in the Paradox Basin of Colorado and Utah defaulted on payments owed the Company totaling $6.2 million in 2002. An allowance for this entire receivable was recorded in the third quarter of 2002 given the uncertainty of collection at that time. The Company continued to aggressively pursue recovery of the amount owed and in the fourth quarter of 2002, a $1.4 million settlement was received in cash. The collection of this settlement was treated as an adjustment to the allowance originally recorded. As of December 31, 2002, the Company does not anticipate that any future settlements will be received that will materially reduce the loss recognized as a result of this purchaser's default.

(11) Segment Information

        The Company operates in three reportable segments: (i) gas and oil exploration and development in the United States and Canada, (ii) marketing, gathering and processing and (iii) drilling. The long-term financial performance of each of the reportable segments is affected by similar economic conditions.

        The Company's gas and oil exploration and development segment operates primarily in the Wind River and Green River Basins of Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, the Paradox Basin of Utah and Colorado, the Val Verde Basin of west Texas, the Permian Basin of west Texas and southwestern New Mexico, the east Texas basin and the western sedimentary basin of Canada. The marketing, gathering and processing activities of the Company are conducted primarily in the Rocky Mountain region. The drilling segment operates under the name of Sauer Drilling Company and serves the drilling needs of operators in the central Rocky Mountain region in addition to drilling for the Company.

        The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, accounting changes, nonrecurring items and interest income and expense.

        The Company accounts for intersegment sales transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

        The following tables present information related to the Company's reportable segments (in thousands):

 
  As of or Year Ended December 31, 2002

 
  Gas & Oil
Exploration
&
Development
(United States)

  Gas & Oil
Exploration
&
Development
(Canada)

  Marketing,
Gathering
&
Processing

  Drilling
  Total
Segments

Revenues from external purchasers   $ 99,948   $ 27,774   $ 178,782   $ 14,347   $ 320,851
Intersegment revenues     66,379         11,625     6,774     84,778
Depreciation, depletion and amortization     72,788     14,499     2,594     1,426     91,307
Segment profit     4,314     4,222     12,598     308     21,442
Assets     667,446     149,589     67,442     16,376     900,833
Capital and exploration expenditures     144,882     13,278     4,705     943     163,808
 
  As of or Year Ended December 31, 2001

 
  Gas & Oil
Exploration
&
Development
(United States)

  Gas & Oil
Exploration
&
Development
(Canada)

  Marketing,
Gathering
&
Processing

  Drilling
  Total
Segments

Revenues from external purchasers   $ 162,158   $ 30,133   $ 266,386   $ 14,828   $ 473,505
Intersegment revenues     83,991         6,556     12,777     103,324
Depreciation, depletion and amortization     55,692     14,079     2,951     1,649     74,371
Segment profit     85,932     5,593     9,671     5,141     106,337
Assets     644,483     165,399     59,333     19,606     888,821
Capital and exploration expenditures     316,934     31,280     9,300     5,237     362,751
 
  As of or Year Ended December 31, 2000

 
  Gas & Oil
Exploration
&
Development
(United States)

  Marketing
Gathering
&
Processing

  Drilling
  Total
Segments

Revenues from external purchasers   $ 153,026   $ 229,100   $ 11,472   $ 393,598
Intersegment revenues     55,150         6,309     61,459
Depreciation, depletion and amortization     46,853     2,959     1,707     51,519
Segment profit     99,243     12,165     1,635     113,043
Assets     545,639     110,438     13,612     669,689
Capital and exploration expenditures     132,117     16,347     2,725     151,189

        The following tables reconcile segment information to consolidated totals:

 
  As of or Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Revenues                    
  Revenue from external purchasers   $ 320,851   $ 473,505   $ 393,598  
  Marketing and trading expenses offset against related revenues for net presentation     (102,636 )   (170,774 )   (148,480 )
  Gain on sale of property     4,114     10,078      
  Loss on marketable security     (600 )        
  Intersegment revenues     84,778     103,324     61,459  
  Intercompany eliminations     (70,862 )   (89,809 )   (52,667 )
   
 
 
 
    Total consolidated revenues   $ 235,645   $ 326,324   $ 253,910  
   
 
 
 
Profit                    
  Total reportable segment profit   $ 21,442   $ 106,337   $ 113,043  
  Interest expense and other     (9,726 )   (6,139 )   (5,967 )
  Gain on sale of property     4,114     10,078      
  Loss on marketable security     (600 )        
  Eliminations and other     (2,094 )   (4,672 )   (718 )
   
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles   $ 13,136   $ 105,604   $ 106,358  
   
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization                    
  Total reportable segment depreciation, depletion and amortization   $ 91,307   $ 74,371   $ 51,519  
  Elimination and other             (1,102 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 91,307   $ 74,371   $ 50,417  
   
 
 
 
Assets                    
  Total reportable segment assets   $ 900,833   $ 888,821   $ 669,689  
  Elimination and other     (49,881 )   (43,846 )   (40,154 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 850,952   $ 844,975   $ 629,535  
   
 
 
 

