10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

¨

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

 

 

 

Commission
File Number

 

Registrant

 

State of
Incorporation

 

IRS Employer
Identification Number

1-7810   Energen Corporation   Alabama   63-0757759
2-38960   Alabama Gas Corporation   Alabama   63-0022000

 

 

605 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203-2707

Telephone Number 205/326-2700

http://www.energen.com

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Exchange on Which Registered

Energen Corporation Common Stock, $0.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES   x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by a check mark whether registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports) and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Energen Corporation            YES  x    NO  ¨

Alabama Gas Corporation    YES  ¨    NO  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Energen Corporation

 

Large accelerated filer  x

 

Accelerated filer  ¨

 

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

 

Smaller reporting company  ¨

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

 

Accelerated filer  ¨

 

Non-accelerated filer  x

 

Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrants as of June 30, 2010:

 

Energen Corporation

  

$3,178,428,000

Indicate number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of February 16, 2011:

 

Energen Corporation

  

72,058,777 shares

Alabama Gas Corporation

  

1,972,052 shares

Alabama Gas Corporation meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format pursuant to General Instruction I(2).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Energen Corporation Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2011 (Part III, Item 10-14)

 

 

 


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INDUSTRY GLOSSARY

For a more complete definition of certain terms defined below, as well as other terms and concepts applicable to successful efforts accounting, please refer to Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended.

 

Basis   

The difference between the futures price for a commodity and the corresponding cash spot price. This commonly is related to factors such as product quality, location and contract pricing.

Basin-Specific   

A type of derivative contract whereby the contract’s settlement price is based on specific geographic basin indices.

Behind Pipe Reserves   

Oil or gas reserves located above or below the currently producing zone(s) that cannot be extracted until a recompletion or pay-add occurs.

Cash Flow Hedge   

The designation of a derivative instrument to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows from the forecasted sale of oil, gas or natural gas liquids production whereby the gains (losses) on the derivative transaction are anticipated to offset the losses (gains) on the forecasted sale.

Collar   

A financial arrangement that effectively establishes a price range between a floor and a ceiling for the underlying commodity. The purchaser bears the risk of fluctuation between the minimum (or floor) price and the maximum (or ceiling) price.

Development Costs   

Costs necessary to gain access to, prepare and equip development wells in areas of proved reserves.

Development Well   

A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

Downspacing   

An increase in the number of available drilling locations as a result of a regulatory commission order.

Dry Well   

An exploratory or a development well found to be incapable of producing either oil or gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or gas well.

Exploration Expenses   

Costs primarily associated with drilling unsuccessful exploratory wells in undeveloped properties, exploratory geological and geophysical activities, and costs of impaired and expired leaseholds.

Exploratory Well   

A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas in an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir.

Futures Contract   

An exchange-traded legal contract to buy or sell a standard quantity and quality of a commodity at a specified future date and price. Such contracts offer liquidity and minimal credit risk exposure but lack the flexibility of swap contracts.

Hedging   

The use of derivative commodity instruments such as futures, swaps, options and collars to help reduce financial exposure to commodity price volatility.

Gross Revenues   

Revenues reported after deduction of royalty interest payments.

Gross Well or Acre   

A well or acre in which a working interest is owned.

Liquified Natural Gas

(LNG)

  

Natural gas that is liquified by reducing the temperature to negative 260 degrees Fahrenheit. LNG typically is used to supplement traditional natural gas supplies during periods of peak demand.

Long-Lived Reserves   

Reserves generally considered to have a productive life of approximately 10 years or more, as measured by the reserves-to-production ratio.

Natural Gas Liquids

(NGL)

  

Liquid hydrocarbons that are extracted and separated from the natural gas stream. NGL products include ethane, propane, butane, natural gasoline and other hydrocarbons.

Net Well or Acre   

A net well or acre is deemed to exist when the sum of fractional ownership working interests in gross wells or acres equals one.


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Odorization  

The adding of odorant to natural gas which is a characteristic odor so that leaks can be readily detected by smell.

Operational

Enhancement

 

Any action undertaken to improve production efficiency of oil and gas wells and/or reduce well costs.

Operator  

The company responsible for exploration, development and production activities for a specific project.

Pay-Add  

An operation within a currently producing wellbore that attempts to access and complete an additional pay zone(s) while maintaining production from the existing completed zone(s).

Pay Zone  

The formation from which oil and gas is produced.

Production (Lifting)

Costs

 

Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells.

Productive Well  

An exploratory or a development well that is not a dry well.

Proved Developed

Reserves

 

The portion of proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved Reserves  

Estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

Proved Undeveloped

Reserves (PUD)

 

The portion of proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled proved acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for completion.

Recompletion  

An operation within an existing wellbore whereby a completion in one pay zone is abandoned in order to attempt a completion in a different pay zone.

Reserves-to-

Production Ratio

 

Ratio expressing years of supply determined by dividing the remaining recoverable reserves at year end by actual annual production volumes. The reserve-to-production ratio is a statistical indicator with certain limitations, including predictive value. The ratio varies over time as changes occur in production levels and remaining recoverable reserves.

Secondary Recovery  

The process of injecting water, gas, etc., into a formation in order to produce additional oil otherwise unobtainable by initial recovery efforts.

Service Well  

A well employed for the introduction into an underground stratum of water, gas or other fluid under pressure or disposal of salt water produced with oil or other waste.

Sidetrack Well  

A new section of wellbore drilled from an existing well.

Swap  

A contractual arrangement in which two parties, called counterparties, effectively agree to exchange or “swap” variable and fixed rate payment streams based on a specified commodity volume. The contracts allow for flexible terms such as specific quantities, settlement dates and location but also expose the parties to counterparty credit risk.

Transportation  

Moving gas through pipelines on a contract basis for others.

Throughput  

Total volumes of natural gas sold or transported by the gas utility.

Working Interest  

Ownership interest in the oil and gas properties that is burdened with the cost of development and operation of the property.

Workover  

A major remedial operation on a completed well to restore, maintain, or improve the well’s production such as deepening the well or plugging back to produce from a shallow formation.

-e  

Following a unit of measure denotes that the oil and natural gas liquids components have been converted to cubic feet equivalents at a rate of 6 thousand cubic feet per barrel.


Table of Contents

ENERGEN CORPORATION

2010 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PART I    Page  

Item 1.

   Business      3   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      11   

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      12   

Item 2.

   Properties      13   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      16   

Item 4.

   [Removed and Reserved]      16   
   PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      19   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      21   

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      23   

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      39   

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      40   

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      93   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      93   
   PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      96   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      96   

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      96   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      96   

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      96   
   PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      97   

Signatures

        103   

 

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This Form 10-K is filed on behalf of Energen Corporation (Energen or the Company)

and Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco).

Forward-Looking Statements: The disclosure and analysis in this 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that express management’s expectations of future plans, objectives and performance of the Company and its subsidiaries. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended, and are noted in the Company’s disclosure as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often address the Company’s future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “seek”, “see”, “project”, “will”, “estimate”, “may”, and other words of similar meaning.

All statements based on future expectations rather than on historical facts are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain events, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Some of these include, but are not limited to, economic and competitive conditions, production levels, reserve levels, energy markets, supply and demand for and the price of energy commodities including oil, gas and natural gas liquids, fluctuations in the weather, drilling risks, costs associated with compliance with environmental obligations, inflation rates, legislative and regulatory changes, financial market conditions, the Company’s ability to access the capital markets, future business decisions, utility customer growth and retention and usage per customer, litigation results and other factors and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this 10-K and in the Company’s other public filings and press releases, all of which are difficult to predict. While it is not possible to predict or identify all the factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from expected or historical results, the Company has identified certain risk factors that may affect the Company’s future business and financial performance.

See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for a discussion of risk factors that may affect the Company and cause material variances from forward-looking statement expectations. The Item 1A, Risk Factors, discussion is incorporated by reference into this forward-looking statement disclosure.

Except as otherwise disclosed, the forward-looking statements do not reflect the impact of possible or pending acquisitions, investments, divestitures or restructurings. The absence of errors in input data, calculations and formulas used in estimates, assumptions and forecasts cannot be guaranteed. Neither the Company nor Alagasco undertakes any obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Energen Corporation, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is a diversified energy holding company engaged in the development, acquisition, exploration and production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the continental United States and in the purchase, distribution and sale of natural gas in central and north Alabama. Its two principal subsidiaries are Energen Resources Corporation and Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco).

Alagasco was formed in 1948 by the merger of Alabama Gas Company into Birmingham Gas Company, the predecessors of which had been in existence since the mid-1800s. Alagasco became publicly traded in 1953. Energen Resources was formed in 1971 as a subsidiary of Alagasco. Energen was incorporated in 1978 in preparation for the 1979 corporate reorganization in which Alagasco and Energen Resources became subsidiaries of Energen.

 

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The Company maintains a Web site with the address www.energen.com. The Company does not include the information contained on its Web site as part of this report nor is the information incorporated by reference into this report. The Company makes available free of charge through its Web site the annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports. Also, these reports are available in print upon shareholder request. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after being electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s Web site also includes its Business Conduct Guidelines, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Audit Committee Charter, Officers’ Review Committee Charter, Governance and Nominations Committee Charter and Finance Committee Charter, each of which is available in print upon shareholder request.

Financial Information About Industry Segments

The information required by this item is provided in Note 18, Industry Segment Information, in the Notes to Financial Statements.

Narrative Description of Business

 

 

Oil and Gas Operations

General: Energen’s oil and gas operations focus on increasing production and adding proved reserves through the development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. In addition, Energen Resources explores for and develops new reservoirs, primarily in areas in which it has an operating presence. All gas, oil and natural gas liquids production is sold to third parties. Energen Resources also provides operating services in the Black Warrior, San Juan and Permian basins for its joint interest and third parties. These services include overall project management and day-to-day decision-making relative to project operations.

At the end of 2010, Energen Resources’ proved oil and gas reserves totaled 1,818 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe). Substantially all of these reserves are located in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado, the Permian Basin in west Texas and the Black Warrior Basin in Alabama. Approximately 77 percent of Energen Resources’ year-end reserves are proved developed reserves. Energen Resources’ reserves are long-lived, with a year-end reserves-to-production ratio of 16 years. Natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids represent approximately 53 percent, 34 percent and 13 percent, respectively, of Energen Resources’ proved reserves.

Growth Strategy: Energen has operated for more than fifteen years under a strategy to grow the oil and gas operations of Energen Resources largely through the acquisition and exploitation of proved and high-quality unproved reserves. The company traditionally prefers properties located onshore in North America that offer long-lived reserves and multiple pay-zone opportunities. Energen Resources also conducts exploration activities in and around the basins in which it operates; exploration in other areas is possible if the opportunities complement its core expertise and meet its investment requirements. Following an acquisition, Energen Resources focuses on increasing production and reserves through development well drilling, exploration, behind-pipe recompletions, pay-adds, workovers, secondary recovery, and operational enhancements. Energen Resources prefers to operate its properties in order to better control the nature and pace of drilling and development activities. Energen Resources operated approximately 93 percent of its proved reserves at December 31, 2010.

Since the end of fiscal year 1995, Energen Resources has invested approximately $1.6 billion to acquire proved and unproved reserves, $2.3 billion in related development and $509 million in exploration. Energen Resources’ capital spending plans for 2011 target a total investment of approximately $667 million, the bulk of which will focus on drilling and related development activities on its existing properties. The company may choose to allocate additional capital during the year for property acquisitions and/or increased drilling and development activities.

During 2010, Energen Resources incurred write-offs of unproved capitalized leasehold costs associated with its Alabama shale acreage. The non-cash costs totaled $39.7 million pre-tax and were charged to exploration expense, which is included in O&M expense, after the Company determined that the shale acreage was not economically viable. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Energen Resources also recorded $15.5 million pre-tax in write-offs of well costs related to Alabama shale leasehold.

 

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During 2009 Energen Resources was unsuccessful in the completion of a Chattanooga shale well. The costs related to this well of approximately $5.6 million pre-tax were expensed during the fourth quarter of 2009. Also expensed during the fourth quarter, was approximately $1.2 million pre-tax of costs associated with a well originally drilled by Chesapeake in an area of the Chattanooga shale. The Company recognized unproved leasehold impairments of $2.1 million associated with these wells.

Energen Resources’ development activities can result in the addition of new proved reserves and can serve to reclassify proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves. Proved reserve disclosures are provided annually, although changes to reserve classifications occur throughout the year. Accordingly, additions of new reserves from development activities can occur throughout the year and may result from numerous factors including, but not limited to, regulatory approvals for drilling unit downspacing that increase the number of available drilling locations; changes in the economic or operating environments that allow previously uneconomic locations to be added; technological advances that make reserve locations available for development; successful development of existing proved undeveloped reserve locations that reclassify adjacent probable locations to proved undeveloped reserve locations; increased knowledge of field geology and engineering parameters relative to oil and gas reservoirs; and changes in management’s intent to develop certain opportunities.

During the three years ended December 31, 2010, the Company’s development efforts have added 392 Bcfe of proved reserves from the drilling of 956 gross development and service wells (including 21 sidetrack wells) and 318 well recompletions and pay-adds. In 2010, Energen Resources’ successful development wells and other activities added approximately 161 Bcfe of proved reserves; the Company drilled 329 gross development and service wells (including 7 sidetrack wells), performed some 124 well recompletions and pay-adds, and conducted other operational enhancements. Energen Resources’ production totaled 113 Bcfe in 2010 and is estimated to total 124 Bcfe in 2011, including 118 Bcfe of estimated production from proved reserves owned at December 31, 2010.

Drilling Activity: The following table sets forth the total number of net productive and dry exploratory and development wells drilled:

 

Years ended December 31,    2010      2009      2008

Development:

        

Productive

     210.0         130.4       199.2

Dry

     1.0         0.0       0.9

Total

     211.0         130.4       200.1

Exploratory:

        

Productive

     3.4         1.0       1.8

Dry

     5.0         2.5       1.7

Total

     8.4         3.5       3.5

As of December 31, 2010, the Company was participating in the drilling of 14 gross development and exploratory wells, with the Company’s interest equivalent to 11 wells. In addition to the development wells drilled, the Company drilled 39.8, 32.5 and 84.1 net service wells during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the Company was participating in the drilling of 1 gross service well, with the Company’s interest equivalent to 0.02 wells.

 

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Productive Wells and Acreage: The following table sets forth the total gross and net productive gas and oil wells as of December 31, 2010, and developed and undeveloped acreage as of the latest practicable date prior to year-end:

 

      Gross    Net

  Gas wells

   4,343    2,397

  Oil wells

   3,964    2,413

  Developed acreage

  

758,772

   558,189

  Undeveloped acreage

  

157,084

  

111,052

There were 7 wells with multiple completions in 2010. All wells and acreage are located onshore in the United States, with the majority of the net undeveloped acreage located in Texas.

Risk Management: Energen Resources attempts to lower the commodity price risk associated with its oil and natural gas business through the use of swaps and basis hedges. Energen Resources does not hedge more than 80 percent of its estimated annual production. Energen Resources recognized all derivatives on the balance sheet and measures all derivatives at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effectiveness of the hedge, or the degree that the gain (loss) for the hedging instrument offsets the loss (gain) on the hedged item, is measured at each reporting period. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income as a component of equity and subsequently reclassified to operating revenues when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is required to be recognized in operating revenues immediately.

The Company may also enter into derivative transactions that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting but are considered by management to represent valid economic hedges and are accounted for as mark-to-market transactions. These economic hedges may include, but are not limited to, basis hedges without a corresponding New York Mercantile Exchange hedge and hedges on non-operated or other properties for which all of the necessary information to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting is either not readily available or subject to change. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge treatment are recorded at fair value with gains or losses recognized in operating revenues in the period of change.

See the Forward-Looking Statements preceding Item 1, Business, and Item 1A, Risk Factors, for further discussion with respect to price and other risks.

 

 

Natural Gas Distribution

General: Alagasco is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the state of Alabama. Alagasco purchases natural gas through interstate and intrastate suppliers and distributes the purchased gas through its distribution facilities for sale to residential, commercial and industrial customers and other end-users of natural gas. Alagasco also provides transportation services to large industrial and commercial customers located on its distribution system. These transportation customers, using Alagasco as their agent or acting on their own, purchase gas directly from marketers or suppliers and arrange for delivery of the gas into the Alagasco distribution system. Alagasco charges a fee to transport such customer-owned gas through its distribution system to the customers’ facilities.

Alagasco’s service territory is located in central and parts of north Alabama and includes 180 cities and communities in 28 counties. The aggregate population of the counties served by Alagasco is estimated to be 2.5 million. Among the cities served by Alagasco are Birmingham, the center of the largest metropolitan area in Alabama, and Montgomery, the state capital. During 2010, Alagasco served an average of 404,697 residential customers and 32,632 commercial, industrial and transportation customers. The Alagasco distribution system includes approximately 11,155 miles of main and more than 11,925 miles of service lines, odorization and regulation facilities, and customer meters.

APSC Regulation: As an Alabama utility, Alagasco is subject to regulation by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) which established the Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) rate-setting process in 1983. RSE’s current extension is for a seven-year period ended December 31, 2014. RSE will continue after December 31, 2014, unless, after notice to the Company and

 

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a hearing, the APSC votes to modify or discontinue the RSE methodology. Alagasco’s allowed range of return on average equity remains 13.15 percent to 13.65 percent throughout the term of the order. Alagasco is on a September 30 fiscal year for rate-setting purposes (rate year).

Under RSE, the APSC conducts quarterly reviews to determine, based on Alagasco’s projections and year-to-date performance, whether Alagasco’s return on average equity at the end of the rate year will be within the allowed range of return. Reductions in rates can be made quarterly to bring the projected return within the allowed range; increases, however, are allowed only once each rate year, effective December 1, and cannot exceed 4 percent of prior-year revenues. RSE limits the utility’s equity upon which a return is permitted to 55 percent of total capitalization, subject to certain adjustments. Under the inflation-based Cost Control Measurement (CCM) established by the APSC, if the percentage change in O&M expense on an aggregate basis falls within a range of 0.75 points above or below the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (Index Range), no adjustment is required. If the change in O&M expense on an aggregate basis exceeds the Index Range, three-quarters of the difference is returned to customers. To the extent the change is less than the Index Range, the utility benefits by one-half of the difference through future rate adjustments. The O&M expense base for measurement purposes will be set at the prior year’s actual O&M expense amount unless the Company exceeds the top of the Index Range in two successive years, in which case the base for the following year will be set at the top of the Index Range. Certain items that fluctuate based on situations demonstrated to be beyond Alagasco’s control may be excluded for the CCM calculation.

Alagasco’s rate schedules for natural gas distribution charges contain a Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) rider, established in 1993, which permits the pass-through to customers of changes in the cost of gas supply. Alagasco’s tariff provides a temperature adjustment mechanism, also included in the GSA, that is designed to moderate the impact of departures from normal temperatures on Alagasco’s earnings. The temperature adjustment applies primarily to residential, small commercial and small industrial customers. Other non-temperature weather related conditions that may affect customer usage are not included in the temperature adjustment.

The APSC approved an Enhanced Stability Reserve (ESR) beginning October 1997, with a maximum funding level of $4 million pre-tax, to which Alagasco could charge the full amount of: (1) extraordinary O&M expenses resulting from force majeure events when one or a combination of two such events results in more than $200,000 of additional O&M expense during a rate year; or (2) individual industrial and commercial customer revenue losses that exceed $250,000 during the rate year, if such losses caused Alagasco’s year-end return on average equity (RCE) to fall below the bottom of the APSC-approved return on equity range currently at 13.15 percent. Prior to June 28, 2010, the APSC provided for accretions to the ESR of no more than $40,000 monthly until the maximum funding level was achieved, following a year in which a charge against the ESR was made. The APSC’s June 28, 2010 order approved Alagasco’s lower depreciation rates and approved standing authority for Alagasco to charge items to the ESR in excess of its funded balance and to allocate each year from the refundable negative salvage costs that are being refunded to customers over the nine year period the amount necessary to clear the debit balance in the ESR each September 30, subject to APSC-approved guidelines. The APSC also approved the amortization of the charges to the ESR into rates over a five year period in cases where the ESR is unfunded or underfunded, subject to APSC-approved guidelines. As a result of these changes in the funding mechanism for the ESR, the APSC suspended the $40,000 per month accruals to the ESR during the nine year period when the refundable negative salvage costs are being refunded to customers.

Following a vote on September 7, 2010, the APSC, by order dated November 1, 2010, approved expansion of the ESR to include extraordinary O&M charges related to environmental response costs and to self insurance costs that exceed $1 million per occurrence. In addition, the APSC raised the thresholds on items that may be charged to the ESR as follows: (1) extraordinary O&M expenses, other than environmental response costs and self insurance costs, resulting from a single event that results in more than $275,000 of increased O&M; (2) extraordinary O&M expenses, other than environmental response costs and self insurance costs, resulting from a combination of extraordinary O&M events that result in more than $412,500 of increased O&M; and (3)

 

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individual large commercial and industrial customer revenue variances that exceed $350,000. Charges to the ESR relating to extraordinary O&M expenses can only be made when the Company’s year-end return on average common equity for RSE, not including the ESR charge, is below the midpoint of the APSC-approved return on equity range and only to the extent necessary to bring the RCE to the midpoint of the range. Charges to the ESR relating to individual large commercial and industrial customer revenue losses can only be made if such losses cause the RCE to fall below the bottom of the APSC-approved return on equity range, currently at 13.15 percent, and then only to the extent necessary to bring the RCE up to the midpoint of the range. In the event that Alagasco’s RCE at September 30 of the related year is above the midpoint, any debit balance in the ESR shall remain in the ESR for recovery in subsequent years subject to the established guidelines. Additionally, the APSC, while confirming the five year amortization period established in the June 28, 2010 order for charges to the ESR in cases where the ESR is unfunded or underfunded, limited the amortization expense to $660,000 annually, with any excess amortization expense over $660,000 in any rate year being carried over and amortized in future rate years until full amortization of the ESR debit balance is complete. The APSC also raised the $40,000 per month accruals to $55,000 per month, but suspended the accruals pending further order of the APSC. Finally, the APSC established guidelines for the documentation, reporting and approval of rate recovery of items charged to the ESR.

In connection with the above, Alagasco expects to recover certain manufactured gas plant site remediation costs through future rates and has recorded a corresponding amount to its Enhanced Stability Reserve regulatory account, as more fully described in Environmental Matters.

Gas Supply: Alagasco’s distribution system is connected to two major interstate natural gas pipeline systems, Southern Natural Gas Company (Southern) and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco). It is also connected to two intrastate natural gas pipeline systems and to Alagasco’s two liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities.

Alagasco purchases natural gas from various natural gas producers and marketers. Certain volumes are purchased under firm contractual commitments with other volumes purchased on a spot market basis. The purchased volumes are delivered to Alagasco’s system using a variety of firm transportation, interruptible transportation and storage capacity arrangements designed to meet the system’s varying levels of demand. Alagasco’s LNG facilities can provide the system with up to an additional 200,000 thousand cubic feet per day (Mcfd) of natural gas to meet peak day demand.

As of December 31, 2010, Alagasco had the following contracts in place for firm natural gas pipeline transportation and storage services:

 

      December 31, 2010
                     (Mcfd)             

Southern firm transportation

   112,933

Southern storage and no notice transportation

   231,679

Transco firm transportation

   70,000

Various intrastate transportation

   20,216

Competition: The price of natural gas is a significant competitive factor in Alagasco’s service territory, particularly among large commercial and industrial transportation customers. Propane, coal and fuel oil are readily available, and many industrial customers have the capability to switch to alternate fuels and alternate sources of gas. In the residential and small commercial and industrial markets, electricity is the principal competitor. With the support of the APSC, Alagasco has implemented a variety of programs to help it compete for gas load in all market segments. The Company has been effective at utilizing these programs to avoid load loss to competitive fuels.

Alagasco’s Transportation Tariff allows the Company to transport gas for large commercial and industrial customers rather than buying and reselling it to them and is based on Alagasco’s sales profit margin so that operating margins are unaffected. During 2010, substantially all of Alagasco’s large commercial and industrial customer deliveries involved the transportation of customer-owned gas.

 

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Natural gas service available to Alagasco customers falls into two broad categories: interruptible and firm. Interruptible service contractually is subject to interruption at Alagasco’s discretion. The most common reason for such interruption is curtailment during periods of peak core market heating demand. Customers who contract for interruptible service can generally adjust production schedules or switch to alternate fuels during periods of service interruption or curtailment. More expensive firm service, on the other hand, generally is not subject to interruption and is provided to residential and small commercial and industrial customers. These core market customers depend on natural gas primarily for space heating.

Growth: Alagasco is a mature utility operating in a slow-growth service area. Over the last five years, Alagasco’s customer count has declined at a rate of approximately 1 percent annually despite above-average levels of penetration along existing distribution lines. To increase its customer base, the utility is capitalizing on opportunities to expand its distribution lines to areas with economic growth potential and pursuing the acquisition of mutually beneficial municipally owned gas systems in Alabama.

Another aspect of growth is usage per customer. Throughout the country, customer use of natural gas has declined over the years in large part due to energy-efficiencies in home construction and appliances and conservation. Alagasco’s marketing emphasis in this area is directed toward retention and increasing end-use applications by existing customers.

Seasonality: Alagasco’s gas distribution business is highly seasonal since a material portion of the utility’s total sales and delivery volumes relate to space heating customers. Alagasco’s tariff includes a Temperature Adjustment Rider primarily for residential, small commercial and small industrial customers that moderates the impact of departures from normal temperatures on Alagasco’s earnings. The adjustments are made through the GSA.

 

 

Environmental Matters and Climate Change

Various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations apply to the operations of Energen Resources and Alagasco. Historically, the cost of environmental compliance has not materially affected the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. New regulations, enforcement policies, claims for damages or other events could result in significant unanticipated costs. Remediation of the Huntsville, Alabama manufactured gas plant site, as discussed below, may also result in unanticipated costs.

Federal, state and local legislative bodies and agencies frequently exercise their respective authority to adopt new laws and regulations and to amend and interpret existing laws and regulations. Such law and regulation changes may occur with little prior notification, subject the Company to cost increases, and impose restrictions and limitations on the Company’s operations. Currently, there are various proposed law and regulatory changes with the potential to materially impact the Company. Such proposals include, but are not limited to, measures dealing with hydraulic fracturing, emission limits and reporting and the repeal of certain oil and gas tax incentives and deductions. Due to the nature of the political and regulatory processes and based on its consideration of existing proposals, the Company is unable to determine whether such proposed laws and regulations are reasonably likely to occur or to be enacted or to determine, if enacted, the magnitude of the potential impact of such laws.

Existing federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations also have the potential to increase costs, reduce liquidity, delay operations and otherwise alter business operations. These existing laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; Oil Pollution Prevention: Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure regulations; Toxic Substances Control Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act. Compliance with these and other environmental laws and regulations is undertaken as part of the Company’s routine operations. The Company does not separately track costs associated with these routine compliance activities.

Climate change, whether arising through natural occurrences or through the impact of human activities, may have a significant impact upon the operations of Energen Resources and Alagasco. Volatile weather patterns and the resulting environmental impact may adversely impact the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company. The Company is unable to predict the timing or manifestation of climate change or reliably estimate the impact to the Company. However, climate change could affect the operations of the Company as follows:

 

   

sustained increases or decreases to the supply and demand of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids;

 

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positive or negative changes to usage and customer count at Alagasco from prolonged increases or decreases in average temperature due to the geographic concentration of Alagasco’s customers in central and north Alabama;

 

   

potential disruption to third party facilities to which Energen Resources delivers and from which Alagasco is served. Such facilities include third party oil and gas gathering, transportation, processing and storage facilities and are typically limited in number and geographically concentrated.

A discussion of certain litigation against Energen Resources in the state of Louisiana related to the restoration of oilfield properties is included in Item 3, Legal Proceedings of Part I in this Form 10-K.

Alagasco is in the chain of title of nine former manufactured gas plant sites (four of which it still owns) and five manufactured gas distribution sites (one of which it still owns). Subject to the following paragraph discussing the Huntsville, Alabama manufactured gas plant site, an investigation of the sites does not indicate the present need for remediation activities and management expects that, should remediation of any such sites be required in the future, Alagasco’s share, if any, of such costs will not materially affect the financial position of Alagasco.

In June 2009, Alagasco received a General Notice Letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifying Alagasco as a responsible party for a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site located in Huntsville, Alabama, and inviting Alagasco to enter an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent to perform a removal action at that site. The Huntsville MGP, along with the Huntsville gas distribution system, was sold by Alagasco to the City of Huntsville in 1949. While Alagasco no longer owns the Huntsville site, the Company and the current site owner have agreed to enter into a Consent Order and develop an action plan for the site. Based on the limited information available at this time, Alagasco preliminarily estimates that it may incur costs associated with the site of approximately $4.3 million. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company incurred costs of $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with the site. As of December 31, 2010, the Company has accrued a contingent liability of $3.4 million in addition to the costs previously incurred. The estimate assumes an action plan for excavation of affected soil and sediment only. If it is determined that a greater scope of work is appropriate, then actual costs will likely exceed the preliminary estimate. Alagasco expects to recover such costs through and future rates and has recorded a corresponding amount to its Enhanced Stability Reserve regulatory asset account.

 

 

Employees

The Company has approximately 1,530 employees, of which Alagasco employs 1,110 and Energen Resources employs 420. The Company believes that its relations with employees are good.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The future success and continued viability of Energen and its businesses, like any venture, is subject to many recognized and unrecognized risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this report and presented elsewhere by management. The following list identifies and briefly summarizes certain risk factors, and should not be viewed as complete or comprehensive. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update such risk factors whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with the Company’s disclosure specific to Forward-Looking Statements made elsewhere in this report.

Commodity Prices: The Company and Alagasco are significantly influenced by commodity prices. Historical markets for natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids have been volatile. Energen Resources’ revenues, operating results, profitability and cash flows depend primarily upon the prices realized for its oil, gas and natural gas liquid production. Additionally, downward commodity price trends may impact expected cash flows from future production and potentially reduce the carrying value of Company-owned oil and natural gas properties. Alagasco’s competitive position and customer demand is significantly influenced by prices for natural gas which are passed-through to customers.

Access to Credit Markets: The Company and its subsidiaries rely on access to credit markets. The availability and cost of credit market access is significantly influenced by market events and rating agency evaluations for both lenders and the Company. Recent market volatility and credit market disruption have demonstrated that credit availability and issuer credit ratings can change rapidly. Events negatively affecting credit ratings and credit market liquidity could increase borrowing costs or limit availability of funds to the Company.

Energen Resources’ Hedging: Although Energen Resources makes use of futures, swaps, options, collars and fixed-price contracts to mitigate price risk, fluctuations in future oil, gas and natural gas liquids prices could materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows; furthermore, such risk mitigation activities may cause the Company’s financial position and results of operations to be materially different from results that would have been obtained had such risk mitigation activities not occurred. The effectiveness of such risk mitigation assumes that counterparties maintain satisfactory credit quality. The effectiveness of such risk mitigation also assumes that actual sales volumes will generally meet or exceed the volumes subject to the futures, swaps, options, collars and fixed-price contracts. A substantial failure to meet sales volume targets, whether caused by miscalculations, weather events, natural disaster, accident, mechanical failure, criminal act or otherwise, could leave Energen Resources financially exposed to its counterparties and result in material adverse financial consequences to Energen Resources and the Company. The adverse effect could be increased if the adverse event was widespread enough to move market prices against Energen Resources’ position. In addition, the recent adoption of financial reform legislation could have an adverse effect on the ability of Energen Resources to use derivative instruments which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Alagasco’s Hedging: Similarly, although Alagasco makes use of futures, swaps and fixed-price contracts to mitigate gas supply cost risk, fluctuations in future gas supply costs could materially affect its financial position and rates to customers. The effectiveness of Alagasco’s risk mitigation assumes that its counterparties in such activities maintain satisfactory credit quality. The effectiveness of such risk mitigation also assumes that Alagasco’s actual gas supply needs will generally meet or exceed the volumes subject to the futures, swaps and fixed-price contracts. A substantial failure to experience projected gas supply needs, whether caused by miscalculations, weather events, natural disaster, accident, mechanical failure, criminal act or otherwise, could leave Alagasco financially exposed to its counterparties and result in material adverse financial consequences to Alagasco and the Company. The adverse effect could be increased if the adverse event was widespread enough to move market prices against Alagasco’s position. In addition, the recent adoption of financial reform legislation could have an adverse effect on the ability of Alagasco to use derivative instruments which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Energen Resources Customer Concentration: Revenues and related accounts receivable from oil and gas operations primarily are generated from the sale of produced oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids to a small number of energy marketing companies. Such sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. This concentration of sales to a limited number of customers in the energy marketing industry has the potential to affect the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, based on changes in economic, industry or other conditions specific to a single customer or to the energy marketing industry generally. Energen Resources considers the credit quality of its customers and, in certain instances, may require credit assurances such as a deposit, letter of credit or parent guarantee.

Third Party Facilities: Energen Resources delivers to and Alagasco is served by third party facilities. These facilities include third party oil and gas gathering, transportation, processing and storage facilities. Energen Resources relies upon such facilities for access to markets for its production. Alagasco relies upon such facilities for access to natural gas supplies. Such facilities are typically limited in number and geographically concentrated. An extended interruption of access to or service from these facilities, whether caused by weather events, natural disaster, accident, mechanical failure, criminal act or otherwise could result in material adverse financial consequences to Energen Resources, Alagasco and the Company.

Energen Resources’ Production and Drilling: There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved 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 reserve and production estimates. In the event Energen Resources is unable to fully invest its planned development, acquisition and exploratory expenditures, future operating revenues, production, and proved reserves could be negatively affected. The drilling of development and exploratory wells can involve significant risks, including those related to timing, success rates and cost overruns, and these risks can be affected by lease and rig availability, complex geology and other factors. Anticipated drilling plans and capital expenditures may also change due to weather, manpower and equipment availability, changing emphasis by management and a variety of other factors which could result in actual drilling and capital expenditures being substantially different than currently planned.

Operations: Inherent in the gas distribution activities of Alagasco and the oil and gas production activities of Energen Resources are a variety of hazards and operation risks, such as leaks, explosions and mechanical problems that could cause substantial financial losses. In addition, these risks could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of operations and substantial losses to the Company. In accordance with customary industry practices, the Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. Further, the Company’s insurance retention levels are such that significant events could adversely affect Energen Resources’, Alagasco’s and the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The location of pipeline and storage facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect Alagasco’s, Energen Resources’ and the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Alagasco’s Service Territory: Alagasco’s utility customers are geographically concentrated in central and north Alabama. Significant economic, weather, natural disaster, criminal act or other events that adversely affect this region could adversely affect Alagasco and the Company.

Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulations: Energen and Alagasco are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation which significantly influences operations. Although the Company believes that operations generally comply with applicable laws and regulations, failure to comply could result in the suspension or termination of operations and subject the Company to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Federal, state and local legislative bodies and agencies frequently exercise their respective authority to adopt new laws and regulations and to amend, modify and interpret existing laws and regulations. Such changes can subject the Company to significant tax or cost increases and can impose significant restrictions and limitations on the Company’s operations.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The corporate headquarters of Energen, Energen Resources and Alagasco are located in leased office space in Birmingham, Alabama. See the discussion under Item 1, Business for further information related to Energen Resources’ and Alagasco’s business operations. Information concerning Energen Resources’ production and reserves is summarized in the table below and included in Note 17, Oil and Gas Operations (Unaudited), in the Notes to Financial Statements. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of the future outlook and expectations for Energen Resources and Alagasco and additional information regarding Energen Resources’ production, revenue and production costs.

Oil and Gas Operations

Energen Resources focuses on increasing its production and proved reserves through the acquisition and development of onshore North American oil and gas properties. Energen Resources maintains offices in Arcadia, Louisiana; in Farmington, New Mexico; and in Midland, Texas. The Company also maintains offices in Lehman, Seminole, Westbrook and Penwell, Texas; and in Brookwood and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

LOGO

The major areas of operations include (1) the San Juan Basin, (2) the Permian Basin, (3) the Black Warrior Basin and (4) North Louisiana/East Texas as highlighted on the above map.

The following table sets forth the production volumes for the year ended December 31, 2010, and proved reserves and reserves-to-production ratio by area as of December 31, 2010:

 

      Year ended December 31, 2010      December 31, 2010      December 31, 2010
    

Production Volumes

(MMcfe)

     Proved Reserves
(MMcfe)
    

Reserves-to-

Production Ratio

San Juan Basin

     56,268         815,224       14.49 years

Permian Basin

     36,958         797,083       21.57 years

Black Warrior Basin

     13,123         154,457       11.77 years

North Louisiana/East Texas

     6,125         45,142       7.37 years

Other

     515         5,659       10.99 years

Total

     112,989         1,817,565       16.09 years

 

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The following table sets forth proved reserves by area as of December 31, 2010:

 

      Gas MMcf      Oil MBbl      NGL MBbl

San Juan Basin

     657,106         1,028       25,325

Permian Basin

     93,217         102,035       15,276

Black Warrior Basin

     154,457         -       -

North Louisiana/East Texas

     44,614         88       -

Other

     4,993         111       -

Total

     954,387         103,262       40,601

The following table sets forth proved developed reserves by area as of December 31, 2010:

 

      Gas MMcf      Oil MBbl      NGL MBbl

San Juan Basin

     531,968         989       22,393

Permian Basin

     60,710         70,843       6,416

Black Warrior Basin

     146,376         -       -

North Louisiana/East Texas

     42,245         87       -

Other

     4,993         111       -

Total

     786,292         72,030       28,809

The following table sets forth proved undeveloped reserves by area as of December 31, 2010:

 

      Gas MMcf      Oil MBbl      NGL MBbl

San Juan Basin

     125,138         39       2,932

Permian Basin

     32,507         31,192       8,860

Black Warrior Basin

     8,081         -       -

North Louisiana/East Texas

     2,369         1       -

Total

     168,095         31,232       11,792

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of proved undeveloped reserves:

 

Bcfe    Year ended
December 31, 2010

Balance at beginning of period

   256.6

Undeveloped reserves transferred to developed reserves*

   (65.8)

Revisions

   (26.8)

Extensions, discoveries and acquisitions

   262.2

Balance at end of period

   426.2

 

*

Approximately $134.5 million in capital was spent in the year ended December 31, 2010 related to proved undeveloped reserves that were moved to developed.

Energen Resources files Form EIA-23 with the Department of Energy which reports gross proved reserves, including the working interest share of other owners, for properties operated by the Company. The proved reserves reported in the table above represent our share of proved reserves for all properties, based on our ownership interest in each property. For properties operated by Energen Resources, the difference between the proved reserves reported on Form EIA-23 and the gross reserves associated with the Company-owned proved reserves reported in the table above does not exceed five percent. Estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2010 are based upon studies for each of our properties prepared by Company engineers and audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) and T. Scott Hickman and Associates, Inc. (T. Scott Hickman), independent oil and gas reservoir engineers. Calculations were prepared using standard geological and engineering methods and in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines.

A Senior Vice President at Ryder Scott is the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the audit of the reserves. The Senior Vice President has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers. He has been an employee of Ryder Scott since 1982 and also serves as chief technical advisor of unconventional reserves

 

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evaluation. A Petroleum Consultant at T. Scott Hickman is the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the audit of the reserves. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers. He has been employed by T. Scott Hickman since 1983. The Vice President of Acquisitions and Reservoir Engineering is the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing reserves on behalf of Energen Resources. His background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and membership in the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama with more than 30-years experience evaluating oil and natural gas properties and estimating reserves.

The Company relies upon certain internal controls when preparing its reserve estimations. These internal controls include review by the reservoir engineering managers to ensure the correct reserve methodology has been applied for each specific property and that the reserves are properly categorized in accordance with SEC guidelines. The reservoir engineering managers also affirm the accuracy of the data used in the reserve and associated rate forecast, provide a review of the procedures used to input pricing data and a review of the working and net interest factors to ensure that factors are adequately reflected in the engineering analysis.

Net production forecasts are compared to historical sales volumes to check for reasonableness and operating costs and severance taxes calculated in the reserve report are compared to historical accounting data to help ensure proper cost estimates are used. A reserve table is generated comparing previous years reserves to current year reserve estimates to determine variances. This table is reviewed by the Vice President of Acquisitions and Reservoir Engineering and the Chief Operating Officer of Energen Resources. Revisions and additions are investigated and explained.

Reserve estimates of proved reserves are sent to independent reservoir engineers for audit and verification. For 2010, approximately 96 percent of all proved reserves were audited by the independent reservoir engineers which audit engineering procedures, check the reserve estimates for reasonableness and check that the reserves are properly classified.