(12) Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company's operations are subject to numerous governmental regulations that may give rise to claims against the Company. In addition, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits generally incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        The Company is a party to an action brought in Sweetwater County, Wyoming by three overriding royalty interest owners seeking certification as a class of all non-governmental entities which are paid royalties or overriding royalties by the Company in Wyoming. This action is one of more than a dozen virtually identical class action lawsuits filed in various Wyoming courts against producers and operators in Wyoming. The complaint alleges that the Company violated the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act (the "Act") by improperly deducting gas transportation costs in calculating royalties and overriding royalties on Wyoming production and by failing to properly itemize all deductions taken on its payee reports. The issue in the case is whether transportation of natural gas off the lease to market is deductible transportation or nondeductible gathering within the meaning of the Act. In January 2003, the Wyoming Supreme Court agreed to answer two certified questions in a separate lawsuit which are (1) what is meant by the term "gathering" as that term is employed in the Act in defining nondeductible "costs of production," and (2) when do the causes of action for recovery of the reporting penalty and for improper deductions under the Act accrue. Because of the preliminary nature of the proceedings, it is not possible to fully determine the ultimate loss exposure or probable outcome of this litigation.

    Lease Commitments

        At December 31, 2002, the Company had long-term leases through 2004 covering certain of its facilities and equipment. The minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

Years Ending
December 31,

  Commitment
Amount

 
  (In thousands)

2003   $ 1,639
2004     348
2005     146
Thereafter     49
   
    $ 2,182
   

        Total rental expense incurred for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, was approximately $1,648,000, $1,558,000 and $1,447,000, respectively, all of which represented minimum rentals under non-cancelable operating leases.

    Firm Transportation Commitments

        The Company's obligation for firm transportation commitments in effect at December 31, 2002 for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

Years Ending
December 31,

  Commitment
Amount

 
  (In thousands)

2003   $ 5,274
2004     3,576
2005     2,810
2006     1,052
2007     368
Thereafter     228
   
    $ 13,308
   

        Subsequent to December 31, 2002, the Company entered into additional firm transportation agreements to market its production in the Rocky Mountain region. The additional commitments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Years Ending
December 31,

  Commitment
Amount

 
  (In thousands)

2003   $ 1,468
2004     2,719
2005     2,719
2006     2,719
2007     2,719
Thereafter     7,216
   
    $ 19,560
   

    Processing Commitment

        In March 2001, the Company entered into a new gas processing agreement to expand available capacity for its gas production from the White River Dome coal bed methane project in the Piceance Basin. The plant commenced operations in October 2001. The Company is obligated to pay processing fees for certain variable expenses of the plant associated with the processed volumes and compression made available during the ten-year term of this agreement. Additionally, the fixed operating costs and capital recovery obligations to the plant contractor total approximately $220,000 per month over the term of this agreement.

    Drilling Rig Obligation

        To assure the availability of a drilling rig in conjunction with the continuing exploration program at the Deep Valley prospect in west Texas, the Company entered into a two-year commitment with a drilling contractor in 2001. The rig became available on March 1, 2002 after which a 90-day period was allowed under the terms of the agreement to mobilize the rig and commence the two-year drilling obligation. On May 29, 2002, the Company commenced drilling operations with this rig which was the start of the two-year obligation. Under the terms of this arrangement, the Company is obligated to ultimately pay a day rate of $20,100 per day during drilling operations, $16,700 per day for rig moves and a special standby fee of $6,000 per day during the initial 90-day commencement period. The special standby fees paid between March 1, 2002 and May 29, 2002 of $.5 million were expensed. The Company also expensed standby fees incurred when the rig was idle between drilling operations of $1.1 million in 2002.

    Environmental Matters

        Rocno Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is a party to a trust agreement in connection with the environmental clean-up plan for the Sheridan Superfund Site in Waller County, Texas. Rocno's share of the estimated cleanup costs was accrued in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2002. Based on the amount of remediation costs estimated for this site and the Company's de minimis contribution, if any, the Company believes that the outcome of this site restoration project will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

(13) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 
  First
Quarter

  Second
Quarter

  Third
Quarter

  Fourth
Quarter

  Total
 
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Year ended December 31, 2002                                
Revenues   $ 48,294   $ 63,975   $ 52,165   $ 71,211   $ 235,645  
Gross profit (1)     32,600     44,668     35,467     51,594     164,329  
Net (loss) income attributable to common                                
  Stock     (18,474 )   4,755     (1,831 )   7,373     (8,177 )
Net (loss) income per common share (2)                                
  Basic     (.47 )   .12     (.05 )   .19     (.21 )
  Diluted     (.47 )   .12     (.05 )   .18     (.20 )
Year ended December 31, 2001                                
Revenues   $ 118,684   $ 95,386   $ 59,252   $ 53,002   $ 326,324  
Gross profit (1)     90,609     62,460     45,155     37,008     235,232  
Net income attributable to common                                
  Stock     37,466     26,234     5,770     33     69,503  
Net income per common share (2)                                
  Basic     .97     .67     .15         1.78  
  Diluted     .93     .65     .14         1.73  

(1)
Gross Profit is computed as the excess of gas and oil sales and marketing, trading gathering and processing revenues over operating expenses. Operating expenses are those associated directly with gas and oil sales and marketing, gathering and processing revenues and include lease operations, gas and oil related taxes and cost of gas sold.

(2)
The sum of the individual quarterly net income per share does not agree with year-to-date net income per share as each period's computation is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during that period.