The following table sets forth the standard pressure base in pounds-force per square inch absolute (psia) for each state in which Energen Resources has wells:

 

Alabama, Texas

   14.65 psia

Colorado

   14.73 psia

Louisiana, New Mexico

   15.025 psia

The following table sets forth the total net productive gas and oil wells by area as of December 31, 2010, and developed and undeveloped acreage as of the latest practicable date prior to year-end:

 

      Net Wells     

Net Developed

Acreage

    

Net Undeveloped

Acreage

San Juan Basin

     1,439         278,554       11,910

Permian Basin

     2,398         105,539      

97,170

Black Warrior Basin

     786         147,040       602

North Louisiana/East Texas

     175         20,679       1,089

Other

     12         6,377       281

Total

     4,810         558,189      

111,052

The net undeveloped acreage largely relates to the recent purchase of oil properties in the Permian Basin.

 

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Energen Resources sells oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids under a variety of contractual arrangements, some of which specify the delivery of a fixed and determinable quantity. Energen Resources is contractually committed to deliver approximately 53.3 Bcf (net) of natural gas through March 2012. The Company expects to fulfill delivery commitments through production of existing proved reserves.

 

      Gas MMcf  

San Juan Basin

     43,034   

Black Warrior Basin

     10,117   

North Louisiana/East Texas

     135   

Total

     53,286   

Natural Gas Distribution

The properties of Alagasco consist primarily of its gas distribution system, which includes approximately 10,585 miles of main and more than 11,155 miles of service lines, odorization and regulation facilities, and customer meters. Alagasco also has two LNG facilities, four division commercial offices, three division business centers, one district office, nine service centers, and other related property and equipment, some of which are leased by Alagasco.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Energen and its affiliates are, from time to time, parties to various pending or threatened legal proceedings. Certain of these lawsuits include claims for punitive damages in addition to other specific relief. Based upon information presently available, and in light of available legal and other defenses, contingent liabilities arising from threatened and pending litigation are not considered material in relation to the respective financial positions of Energen and its affiliates. It should be noted, however, that Energen and its affiliates conduct business in Alabama and other jurisdictions in which the magnitude and frequency of punitive or other damage awards may bear little or no relation to culpability or actual damages, thus making it difficult to predict litigation results.

Legacy Litigation

During recent years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against oil production companies in Louisiana for restoration of oilfield properties. These suits are referred to in the industry as “legacy litigation” because they usually involve operations that were conducted on the affected properties many years earlier. Energen Resources is or has been a party to several legacy litigation lawsuits, most of which result from the operations of predecessor companies. Based upon information presently available, and in light of available legal and other defenses, contingent liabilities arising from legacy litigation in excess of the Company’s accrued provision for estimated liability are not considered material to the Company’s financial position.

Other

Various other pending or threatened legal proceedings are in progress currently, and the Company has accrued a provision for the estimated liability.

 

ITEM 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS

Energen Corporation

 

Name

   Age   

Position (1)

James T. McManus, II

   52   

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Energen and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alagasco (2)

Charles W. Porter, Jr.

   46   

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Energen and Alagasco (3)

John S. Richardson

   53   

President and Chief Operating Officer of Energen Resources (4)

Dudley C. Reynolds

   58   

President and Chief Operating Officer of Alagasco (5)

J. David Woodruff, Jr.

   54   

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Energen and Alagasco (6)

Russell E. Lynch, Jr.

   37   

Vice President and Controller of Energen (7)

 

Notes:

  

(1)

  

All executive officers of Energen have been employed by Energen or a subsidiary for the past five years. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

  

(2)

  

Mr. McManus has been employed by the Company in various capacities since 1986. He was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Energen Resources in October 1995 and President of Energen Resources in April 1997. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Energen effective January 1, 2006 and Chief Executive Officer of Energen and each of its subsidiaries effective July 1, 2007. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Energen and each of its subsidiaries effective January 1, 2008. Mr. McManus serves as a Director of Energen and each of its subsidiaries.

  

(3)

  

Mr. Porter has been employed by the Company in various financial capacities since 1989. He was elected Controller of Energen Resources in 1998. In 2001, he was elected Vice President – Finance of Energen Resources. He was elected Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Energen and each of its subsidiaries effective January 1, 2007.

  

(4)

  

Mr. Richardson has been employed by the Company in various capacities since 1985. He was elected Vice President – Acquisitions and Engineering of Energen Resources in 1997. He was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Energen Resources effective January 1, 2006. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Energen Resources effective January 23, 2008.

  

(5)

  

Mr. Reynolds has been employed by the Company in various capacities since 1980. He was elected General Counsel and Secretary of Energen and each of its subsidiaries in April 1991. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Alagasco effective January 1, 2003.

 

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(6)

  

Mr. Woodruff has been employed by the Company in various capacities since 1986. He was elected Vice President-Legal and Assistant Secretary of Energen and each of its subsidiaries in April 1991. He was elected General Counsel and Secretary of Energen and each of its subsidiaries effective January 1, 2003. He also served as Vice President-Corporate Development of Energen from 1995 to 2010.

  

(7)

  

Mr. Lynch has been employed by the Company in various capacities since 2001. He became Energen’s Manager of Financial Accounting and Treasury in 2004 and Director of Financial Accounting in 2007. He was elected Vice President and Controller of Energen effective January 1, 2009.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Quarterly Market Prices and Dividends Paid Per Share

Quarter ended (in dollars)    High      Low      Close      Dividends Paid

March 31, 2009

     33.91         23.18         29.13         .125

June 30, 2009

     41.62         28.21         39.90         .125

September 30, 2009

     45.78         35.38         43.10         .125

December 31, 2009

     48.89         41.20         46.80         .125

March 31, 2010

     49.16         41.63         46.53       .13

June 30, 2010

     49.94         40.25         44.33       .13

September 30, 2010

     47.53         42.09         45.72       .13

December 31, 2010

     48.69         43.32         48.26       .13

Energen’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EGN. On February 16, 2011, there were 6,215 holders of record of Energen’s common stock. At the date of this filing, Energen Corporation owned all the issued and outstanding common stock of Alabama Gas Corporation. Energen expects to pay annual cash dividends of $0.54 per share on the Company’s common stock in 2011. The amount and timing of all dividend payments is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based upon business conditions, results of operations, financial conditions and other factors.

The following table summarizes information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2010:

 

Plan Category    Number of Securities to be
Issued for Outstanding
Options and Performance
Share Awards
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future  Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders*

     1,276,043       $ 40.16       1,973,928

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     -         -       -

Total

     1,276,043       $ 40.16       1,973,928
*

These plans include 1,089,604 shares associated with the Company’s 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, 175,324 shares associated with the 1992 Energen Corporation Directors Stock Plan and 709,000 shares associated with the 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan.

The following table summarizes information concerning purchases of equity securities by the issuer:

 

Period    Total Number of
Shares Purchased
    Average Price
Paid per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
     Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans**

October 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010

     382   $ 45.79         -       8,992,700

November 1, 2010 through November 30, 2010

     -        -         -       8,992,700

December 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

     1,227     44.31         -       8,992,700

Total

     1,609      $ 44.66         -       8,992,700
*

Acquired in connection with tax withholdings and payment of exercise price on stock compensation plans.

**

By resolution adopted May 24, 1994, and supplemented by resolutions adopted April 26, 2000 and June 24, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 12,564,400 shares of the Company’s common stock. The resolutions do not have an expiration date.

 

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Energen Corporation — Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Shareholder Returns

This graph compares the total shareholder returns of Energen, the Standard & Poor’s Composite Stock Index (S&P 500), the Standard & Poor’s Supercomposite Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index (S15OILP), and the Standard & Poor’s Supercomposite Gas Utilities Index (S15GASUX). The graph assumes $100 invested at the per-share closing price of the common stock on the New York Exchange Composite Tape on December 31, 2005, in the Company and each of the indices. Total shareholder return includes reinvested dividends.

LOGO

 

As of December 31,    2005      2006      2007      2008      2009      2010  

S&P 500 Index

   $ 100       $ 116       $ 122       $ 77       $ 97       $ 112   

Energen

   $ 100       $ 131       $ 180       $ 83       $ 135       $ 140   

S15OILP Index

   $ 100       $ 104       $ 148       $ 93       $ 134       $ 153   

S15GASUX

   $ 100       $ 125       $ 142       $ 108       $ 136       $ 160   

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data as set forth below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND COMMON STOCK DATA

Energen Corporation

 

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   2010      2009      2008      2007      2006

INCOME STATEMENT*

              

Operating revenues

   $ 1,578,534       $ 1,440,420       $ 1,568,910       $ 1,435,060       $1,393,986

Income from continuing operations

   $ 290,807       $ 256,325       $ 321,915       $ 309,212       $   273,523

Net income

   $ 290,807       $ 256,325       $ 321,915       $ 309,233       $   273,570

Diluted earnings per average common share from continuing operations

   $ 4.04       $ 3.57       $ 4.47       $ 4.28       $         3.73

Diluted earnings per average common share

   $ 4.04       $ 3.57       $ 4.47       $ 4.28       $         3.73

BALANCE SHEET

              

Total property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 3,719,227       $ 3,144,469       $ 2,867,648       $ 2,538,243       $2,252,414

Total assets

   $ 4,363,560       $ 3,803,118       $ 3,775,404       $ 3,079,653       $2,836,887

Long-term debt

   $ 405,254       $ 410,786       $ 561,361       $ 562,365       $   582,490

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,154,043       $ 1,988,243       $ 1,913,920       $ 1,378,658       $1,202,069

COMMON STOCK DATA

              

Cash dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.52       $ 0.50       $ 0.48       $ 0.46       $         0.44

Diluted average common shares outstanding (000)

     72,051         71,885         72,030         72,181       73,278

Price range:

              

High

   $ 49.94       $ 48.89       $ 79.57       $ 70.41       $       47.60

Low

   $ 40.25       $ 23.18       $ 23.00       $ 43.78       $       32.16

Close

   $ 48.26       $ 46.80       $ 29.33       $ 64.23       $       46.94

 

*

The years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 include after-tax write-offs of $24.8 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, and $1.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, respectively, of unproved leasehold costs associated with the remainder of Energen Resources’ Alabama shale acreage. An after-tax gain of $34.5 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, on the sale of a 50 percent interest in Energen Resources’ acreage position in Alabama shales to Chesapeake Energy Corporation is included in the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

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SELECTED BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA

Energen Corporation

 

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

   2010     2009      2008      2007      2006

OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS

             

Operating revenues from continuing operations

             

Natural gas

   $ 483,935      $ 460,370       $ 536,283       $ 499,406       $    437,560

Oil

     404,625        284,750         292,908         251,497       181,459

Natural gas liquids

     65,161        67,254         68,216         68,623       50,258

Other

     5,041        10,172         16,725         6,066       61,265

Total

   $ 958,762      $ 822,546       $ 914,132       $ 825,592       $    730,542

Production volumes from continuing operations

             

Natural gas (MMcf)

     70,924        72,337         67,573         64,300       62,824

Oil (MBbl)

     5,131        4,690         4,114         3,879       3,645

Natural gas liquids (MMgal)

     79.0        75.2         70.7         77.2       76.3

Production volumes from continuing operations (MMcfe)

     112,989        111,224         102,354         98,606       95,596

Total production volumes (MMcfe)

     112,989        111,224         102,354         98,605       95,595

Total production volumes (MBOE)

     18,832        18,537         17,059         16,435       15,933

Proved reserves

             

Natural gas (MMcf)

     954,387        897,546         1,038,453         1,115,918       1,096,429

Oil (MBbl)

     103,262        77,963         62,034         74,625       74,893

Natural gas liquids (MBbl)

     40,601        30,257         28,953         31,664       29,504

Total (MMcfe)

     1,817,565        1,546,866         1,584,375         1,753,652       1,722,811

Total (MBOE)

     302,928        257,811         264,063         292,275       287,135

Other data from continuing operations Lease operating expense (LOE)

             

LOE and other

   $ 182,180      $ 181,777       $ 174,127       $ 148,280       $    134,853

Production taxes

     42,721        35,652         62,552         53,798       49,509

Total

   $ 224,901      $ 217,429       $ 236,679       $ 202,078       $    184,362

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

   $ 203,821      $ 184,089       $ 139,539       $ 114,241       $      97,842

Capital expenditures

   $ 717,782      $ 427,399       $ 449,571       $ 379,479       $    259,678

Operating income

   $ 406,729      $ 353,645       $ 482,588       $ 451,567       $    405,149

NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION

             

Operating revenues

             

Residential

   $ 414,870      $ 399,760       $ 408,280       $ 388,291       $    426,066

Commercial and industrial

     159,658        162,141         177,719         164,903       181,900

Transportation

     57,049        54,312         51,116         49,255       45,950

Other

     (11,805     1,661         17,663         7,019       9,528

Total

   $ 619,772      $ 617,874       $ 654,778       $ 609,468       $    663,444

Gas delivery volumes (MMcf)

             

Residential

     24,463        20,921         21,632         20,665       22,310

Commercial and industrial

     10,985        9,934         10,934         10,593       11,226

Transportation

     46,479        40,903         46,789         51,448       50,760

Total

     81,927        71,758         79,355         82,706       84,296

Average number of customers

             

Residential

     404,697        409,214         413,151         416,967       420,558

Commercial, industrial and transportation

     32,632        33,264         33,911         34,200       34,456

Total

     437,329        442,478         447,062         451,167       455,014

Other data

             

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 44,042      $ 50,995       $ 48,874       $ 47,136       $      44,244

Capital expenditures

   $ 93,566      $ 77,809       $ 63,320       $ 58,862       $      76,157

Operating income

   $ 88,383      $ 83,984       $ 81,956       $ 72,742       $      74,274

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Net Income

Energen Corporation’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $290.8 million, or $4.04 per diluted share compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 net income of $256.3 million, or $3.57 per diluted share. This 13.2 percent increase in earnings per diluted share (EPS) largely reflected significantly higher prices for natural gas and oil and the impact of a net 1.8 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) increase in production volumes from Energen Resources Corporation, Energen’s oil and gas subsidiary. Negatively affecting net income was higher exploration expense due to a non-cash write-off of $24.8 million after-tax (approximately $0.34 per diluted share) of unproved leasehold costs associated with the remainder of its Alabama shale acreage combined with a related $9.7 million after-tax write-off of well costs, increased depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) expense and increased production taxes. Energen Resources also reported an after-tax gain of $3.1 million on the sale of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin during 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Energen Resources earned $245.3 million, as compared with $212.1 million in the previous year. Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco), Energen’s utility subsidiary, generated net income of $46.9 million in the current year as compared with net income in the prior period of $45.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2008, Energen reported net income of $321.9 million, or $4.47 per diluted share.

2010 vs 2009: Energen Resources’ net income totaled $245.3 million in 2010 as compared with $212.1 million in 2009. The primary factors positively influencing income included increased commodity prices of approximately $75 million after-tax and increased production volumes of approximately $13 million after-tax. These increases were partially offset by higher exploration expense of approximately $34 million after-tax, increased DD&A expense of approximately $12 million after-tax, higher production taxes of approximately $4 million after-tax and the 2009 after-tax gain on the $3.1 million sale of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin.

Alagasco earned net income of $46.9 million in 2010 as compared with net income of $45.4 million in 2009. This increase in earnings largely reflected the utility’s ability to earn on a higher level of equity. Alagasco’s return on average equity (ROE) was 14.1 percent in 2010 compared with 14 percent in 2009.

2009 vs 2008: For the year ended December 31, 2009, Energen Resources’ net income totaled $212.1 million and as compared to $282.7 million in the prior year primarily due to decreased commodity prices of approximately $105 million after-tax, higher DD&A expense of approximately $28 million after-tax, higher administrative expense of approximately $7 million after-tax, the $6.4 million after-tax gain on the sale of certain Permian Basin oil properties in 2008 and higher lease operating expense of approximately $5 million after-tax. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of greater production volumes of approximately $52 million after-tax, lower production taxes of approximately $17 million after-tax and the after-tax gain of $3.1 million on the sale of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin.

Alagasco earnings increased to $45.4 million in 2009 from $40.2 million in 2008 which largely reflects the timing of revenue recovery associated with core-market sales as well as increased investment gains combined with the utility’s ability to earn on a higher level of equity. Alagasco achieved an ROE of 14 percent in 2009 compared with 12.9 percent in 2008.

Operating Income

Consolidated operating income in 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $493.4 million, $435.4 million and $562.1 million, respectively. Growth in operating income for 2010 was influenced by the financial performance from Energen Resources arising from increased commodity prices and production. The decrease in operating income for 2009 is primarily due to significantly lower commodity prices partially offset by increased production at Energen Resources. During 2010, Alagasco contributed to this growth in operating income consistent with an increase in the level of equity upon which it has been able to earn a return combined with timing differences associated with rate recovery. Alagasco’s operating income remained relatively flat in 2009.

 

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Oil and Gas Operations: Revenues from oil and gas operations rose in the current year largely as a result of significantly higher commodity prices along with the impact of increased oil and natural gas liquids production volumes partially offset by lower natural gas production volumes. Production increased due to increased volumes related to the June 2009 purchase of certain Permian Basin oil properties, the September 2010 purchase of certain Permian Basin oil properties, acquiring proved reserves of approximately 18 million barrels of oil equivalents (MMBOE), and additional development activities in the San Juan and Permian basins, partially offset by normal production declines and drilling delays. During 2010, revenue per unit of production for natural gas production increased 7.2 percent to $6.82 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), oil revenue per unit of production rose 29.9 percent to $78.86 per barrel and natural gas liquids revenue per unit of production decreased 6.7 percent to $0.83 per gallon. Production rose 1.5 percent to 113 Bcfe during 2010. Natural gas production fell 2 percent to 70.9 billion cubic feet (Bcf) while oil volumes rose 9.4 percent to 5,131 thousand barrels (MBbl). Production of natural gas liquids increased 5.1 percent to 79 million gallons (MMgal).

In 2009, revenues from oil and gas operations declined largely as a result of significantly lower commodity prices partially offset by the impact of increased production volumes. Production increased due to increased volumes related to the June 2009 purchase of certain Permian Basin oil properties along with additional development activities in the San Juan and Permian basins, partially offset by normal production declines. Revenue per unit of production for natural gas production declined 19.9 percent to $6.36 per Mcf, oil revenue per unit of production fell 14.7 percent to $60.72 per barrel and natural gas liquids revenue per unit of production decreased 7.3 percent to $0.89 per gallon during 2009. Production rose 8.7 percent to 111.2 Bcfe during 2009. Natural gas production increased 7.1 percent to 72.3 Bcf and oil volumes rose 14 percent to 4,690 MBbl. Production of natural gas liquids increased 6.4 percent to 75.2 MMgal.