(14) Supplemental Information Related to Gas and Oil Activities

        The following tables set forth certain historical costs and operating information related to the Company's gas and oil producing activities:

    Capitalized Costs and Costs Incurred

 
  December 31,

 
 
  2002

  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Capitalized costs                    
Proved gas and oil properties   $ 907,006   $ 780,300   $ 526,269  
Unproved gas and oil properties     52,801     69,328     49,722  
   
 
 
 
Total gas and oil properties     959,807     849,628     575,991  
  Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and Amortization     (290,983 )   (213,297 )   (160,738 )
   
 
 
 
Net capitalized costs   $ 668,824   $ 636,331   $ 415,253  
   
 
 
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
  (In thousands)

2002                  
  Costs incurred                  
  Proved property acquisition costs   $ 15,878   $   $ 15,878
  Unproved property acquisition costs     7,601     1,414     9,015
  Exploration costs     32,482     2,553     35,035
  Development costs     85,319     9,248     94,567
   
 
 
    Total   $ 141,280   $ 13,215   $ 154,495
   
 
 
2001                  
  Costs incurred                  
  Proved property acquisition costs   $ 3,649   $ 85,025   $ 88,674
  Unproved property acquisition costs     16,496     14,132     30,628
  Exploration costs     55,357     2,585     57,942
  Development costs     138,815     24,395     163,210
   
 
 
    Total   $ 214,317   $ 126,137   $ 340,454
   
 
 
2000                  
  Costs incurred                  
  Proved property acquisition costs   $ 17,111   $   $ 17,111
  Unproved property acquisition costs     16,831         16,831
  Exploration costs     18,362         18,362
  Development costs     74,406         74,406
   
 
 
    Total   $ 126,710   $   $ 126,710
   
 
 

    Gas and Oil Reserve Information (Unaudited)

        The following summarizes the policies used by the Company in preparing the accompanying gas and oil reserve disclosures, Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Gas and Oil Reserves and reconciliation of such standardized measure between years.

        Estimates of proved and proved developed reserves were prepared by the Company's petroleum engineering staff and reviewed by the independent petroleum consultants. Proved reserves are estimated quantities of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are proved reserves that can be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. The Company's gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves are located in the United States and Canada.

        The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from production of proved reserves was developed as follows:

              1.  Estimates are made of quantities of proved reserves and the future periods during which they are expected to be produced based on year end economic conditions.

              2.  The estimated future cash flows from proved reserves were determined based on year-end prices, except in those instances where fixed and determinable price escalations are included in existing contracts.

              3.  The future cash flows are reduced by estimated production costs including overhead costs attributable to producing activities and costs to develop and produce the proved reserves, all based on year end economic conditions and by the estimated effect of future income taxes based on the then-enacted tax law, the Company's tax basis in its proved gas and oil properties and the effect of net operating loss, investment tax credit and other carryforwards.

        The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not purport to present, nor should it be interpreted to present, the fair value of the Company's gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs and a discount factor more representative of the time value of money and the risks inherent in reserve estimates.

    Quantities of Gas, Oil and Natural Gas Liquids Reserves (Unaudited)

        The following table presents estimates of the Company's net proved and proved developed natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids.

 
  Reserve Quantities
 
 
  Gas
(Mmcf)

  Oil
(Mbls)

 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
Proved reserves:                          
Estimated reserves at December 31, 1999   445,933     445,933   6,735     6,735  
  Revisions of previous estimates   50,852     50,852   (196 )   (196 )
  Purchases of minerals in place   28,960     28,960   17     17  
  Extensions and discoveries   60,827     60,827   470     470  
  Sales of minerals in place         (137 )   (137 )
  Production   (51,199 )   (51,199 ) (773 )   (773 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2000   535,373     535,373   6,116     6,116  
  Revisions of previous estimates   (47,647 ) (7,058 ) (54,705 ) (578 ) 156   (422 )
  Purchases of minerals in place   3,000   58,809   61,809     1,194   1,194  
  Extensions and discoveries   164,561   14,920   179,481   835   137   972  
  Sales of minerals in place   (16,072 ) (483 ) (16,555 ) (181 ) (151 ) (332 )
  Production   (57,163 ) (6,661 ) (63,824 ) (723 ) (158 ) (881 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2001   582,052   59,527   641,579   5,469   1,178   6,647  
  Revisions of previous estimates   8,304   2,609   10,913   580   318   898  
  Purchases of minerals in place   15,661     15,661   34     34  
  Extensions and discoveries   79,582   4,791   84,373   193   258   451  
  Sales of minerals in place   (6,322 )   (6,322 ) (1,162 )   (1,162 )
  Production   (65,781 ) (6,386 ) (72,167 ) (623 ) (220 ) (843 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2002   613,496   60,541   674,037   4,491   1,534   6,025  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves:                          
  December 31, 1999   333,858     333,858   5,419     5,419  
  December 31, 2000   431,824     431,824   5,012     5,012  
  December 31, 2001   428,719   51,392   480,111   4,051   900   4,951  
  December 31, 2002   403,916   42,650   446,566   3,099   965   4,064  

 
  Reserve Quantities

 
 
  Liquids
(Mbls)

 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
Proved reserves:              
Estimated reserves at December 31, 1999   6,266     6,266  
  Revisions of previous estimates   (115 )   (115 )
  Purchases of minerals in place        
  Extensions and discoveries        
  Sales of minerals in place        
  Production   (1,074 )   (1,074 )
   
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2000   5,077     5,077  
  Revisions of previous estimates   529   (268 ) 261  
  Purchases of minerals in place     1,644   1,644  
  Extensions and discoveries   2,102   511   2,613  
  Sales of minerals in place     (18 ) (18 )
  Production   (1,074 ) (143 ) (1,217 )
   
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2001   6,634   1,726   8,360  
  Revisions of previous estimates   (956 ) 328   (628 )
  Purchases of minerals in place        
  Extensions and discoveries   186   119   305  
  Sales of minerals in place        
  Production   (1,189 ) (193 ) (1,382 )
   
 
 
 
Estimated reserves at December 31, 2002   4,675   1,980   6,655  
   
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves:              
  December 31, 1999   5,979     5,979  
  December 31, 2000   5,077     5,077  
  December 31, 2001   5,577   1,439   7,016  
  December 31, 2002   3,691   1,475   5,166  

        Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Gas and Oil Reserves (Unaudited)

 
  December 31, 2002
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Future cash flows   $ 2,243,751   $ 326,417   $ 2,570,168  
Future production costs     (732,739 )   (66,898 )   (799,637 )
Future development costs     (175,085 )   (11,278 )   (186,363 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows before tax     1,335,927     248,241     1,584,168  
Future income taxes     (367,271 )   (84,435 )   (451,706 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows after tax     968,656     163,806     1,132,462  
Annual discount at 10%     (405,487 )   (62,967 )   (468,454 )
   
 
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 563,169   $ 100,839   $ 664,008  
   
 
 
 
Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes   $ 744,608   $ 138,745   $ 883,353  
   
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 2001
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Future cash flows   $ 1,448,747   $ 188,317   $ 1,637,064  
Future production costs     (530,791 )   (57,248 )   (588,039 )
Future development costs     (164,226 )   (5,525 )   (169,751 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows before tax     753,730     125,544     879,274  
Future income taxes     (89,389 )   (30,538 )   (119,927 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows after tax     664,341     95,006     759,347  
Annual discount at 10%     (275,838 )   (30,813 )   (306,651 )
   
 
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 388,503   $ 64,193   $ 452,696  
   
 
 
 
Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes   $ 429,906   $ 71,382   $ 501,288  
   
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 2000
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Future cash flows   $ 5,028,357   $   $ 5,028,357  
Future production costs     (857,767 )       (857,767 )
Future development costs     (89,216 )       (89,216 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows before tax     4,081,374         4,081,374  
Future income taxes     (1,409,295 )       (1,409,295 )
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows after tax     2,672,079         2,672,079  
Annual discount at 10%     (1,196,324 )         (1,196,324 )
   
 
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 1,475,755   $   $ 1,475,755  
   
 
 
 
Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes   $ 2,187,925   $   $ 2,187,925  
   
 
 
 

    Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Gas and oil sales, net of production costs (1)   $ (122,574 ) $ (22,930 ) $ (145,504 )
Net changes in anticipated prices and production cost     265,587     60,103     325,690  
Extensions and discoveries, less related costs     95,798     16,220     112,018  
Changes in estimated future development costs     2,752     (4,565 )   (1,813 )
Previously estimated development costs incurred     37,124     2,282     39,406  
Net change in income taxes     (140,036 )   (30,717 )   (170,753 )
Purchase of minerals in place     16,970         16,970  
Sales of minerals in place     (11,383 )       (11,383 )
Accretion of discount     42,990     7,138     50,128  
Revision of quantity estimates     7,586     11,561     19,147  
Changes in production rates and other     (20,148 )   (2,446 )   (22,594 )
   
 
 
 
Change in Standardized Measure   $ 174,666   $ 36,646   $ 211,312  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Net of hedging revenue of $.2 million on production in the United States and a $.2 million hedging loss on Canadian production.

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2001
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Gas and oil sales, net of production costs (2)   $ (180,218 ) $ (24,926 ) $ (205,144 )
Net changes in anticipated prices and production cost     (1,821,163 )   (66,916 )   (1,888,079 )
Extensions and discoveries, less related costs     92,376     20,262     112,638  
Changes in estimated future development costs     (868 )       (868 )
Previously estimated development costs incurred     36,691     7,693     44,384  
Net change in income taxes     670,767     (7,188 )   663,579  
Purchase of minerals in place     3,500     153,017     156,517  
Sales of minerals in place     (61,623 )   (1,155 )   (62,778 )
Accretion of discount     218,793         218,793  
Revision of quantity estimates     (34,549 )   (12,706 )   (47,255 )
Changes in production rates and other     (10,957 )   (3,889 )   (14,846 )
   
 
 
 
Change in Standardized Measure   $ (1,087,251 ) $ 64,192   $ (1,023,059 )
   
 
 
 

(2)
Net of hedging revenue of $15.8 million on United States production.