Operating fees from coalbed methane operations are calculated as a percentage of net proceeds on certain properties, as defined by the related operating agreements, and vary with changes in natural gas prices, production volumes and operating expenses.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands, except sales price data)    2010      2009      2008  

Operating revenues

        

Natural gas

   $ 483,935       $ 460,370       $ 536,283   

Oil

     404,625         284,750         292,908   

Natural gas liquids

     65,161         67,254         68,216   

Operating fees

     3,650         3,091         8,599   

Other

     1,391         7,081         8,126   

Total operating revenues

   $ 958,762       $ 822,546       $ 914,132   

Production volumes

        

Natural gas (MMcf)

     70,924         72,337         67,573   

Oil (MBbl)

     5,131         4,690         4,114   

Natural gas liquids (MMgal)

     79.0         75.2         70.7   

Revenue per unit of production including effects of all derivative instruments

        

Natural gas (per Mcf)

   $ 6.82       $ 6.36       $ 7.94   

Oil (per barrel)

   $ 78.86       $ 60.72       $ 71.20   

Natural gas liquids (per gallon)

   $ 0.83       $ 0.89       $ 0.96   

Revenue per unit of production including effects of qualifying cash flow hedges

        

Natural gas (per Mcf)

   $ 6.82       $ 6.36       $ 7.92   

Oil (per barrel)

   $ 78.86       $ 60.65       $ 71.45   

Natural gas liquids (per gallon)

   $ 0.83       $ 0.89       $ 0.96   

Revenue per unit of production excluding effects of all derivative instruments

        

Natural gas (per Mcf)

   $ 4.22       $ 3.52       $ 7.94   

Oil (per barrel)

   $ 75.06       $ 57.32       $ 94.97   

Natural gas liquids (per gallon)

   $ 0.86       $ 0.66       $ 1.14   

Average production (lifting) cost (per Mcfe)

   $ 1.47       $ 1.51       $ 1.58   

Average production tax (per Mcfe)

   $ 0.38       $ 0.32       $ 0.61   

Average DD&A rate (per Mcfe)

   $ 1.77       $ 1.63       $ 1.33   

 

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Operations and maintenance (O&M) expense increased $55.1 million and $19.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. In 2010, lease operating expense (excluding production taxes) increased $0.4 million largely due to the June 2009 and September 2010 Permian Basin oil property acquisitions (approximately $5.5 million), increased marketing and transportation costs (approximately $2.7 million), additional electrical costs (approximately $1.4 million), higher ad valorem taxes (approximately $0.9 million) and increased labor costs (approximately $0.8 million) largely offset by lower workover expense (approximately $7.5 million), decreased nonoperated costs (approximately $1.8 million) and decreased other O&M expense (approximately $1.6 million). Lease operating expense (excluding production taxes) in 2009 increased $7.7 million largely due to the June 2009 Permian Basin oil property acquisition (approximately $6.4 million), higher labor costs (approximately $1.6 million), increased marketing and transportation costs (approximately $0.7 million) and increased ad valorem taxes (approximately $0.5 million) partially offset by decreased electrical costs (approximately $1.3 million). Administrative expense rose $0.3 million in 2010 primarily due to increased labor costs (approximately $2 million) partially offset by decreased legal expenses (approximately $1.9 million). In 2009, administrative expense rose $10.5 million primarily due to increased benefit costs largely related to the Company’s performance-based compensation plans (approximately $8.9 million) and increased legal expenses (approximately $0.8 million). Exploration expense rose $54.4 million during 2010 largely due to charges of $39.7 million for unproved capitalized leasehold costs and $15.5 million for well costs, all related to Alabama shale leasehold. In 2009, exploration expense increased $0.9 million. Exploration expense in 2009 includes the writeoff of two Chattanooga shale wells; the writeoff for one well was $5.6 million and the writeoff for the other well, originally drilled by Chesapeake, for $0.9 million. In addition, exploration expense includes approximately $2.1 million of unproved leasehold impairments related to the Alabama shales.

DD&A expense increased $19.7 million in 2010 and $44.6 million in 2009. The average DD&A rates were $1.77 per Mcfe in 2010, $1.63 per Mcfe in 2009 and $1.33 per Mcfe in 2008. The increase in the 2010 and 2009 per unit DD&A rates, which contributed approximately $14.2 million and $33.1 million, respectively, to the increase in DD&A expense, was primarily due to higher development costs in 2010 and 2009 and reserve revisions associated with lower year-end reserve pricing for 2009. Increased production volumes also contributed approximately $5.2 million and $11.3 million to the increase in DD&A expense in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Energen Resources’ expense for taxes other than income taxes primarily reflected production-related taxes. Energen Resources recorded severance taxes of $42.7 million, $35.7 million and $62.6 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Severance taxes were $7.1 million higher in 2010 resulting from increased commodity market prices and higher oil and natural gas liquids production volumes. Higher commodity market prices and the impact of increased production volumes contributed approximately $6.5 million and $0.6 million to the increase in severance taxes, respectively. Severance taxes decreased $26.9 million in 2009 over the prior year. Lower commodity market prices contributed approximately $32.3 million to the decrease in production-related taxes. Partially offsetting the decreases in production-related taxes were higher production volumes which contributed approximately $5.4 million. Commodity market prices exclude the effects of derivative instruments for purposes of determining severance taxes.

Natural Gas Distribution: As discussed more fully in Note 2, Regulatory Matters, in the Notes to Financial Statements, Alagasco is subject to regulation by the APSC and is allowed to earn a range of return on average equity of 13.15 percent to 13.65 percent. RSE limits the utility’s equity upon which a return is permitted to 55 percent of total capitalization, subject to certain adjustments. Given existing economic conditions, Alagasco expects only modest growth in equity as annual dividends are typically paid by the utility.

Under the inflation-based CCM established by the APSC, if the percentage change in O&M expense on an aggregate basis falls within a range of 0.75 points above or below the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (Index Range), no adjustment is required. If the change in O&M expense on an aggregate basis exceeds the Index Range, three-quarters of the difference is returned to customers. To the extent the change is less than the Index Range, the utility benefits by one-half of the difference through future rate adjustments. The O&M expense base for measurement purposes will be set at the prior year’s actual O&M expense amount unless the Company exceeds the top of the Index Range in two successive years, in which case the base for the following year will be set at the top of the Index Range. Certain items that fluctuate based on situations demonstrated to be beyond Alagasco’s control may be excluded from the cost control measurement calculation.

 

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Alagasco generates revenues through the sale and transportation of natural gas. The transportation rate does not contain an amount representing the cost of gas, and Alagasco’s rate structure allows similar margins on transportation and sales gas. Weather can cause variations in space heating revenues; as such Alagasco’s tariff provides a temperature adjustment mechanism that is designed to moderate the impact of departures from normal temperatures on Alagasco’s earnings. The temperature adjustment applies primarily to residential, small commercial and small industrial customers and is adjusted through the Gas Supply Adjustment rider (GSA).

Alagasco’s natural gas and transportation sales revenues totaled $619.8 million, $617.9 million and $654.8 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Sales revenue in 2010 rose largely due to a weather-driven increase in customer usage of approximately $42.8 million partially offset by a decrease in gas costs of approximately $31.8 million and adjustments from the utility’s rate mechanisms. In the current year-to-date, Alagasco had reduction in revenues of $17.4 million pre-tax to bring the return on average equity to midpoint within the allowed range of return. As of September 30, 2009, Alagasco had a $1.5 million pre-tax reduction in revenues to bring the return on average equity to midpoint within the allowed range of return. In 2010, weather that was 24.8 percent colder than in the prior year contributed to a 16.9 percent increase in residential sales volumes and a 10.6 percent rise in commercial and industrial volumes. Transportation volumes rose 13.6 percent primarily due to lower usage in the prior year by large commercial and industrial customers. In 2009, sales revenue declined largely due to a decrease in gas costs of approximately $36 million and a decline in customer usage of approximately $9 million. Adjustments from the utility’s rate setting mechanisms also contributed to the decline in revenues as Alagasco had a $1.5 million pre-tax reduction in 2009 as discussed above. Alagasco charged approximately $4 million against the ESR during the third quarter of 2008 due to a decline in usage by certain market sensitive large commercial and industrial customers. At the end of the 2008 rate year, the increase in O&M expense was below its inflation-based cost control measure; as a result the utility benefited by a $2.9 million pre-tax increase in revenues. Weather was 4.7 percent warmer than in the prior year during 2009. Residential sales volumes declined 3.3 percent while commercial and industrial volumes decreased 9.1 percent. Transportation volumes fell 12.6 percent largely due to decreased large customer and industrial usage. A significant increase in gas purchase volumes partially offset by a decrease in gas costs resulted in a 3.6 percent increase in cost of gas in 2010. In 2009, lower gas costs along with decreased gas purchase volumes contributed to a 13 percent decrease in cost of gas.

O&M expense at the utility fell 4.5 percent in 2010 largely due to lower consulting and technology costs (approximately $0.5 million) and decreased bad debt expense (approximately $9 million) which reflects improved economic conditions during the later months of 2010, enhanced credit and collection processes and the correction of a $3 million error identified by Alagasco during the first quarter of 2010 in the calculation of the estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2009. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Financial Statements for further discussion. Partially offsetting these decreases were higher labor-related costs (approximately $2.3 million) and increased distribution operation expenses (approximately $2.3 million). In 2009, O&M expense at the utility increased 5.4 percent primarily due to increased bad debt expense (approximately $4.2 million), higher labor-related costs (approximately $3.2 million) and increased marketing expenses (approximately $2.7 million) partially offset by lower distribution operation expenses (approximately $2.1 million) and net decreased consulting and technology costs (approximately $0.5 million). In the rate year ended September 30, 2010, $2.5 million of extraordinary bad debt expense was excluded from the CCM calculation. Alagasco’s O&M expense fell within the Index Range for the rate years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. For the rate year ended September 30, 2008, the increase in O&M expense per customer was below the Index Range; as a result, the utility benefited by $2.9 million pre-tax with the related impact to rates effective December 1, 2008.

Depreciation expense decreased 13.6 percent in 2010 primarily due to revised depreciation rates effective June 1, 2010, partially offset by the extension and replacement of the utility’s distribution system and replacement of its support systems. The revised depreciation rates decreased depreciation expense by approximately $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from expense amounts calculated using the prior depreciation rate. On June 28, 2010, the APSC approved a reduction in depreciation rates, effective June 1, 2010, for Alagasco with the revised prospective composite depreciation rate approximating 3.1 percent. Related to the lower depreciation rates,

 

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Alagasco refunded to eligible customers approximately $25.6 million of refundable negative salvage costs through a one-time bill credit in July, 2010 and $2.7 million through lower tariff rates in December, 2010, and will return to eligible customers an additional estimated $112.8 million, which includes approximately $22.3 million between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. The remainder will be refunded to customers on a declining basis through lower tariff rates over an eight year period originally beginning December 1, 2011. The total amount refundable to eligible customers is subject to adjustments over the entire nine year period for charges made to the Enhanced Stability Reserve (ESR) and other commission-approved charges. On November 1, 2010, the APSC specifically approved adjustments to the total amount refundable to include items originally approved in the APSC’s 1998 order establishing the ESR, environmental response costs, and self insurance costs that exceed $1 million per occurrence. The refunds as of December, 2010 and the remaining amount refundable over the entire nine year period are due to a re-estimation of future removal costs provided for through the prior depreciation rates. The re-estimation was primarily the result of Alagasco’s actual removal cost experience, combined with technology improvements and Alagasco’s system efficiency improvements, during the past five years. Depreciation expense rose 4.3 percent in 2009 due to extension and replacement of the utility’s distribution and replacement of its support systems. Approved depreciation rates averaged approximately 3.6 percent in the year ended December 31, 2010, and approximately 4.4 percent in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Alagasco’s expense for taxes other than income primarily reflects various state and local business taxes as well as payroll-related taxes. State and local business taxes generally are based on gross receipts and fluctuate accordingly.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Natural gas transportation and sales revenues

   $ 619,772      $ 617,874      $ 654,778   

Cost of natural gas

     (316,988     (306,054     (351,774

Operations and maintenance

     (128,830     (134,847     (127,877

Depreciation

     (44,042     (50,995     (48,874

Income taxes

     (29,875     (27,353     (24,829

Taxes, other than income taxes

     (41,529     (41,994     (44,297

Operating income

   $ 58,508      $ 56,631      $ 57,127   

Natural gas sales volumes (MMcf)

      

Residential

     24,463        20,921        21,632   

Commercial and industrial

     10,985        9,934        10,934   

Total natural gas sales volumes

     35,448        30,855        32,566   

Natural gas transportation volumes (MMcf)

     46,479        40,903        46,789   

Total deliveries (MMcf)

     81,927        71,758        79,355   

Non-Operating Items

Consolidated: Interest expense declined $0.2 million in 2010. In 2009, interest expense fell $2.6 million largely due to lower borrowings at Energen Resources combined with lower interest rates on short-term debt. The average daily outstanding balance under credit facilities was $19.7 million in 2010. The average daily outstanding balance under credit facilities was $33.6 million in 2009 as compared to $89.2 million in 2008. Income tax expense increased in 2010 primarily due to higher pre-tax income. In 2009 income tax expense decreased largely due to lower pre-tax income.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY

The Company’s net cash from operating activities totaled $671 million, $679.5 million and $569.2 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Net income increased during 2010 largely due to higher realized commodity prices along with an increase in production volumes at Energen Resources. The Company’s working capital needs were also influenced by accrued taxes along with commodity prices, and the timing of payments. During 2010, the income tax receivable increased approximately $39.9 million associated with the impact of bonus depreciation and the write-off of Alabama shale leasehold. Net income decreased for 2009 primarily due to lower realized commodity prices partially offset by higher production volumes at Energen Resources and lower production taxes. These decreases were more than offset by lower working capital requirements which were influenced primarily by accrued taxes along with the effect of lower commodity prices and the timing of payments. Operating cash flow in

 

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2008 benefited from higher realized commodity prices and production volumes at Energen Resources. Operating cash flows during 2008 were positively impacted by the tax effect of depreciation and basis differences. During 2010 and 2009, working capital needs at Alagasco were largely affected by decreased gas costs compared to the prior period, accrued taxes and storage gas inventory. Alagasco received a cash benefit in February 2009 from an approximate $26.2 million income tax refund claim from 2007 which resulted from an approved change by the Internal Revenue Service in a tax accounting method relating to the Company’s recovery of its gas distribution property. During 2008, working capital needs were primarily affected by increased gas costs and accrued taxes. Other working capital items, which primarily are the result of changes in throughput and the timing of payments, combined to create the remaining increases in all years.

The Company made net investments of $842.7 million during 2010. Energen Resources invested $410.3 million in property acquisitions including approximately $201.9 million of unproved leaseholds, $301.2 million for development costs (excludes approximately $26.6 million of accrued development cost) including approximately $258.2 million to drill 251 net development and service wells and $36.5 million for exploration. In September 2010, Energen Resources completed a purchase of oil properties located in the Permian Basin for a cash price of approximately $189 million adding approximately 18 MMBOE in proved reserves. Energen Resources completed, in December 2010, a purchase of oil properties located in the Permian Basin for a cash price of approximately $74 million. The acquisition added approximately 7.6 MMBOE in proved reserves. Energen Resources also completed in December 2010, the purchase of oil properties with only unproved reserves in the Permian Basin for a cash price of $110 million. Energen Resources had cash proceeds in 2010 of $3.2 million primarily from the sale of certain Permian and Black Warrior basin properties. Utility expenditures in 2010 totaled $92.1 million (excludes approximately $0.5 million of accrued capital cost) and primarily represented expansion and replacement of its distribution system and replacement of its support facilities. During 2009, the Company made net investments of $519.1 million. Energen Resources invested $189.8 million in property acquisitions including approximately $5.1 million of unproved leaseholds, $237.9 million for development costs (includes approximately $23.8 million of accrued development cost) including approximately $138.8 million to drill 163 net development and service wells and $16.2 million for exploration. In June 2009, Energen Resources completed its purchase of oil properties located in the Permian Basin for a cash price of approximately $181 million. The acquisition added approximately 15.2 MMBOE in proved reserves. Energen Resources had cash proceeds in 2009 of $7.9 million primarily from the sale of certain Permian Basin oil properties. Utility expenditures in 2009 totaled $77 million (includes approximately $0.5 million of accrued capital cost) and primarily represented expansion and replacement of its distribution system and support facilities, including the implementation of the Customer Care and Service (CCS) software system. During 2008, the Company made net investments of $464.6 million. Energen Resources invested $19 million in property acquisitions including approximately $18.1 million of unproved leaseholds (including approximately $13 million related to Alabama shales), $386.7 million for development costs (excludes approximately $26.2 million of accrued development cost) including approximately $262 million to drill 285 net development and service wells and $19.5 million for exploration. Energen Resources had cash proceeds in 2008 of $16.2 million from the sale of certain properties. Utility expenditures in 2008 totaled $62.6 million.

During 2010, the Company added approximately 155 Bcfe of reserves primarily from the Permian Basin oil property acquisitions. Also during 2010, Energen Resources added 110 Bcfe of reserves from discoveries and other additions, primarily the result of development drilling that increased the number of proved undeveloped locations in both the San Juan and Permian basins as well as continued downspacing in the Permian Basin. Energen Resources added approximately 204 Bcfe and 126 Bcfe of reserves in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Company provided $118.5 million from net financing activities in 2010 largely from an increase in short-term debt borrowings used largely to fund acquisitions partially offset by the payment of current maturities for long-term debt of $150.7 million. The Company used $97.7 million and $100.2 million for net financing activities in 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily for the repayment of short-term debt borrowings. In addition, long-term debt was reduced by $1 million and $10.9 million for current maturities in 2009 and 2008, respectively. For each of the years, net cash used in financing activities also reflected dividends paid to common shareholders.

 

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Capital Expenditures

Oil and Gas Operations: Energen Resources spent a total of $1.7 billion for capital projects during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Property acquisition expenditures totaled $619.4 million, development activities totaled $970.3 million, and exploratory expenditures totaled $72.2 million.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008

Capital and exploration expenditures for:

        

Property acquisitions

   $ 409,042       $ 191,363       $  18,996

Development

     331,850         225,482       412,928

Exploration

     36,455         16,230       19,504

Other

     4,103         4,198       5,763

Total

     781,450         437,273       457,191

Less exploration expenditures charged to income

     63,668         9,874       7,620

Net capital expenditures

   $ 717,782       $ 427,399       $449,571

Natural Gas Distribution: During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, Alagasco invested $234.7 million for capital projects: $164.6 million for expansion, replacements and support of its distribution system and $70 million for support facilities, including the development and implementation of information systems.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008

Capital expenditures for:

        

Renewals, replacements, system expansion and other

   $ 68,774       $ 52,585       $43,284

Support facilities

     24,792         25,224       20,036

Total

   $ 93,566       $ 77,809       $63,320

FUTURE CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Oil and Gas Operations

The Company plans to continue investing significant capital in Energen Resources’ oil and gas production operations. For 2011, the Company expects its oil and gas capital spending to total approximately $667 million, including $639 million for existing properties and $25 million for exploration. Included in this $639 million is approximately $320 million for the development of previously identified proved undeveloped reserves.

Capital expenditures by area during 2011 are planned as follows:

 

Year ended December 31, (in thousands)    2011

San Juan Basin

   $  83,000

Permian Basin

   532,000

Black Warrior Basin

   14,000

North Louisiana/East Texas

   10,000

Exploration

   25,000

Other

   3,000

Total

   $667,000

Energen anticipates having the following drilling rigs and net wells by area during 2011. The drilling rigs presented below are operated while the net wells include operated and non-operated wells.

 

      Drilling Rigs    Net Wells

San Juan Basin

   2 - 5    45

Permian Basin

   14 - 15    355

Black Warrior Basin

   1    41

North Louisiana/East Texas

   1    3

Total

   18 - 22    444

The Company also may allocate additional capital for other oil and gas activities such as property acquisitions and additional development of existing properties. Energen Resources may evaluate acquisition opportunities which arise in the marketplace and from time to time will pursue acquisitions that meet Energen’s acquisition criteria.

 

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Energen Resources’ ability to invest in property acquisitions is subject to market conditions and industry trends. Property acquisitions are not included in the aforementioned estimate of oil and gas investments and could result in capital expenditures different from those outlined above. To finance capital spending at Energen Resources, the Company primarily expects to use internally generated cash flow supplemented by its credit facilities. The Company also may issue long-term debt and equity periodically to replace short-term obligations, enhance liquidity and provide for permanent financing. The Company currently has no plans for the issuance of equity.

Alabama Shales

During 2010, Energen Resources incurred write-offs of unproved capitalized leasehold costs associated with its Alabama shale acreage. The non-cash charges totaled $39.7 million pre-tax and were charged to exploration expense, which is included in O&M expense, after the Company determined that the shale acreage was not economically viable. Energen Resources also recorded $15.5 million pre-tax in write-offs of well costs related to Alabama shale leasehold.

During 2009, Energen Resources was unsuccessful in the completion of a Chattanooga shale well. The costs related to this well of approximately $5.6 million pre-tax were expensed during the fourth quarter of 2009. Also expensed during the fourth quarter was approximately $1.2 million pre-tax of costs associated with a well originally drilled by Chesapeake in an area of the Chattanooga shale. In addition, the Company recognized unproved leasehold impairments of approximately $2.1 million pre-tax during 2009 related to the Alabama shales.

Natural Gas Distribution

Alagasco’s use of commodity price hedges for a portion of its gas supply needs is reflected in the utility’s current rates. Alagasco’s rate schedules for natural gas distribution charges contain a GSA rider which permits the pass-through to customers for changes in the cost of gas supply. The GSA rider is designed to capture the Company’s cost of natural gas and provides for a pass-through of gas cost fluctuations to customers without markup; the cost of gas includes the commodity cost, pipeline capacity, transportation and fuel costs, and risk management gains and losses.

Alagasco is a mature utility operating in a slow-growth service area. Over the last five years, Alagasco’s customer count has declined at a rate of approximately 1 percent annually despite above-average levels of penetration along existing distribution lines. To increase its customer base, the utility is capitalizing on opportunities to expand its distribution lines to areas with economic growth potential and pursuing the acquisition of mutually beneficial municipally owned gas systems in Alabama. Alagasco monitors the bad debt reserve and makes adjustments as required based on its evaluation of receivables which are impacted by natural gas prices and the underlying current and future economic conditions facing the utility’s customer base.

Another aspect of growth is usage per customer. Throughout the country, customer use of natural gas has declined over the years in large part due to energy-efficiencies in home construction and appliances and conservation. Alagasco’s marketing emphasis in this area is directed toward retention and increasing end-use applications by existing customers.

Alagasco maintains an investment in storage gas that is expected to average approximately $40 million in 2011 but will vary depending upon the price of natural gas. During 2011, Alagasco plans to invest approximately $75 million in utility capital expenditures for normal distribution and support systems. The utility anticipates funding these capital requirements through internally generated cash flow and the utilization of its credit facilities.

Stock Repurchases

Energen periodically considers stock repurchases as a capital investment. Energen may buy shares on the open market or in negotiated purchases. The timing and amounts of any repurchases are subject to changes in market conditions. The Company did not repurchase shares of common stock for this program during 2010, 2009 or 2008. The Company expects any future stock repurchases to be funded through internally generated cash flows or through the utilization of credit facilities. During 2010, the Company had noncash purchases of approximately $2.9 million of Company common stock in conjunction with tax withholdings on its non-qualified deferred compensation plan and other stock compensation plans. The Company utilized internally generated cash flows in payment of the related tax withholdings.

 

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Credit Facilities

Access to capital is an integral part of the Company’s business plan. While the Company expects to have ongoing access to its credit facilities and the longer-term markets, continued access could be adversely affected by current and future economic and business conditions and credit rating downgrades. On October 29, 2010, Energen and Alagasco entered into an $850 million and a $150 million, respectively, three-year syndicated unsecured credit facility (syndicated credit facilities) with domestic and foreign lenders. Energen’s obligations under the $850 million syndicated credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Energen Resources. These syndicated credit facilities replace the majority of the Company’s short-term credit facilities which were available to Energen and Alagasco. There are certain restrictive covenants including a financial covenant with a maximum consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of 65 percent for each of the Company and Alagasco. Both the Company and Alagasco were in compliance with the terms of the syndicated credit facilities at December 31, 2010. The Company currently has available credit facilities as follows:

 

(in thousands)    Current
Term
     Energen      Alagasco      Total

Syndicated Credit Facility

     10/29/2013       $ 850,000       $ 150,000       $1,000,000

Bryant Bank

     11/1/2011         -         9,000       9,000

BancorpSouth Bank

     5/23/2011         -         10,000       10,000

Total

            $ 850,000       $ 169,000       $1,019,000

Energen and Alagasco rely upon excess cash flow supplemented by the syndicated credit facilities and the short-term credit facilities to fund working capital needs. The Company may also issue long-term debt and equity periodically to replace obligations under the credit facilities, enhance liquidity and provide for permanent financing.

Credit Ratings

Energen and Alagasco’s current debt ratings by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s are considered investment grade and each have a stable outlook.

Dividends

Energen expects to pay annual cash dividends of $0.54 per share on the Company’s common stock in 2011. The amount and timing of all dividend payments is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based upon business conditions, results of operations, financial conditions and other factors.

Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commitments

In the course of ordinary business activities, Energen enters into a variety of contractual cash obligations and other commitments. The following table summarizes the Company’s significant contractual cash obligations, other than hedging contracts, as of December 31, 2010:

 

      Payments Due before December 31,
(in thousands)    Total      2011      2012-2013      2014-2015      2016 and  
Thereafter

Short-term debt

   $ 305,000       $ 305,000       $ -       $ -       $               -

Long-term debt (1)

     410,793         5,000         51,000         80,000       274,793

Interest payments on debt

     335,808         25,981         49,461         45,855       214,511

Purchase obligations (2)

     151,912         50,946         85,775         11,261       3,930

Capital lease obligations

     -         -         -         -      

-

Operating leases

     38,236         5,436         9,243         6,643       16,914

Asset retirement obligations (3)

     593,966         14,798         3,983         4,680       570,505

Nonqualified supplemental retirement plans

     34,122         2,304         4,833         3,223       23,762

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 1,869,837       $ 409,465       $ 204,295       $ 151,662       $ 1,104,415

 

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(1) Long-term cash obligations include $0.5 million of unamortized debt discounts as of December 31, 2010.

(2) Certain of the Company’s long-term contracts associated with the delivery and storage of natural gas include fixed charges of $152 million through September 2024. The Company also is committed to purchase minimum quantities of gas at market-related prices or to pay certain costs in the event the minimum quantities are not taken. These purchase commitments are approximately 249 Bcf through August 2020.

(3) Represents the estimated future asset retirement obligation on an undiscounted basis.

Energen Resources operates in certain instances through joint ventures under joint operating agreements. Typically, the operator under a joint operating agreement enters into contracts, such as drilling contracts, for the benefit of all joint venture partners. Through the joint operating agreement, the non-operators reimburse, and in some cases advance, the funds necessary to meet the contractual obligations entered into by the operator. These obligations are typically shared on a working interest basis as defined in the joint operating contractual agreement.

The Company has two defined non-contributory pension plans and provides certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits. The Company anticipates required contributions of approximately $7.2 million during 2011 to the pension plans. The Company expects sufficient funding credits, as established under Internal Revenue Code Section 430(f), exist to meet the required funding. It is not anticipated that the funded status of the pension plans will fall below statutory thresholds requiring accelerated funding or constraints on benefit levels or plan administration. No additional discretionary contributions are currently expected to be made to the pension plans by the Company during 2011. The Company expects to make discretionary payments of approximately $4.8 million to postretirement benefit program assets during 2011. The contractual obligations reported above exclude any payments the Company expects to make to postretirement benefit program assets.

The contractual obligations reported above exclude the Company’s liability of $24.6 million related to the Company’s provision for uncertain tax positions. The Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of related future payments for such liability.

Energen and its subsidiaries’ 2007 and 2008 federal consolidated income tax returns have been under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination. In September 2010, the IRS made certain assessments primarily related to Alagasco’s tax accounting method change for the recovery of its gas distribution property. The Company has filed a petition in United States Tax Court challenging the IRS assessment. Although the timing of the resolution is highly uncertain, a maximum exposure of an unfavorable outcome would result in income tax cash payments of approximately $31 million.

During the third quarter of 2010, Energen Resources received preliminary findings from the Taxation and Revenue Department (the Department) of the State of New Mexico relating to its audit of federal oil and gas leases located in New Mexico. The audit covered periods from January 2004 through December 2008 and included a review of the computation and payment of royalties due on minerals removed from U.S. federal leases. The Department proposes a change in the method of determining allowable deductions of transportation, fuel and processing costs from royalties due under the terms of the related leases. Such proposal, if determined appropriate, will result in increases of royalties due under the audit periods.

The Department’s preliminary findings are contrary to those allowed under previous audits and are inconsistent with the Company’s understanding of industry practice. The Company intends to vigorously contest the proposal under the preliminary findings and has requested additional information from the Department to determine the basis of its conclusion. Management is unable, at this time, to determine a range of reasonably possible losses as a result of this finding and no amount has been accrued as of December 31, 2010.

OUTLOOK

Oil and Gas Operations: Energen Resources plans to continue to implement its growth strategy with capital spending in 2011. Production in 2011 is estimated to be 124 Bcfe, including approximately 118 Bcfe of estimated

 

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production from proved reserves owned at December 31, 2010. Production estimates do not include amounts for potential future acquisitions. In the event Energen Resources is unable to fully invest in its capital investment opportunities, future operating revenues, production and proved reserves could be negatively affected.

Production volumes by area are expected to be as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (Bcfe)    2011

San Juan Basin

   57

Permian Basin

   48

Black Warrior Basin

   13

North Louisiana/East Texas

   6

Total

   124

During 2011, Energen Resources expects an annualized decline rate of approximately 7.2 percent for its proved developed producing properties owned at December 31, 2010. During the same period, total production from proved properties is expected to increase approximately 4.6 percent and total production is expected to increase approximately 9.5 percent. The above proved developed producing properties decline rates are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s expectations for its terminal decline rate on a long-term basis.

Various factors influence decline rates. For example, certain properties may have production curves that decline at faster rates in the early years of production and at slower rates in later years. Other properties, such as certain coalbed methane wells or waterflood projects, may experience inclining production during the early years followed by declining production. Further, production curves can be positively impacted by various enhanced recovery techniques. Accordingly, the decline rate for a single year is influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to, the mix of types of wells, the mix of newer versus older wells, and the effect of enhanced recovery activities, but it is not necessarily indicative of future decline rates. Excluding the positive effects of more recent activities as discussed above, the longer term decline rates of properties typically flatten but continue to decline until a property reaches its economic limit and is then plugged and abandoned. Energen Resources expects a compound annual decline rate for proved producing properties owned at December 31, 2010 of approximately 9 percent for the 10 year period 2010 to 2020.

Energen Resources’ major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its oil and gas production. Historically, prices received for oil and gas production have been volatile because of seasonal weather patterns, national supply and demand factors and general economic conditions. Crude oil prices also are affected by quality differentials, worldwide political developments and actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Basis differentials, like the underlying commodity prices, can be volatile because of regional supply and demand factors, including seasonal variations and the availability and price of transportation to consuming areas. Additionally, downward commodity price trends may impact expected cash flows from future production and potentially reduce the carrying value of Company-owned oil and natural gas properties.

Revenues and related accounts receivable from oil and gas operations primarily are generated from the sale of produced oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids to energy marketing companies. Such sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. This concentration of sales to the energy marketing industry has the potential to affect the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the Company’s oil and gas purchasers may be affected similarly by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. Energen Resources considers the credit quality of its customers and, in certain instances, may require credit assurances such as a deposit, letter of credit or parent guarantee.

Derivative Commodity Instruments

Energen Resources periodically enters into derivative commodity instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges to hedge its price exposure to its estimated oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production. Such instruments may include natural gas and crude oil over-the-counter (OTC) swaps and basis hedges with major energy derivative product specialists. The counterparties to the commodity instruments are investment and commercial banks and energy-trading firms. At December 31, 2010, the counterparty agreements under which the Company had active positions did not include collateral posting requirements. Energen Resources was in a net loss position with eight of

 

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its active counterparties and a net gain with the remaining three at December 31, 2010. The Company is at risk for economic loss based upon the creditworthiness of its counterparties. Hedge transactions are pursuant to standing authorizations by the Board of Directors, which do not authorize speculative positions. Energen Resources does not hedge more than 80 percent of its estimated annual production. Production may be hedged for a longer period immediately following an acquisition in order to protect targeted returns.

Alagasco also enters into cash flow derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on its gas supply. Alagasco recognizes all derivatives at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Any gains or losses are passed through to customers using the mechanisms of the GSA in compliance with Alagasco’s APSC-approved tariff and are recognized as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.

Energen Resources entered into the following transactions for 2011 and subsequent years:

 

Production
Period
   Total Hedged
Volumes
  

Average Contract

Price

   Description

Natural Gas

2011

   13.6 Bcf    $6.58 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   31.3 Bcf    $5.98 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps
   *0.7 Bcf    $4.74 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   *6.8 Bcf    $4.35 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps

2012

   7.2 Bcf    $5.07 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   29.5 Bcf    $4.60 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps
   *3.8 Bcf    $5.08 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps

2013

   7.2 Bcf    $5.31 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   12.0 Bcf    $4.90 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps
   *1.6 Bcf    $5.28 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   *7.2 Bcf    $4.91 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps

Oil

2011

   4,421 MBbl    $78.83 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps

2012

   3,744 MBbl    $82.52 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps

2013

   3,199 MBbl    $85.32 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps

2014

   2,742 MBbl    $87.44 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps

Oil Basis Differential

2011

   2,076 MBbl    **    Basis Swaps

2012

   672 MBbl    **    Basis Swaps

Natural Gas Liquids

2011

   42.8 MMGal    $0.90 Gal    Liquids Swaps

2012

   36.4 MMGal    $0.85 Gal    Liquids Swaps

2012

   *3.5 MMGal    $0.96 Gal    Liquids Swaps

*       Contracts entered into subsequent to December 31, 2010

**     Average contract prices not meaningful due to the varying nature of each contract

Alagasco entered into the following natural gas transactions for 2011 and subsequent years:

 

Production
Period
   Total Hedged
Volumes
   Description    

2011

   15.2 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

2012

   17.2 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

2013

   1.5 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

Energen Resources has prepared a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the hypothetical effect that changes in the market value of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids may have on the fair value of its derivative instruments. This analysis measured the impact on the commodity derivative instruments and, thereby, did not consider the underlying exposure related to the commodity. At December 31, 2010, Energen Resources was in a net loss position of $70.5 million for derivative contracts and estimates that a 10 percent increase or decrease in the commodities prices would have resulted in an approximate $176 million change in the fair value of open derivative

 

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contracts; however, gains and losses on derivative contracts are expected to be similarly offset by sales at the spot market price. The hypothetical change in fair value was calculated by multiplying the difference between the hypothetical price and the contractual price by the contractual volumes and did not include the impact of related taxes on actual cash prices.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value under the fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Financial Statements. Over-the-counter derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models and broker or dealer quotations. These OTC derivative contracts trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information as compared to markets with actively traded, unadjusted quoted prices; accordingly, the determination of fair value is inherently more difficult. OTC derivatives for which the Company is able to substantiate fair value through directly observable market prices are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 2 fair values consist of swaps priced in reference to New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas and oil futures. OTC derivatives valued using unobservable market prices have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 3 fair values include basin specific, basis and liquids swaps. All derivative commodity instruments in a gain position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to each related counterparty. Derivative commodity instruments in a loss position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to Energen or Alagasco. As of the balance sheet date, the Company believes that these prices represent the best estimate of the exit price for these instruments and are representative of the prices for which the contract will ultimately settle or realize.

The following sets forth derivative assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands)    Level 2*     Level 3*     Total  

Current assets

   $ 10,316      $ 50,236      $ 60,552   

Noncurrent assets

     -        -        -   

Current liabilities

     (76,527     (1,997     (78,524

Noncurrent liabilities

     (107,452     (5,484     (112,936

Net derivative asset (liability)

   $ (173,663   $ 42,755      $ (130,908

 

      December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)    Level 2*     Level 3*     Total  

Current assets

   $ 57,235      $ 62,208      $ 119,443   

Noncurrent assets

     (1,600     9,424        7,824   

Current liabilities

     (25,518     (6,584     (32,102

Noncurrent liabilities

     (59,914     (531     (60,445

Net derivative asset (liability)

   $ (29,797   $ 64,517      $ 34,720   
*

Amounts classified in accordance with accounting guidance which permits offsetting fair value of amounts recognized for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

As of December 31, 2010, Alagasco has $27.9 million and $32.5 million of derivative instruments which are classified as Level 2 fair values and are included in the above table as current and noncurrent liabilities, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, Alagasco has $25.8 million and $19 million of derivative instruments which are classified as Level 2 fair values and are included in the above table as current and noncurrent liabilities, respectively. Alagasco has no derivative instruments classified as Level 3 fair values as of December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2010 represent approximately 1 percent of total assets and an immaterial amount of total liabilities, respectively. Changes in fair value primarily result from price changes in the underlying commodity. The Company has prepared a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the hypothetical effect that changes in the prices used to estimate fair value would have on the fair value of its derivative instruments. The Company estimates that a 10 percent increase or decrease in commodity prices would result in an approximate $39 million

 

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change in the fair value of open Level 3 derivative contracts. The resulting impact upon the results of operations for Level 3 derivatives would be immaterial due to the derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges. Liquidity requirements to meet the obligation would not be significantly impacted as gains and losses on the derivative contracts would be similarly offset by sales at the spot market price.

In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules and regulations implementing the new legislation within 360 days from the date of enactment. The Dodd-Frank Act may require the Company and Alagasco to comply with margin requirements and certain clearing and trade execution requirements. Certain counterparties may also be required to spin off some of their derivatives activities to separate and potentially less creditworthy entities. Further, the CFTC has proposed regulations to set position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets. These rules and regulations if implemented could materially impact the Company and Alagasco’s use of derivative instruments and could significantly increase the cost of derivative instruments, limit the availability of derivatives instruments used to protect against risks, increase exposure to credit risk and reduce available liquidity. The Company and Alagasco are currently unable to estimate the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, however, these rules and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company and Alagasco’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Natural Gas Distribution: The extension of RSE in December 2007 provides Alagasco the opportunity to continue earning an allowed ROE between 13.15 percent and 13.65 percent through December 31, 2014. Under the terms of that extension, RSE will continue beyond that date, unless, after notice to the Company and a hearing, the APSC votes to modify or discontinue its operation. Alagasco’s rate schedules for natural gas distribution charges contain a Gas Supply Adjustment rider which permits the pass-through to customers for changes in the cost of gas supply. Also as discussed in Note 2, Regulatory Matters, in the Notes to Financial Statements, the utility’s CCM is based on the rate of inflation. Continued low inflation or the risk of deflation combined with a return to higher gas prices resulting in increased bad debt expense could impact the utility’s ability to manage its O&M expense sufficiently for the inflation-based cost control requirements of RSE and may result in an average return on equity lower than the allowed range of return. In addition, decreases in residential customers and declines in usage per customer in the residential and small commercial classes, as well as market sensitive load losses from large industrial and commercial customers, will make it more difficult for the utility to earn within its allowed range of return on equity. The utility has developed a variety of programs to help it compete for gas load in all markets. The Company has been effective in utilizing these programs to deter load loss to competitive fuels.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management has identified the following critical accounting policies in the application of existing accounting standards or in the implementation of new standards that involve significant judgments and estimates by the Company. The application of these accounting policies necessarily requires management’s most subjective or complex judgments regarding estimates and projected outcomes of future events that could have a material impact on the financial statements.

Oil and Gas Operations

Accounting for Natural Gas and Oil Producing Activities and Related Reserves: The Company utilizes the successful efforts method of accounting for its natural gas and oil producing activities. Acquisition and development costs of proved properties are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-production basis over the remaining life of total proved and proved developed reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Accordingly, these estimates do not include probable or possible reserves. Estimated oil and gas reserves are based on currently available reservoir data and are subject to future revision. Estimates of physical quantities of oil and gas reserves have been determined by Company engineers. Independent oil and gas reservoir engineers have audited the estimates of proved reserves of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids attributed to the Company’s net interests in oil and gas properties as of December 31, 2010. The independent reservoir engineers

 

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have issued reports covering approximately 96 percent of the Company’s ending proved reserves and in their judgment these estimates were reasonable in the aggregate. The Company’s production of proved undeveloped reserves requires the drilling of development wells and the installation or completion of related infrastructure facilities.

Changes in oil and gas prices, operating costs and expected performance from the properties can result in a revision to the amount of estimated reserves held by the Company. If reserves are revised upward, earnings could be affected due to lower depreciation and depletion expense per unit of production. Likewise, if reserves are revised downward, earnings could be affected due to higher depreciation and depletion expense or due to an immediate writedown of the property’s book value if an impairment is warranted. The table below reflects an estimated increase in 2011 depreciation, depletion and amortization expense associated with an assumed downward revision in the reported oil and gas reserve amounts at December 31, 2010:

 

     

Percentage Change in Oil & Gas Reserves

From Reported Reserves as of December 31, 2010

(dollars in thousands)    -5%    -10%
     

Estimated increase in DD&A expense for the year ended
December 31, 2011, net of tax

   $ 6,645    $ 13,974

Exploratory drilling costs are capitalized pending determination of proved reserves. If proved reserves are not discovered, the exploratory drilling costs are expensed. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred.

Asset Impairments: Oil and gas proved properties periodically are assessed for possible impairment on a field-by-field basis using the estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Impairment losses are recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the current net book values of the properties in a field. The Company monitors its oil and gas properties as well as the market and business environments in which it operates and makes assessments about events that could result in potential impairment issues. Such potential events may include, but are not limited to, substantial commodity price declines, unanticipated increased operating costs, and lower-than-expected production performance. If a material event occurs, Energen Resources makes an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows to determine whether the asset is impaired. If the asset is impaired, the Company will record an impairment loss for the difference between the net book value of the properties and the fair value of the properties. The fair value of the properties typically is estimated using discounted cash flows.