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2000
 
 
  United
States

  Canada
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Gas and oil sales, net of production costs   $ (169,375 ) $   $ (169,375 )
Net changes in anticipated prices and production cost     1,535,058         1,535,058  
Extensions and discoveries, less related costs     251,410         251,410  
Changes in estimated future development costs     8,831         8,831  
Previously estimated development costs incurred     26,084         26,084  
Net change in income taxes     (652,306 )       (652,306 )
Purchase of minerals in place     18,917         18,917  
Sales of minerals in place     (679 )       (679 )
Accretion of discount     39,343         39,343  
Revision of quantity estimates     198,625         198,625  
Changes in production rates and other     (113,712 )       (113,712 )
   
 
 
 
Change in Standardized Measure   $ 1,142,196   $   $ 1,142,196  
   
 
 
 


ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        On March 19, 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") was dismissed as independent accountant for Tom Brown, Inc. (the "Company") effective upon completion of its audit of the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001, and KPMG LLP ("KPMG") was appointed as the new independent accountant for the Company to replace Andersen for the year ending December 31, 2002. The decision to dismiss Andersen and to appoint KPMG was recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and was approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on March 19, 2002.

        Andersen's reports on the Company's financial statements for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

        During the Company's two most recent fiscal years and the period from January 1, 2002 through March 19, 2002, there were no disagreements between the Company and Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Andersen, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report.


PART III

ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

        Certain information regarding Directors of the Company will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K and such information is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement. Information concerning the Executive Officers of the Company appears under Item I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

        Certain information regarding compensation of executive officers of the Company will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K and such information is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement.


ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        Certain information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K and such information is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement.

    Equity Compensation Plan Information

        The following table provides information as of December 31, 2002 regarding the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Company's equity compensation plans.

Plan Category

  Number of shares
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
as of December 31, 2002

  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
as of December 31, 2002

  Number of shares
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
as of December 31, 2002

   
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders                  
  1989 Plan (1)   336,216   $ 14.99      
  1999 Plan   1,197,513   $ 22.20   680,000    
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders                  
  1993 Plan (2)   2,778,960   $ 20.91   79,184    
   
       
   
TOTAL   4,312,689   $ 20.81   759,184    
   
       
   

(1)
The 1989 Stock Option Plan expired on December 12, 1999.

(2)
The 1993 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board in February 1993 as a broad-based plan with nonstatutory options being granted during its term to directors and officers as well as employees throughout the Company. The plan was administered by the Compensation Committee in the same manner as the plans which were approved by the Company's stockholders. The plan terminated on February 24, 2003 and all remaining shares reserved for future issuance at such time were forfeited back to the pool of authorized, but unissued, shares of the Company.


ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        Certain information regarding transactions with management and other related parties will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K and such information is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement.


ITEM 14. Controls and Procedures

        The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this annual report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls, subsequent to the date the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation.


PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(1) See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) None

(3) Exhibits:

2.1     Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 8, 1999, between Union Oil Company of California and the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 8-K Report dated July 19, 1999 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 1999)

2.2

 


 

Pre-Acquisition Agreement, dated December 13, 2000, between Stellarton Energy Corporation and the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2001)

3.1

 


 

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in the Registrant's Form S-8 Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2000)

3.2

 


 

Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated May 10, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

4.1

 


 

First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated March 1, 2001 between the Registrant and EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2001)

10.1

 


 

Stock Ownership and Registration Rights Agreement dated June 29, 1999 between Union Oil Company of California and the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in the Registrant's Form 8-K Report dated July 19, 1999, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 1999)

10.2

 


 

U.S. Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 20, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.3

 


 

Canadian Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 20, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.4

 


 

Canadian Term Credit Agreement dated March 20, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 


 

Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2000, among the Registrant, The Chase Manhattan Bank and the other lenders parties thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2000)

10.6

 


 

Credit Agreement, dated as of April 17, 1998, among the Registrant, The Chase Manhattan Bank and the other lenders parties thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 1998)

10.7

 


 

First Amendment, dated October 19, 1998, to the Credit Agreement, dated April 17, 1998. (Incorporated by referenceto Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 1998)

10.8

 


 

Second Amendment and Waiver, dated March 15, 1999, to the Credit Agreement, dated April 17, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 1999)

10.9

 


 

Third Amendment, dated June 25, 1999, to the Credit Agreement, dated April 17, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 1999)

Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Exhibits 10.10 through 10.24):

10.10     Second Amendment and Restated Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1997, between the Registrant and Donald L. Evans. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 1997)

10.11

 


 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998, between the Registrant and Donald L. Evans. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 1998)

10.12

 


 

Employment Agreement dated May 3, 1999 between the Registrant and James D. Lightner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in the Registrant's Form 8-K Report dated July 19, 1999, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 1999)

10.13*

 


 

Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2003 between the Registrant and James D. Lightner.