Cash flow and fair value estimates require Energen Resources to make projections and assumptions for pricing, demand, competition, operating costs, legal and regulatory issues, discount rates and other factors for many years into the future. These variables can, and often do, differ from the estimates and can have a positive or negative impact on the Company’s need for impairment or on the amount of impairment. In addition, further changes in the economic and business environment can impact the Company’s original and ongoing assessments of potential impairment.

Energen Resources also may recognize any impairment of capitalized costs for unproved properties. The greatest portion of these costs generally relates to the acquisition of leasehold costs and exploratory drilling costs. The costs are capitalized and periodically evaluated as to recoverability, based on changes brought about by exploration activities, changes in economic factors and potential shifts in business strategy employed by management. The Company considers a combination of geologic and engineering factors to evaluate the need for impairment of these costs.

Derivatives: Energen Resources periodically enters into commodity derivative contracts to manage its exposure to oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids price volatility. Energen Resources recognizes all derivates on the balance sheet and measures all derivatives at fair value. Realized gains and losses from derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in oil and gas production revenues when the forecasted transaction occurs. Energen Resources may also enter into derivative transactions that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting but are considered by management to be valid economic hedges. Gains and losses from the change in fair value of

 

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derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in current period operating revenues, rather than in the period in which the hedge transaction is settled. Energen Resources does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading purposes. The use of derivative contracts to mitigate price risk may cause the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flow to be materially different from results that would have been obtained had such risk mitigation activities not occurred.

Natural Gas Distribution

Regulated Operations: Alagasco capitalizes costs as regulatory assets that otherwise would be charged to expense if it is probable that the cost is recoverable in the future through regulated rates. Likewise, if current recovery is provided for a cost that will be incurred in the future, the cost would be recognized as a regulatory liability. Alagasco’s rate setting methodology, Rate Stabilization and Equalization, has been in effect since 1983.

Consolidated

Employee Benefit Plans: An employer is required to recognize the net funded status of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefit plans (benefit plans) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status through comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The pension benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO), a measurement of earned benefit obligations at expected retirement salary levels; for other postretirement plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), a measurement of earned postretirement benefit obligations expected to be paid to employees upon retirement. Alagasco established a regulatory asset for the portion of the total benefit obligation to be recovered through rates in future periods.

Actuarial assumptions attempt to anticipate future events and are used in calculating the expenses and liabilities related to these plans. The calculation of the liability related to the Company’s benefit plans includes assumptions regarding the appropriate weighted average discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on the plans’ assets and the estimated weighted average rate of increase in the compensation level of its employee base for defined benefit pension plans. The key assumptions used in determining these calculations are disclosed in Note 5, Employee Benefit Plans, in the Notes to Financial Statements.

In selecting the discount rate, consideration was given to Moody’s Aa corporate bond rates, along with a yield curve applied to payments the Company expects to make out of its retirement plans. The yield curve is comprised of a broad base of Aa bonds with maturities between zero and thirty years. The discount rate was developed as the level equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates aligned with the projected benefit payments; the weighted average discount rate used to determine net periodic costs was 5.49 percent for the plans for the year ended December 31, 2010. The assumed rate of return on assets is the weighted average of expected long-term asset assumptions; the return on assets used to determine net periodic expense was 7.25 percent for each of the applicable plans for the year ended December 31, 2010. The estimated weighted average rate of increase in the compensation level for pay related plans was 3.95 percent for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The selection and use of actuarial assumptions affects the amount of benefit expense recorded in the Company’s financial statements. The table below reflects a hypothetical 25 basis point change in assumed actuarial assumptions to pre-tax benefit expense for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

      Pension    Postretirement

(in thousands)

   Expense    Expense

Discount rate change

   $  1,100    $  50

Return on assets

   $     450    $150

Compensation increase

   $     650    $     -

The weighted average discount rate, return on plan assets and estimated rate of compensation increase used in the 2011 actuarial assumptions is 4.89 percent, 7.25 percent, and 3.75 percent, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligation: The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (ARO) in the period in which it is incurred. Subsequent to initial measurement, liabilities are required to be accreted to their present value each period and capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the

 

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related assets. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company will settle the obligation for its recorded amount and recognize the resulting gain or loss. Energen Resources has an obligation to remove tangible equipment and restore land at the end of oil and gas production operations. Alagasco has certain removal cost obligations related to its gas distribution assets and a conditional asset retirement obligation to purge and cap its distribution and transmission lines upon abandonment. The estimate of future restoration and removal costs includes numerous assumptions and uncertainties, including but not limited to, inflation factors, discount rates, timing of settlement, and changes in contractual, regulatory, political, environmental, safety and public relations considerations.

Uncertain Tax Positions: The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting guidance which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition. The application of income tax law is inherently complex; laws and regulation in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, the Company is required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding income tax exposures. Interpretations and guidance related to income tax laws and regulation change over time. It is possible that changes in the Company’s subjective assumptions and judgments could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of income. Additional information related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions is provided in Note 4, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD

See Note 15, Recently Issued Accounting Standards, in the Notes to Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item with respect to market risk is set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “Outlook” and in Note 8, Financial Instruments and Risk Management, in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

ENERGEN CORPORATION

ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

         Page  

1.

 

Financial Statements

  
   

Energen Corporation

      
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     41   
 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     43   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009

     44   
 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     46   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     47   
 

Notes to Financial Statements

     53   
 

Alabama Gas Corporation

  
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     42   
 

Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     48   
 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009

     49   
 

Statements of Shareholder’s Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     51   
 

Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

     52   
 

Notes to Financial Statements

     53   

2.

 

Financial Statement Schedules

  
 

Energen Corporation

  
 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     93   
 

Alabama Gas Corporation

  
 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     93   

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Energen Corporation:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Energen Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Birmingham, Alabama

February 25, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Alabama Gas Corporation:

In our opinion, the financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alabama Gas Corporation at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Birmingham, Alabama

February 25, 2011

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Energen Corporation

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands, except share data)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating Revenues

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 958,762      $ 822,546      $ 914,132   

Natural gas distribution

     619,772        617,874        654,778   

Total operating revenues

     1,578,534        1,440,420        1,568,910   

Operating Expenses

      

Cost of gas

     316,988        306,054        351,774   

Operations and maintenance

     429,165        380,625        354,760   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     247,865        235,084        188,413   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     84,961        78,329        107,605   

Accretion expense

     6,178        4,935        4,290   

Total operating expenses

     1,085,157        1,005,027        1,006,842   

Operating Income

     493,377        435,393        562,068   

Other Income (Expense)

      

Interest expense

     (39,222     (39,379     (41,981

Other income

     4,285        4,972        1,885   

Other expense

     (643     (690     (7,014

Total other expense

     (35,580     (35,097     (47,110

Income Before Income Taxes

     457,797        400,296        514,958   

Income tax expense

     166,990        143,971        193,043   

Net Income

   $ 290,807      $ 256,325      $ 321,915   

Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share

   $ 4.04      $ 3.57      $ 4.47   

Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share

   $ 4.05      $ 3.58      $ 4.50   

Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding

     72,050,997        71,885,422        72,030,210   

Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding

     71,845,463        71,667,304        71,600,925   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Energen Corporation

 

(in thousands)

  

December 31,

2010

    

December 31,

2009

ASSETS

     

Current Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 22,659       $           75,844

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,048 and $17,251 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

     286,849       327,163

Inventories

     

Storage gas inventory

     36,706       42,475

Materials and supplies

     19,045       17,440

Liquified natural gas in storage

     3,551       3,409

Regulatory asset

     28,286       33,196

Income tax receivable

     44,489       4,552

Deferred income taxes

     32,732       -

Prepayments and other

     11,966       11,527

Total current assets

     486,283       515,606

Property, Plant and Equipment

     

Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method

     4,080,779       3,379,128

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     1,161,635       972,676

Oil and gas properties, net

     2,919,144       2,406,452

Utility plant

     1,292,611       1,211,624

Less accumulated depreciation

     509,989       489,924

Utility plant, net

     782,622       721,700

Other property, net

     17,461       16,317

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     3,719,227       3,144,469

Other Assets

     

Regulatory asset

     105,365       102,133

Pension and other postretirement assets

     13,907       -

Long-term derivative instruments

     -       7,824

Deferred charges and other

     38,778       33,086

Total other assets

     158,050       143,043

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 4,363,560       $      3,803,118

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  

Energen Corporation

 

 
(in thousands, except share data)    December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities

    

Long-term debt due within one year

   $ 5,000      $ 150,000   

Notes payable to banks

     305,000        -   

Accounts payable

     268,214        164,327   

Accrued taxes

     52,845        49,884   

Customers’ deposits

     20,459        20,836   

Amounts due customers

     20,161        24,106   

Accrued wages and benefits

     25,203        27,347   

Regulatory liability

     75,703        29,719   

Royalty payable

     19,221        19,034   

Deferred income taxes

     -        10,015   

Other

     26,805        25,493   

Total current liabilities

     818,611        520,761   

Long-term debt

     405,254        410,786   

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    

Asset retirement obligation

     97,415        88,298   

Pension and other postretirement liabilities

     36,551        55,899   

Regulatory liability

     110,447        155,088   

Deferred income taxes

     615,084        505,460   

Long-term derivative instruments

     112,936        60,446   

Other

     13,219        18,137   

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     985,652        883,328   

Commitments and Contingencies

                

Shareholders’ Equity

     -        -   

Preferred stock, cumulative, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized

    

Common shareholders’ equity

     748        746   

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized, 74,786,376 shares issued at December 31, 2010 and 74,593,431 shares issued at December 31, 2009

    

Premium on capital stock

     468,934        461,661   

Capital surplus

     2,802        2,802   

Retained earnings

     1,880,183        1,626,753   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

    

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net

     (43,667     49,405   

Pension and postretirement plans

     (30,730     (31,790

Deferred compensation plan

     3,288        3,121   

Treasury stock, at cost; 3,024,847 shares and 2,991,373 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

     (127,515     (124,455

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,154,043        1,988,243   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 4,363,560      $ 3,803,118   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Energen Corporation

 

      Common Stock      Premium on
Capital Stock
    Capital
Surplus
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Deferred
Compensation
Plan
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
     Number
of Shares
     Par
Value
                 

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2007

     74,190,786       $ 742       $ 434,999      $ 2,802       $ 1,119,816      $ (86,224   $ 16,121      $ (109,598   $ 1,378,658   

Net income

                321,915              321,915   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                     

Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax of $120,742

                  197,000            197,000   

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax of $42,243

                  68,924            68,924   

Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of ($5,324)

                  (9,883         (9,883
                           

Comprehensive income

                        577,956   
                           

Purchase of treasury shares, net

                      (27,345     (27.345

Shares issued for employee benefit plans

     331,171         3         8,548                   8,551   

Deferred compensation obligation

                    (13,173     13,173        -   

Stock based compensation

           (5,862                (5,862

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

           17,093                   17,093   

Change in measurement date for defined benefit and postretirement plans, net of tax of ($614)

                (1,141           (1,141

Cash dividends - $0.48 per share

                                        (34,620                             (34,620

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2008

     74,521,957         745         454,778        2,802         1,405,970        169,817        2,948        (123,770     1,913,290   

Net income

                256,325              256,325   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                     

Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax of ($2,032)

                  (3,316         (3,316

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax of ($90,799)

                  (148,146         (148,146

Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of ($397)

                  (740         (740
                           

Comprehensive income

                        104,123   
                           

Purchase of treasury shares, net

                      (512     (512

Shares issued for employee benefit plans

     71,474         1         994                   995   

Deferred compensation obligation

                    173        (173     -   

Stock based compensation

           5,283                   5,283   

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

           606                   606   

Cash dividends - $0.50 per share

                                        (35,542                             (35,542

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2009

     74,593,431         746         461,661        2,802         1,626,753        17,615        3,121        (124,455     1,988,243   

Net income

                290,807              290,807   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                     

Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax of $19,491

                  31,801            31,801   

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax of ($76,535)

                  (124,873         (124,873

Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of $570

                  1,060            1,060   
                           

Comprehensive income

                        198,795   
                           

Purchase of treasury shares, net

                      (2,893     (2,893

Shares issued for employee benefit plans

     192,945         2         6,449                   6,451   

Deferred compensation obligation

                    167        (167     -   

Stock based compensation

           (83                (83

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

           907                   907   

Cash dividends - $0.52 per share

                                        (37,377                             (37,377

BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2010

     74,786,376       $ 748       $ 468,934      $ 2,802       $ 1,880,183      $ (74,397   $ 3,288      $ (127,515   $ 2,154,043   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Energen Corporation

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating Activities

      

Net income

   $ 290,807      $ 256,325      $ 321,915   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     247,865        235,084        188,413   

Accretion expense

     6,178        4,935        4,290   

Deferred income taxes

     133,840        84,616        188,414   

Bad debt expense

     1,565        10,688        6,471   

Change in derivative fair value

     (819     (104     (2,580

Gain on sale of assets

     (2,521     (5,617     (10,752

Other, net

     (568     23,843        8,834   

Exploratory expense

     63,668        9,874        7,620   

Net change in:

      

Accounts receivable

     (31,939     (31,914     94   

Inventories

     4,022        30,679        1,274   

Accounts payable

     18,889        5,539        (36,149

Amounts due customers including gas supply pass-through

     20,751        16,967        (16,873

Income tax receivable

    
(39,937

   
45,924
  
   
(50,476

Pension and other postretirement benefit contributions

     (42,233     (24,137     (30,261

Other current assets and liabilities

     1,454        16,755        (11,001
       

Net cash provided by operating activities

     671,022        679,457        569,233   

Investing Activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (434,121     (340,107     (460,237

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (410,348     (185,131     (17,914

Proceeds from sale of assets

     3,155        7,923        16,224   

Purchase of short-term investments

     (154,880     -        -   

Sale of short-term investments

     154,965        -        -   

Other, net

     (1,464     (1,808     (2,656
       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (842,693     (519,123     (464,583

Financing Activities

      

Payment of dividends on common stock

     (37,377     (35,542     (34,620

Issuance of common stock

     685        621        277   

Reduction of long-term debt

     (150,729     (1,035     (10,910

Net change in short-term debt

     305,000        (62,000     (72,000

Tax benefit on stock compensation

     907        606        17,093   

Other

     -        (317     -   
       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     118,486        (97,667     (100,160

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (53,185     62,667        4,490   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     75,844        13,177        8,687   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 22,659      $ 75,844      $ 13,177   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating Revenues

   $ 619,772      $ 617,874      $ 654,778   

Operating Expenses

      

Cost of gas

     316,988        306,054        351,774   

Operations and maintenance

     128,830        134,847        127,877   

Depreciation and amortization

     44,042        50,995        48,874   

Income taxes

      

Current

     1,014        11,096        (26,075

Deferred

     28,861        16,257        50,904   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     41,529        41,994        44,297   

Total operating expenses

     561,264        561,243        597,651   

Operating Income

     58,508        56,631        57,127   

Other Income (Expense)

      

Allowance for funds used during construction

     808        1,106        700   

Other income

     1,923        2,014        704   

Other expense

     (462     (622     (3,563

Total other income (expense)

     2,269        2,498        (2,159

Interest Charges

      

Interest on long-term debt

     11,907        11,906        11,961   

Other interest charges

     1,987        1,808        2,846   

Total interest charges

     13,894        13,714        14,807   

Net Income

   $ 46,883      $ 45,415      $ 40,161   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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BALANCE SHEETS

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

(in thousands)    December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

Property, Plant and Equipment

    

Utility plant

   $ 1,292,611      $ 1,211,624   

Less accumulated depreciation

     509,989        489,924   

Utility plant, net

     782,622        721,700   

Other property, net

     43        146   

Current Assets

    

Cash

     16,910        9,460   

Accounts receivable

    

Gas

     136,800        137,891   

Other

     10,229        8,617   

Affiliated companies

     698        -   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (14,200     (16,400

Inventories

    

Storage gas inventory

     36,706        42,475   

Materials and supplies

     4,147        4,374   

Liquified natural gas in storage

     3,551        3,409   

Regulatory asset

     28,286        33,196   

Income tax receivable

     10,315        3,469   

Deferred income taxes

     27,302        25,896   

Prepayments and other

     4,223        3,303   

Total current assets

     264,967        255,690   

Other Assets

    

Regulatory asset

     105,365        102,133   

Pension and other postretirement assets

     9,201        -   

Deferred charges and other

     5,399        4,997   

Total other assets

     119,965        107,130   

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 1,167,597      $ 1,084,666   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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BALANCE SHEETS

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

(in thousands, except share data)    December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

     

Capitalization

     

Preferred stock, cumulative, $0.01 par value, 120,000 shares authorized

   $ -       $                    -

Common shareholder’s equity

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized, 1,972,052 shares issued at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

     20       20

Premium on capital stock

     31,682       31,682

Capital surplus

     2,802       2,802

Retained earnings

     292,815       283,299

Total common shareholder’s equity

     327,319       317,803

Long-term debt

     200,793       206,522

Total capitalization

     528,112       524,325

Current Liabilities

     

Long-term debt due within one year

     5,000       -

Notes payable to banks

     70,000       -

Accounts payable

     83,515       78,154

Affiliated companies

     -       24,962

Accrued taxes

     48,476       35,314

Customers’ deposits

     20,459       20,836

Amounts due customers

     20,161       24,106

Accrued wages and benefits

     11,851       11,472

Regulatory liability

     75,703       29,719

Other

     11,822       9,830

Total current liabilities

     346,987       234,393

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     

Deferred income taxes

     141,780       121,826

Pension and other postretirement liabilities

     4,733       19,054

Regulatory liability

     110,447       155,088

Long-term derivative instruments

     32,461       18,965

Other

     3,077       11,015

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     292,498       325,948

Commitments and Contingencies

             

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

   $   1,167,597      $      1,084,666

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

             
(in thousands, except share data)                                               
     Common Stock                         

Total

 
     

Number of

Shares

    

Par

Value

    

Premium on

Capital Stock

    

Capital

Surplus

    

Retained

Earnings

    Shareholder’s
Equity
 

Balance December 31, 2007

     1,972,052       $ 20       $ 31,682       $ 2,802       $ 261,979      $ 296,483   

Net income

                 40,161        40,161   

Cash dividends

                                         (28,397     (28,397

Balance December 31, 2008

     1,972,052         20         31,682         2,802         273,743        308,247   

Net income

                 45,415        45,415   

Cash dividends

                                         (35,859     (35,859

Balance December 31, 2009

     1,972,052         20         31,682         2,802         283,299        317,803   

Net income

                 46,883        46,883   

Cash dividends

                                         (37,367     (37,367

Balance December 31, 2010

     1,972,052       $   20       $   31,682       $   2,802       $   292,815      $   327,319   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating Activities

      

Net income

   $ 46,883      $ 45,415      $ 40,161   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     44,042        50,995        48,874   

Deferred income taxes

     28,861        16,257        50,904   

Bad debt expense

     1,561        10,605        6,391   

Other, net

     (10,958     9,092        9,234   

Net change in:

      

Accounts receivable

     (26,567     7,001        (16,125

Inventories

     5,854        34,585        589   

Accounts payable

     2,663        (30,320     3,608   

Amounts due customers including gas supply pass-through

     20,751        16,967        (16,873

Income tax receivable

     (6,846     27,185        (28,209

Pension and other postretirement benefit contributions

     (26,083     (14,731     (17,807

Other current assets and liabilities

     14,273        585        774   
       

Net cash provided by operating activities

     94,434        173,636        81,521   

Investing Activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (92,099     (77,070     (62,637

Other, net

     (1,827     (1,320     (3,832
       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (93,926     (78,390     (66,469

Financing Activities

      

Payment of dividends on common stock

     (37,367     (35,859     (28,397

Reduction of long-term debt

     (729     (1,035     (910

Net advances (to) from parent company

     (24,962     3,380        16,648   

Net change in short-term debt

     70,000        (62,000     -   
       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     6,942        (95,514     (12,659

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     7,450        (268     2,393   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     9,460        9,728        7,335   
       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 16,910      $ 9,460      $ 9,728   

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Energen Corporation (Energen or the Company) is a diversified energy holding company engaged primarily in the development, acquisition, exploration and production of oil and gas in the continental United States (oil and gas operations) and in the purchase, distribution, and sale of natural gas principally in central and north Alabama (natural gas distribution). The following is a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and practices.

During the first quarter of 2010, Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco) identified an error in calculating the estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2009. This error resulted in a $3 million overstatement to the allowance for doubtful accounts and a corresponding overstatement of net income by approximately $0.6 million (approximately $0.01 per diluted share) after reflecting the regulatory limits on Alagasco’s allowed rate of return for rate year ending September 30, 2010 in the application of Rate Stabilization and Equalization. The Company considered the net impact of this adjustment on the current and prior quarterly results, the prior year-end results, and the results of Alagasco and Energen for the year ended December 31, 2010 and determined that the amount was not material to these periods. As a result, the Company corrected this error in the first quarter of 2010.

 

A.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, principally Energen Resources Corporation and Alabama Gas Corporation, after elimination of all significant intercompany transactions in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior years’ financial statements to the current-year presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events until the time the consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

B.

Oil and Gas Operations

Property and Related Depletion: Energen Resources follows the successful efforts method of accounting for costs incurred in the exploration and development of oil, gas and natural gas liquid reserves. Lease acquisition costs are capitalized initially, and unproved properties are reviewed periodically to determine if there has been impairment of the carrying value, with any such impairment charged to exploration expense currently. All development costs are capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs are capitalized pending determination of proved reserves. If proved reserves are not discovered, the exploratory drilling costs are expensed. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is determined on a field-by-field basis using the units-of-production method based on proved reserves. Anticipated abandonment and restoration costs are capitalized and depreciated using the units-of-production method based on proved developed reserves.

Operating Revenue: Energen Resources utilizes the sales method of accounting to recognize oil, gas and natural gas liquids production revenue. Under the sales method, revenues are based on actual sales volumes of commodities sold to purchasers. Over-production liabilities are established only when it is estimated that a property’s over-produced volumes exceed the net share of remaining reserves for such property. Energen Resources had no material production imbalances at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Derivative Commodity Instruments: Energen Resources recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet and measures all derivatives at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effectiveness of the hedge, or the degree that the gain (loss) for the hedging instrument offsets the loss (gain) on the hedged item, is measured at each reporting period. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) as a component of shareholders’ equity and subsequently reclassified to operating revenues when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is required to be recognized in operating revenues immediately. All derivative transactions are included in operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

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Energen Resources periodically enters into derivative commodity instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production. Such instruments may include natural gas and crude oil over-the-counter (OTC) swaps and basis hedges with major energy derivative product specialists. The counterparties to the commodity instruments are investment and commercial banks and energy-trading firms. All derivative commodity instruments in a gain position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to each related counterparty. Derivative commodity instruments in a loss position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to Energen.

The current policy of the Company is to not enter into agreements that require the posting of collateral. The Company has a few older agreements, none of which have active positions as of December 31, 2010, which include collateral posting requirements based on the amount of exposure and counterparty credit ratings. The majority of the Company’s counterparty agreements include provisions for net settlement of transactions payable on the same date and in the same currency. Most of the agreements include various contractual set-off rights which may be exercised by the non-defaulting party in the event of an early termination due to a default.

Additionally, the Company may also enter into derivatives that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting but are considered by management to represent valid economic hedges and are accounted for as mark-to-market transactions. These economic hedges may include, but are not limited to, basis hedges without a corresponding New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) hedge and hedges on non-operated or other properties for which all of the necessary information to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting is either not readily available or subject to change. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge treatment are recorded at fair value with gains or losses recognized in operating revenues in the period of change.

All hedge transactions are pursuant to standing authorizations by the Board of Directors, which do not permit speculative positions. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items at the inception of the hedge, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in hedging the exposure to the hedged transaction’s variability in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk will be assessed. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting if a derivative has ceased to be a highly effective hedge.

Long-Lived Assets and Discontinued Operations: The Company reports gains and losses on the sale of certain oil and gas properties and any impairments of properties held-for-sale as discontinued operations, with income or loss from operations of the associated properties reported as income or loss from discontinued operations. The results of operations for certain held-for-sale properties are reclassified and reported as discontinued operations for prior periods. Energen Resources may, in the ordinary course of business, be involved in the sale of developed or undeveloped properties. All assets held-for-sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value.

Acquisitions: Energen Resources recognizes all acquisitions at fair value. Energen Resources estimates the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, the date on which Energen Resources obtained control of the properties for all acquisitions that qualify as business combinations. The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Fair value measurements also utilize assumptions of market participants. Energen Resources uses a discounted cash flow model and makes market assumptions as to future commodity prices, projections of estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves, expectations for timing and amount of future development and operating costs, projections of future rates of production, expected recovery rates and risk adjusted discount rates. These assumptions represent Level 3 inputs. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred in operations and maintenance expense on the consolidated income statements.

 

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C.

Natural Gas Distribution

Regulatory Accounting: Alagasco is subject to regulation by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) with respect to rates, accounting and various other matters. In general, Alagasco capitalizes or defers certain costs or revenues, based on the approvals received from the APSC, to be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods. These costs or revenues are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.

Utility Plant and Depreciation: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The cost of utility plant includes an allowance for funds used during construction. Maintenance is charged for the cost of normal repairs and the renewal or replacement of an item of property which is less than a retirement unit. When property which represents a retirement unit is replaced or removed, the cost of such property is credited to utility plant and is charged to the accumulated reserve for depreciation. The estimated net removal costs on certain gas distribution assets are charged through depreciation and recognized as a regulatory liability in accordance with regulatory accounting. Depreciation is provided using the composite method of depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of utility property at rates approved by the APSC. On June 28, 2010, the APSC approved a reduction in depreciation rates, effective June 1, 2010, for Alagasco with the revised prospective composite depreciation rate approximating 3.1 percent. Related to the lower depreciation rates, Alagasco refunded to eligible customers approximately $25.6 million of refundable negative salvage costs through a one-time bill credit in July, 2010 and $2.7 million through lower tariff rates in December, 2010, and will return to eligible customers an additional estimated $112.8 million, which includes approximately $22.3 million between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. The remainder will be refunded to eligible customers on a declining basis through lower tariff rates over an eight year period originally beginning December 1, 2011. The total amount refundable to customers is subject to adjustments over the entire nine year period for charges made to the Enhanced Stability Reserve (ESR) and other commission-approved charges. On November 1, 2010, the APSC specifically approved adjustments to the total amount refundable to include items originally approved in the APSC’s 1998 order establishing the ESR, environmental response costs and self insurance costs that exceed $1 million per occurrence. The refunds as of December, 2010 and the remaining amount refundable over the entire nine year period are due to a re-estimation of future removal costs provided for through the prior depreciation rates. The re-estimation was primarily the result of Alagasco’s actual removal cost experience, combined with technology improvements and Alagasco’s system efficiency improvements, during the past five years. Approved depreciation rates averaged approximately 3.6 percent in the year ended December 31, 2010, and approximately 4.4 percent in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. The revised depreciation rates decreased depreciation expense by approximately $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from that using the prior depreciation rate.

Inventories: Inventories, which consist primarily of gas stored underground, are stated at average cost. Liquified natural gas is stated at base cost.

Operating Revenue and Gas Costs: Alagasco records natural gas distribution revenues in accordance with its tariff established by the APSC. The margin and gas costs on service delivered to cycle customers but not yet billed are recorded in current assets as accounts receivable with a corresponding regulatory liability. Gas imbalances are settled on a monthly basis. Alagasco had no material gas imbalances at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Derivative Commodity Instruments: Alagasco may enter into cash flow derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on its gas supply. Alagasco recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Any gains or losses are passed through to customers using the mechanisms of the Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) rider in accordance with Alagasco’s APSC approved tariff and are recognized as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. All derivative commodity instruments in a gain position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to each related counterparty. Derivative commodity instruments in a loss position are valued on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to Alagasco.

 

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Taxes on revenues: Collections and payments of excise taxes are reported on a gross basis. These amounts are included in taxes other than income taxes on the consolidated statements of income as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Taxes on revenues

   $ 30,704       $ 31,704       $ 32,970   

The collection and payment of utility gross receipts tax is presented on a net basis.

 

D.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and receivable, derivative commodity instruments, pension and postretirement plan assets and liabilities and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value is defined as follows:

 

Level 1

 

 

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2

 

 

Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable through correlation with market data as of the reporting date;

Level 3

 

 

Pricing that requires inputs that are both significant and unobservable to the calculation of the fair value measure. The fair value measure represents estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Derivative commodity instruments are over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models and broker or dealer quotations. These OTC derivative contracts trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information as compared to markets with actively traded, unadjusted quoted prices; accordingly, the determination of fair value is inherently more difficult. OTC derivatives for which the Company is able to substantiate fair value through directly observable market prices are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 2 fair values consist of swaps priced in reference to New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas and oil futures. OTC derivatives valued using unobservable market prices have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These Level 3 fair values include basin specific, basis and liquids swaps.

Pension and postretirement plan assets include mutual and comingled funds and a limited partnership. Plan assets were classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The determination and classification of fair value requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 and 2 fair values use market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible and consist primarily of equities, fixed income and mutual funds. Level 3 fair values used unobservable market prices primarily associated with certain alternative investments and a limited partnership.

 

E.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Consolidated federal income taxes are charged to appropriate subsidiaries using the separate return method.

 

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F.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical experience and in consideration of current market conditions. Account balances are charged against the allowance when it is anticipated the receivable will not be recovered.

 

G.

Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid financial instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are considered to be cash or cash equivalents.

 

H.

Short-term investments

All highly liquid financial instruments with maturities greater than three months and less than one year at the date of purchase are considered to be short term investments. As of December 31, 2010, Energen had no short term investments. Short-term investments are classified as Level 2 fair value.

 

I.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Company’s basic earnings per share amounts have been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share amounts reflect the assumed issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities.

 

J.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value at the date of grant and expenses the awards over the requisite vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The Company previously recognized all stock-based employee compensation expense over the stated vesting periods for each award. For awards granted prior to January 1, 2006, the Company recorded any unrecognized expense on the date of an employee’s retirement. For new awards granted to retirement eligible employees effective January 1, 2006, the Company began recognizing the entire compensation expense in the period of grant. If this method of expense recognition for retirement eligible employees had been applied to all awards, there would have been no impact to compensation expense during 2010 and 2009, and an increase of approximately $1.2 million in 2008. The Company utilized the long-form method of calculating the available pool of windfall tax benefit. For 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized an excess tax benefit of $0.9 million and $0.6 million related to its stock-based compensation.

 

K.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The major estimates and assumptions identified by management include, but are not limited to, physical quantities of oil and gas reserves, periodic assessments of oil and gas properties for impairment, an assumption that regulatory accounting will continue as the applicable accounting standard for the Company’s regulated operations, the Company’s obligations under its employee pension plans, the valuation of derivative financial instruments, the allowance for doubtful accounts, tax contingency reserves, legal contingency reserves, asset retirement obligations, self insurance reserves and regulatory assets and liabilities. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from the estimates.

 

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L.

Employee Benefit Plans

Energen has two defined benefit non-contributory qualified pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees. Pension benefits for the majority of the Company’s employees are based on years of service and final earnings; one plan is based on years of service and flat dollar amounts. The Company also has nonqualified supplemental pension plans covering certain officers of the Company. In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for all employees hired prior to January 1, 2010. The Company continues to provide these benefits to certain non-salaried employees. Substantially all of the Company’s employees may become eligible for certain benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. The projected unit credit actuarial method was used to determine the normal cost and actuarial liability.

For retirement plans and other postretirement plans, certain financial assumptions are used in determining the Company’s projected benefit obligation. These assumptions are examined periodically by the Company, and any required changes are reflected in the subsequent determination of projected benefit obligations.

Measurement: The Company calculates periodic expense for defined benefit pension plans and other post retirement benefit plans on an actuarial basis and the net funded status of benefit plans is recognized as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position with changes in the funded status recognized through comprehensive income. For pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation; for other postretirement plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Alagasco recognizes a regulatory asset for the portion of the obligation to be recovered in rates in future periods and a regulatory liability for the portion of the plan obligation to be provided through rates in the future. As of December 31, 2008, the Company measured the funded status of its employee benefit plans as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position. Previously, the Company used a September 30 valuation date for its benefit plans. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company changed the measurement date to December 31 using the alternative method. The Company recognized a one-time reduction to retained earnings of $1.8 million pre-tax and an increase to the current and noncurrent regulatory assets of Alagasco totaling approximately $0.1 million and $1.4 million pre-tax, respectively. The increase to regulatory assets which totaled $1.5 million will be recovered in rates over the average remaining service lives of each plan.

Discount Rate: In selecting each discount rate, consideration was given to Moody’s Aa corporate bond rates, along with a yield curve applied to payments the Company expects to make out of its retirement plans. The yield curve is comprised of a broad base of Aa bonds with maturities between zero and thirty years. The discount rate for each plan was developed as the level equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates aligned with the projected benefit payments; the weighted average discount rates used to determine net periodic costs were 5.49 percent for the pension plans and 5.9 percent for the other postretirement benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Long-Term Rate of Return: The assumed rate of return on assets is the weighted average of expected long-term asset assumptions; the return on assets used to determine net periodic expense was 7.25 percent for each of the applicable plans for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company based its expected return on long-term investment expectations. The Company considered past performance and current expectations for assets held by the plans as well as the expected long-term allocation of plan assets.

Other Significant Assumptions: The estimated weighted average rate of increase in the compensation level for pay related plans was 3.95 percent for determining the net periodic costs for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

M.

Environmental Costs

Environmental compliance costs, including ongoing maintenance, monitoring and similar costs, are expensed as incurred. Environmental remediation costs are accrued when remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated.

 

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2. REGULATORY MATTERS

 

Alagasco is subject to regulation by the APSC which established the Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) rate-setting process in 1983. RSE’s current extension is for a seven-year period ended December 31, 2014. RSE will continue after December 31, 2014, unless, after notice to the Company and a hearing, the APSC votes to modify or discontinue the RSE methodology. Alagasco is on a September 30 fiscal year for rate-setting purposes (rate year) and reports on a calendar year for Securities and Exchange Commission reporting purposes.

Alagasco’s allowed range of return on average equity remains 13.15 percent to 13.65 percent throughout the term of the RSE order. Under RSE the APSC conducts quarterly reviews to determine, based on Alagasco’s projections and year-to-date performance, whether Alagasco’s return on average equity at the end of the rate year will be within the allowed range of return. Reductions in rates can be made quarterly to bring the projected return within the allowed range; increases, however, are allowed only once each rate year, effective December 1, and cannot exceed 4 percent of prior-year revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Alagasco had reduction in revenues of $17.4 million pre-tax to bring the return on average equity to midpoint within the allowed range of return. As of September 30, 2009, Alagasco had a $1.5 million pre-tax reduction in revenues to bring the return on average equity to midpoint within allowed range of return. Alagasco did not have a reduction in rates related to the return on average equity for the rate year ended 2008. Under the provisions of RSE, a $1.3 million annual decrease, $10.2 million annual increase and $24.7 million annual increase in revenues became effective December 1, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

RSE limits the utility’s equity upon which a return is permitted to 55 percent of total capitalization, subject to certain adjustments. Under the inflation-based Cost Control Measurement (CCM) established by the APSC, if the percentage change in operations and maintenance (O&M) expense on an aggregate basis falls within a range of 0.75 points above or below the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (Index Range), no adjustment is required. If the change in O&M expense on an aggregate basis exceeds the Index Range, three-quarters of the difference is returned to customers. To the extent the change is less than the Index Range, the utility benefits by one-half of the difference through future rate adjustments. The O&M expense base for measurement purposes will be set at the prior year’s actual O&M expense amount unless the Company exceeds the top of the Index Range in two successive years, in which case the base for the following year will be set at the top of the Index Range. Certain items that fluctuate based on situations demonstrated to be beyond Alagasco’s control may be excluded from the CCM calculation. In the rate year ended September 30, 2010, $2.5 million of extraordinary bad debt expense was excluded from the CCM calculation. In the rate year ended September 30, 2008, the increase in O&M expense was below the Index Range; as a result the utility benefited by $2.9 million pre-tax with the related impact to rates effective December 1, 2008. Alagasco’s O&M expense fell within the Index Range for the rate years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Alagasco’s rate schedules for natural gas distribution charges contain a GSA rider, established in 1993, which permits the pass-through to customers of changes in the cost of gas supply. Alagasco’s tariff provides a temperature adjustment mechanism, also included in the GSA, that is designed to moderate the impact of departures from normal temperatures on Alagasco’s earnings. The temperature adjustment applies primarily to residential, small commercial and small industrial customers. Other non-temperature weather related conditions that may affect customer usage are not included in the temperature adjustment.

In 1988, the APSC approved an Enhanced Stability Reserve, with a maximum funding level of $4 million, to which Alagasco could charge the full amount of: (1) extraordinary O&M expenses resulting from force majeure events when one or a combination of two such events results in more than $200,000 of additional O&M expense during a rate year; or (2) individual industrial and commercial customer revenue losses that exceed $250,000 during the rate year, if such losses caused Alagasco’s year-end return on average equity (RCE) to fall below the bottom of the APSC-approved return on equity range currently at 13.15 percent. Prior to June 28, 2010, the APSC provided for accretions to the ESR of no more than $40,000 monthly until the maximum funding level was achieved, following

 

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a year in which a charge against the ESR was made. The APSC’s June 28, 2010 order approved Alagasco’s lower depreciation rates and approved standing authority for Alagasco to charge items to the ESR in excess of its funded balance and to allocate each year from the refundable negative salvage costs that are being refunded to customers over the nine year period the amount necessary to clear the debit balance in the ESR each September 30, subject to APSC-approved guidelines. The APSC also approved the amortization of the ESR charges into rates over a five year period in cases where the ESR is unfunded or underfunded, subject to APSC-approved guidelines. As a result of these changes in the funding mechanism for the ESR, the APSC suspended the $40,000 per month accruals to the ESR during the nine year period when the refundable negative salvage costs are being refunded to customers.

Following a vote on September 7, 2010, the APSC, by order dated November 1, 2010, approved expansion of the ESR to include extraordinary O&M charges related to environmental response costs and to self insurance costs that exceed $1 million per occurrence. In addition, the APSC raised the thresholds on items that may be charged to the ESR as follows: (1) extraordinary O&M expenses, other than environmental response costs and self insurance costs, resulting from a single event that results in more than $275,000 of increased O&M; (2) extraordinary O&M expenses, other than environmental response costs and self insurance costs, resulting from a combination of extraordinary O&M events that result in more than $412,500 of increased O&M; and (3) individual large commercial and industrial customer revenue variances that exceed $350,000. Charges to the ESR relating to extraordinary O&M expenses can only be made when the Company’s year-end return on average common equity for RSE, not including the ESR charge, is below the midpoint of the APSC-approved return on equity range and only to the extent necessary to bring the RCE to the midpoint of the range. Charges to the ESR relating to individual large commercial and industrial customer revenue losses can only be made if such losses cause the RCE to fall below the bottom of the APSC-approved return on equity range currently at 13.15 percent, and then only to the extent necessary to bring the RCE up to the midpoint of the range. In the event that Alagasco’s RCE at September 30 of the related year is above the midpoint, any debit balance in the ESR shall remain in the ESR for recovery in subsequent years subject to the established guidelines. Additionally, the APSC, while confirming the five year amortization period established in the June 28, 2010 order for charges to the ESR in cases where the ESR is unfunded or underfunded, limited the amortization expense to $660,000 annually, with any excess amortization expense over $660,000 in any rate year being carried over and amortized in future rate years until full amortization of the ESR debit balance is complete. The APSC also raised the $40,000 per month accruals to $55,000 per month, but suspended the accruals pending further order of the APSC. Finally, the APSC established guidelines for the documentation, reporting and approval of rate recovery of items charged to the ESR.

In connection with the above, Alagasco expects to recover certain manufactured gas plant site remediation costs through future rates and has recorded a corresponding amount to its Enhanced Stability Reserve regulatory account of $3.8 million and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as more fully described in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.