10.14

 


 

The Registrant's Severance Plan dated as of July 1, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 1998)

10.15

 


 

First Amendment to Tom Brown, Inc. Severance Plan dated May 10, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

 

 

 

 

 

10.16

 


 

Severance Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998, together with a schedule identifying officers of the Registrant who are parties thereto and the multiple of earnings payable to each officer upon termination resulting from certain change in control events. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 1998)

10.17

 


 

First Amendment to Severance Agreement dated May 10, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.18

 


 

Amended Schedule to Severance Agreement identifying officers and executives of the Registrant who are parties thereto and the multiple of earnings payable to each officer or executive upon termination resulting from certain change in control events. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2002)

10.19

 


 

Deferred Compensation Plan dated March 1, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2001)

10.20

 


 

1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective as of February 17, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000)

10.21

 


 

Amendment to Tom Brown, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated May 10, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.22

 


 

Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.23

 


 

Amendment to Tom Brown, Inc. Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan dated May 10, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in the Registrant's Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2001)

10.24

 


 

1989 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 in the Registrant's Form S-1 Registration Statement dated February 14, 1990, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 1990)

21.1*

 


 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23.1*

 


 

Consent of KPMG LLP

23.2*

 


 

Information Regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

23.3*

 


 

Consent of Ryder Scott Company

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 


 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.2

 


 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Filed herewith

(4) Reports on Form 8-K:

    Form 8-K Item 5.   Press release dated February 20, 2003, entitled "Tom Brown, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2002 Earnings and Operating Results; Provides 2003 Guidance" filed on February 25, 2003.
    Form 8-K Item 5.   Press release dated February 20, 2003, entitled "Tom Brown, Inc. Announces Year-End Reserves" filed on February 25, 2003.


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


 

 

TOM BROWN, INC.

 

 

By

 

/s/  
JAMES D. LIGHTNER      
James D. Lightner
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President

Date: March 18, 2003

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  JAMES D. LIGHTNER      
James D. Lightner
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President
  March 18, 2003

/s/  
DANIEL G. BLANCHARD      
Daniel G. Blanchard

 

Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
RICHARD L. SATRE      
Richard L. Satre

 

Controller

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
THOMAS C. BROWN      
Thomas C. Brown

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
DAVID M. CARMICHAEL      
David M. Carmichael

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
HENRY GROPPE      
Henry Groppe

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
EDWARD S. LEBARON, JR.      
Edward S. LeBaron, Jr.

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
ROBERT H. WHILDEN, JR.      
Robert H. Whilden, Jr.

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
WAYNE W. MURDY      
Wayne W. Murdy

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
JAMES B. WALLACE      
James B. Wallace

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

/s/  
JOHN C. LINEHAN      
John C. Linehan

 

Director

 

March 18, 2003

TOM BROWN, INC.

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION

I, Daniel G. Blanchard, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tom Brown, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 periods covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 18, 2003

/s/ Daniel G. Blanchard
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

CERTIFICATION

I, James D. Lightner, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tom Brown, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 periods covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 18, 2003

/s/ James D. Lightner
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

(This page has been left blank intentionally.)


EX-10.13 3 a2105536zex-10_13.htm EX 10.13
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EXHIBIT 10.13

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") is dated as of January 1, 2003 and made by and between TOM BROWN, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), having its principal offices at 555 17th Street, Suite 1850, Denver, Colorado 80202, and JAMES D. LIGHTNER ("Employee"), an individual residing at 4503 W. Wagon Trail Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80123.

W I T N E S S E T H:

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the other mutual covenants contained herein, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:

        1.    Employment.    The Company hereby agrees to employ Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to render his exclusive service to the Company, in the capacity of Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, with such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") for the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on December 31, 2005 (the "Employment Period"), subject to earlier termination as hereinafter provided.

        2.    Place of Employment.    Unless otherwise agreed by the Company and Employee, throughout the Employment Period of this Agreement, Employee's business office shall be located in Denver, Colorado, at such location in the Denver metropolitan area as may be specified by the Board.

        3.    Compensation.    Employee shall be compensated by the Company at a minimum base rate of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($350,000.00) per annum, payable semi-monthly on the fifteenth and final days of each month during the Employment Period, subject to such increases and additional payments as may be determined from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion. Such compensation shall be in addition to any group insurance, pension, profit sharing and other employee benefits, including the Company's existing employee benefit plans, which are extended from time to time to Employee in the discretion of the Board and for which Employee is eligible. Subject to such rules and procedures as are from time to time specified by the Company, the Company shall also reimburse Employee for all reasonable expenses incurred by him on behalf of the Company.

        4.    Performance of Services.    Employee shall devote his full working time to the business of the Company (which may include service on oil and gas industry association boards consistent with the Company's business interests); provided, however, Employee shall be excused from performing any services for the Company hereunder during periods of temporary incapacity and during vacations conforming to the Company's standard vacation policy (which for Employee shall be a minimum of four weeks per year), without thereby in any way affecting the compensation to which he is entitled hereunder.

        5.    Noncompetition.    Employee agrees that during his employment by the Company and for so long thereafter as he is receiving Severance Benefit Payments (as such term is defined in Section 10), he will not, directly or indirectly, either through any kind of ownership (other than ownership of securities of publicly held corporations of which Employee owns less than one percent (1%) of any class of outstanding securities) or as a director, officer, agent, employee or consultant, engage in any business which is competitive with the business of the Company within the states of Texas, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado as well as the province of Alberta. It is expressly agreed that the remedy at law for breach of this covenant is inadequate and that injunctive relief shall be available to prevent the breach thereof. Employee shall be relieved from the restrictions of this Section 5 only in the event Employee is terminated due to Trigger Events in accordance with the Severance Agreement (as defined in Section 20).

        6.    Continuing Obligations.    In order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement, Employee hereby agrees that all non-public documents, records, techniques, business secrets and other information which have come into his possession from time to time during his employment by the Company or which may come into his possession during his employment hereunder, shall be deemed to be confidential and proprietary to the Company and Employee further agrees to retain in confidence any confidential information known to him concerning the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective businesses so long as such information is not publicly disclosed by the Company in the ordinary course of the Company's business; provided, however, that the express obligation to retain such confidence shall expire eighteen (18) months after Employee's termination of employment. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Employee of the provision of this Section 6, the Company shall, in addition to any other available remedies, be entitled to an injunction restraining Employee from disclosing, in whole or in part, any such information or from rendering any services to any person, firm or corporation to whom any of such information may have been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed.

        7.    Property of Company.    All data, drawings and other records and written material prepared or compiled by Employee or furnished to Employee while in the employ of the Company shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and none of such data, drawings or other records, or copies thereof, shall be retained by Employee upon termination of his employment.

        8.    Surviving Provisions.    The provisions of Sections 5 (for so long as Employee is receiving Severance Benefit Payments), 6 and 7 of this Agreement shall continue to be binding upon Employee in accordance with their terms, notwithstanding termination of Employee's employment hereunder for any reason.

        9.    Termination for Cause.    It is agreed and understood that the Company can terminate the employment of Employee under this Agreement without obligation to pay the Severance Benefit Payment (as described below) or any other obligation under this Agreement if such termination is for cause, and that, without prejudice to the generality of the right to terminate for cause, each of the following contingencies shall be examples of cause:

            (i)    conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, (ii) failure to perform his duties or responsibilities in a manner satisfactory to the Company, (iii) engagement in conduct which is injurious (monetarily or otherwise) to the Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, misuse of the Company's or an affiliate's funds or other property), (iv) engagement in business activities which are in conflict with the business interests of the Company, (v) insubordination or (vi) engagement in conduct which is in violation of the Company's safety rules or standards or which otherwise causes injury to another employee or any other person (collectively, termination for "cause"); provided, however, that if the Board determines, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion and business judgment, the matter is such that it may be cured by Employee, the Board shall provide written notice specifying the matters constituting cause for dismissal as well as the manner in which the matters shall be cured, and Employee shall be given 30 days to correct the matters in a manner satisfactory to the Board.

        The Company may for cause terminate Employee's employment under this Agreement without advance notice, except as otherwise specifically provided for in respect of cureable situations. Termination shall not affect any of the Company's other rights and remedies.

        10.    Severance Benefit Payment.    Upon the occurrence of a Severance Event (as defined below) and Employee's resignation from or termination of employment as a result thereof, the Company shall, in lieu of any other payment obligation under this Agreement, provide Employee with a severance benefit payment in an amount equal to Employee's then existing annual base pay plus an amount equal to an average of Employee's three previous annual cash bonuses (collectively, the "Severance Benefit Payment") plus continuation of medical and dental plan coverage (subject to the terms of such plans and to Employee's making any required contributions thereto) for a period of one year from such resignation or termination. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Severance Event" is any one of the events specified in subsections (a) through (d) below:

            (a)  Without the express written consent of Employee, the assignment of Employee to any duties inconsistent with his position, duties, responsibilities or status with the Company as such exist as of the date hereof or a reduction of his duties or responsibilities for reasons other than cause;

            (b)  Any failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of the obligation to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated in Section 13 hereof;

            (c)  Any failure by the Company or its stockholders, as the case may be, to re-elect Employee to the corporate offices of Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, or upon his removal from any such office for reasons other than cause; or

            (d)  Any breach by the Company (or any successor) of any of the provisions of this Agreement or any failure by the Company to carry out any of its obligations hereunder for reasons other than cause.

        The Severance Benefit Payment shall be paid to Employee in semi-monthly installments in the same amounts and at the same times as Employee's base pay was being paid at the time of the Severance Event, until the full amount of the Severance Benefit Payment has been paid.

        11.    Payment of Certain Costs of Employee.    If a dispute arises regarding a termination of Employee or the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement, all legal fees and expenses incurred by Employee in contesting or disputing any such termination or seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided for in this Agreement or in otherwise pursuing his claim will be paid by the Company, to the extent Employee prevails. The Company further agrees to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Employee calculated at the J. P. Morgan Bank prime interest rate in effect from time to time from the date that payment(s) to him should have been made under this Agreement.

        12.    Mitigation.    Employee is not required to mitigate the amount of any payments to be made by the Company pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise.

        13.    Successors.    (a) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Employee, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle Employee to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as Employee would be entitled hereunder if he were to terminate his employment pursuant to subsections 10(a), 10(b), 10(c) or 10(d). As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 13 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

        (b)  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Employee should die during the term hereof, the Company shall pay an amount equal to any amounts then payable to Employee hereunder, plus an amount equal to three months' salary, with all such amounts to be paid to Employee's devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no designee, to his estate.

        14.    No Inconsistent Obligation.    Employee represents and warrants that he has not previously assumed any obligations inconsistent with those of this Agreement.

        15.    Modification.    This Agreement shall be in addition to all previous agreements, written or oral, relating to Employee's employment by the Company, and shall not be changed orally, but only by a written instrument to which the Company and Employee are both parties.

        16.    Binding Effect.    This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives, and shall also bind and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company by merger or consolidation or any assignee of all or substantially all of its properties.

        17.    Law Governing.    This Agreement is made, accepted and delivered in Denver, Colorado, is performable in Denver, Colorado, and it shall be construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of Colorado. Venue shall lie in the City and County of Denver, Colorado for the purpose of resolving and enforcing any dispute which may arise under this Agreement and the parties agree that they will submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the competent State or Federal Court situated in the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

        18.    Invalid Provision.    In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be impaired thereby.

        19.    Notice.    For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

        If to Company:

      Tom Brown, Inc.
      555 17th Street
      Suite 1850
      Denver, Colorado 80202
      Attn: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

        20.    Effective May 3, 1999, Employee and the Company entered into that certain Severance Agreement (as amended May 10, 2001, the "Severance Agreement") which provides Employee with compensation in the event of a Change in Control or an Asset Acquisition (each as defined therein and collectively referred to herein as "Trigger Events").    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, if Employee's employment with the Company is terminated such that the provisions of the Severance Agreement are applicable to Employee, Employee shall have the option to accept the greater of the benefits of this Agreement or the Severance Agreement (which benefits are intended to be mutually exclusive and not cumulative upon a termination in conjunction with the occurrence of either of the Trigger Events).

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.


EMPLOYEE

 

TOM BROWN, INC.

By:

 

/s/  
JAMES D. LIGHTNER      
James D. Lightner

 

By:

 

/s/  
T. W. DYK      
T. W. Dyk
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer



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EX-21.1 4 a2105536zex-21_1.htm EX 21.1
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EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

TOM BROWN, INC.
Subsidiaries of Registrant
December 31, 2002

Name of Subsidiary

  Jurisdiction of
Incorporation/Organization

  Percent
Of Ownership

Retex Inc.   Wyoming   100%

Rocno Corporation

 

Texas

 

100%

Sauer Drilling Company

 

Delaware

 

100%

TBI West Virginia, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

100%

TBI Pipeline Company

 

Delaware

 

100%

Tom Brown Resources Ltd.

 

Alberta

 

100%

TCP Gathering Co.

 

Colorado

 

100%



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EX-23.1 5 a2105536zex-23_1.htm EX 23.1
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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF KPMG LLP

Independent Auditors' Consent

The Board of Directors
Tom Brown, Inc.:

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements Nos. 33-42991, 33-60191, 33-60842, 333-13157, 333-30069, 333-42011, 333-56577, 333-69353, 333-89031, 333-89033, 333-31426, 333-51320, 333-57814 and 333-74268 on Form S-8 of Tom Brown, Inc. of our report dated February 20, 2003, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Tom Brown, Inc. as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, which report appears in the December 31, 2002, annual report on Form 10-K of Tom Brown, Inc.

KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 18, 2003



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EX-23.2 6 a2105536zex-23_2.htm EX 23.2
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Exhibit 23.2

INFORMATION REGARDING CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

        Section 11(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), provides that if part of a registration statement at the time it becomes effective contains an untrue statement of a material fact, or omits a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, any person acquiring a security pursuant to such registration statement (unless it is proved that at the time of such acquisition such person knew of such untruth or omission) may assert a claim against, among others, an accountant who has consented to be named as having certified any part of the registration statement or as having prepared any report for use in connection with the registration statement.

        In June of 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") was convicted of obstructing justice, which is a felony offense. The SEC prohibits firms convicted of a felony from auditing public companies. Andersen is thus unable to consent to the incorporation by reference of the Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-42991, 33-60191, 33-60842, 333-13157, 333-30069, 333-42011, 333-56577, 333-69353, 333-89031, 333-89033, 333-31426, 333-51320, 333-57814 and 333-74268) and Andersen's audit report with respect to Tom Brown, Inc.'s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and for the two years in the period then ended. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a under the Securities Act permits Tom Brown, Inc. to file this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statements, without a written consent from Andersen. As a result, with respect to transactions in Tom Brown, Inc. securities pursuant to the Registration Statements that occur subsequent to the date this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Andersen will not have any liability under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act for any untrue statements of a material fact contained in the financial statements audited by Andersen or any omissions of a material fact required to be stated therein. Accordingly, you would be unable to assert a claim against Andersen under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act.



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EX-23.3 7 a2105536zex-23_3.htm EX 23.3
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EXHIBIT 23.3

CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

        As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report included in this Form 10-K, into Tom Brown, Inc.'s previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 Nos. 33-42991, 33-60191, 33-60842, 333-13157, 333-30069, 333-42011, 333-56577, 333-69353, 333-89031, 333-89033, 333-31426, 333-51320, 333-57814 and 333-74268.

    RYDER SCOTT COMPANY

March 18, 2003



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EX-99.1 8 a2105536zex-99_1.htm EX 99.1
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EXHIBIT 99.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report of Tom Brown, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, James D. Lightner, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

    (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.

James D. Lightner
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
March 18, 2003



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EX-99.2 9 a2105536zex-99_2.htm EX 99.2
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Exhibit 99.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report of Tom Brown, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Daniel G. Blanchard, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

    (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.

Daniel G. Blanchard
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
March 18, 2003



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