The excess of total acquisition costs over book value of net assets of acquired municipal gas distribution systems is included in utility plant and is being amortized through Alagasco’s rate-setting mechanism on a straight-line basis with a weighted average remaining life of approximately 7 years. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the net acquisition adjustments were $5.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009

Energen Corporation:

     

Medium-term Notes, Series A and B, interest ranging from 7.125% to 7.6%, for notes due July 30, 2012, to February 15, 2028

     $    155,000       $    305,000

5% Notes, due October 1, 2013

     50,000       50,000

Alabama Gas Corporation:

     

Medium-term Notes, Series A, interest of 7.57%, due September 20, 2011

     5,000       5,000

5.20% Notes, due January 15, 2020

     40,000       40,000

5.70% Notes, due January 15, 2035

     35,793       36,522

5.368% Notes, due December 1, 2015

     80,000       80,000

5.90% Notes, due January 15, 2037

     45,000       45,000

Total

     410,793       561,522

Less amounts due within one year

     5,000       150,000

Less unamortized debt discount

     539       736

Total

     $    405,254       $    410,786

 

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The aggregate maturities of Energen’s long-term debt for the next five years are as follows:

 

Years ending December 31, (in thousands)
2011   2012   2013   2014   2015
$  5,000   $  1,000   $  50,000   -   $  80,000

The aggregate maturities of Alagasco’s long-term debt for the next five years are as follows:

 

Years ending December 31, (in thousands)
2011    2012    2013    2014    2015

$  5,000

  

-

  

-

   -    $  80,000

The long-term debt and short-term debt agreements of Energen and Alagasco contain financial and nonfinancial covenants including routine matters such as timely payment of principal and interest, maintenance of corporate existence and restrictions on liens. None of the agreements have covenants or events of default based on credit ratings. All of the Company’s debt is unsecured.

Under Energen’s Indenture dated September 1, 1996 with The Bank of New York as Trustee, a cross default provision provides that any debt default of more than $10 million by Energen, Alagasco or Energen Resources will constitute an event of default by Energen. Under Alagasco’s Indenture dated November 1, 1993 with The Bank of New York as Trustee, a cross default provision provides that any debt default by Alagasco of more than $10 million will constitute an event of default by Alagasco. Neither Indenture includes a restriction on the payment of dividends.

On October 29, 2010, Energen and Alagasco entered into an $850 million and a $150 million, respectively, three-year syndicated unsecured credit facility (syndicated credit facilities) with domestic and foreign lenders. These syndicated credit facilities replace the majority of the Company’s short-term credit facilities which were available to Energen and Alagasco. Alagasco has been authorized by the APSC to borrow up to $200 million at any one time under short-term lines of credit.

Energen’s obligations under its credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Energen Resources. The financial covenants of the Energen credit facility require Energen to maintain a maximum consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of 65 percent as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Energen may not pay dividends during an event of default or if the payment would result in an event of default.

Similarly, the financial covenants of the Alagasco credit facility require Alagasco to maintain a maximum consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of 65 percent as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Alagasco may not pay dividends during an event of default or if the payment would result in an event of default.

Under the Energen credit facility, a cross default provision provides that any debt default of more than $50 million by Energen, Alagasco or Energen Resources will constitute an event of default by Energen. Under Alagasco’s credit facility, a cross default provision provides that any debt default by Alagasco of more than $50 million will constitute an event of default by Alagasco.

 

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Upon an uncured event of default under either of the credit facilities, all amounts owing under the defaulted credit facility, if any, depending on the nature of the event of default will automatically, or may upon notice by the administrative agent or the requisite lenders thereunder, become immediately due and payable and the lenders may terminate their commitments under the defaulted facility. Energen and Alagasco were in compliance with the terms of their respective credit facilities as of December 31, 2010.

The following is a summary of information relating to the credit facilities:

 

(in thousands)    Current
Term
     Energen      Alagasco      Total

Syndicated Credit Facility

     10/29/2013       $ 850,000       $ 150,000       $1,000,000

Bryant Bank

     11/1/2011         -         9,000       9,000

BancorpSouth Bank

     5/23/2011         -         10,000       10,000

Total

            $ 850,000       $ 169,000       $1,019,000

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009

Energen outstanding

   $ 235,000      $              -

Alagasco outstanding

     70,000      -

Notes payable to banks

     305,000      -

Available for borrowings

     714,000      525,000

Total

   $ 1,019,000      $  525,000

Energen maximum amount outstanding at any month-end

   $ 305,000      $    95,000

Energen average daily amount outstanding

   $ 19,732      $    33,630

Energen weighted average interest rates based on:

    

Average daily amount outstanding

     2.07   1.06%

Amount outstanding at year-end

     2.03   -

Alagasco maximum amount outstanding at any month-end

   $ 70,000      $    59,000

Alagasco average daily amount outstanding

   $ 6,436      $    16,123

Alagasco weighted average interest rates based on:

    

Average daily amount outstanding

     1.56   1.02%

Amount outstanding at year-end

     1.90   -

Energen’s total interest expense was $39,222,000, $39,379,000 and $41,981,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total interest expense for Alagasco was $13,894,000, $13,714,000 and $14,807,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

4. INCOME TAXES

 

The components of Energen’s income taxes consisted of the following:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008

Taxes estimated to be payable currently:

        

Federal

   $ 31,920       $ 56,821       $    1,090

State

     1,230         2,534       3,539

Total current

     33,150         59,355       4,629

Taxes deferred:

        

Federal

     121,804         75,644       172,137

State

     12,036         8,972       16,277

Total deferred

     133,840         84,616       188,414

Total income tax expense

   $ 166,990       $ 143,971       $193,043

The components of Alagasco’s income taxes consisted of the following:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Taxes estimated to be payable currently:

        

Federal

   $ 859       $ 11,035       $ (24,972

State

     155         61         (1,103

Total current

     1,014         11,096         (26,075

Taxes deferred:

        

Federal

     25,582         13,631         46,869   

State

     3,279         2,626         4,035   

Total deferred

     28,861         16,257         50,904   

Total income tax expense

   $ 29,875       $ 27,353       $ 24,829   

 

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Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to Energen’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent  

Deferred tax assets:

        

Unbilled and deferred revenue

   $ 14,495      $ -      $ 11,221      $ -   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     5,626        -        6,459        -   

Insurance accruals

     2,350        -        2,788        -   

Compensation accruals

     9,822        -        7,594        -   

Inventories

     896        -        1,050        -   

Other comprehensive income

     -        46,244        -        29,078   

Gas supply adjustment related accruals

     1,407        -        2,111        -   

State net operating losses and other carryforwards

     811        2,866        702        2,729   

Other

     2,270        501        2,165        73   

Total deferred tax assets

     37,677        49,611        34,090        31,880   

Valuation allowance

     (311     (2,555     (331     (2,398

Total deferred tax assets

     37,366        47,056        33,759        29,482   

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Depreciation and basis differences

     -        632,032        -        513,302   

Pension and other costs

     -        29,437        -        19,556   

Other comprehensive income

     2,934        -        42,241        -   

Other

     1,700        671        1,533        2,084   

Total deferred tax liabilities

     4,634        662,140        43,774        534,942   

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   $ 32,732      $ (615,084   $ (10,015   $ (505,460

Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to Alagasco’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     Current      Noncurrent     Current      Noncurrent  

Deferred tax assets:

          

Unbilled and deferred revenue

   $ 14,495       $ -      $ 11,221       $ -   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     5,369         -        6,201         -   

Insurance accruals

     2,143         -        2,635         -   

Compensation accruals

     2,672         -        2,365         -   

Inventories

     896         -        1,050         -   

Gas supply adjustment related accruals

     1,407         -        2,111         -   

State net operating losses and other carryforwards

     811         -        702         -   

Other

     753         55        703         50   

Total deferred tax assets

     28,546         55        26,988         50   

Deferred tax liabilities:

          

Depreciation and basis differences

Pension and other costs

    

 

-

-

  

  

    

 

114,193

27,642

  

  

   

 

-

-

  

  

    

 

100,570

21,306

  

  

Other

     1,244         -        1,092         -   

Total deferred tax liabilities

     1,244         141,835        1,092         121,876   

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   $ 27,302       $ (141,780   $ 25,896       $ (121,826

 

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The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with all of its subsidiaries. The Company has a current deferred tax asset of $811,000 relating to Alagasco’s $18.8 million state net operating loss carryforward which will expire beginning in 2023. Alagasco anticipates generating adequate future taxable income to fully realize this benefit. The Company has a full valuation allowance recorded against a noncurrent deferred tax asset of $2,866,000 arising from certain state net operating loss and charitable contribution carryforwards. The Company intends to fully reserve this asset until it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset can be realized through future taxable income in the respective state taxing jurisdictions. No other valuation allowance with respect to deferred taxes is deemed necessary as both the Company and Alagasco anticipate generating adequate future taxable income to realize the benefits of all remaining deferred tax assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Total income tax expense for the Company differed from the amount which would have been provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35 percent to earnings before taxes as illustrated below:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Income tax expense at statutory federal income tax rate

   $ 160,229      $ 140,104      $ 180,235   

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

      

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     8,398        7,384        12,524   

Qualified Section 199 production activities deduction

     (1,745     (2,715     (455

401(k) stock dividend deduction

     (565     (567     (574

Other, net

     673        (235     1,313   

Total income tax expense

   $ 166,990      $ 143,971      $ 193,043   

Effective income tax rate (%)

     36.48        35.97        37.49   

Total income tax expense for Alagasco differed from the amount which would have been provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35 percent to earnings before taxes as illustrated below:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009     2008  

Income tax expense at statutory federal income tax rate

   $ 26,865       $ 25,469      $ 22,747   

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

       

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     2,157         2,045        1,826   

Other, net

     853         (161     256   

Total income tax expense

   $ 29,875       $ 27,353      $ 24,829   

Effective income tax rate (%)

     38.92         37.59        38.20   

A reconciliation of Energen’s beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

(in thousands)        

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 8,517   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     2,732   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     7,199   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)

     (1,643

Balance as of December 31, 2008

     16,805   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     2,530   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     841   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)

     (2,379

Balance as of December 31, 2009

     17,797   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     1,436   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     11,703   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (3,624

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (1,313

Settlements

     (1,409

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 24,590   

 

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The increase in the additions for tax position of prior years in 2010 and 2008 is primarily related to Alagasco’s tax accounting method change for the recovery of its gas distribution property that was approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and subsequently in dispute under an IRS examination. During 2010, the Company had a gross reduction of $3.6 million and recognized in its effective income tax rate a $2.4 million net benefit associated with the release of an unrecognized income tax benefit liability. The Company reassessed its measurement due to recent developments related to the issue and now believes that the full amount of the tax benefit has a greater than 50% chance of being fully realized. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010 that would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized, is $1.5 million. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company recognized approximately $801,000, $91,000 and $164,000 of expense for interest (net of tax benefit) and penalties, respectively. The Company had approximately $1,573,000 and $772,000 for the payment of interest (net of tax benefit) and penalties accrued at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

A reconciliation of Alagasco’s beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

(in thousands)        

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 955   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     515   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     5,804   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)

     (384

Balance as of December 31, 2008

     6,890   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     821   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     197   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)

     (287

Balance as of December 31, 2009

     7,621   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     9   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     11,645   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)

     (90

Settlements

     (244

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 18,941   

The increase in the additions for tax positions of prior years in 2010 and 2008 is primarily related to Alagasco’s tax accounting method change for the recovery of its gas distribution property discussed above. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010 that would favorably impact Alagasco’s effective tax rate, if recognized, is $210,000. Alagasco recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, Alagasco recognized approximately $1,037,000, $146,000 and $131,000 of expense for interest (net of tax benefit) and penalties, respectively. Alagasco had approximately $1,400,000 and $364,000 for the payment of interest (net of tax benefit) and penalties accrued at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company and Alagasco’s tax returns for years 2007-2009, including the tax accounting method change noted above, remain open to examination by the IRS and major state taxing jurisdictions. The Company has been under IRS examination of its federal consolidated income tax returns for 2007-2008. In September 2010, the IRS made certain assessments primarily related to Alagasco’s tax accounting method change from the recovery of its gas distribution property. The Company has filed a petition in United States Tax Court challenging the IRS assessment. Although the timing of the resolution is highly uncertain, an unfavorable outcome in this matter would result in income tax cash payments of approximately $31 million with no material impact to the Company and Alagasco’s effective income tax rate.

The Company and Alagasco have on-going income tax examinations under various U.S. and state tax jurisdictions. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that significant changes to the reserve for uncertain tax benefits may occur as a result of the completion of various audits and the expiration of statute of limitations. Although the timing and outcome of these tax examinations is highly uncertain, the Company does not expect the change in the unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months would have a material impact to the financial statements.

 

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5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Benefit Obligations: The following table sets forth the combined funded status of the defined qualified and nonqualified supplemental benefit plans along with the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans and their reconciliation with the related amounts in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

 

As of December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     Pension     Postretirement Benefits  

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 196,421      $ 177,711                   

Projected benefit obligation:

        

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 213,920      $ 190,431      $ 84,085      $ 76,626   

Service cost

     8,574        7,340        2,064        1,813   

Interest cost

     11,365        12,064        4,833        4,849   

Actuarial (gain) loss

     12,961        21,524        (3,062     4,523   

Termination benefit charge

     -        145        -        -   

Benefits paid

     (13,048     (17,584     (4,172     (3,726

Balance at end of period

   $ 233,772      $ 213,920      $ 83,748      $ 84,085   

Plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

   $ 167,653      $ 139,274      $ 72,227      $ 56,421   

Actual return on plan assets

     20,443        27,091        7,580        14,605   

Employer contributions

     37,406        18,872        4,483        5,006   

Benefits paid

     (13,048     (17,584     (4,172     (3,805

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

   $ 212,454      $ 167,653      $ 80,118      $ 72,227   

Funded status of plan

   $ (21,318   $ (46,267   $ (3,630   $ (11,858

Noncurrent assets

   $ 12,804      $ -      $ 1,103      $ -   

Current liabilities

     (2,304     (2,223     -        -   

Noncurrent liabilities

     (31,818     (44,044     (4,733     (11,858

Net liability recognized

   $ (21,318   $ (46,267   $ (3,630   $ (11,858

Amounts recognized to accumulated other comprehensive income:

        

Prior service costs, net of taxes

   $ 945      $ 1,139      $ -      $ -   

Net actuarial (gain) loss, net of taxes

     30,112        29,435        (915     454   

Transition obligation, net of taxes

     -        -        580        762   

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 31,057      $ 30,574      $ (335   $ 1,216   

Alagasco recognized a regulatory asset of $54.2 million and $55.8 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for the portion of the pension plan obligation to be recovered through rates in future periods. Alagasco recognized a regulatory asset of $5 million and $9.5 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for the portion of the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit obligation to be recovered through rates in future periods. Alagasco also recognized a regulatory liability of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2010 for the portion of the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit obligation to be refunded through rates in future periods.

Other investment assets designated for payment of the nonqualified supplemental retirement plans were as follows:

 

      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Insurance contracts

   $ -       $ 6,700       $ 5,069       $ 11,769   

United States equities

     4,738         -         -         4,738   

Global equities

     1,955         -         -         1,955   

Fixed income

     -         9,372         -         9,372   

Total

   $ 6,693       $ 16,072       $ 5,069       $ 27,834   

 

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      December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Insurance contracts

   $ -       $ 5,984       $ 4,824       $ 10,808   

United States equities

     4,403         -         -         4,403   

Global equities

     1,734         -         -         1,734   

Fixed income

     -         2,502         -         2,502   

Cash and cash equivalents

     -         6,300         -         6,300   

Total

   $ 6,137       $ 14,786       $ 4,824       $ 25,747   

While intended for payment of the nonqualified supplemental retirement plan benefits, these assets remain subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors and are not recognized in the funded status of the plan. These assets are recorded at fair value and included in Deferred Charges and Other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following is a reconciliation of insurance contracts in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 4,824       $ -   

Realized losses

     -         (538

Unrealized gains relating to instruments held at the reporting date

     245         33   

Purchases during period

     -         5,329   

Balance at end of period

   $ 5,069       $ 4,824   

The components of net periodic benefit cost were:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Pension Plans

      

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

      

Service cost

   $ 8,574      $ 7,340      $ 7,160   

Interest cost

     11,365        12,064        11,802   

Expected long-term return on assets

     (12,915     (14,002     (13,156

Prior service cost amortization

     496        579        918   

Actuarial loss

     5,773        3,987        4,283   

Termination benefit charge

     -        145        -   

Settlement loss

     -        -        677   

Net periodic expense

   $ 13,293      $ 10,113      $ 11,684   

Postretirement Benefit Plans

      

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

      

Service cost

   $ 2,064      $ 1,813      $ 1,637   

Interest cost

     4,833        4,849        4,914   

Expected long-term return on assets

     (3,986     (3,542     (5,534

Actuarial (gain) loss

     -        228        (781

Transition amortization

     1,917        1,917        1,917   

Net periodic expense

   $ 4,828      $ 5,265      $ 2,153   

Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Pension Plans

      

Net actuarial loss experienced during the year

   $ 4,332      $ 5,683      $ 14,061   

Net actuarial loss recognized as expense

     (3,290     (2,559     (3,472

Prior service cost established during the year

     -        -        (131

Prior service cost recognized as expense

     (298     (298     (403

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

   $ 744      $ 2,826      $ 10,055   

Postretirement Benefit Plans

      

Net actuarial (gain) loss experienced during the year

   $ (2,094   $ (1,363   $ 5,333   

Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)

     -        (46     157   

Amortization of transition asset

     (280     (280     (341

Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (2,374   $ (1,689   $ 5,149   

 

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Net retirement expense for Alagasco was $6,291,000, $4,231,000 and $5,595,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized a termination benefit charge of $145,000 to provide for early retirement of certain non-highly compensated employees. The Company recognized a settlement charge of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the payment of lump sums from a defined benefit pension plan. This charge represented an acceleration of the unamortized actuarial losses. Net periodic postretirement benefit expense for Alagasco was $3,594,000, $4,051,000 and $1,457,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Estimated amounts to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into pension cost during 2011 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

    

Amortization of prior service cost

   $   297

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   $3,636

Estimated amounts to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into benefit cost during 2011 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)      

Amortization of transition obligation

   $273

Amortization of net actuarial gain

   $     -

The Company has a long-term disability plan covering most employees. The Company had expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 of $379,000, $458,000 and $346,000, respectively.

Assumptions:

The weighted average rate assumptions to determine net periodic benefit costs were as follows:

 

Years ended December 31,    2010     2009     2008  

Pension Plans

      

Discount rate

     5.49     6.50     6.18

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     7.25     8.25     8.25

Rate of compensation increase for pay-related plans

     3.95     3.90     4.07

Postretirement Benefit Plans

      

Discount rate

     5.90     6.50     6.40

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     7.25     8.25     8.25

Rate of compensation increase

     3.69     3.55     3.65

The weighted average rate assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations at the measurement date were as follows:

 

Years ended December 31,    2010     2009  

Pension Plans

    

Discount rate

     4.89     5.49

Rate of compensation increase for pay-related plans

     3.75     3.95

Postretirement Benefit Plans

    

Discount rate

     5.45     5.90

Rate of compensation increase for pay-related plans

     3.61     3.69

 

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The assumed post-65 health care cost trend rates used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation at the measurement date were as follows:

 

As of December 31,    2010     2009  

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     8.50     8.50

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline

     5.50     5.50

Year that rate reaches ultimate rate

     2017        2016   

Assumed health care cost trend rates used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation have an effect on the amounts reported. For example, revising the weighted average health care cost trend rate by 1 percentage point would have the following effects:

 

(in thousands)      
     1-Percentage Point
Decrease
    1-Percentage Point
Increase

Effect on total of service and interest cost

               $ (542  

$         663

Effect on net postretirement benefit obligation

               $ (4,593   $      5,479

Investment Strategy: The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets with a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, corporate financial condition, and market conditions.

The Company has developed an investment strategy that focuses on asset allocation, diversification and quality guidelines. The investment goals of the Company are to obtain an adequate level of return to meet future obligations of the plan by providing above average risk-adjusted returns with a risk exposure in the mid-range of comparable funds. Investment managers are retained by the Company to manage separate pools of assets. Funds are allocated to such managers in order to achieve an appropriate, diversified, and balanced asset mix. Comparative market and peer group benchmarks are utilized to ensure that investment managers are performing satisfactorily.

The Company seeks to maintain an appropriate level of diversification to minimize the risk of large losses in a single asset class. Accordingly, plan assets for the pension plans and the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan do not have a concentration of assets in a single entity, industry, country, commodity or class of investment fund.

The Company’s weighted-average plan asset allocations by asset category were as follows:

 

      Pension     Postretirement Benefits  
As of December 31,    Target     2010     2009     Target     2010     2009  

Asset category:

            

Equity securities

     49     43     44     60     60     70

Debt securities

     29     33     28     40     40     30

Other

     22     24     28     -        -        -

Total

     100     100     100     100     100     100

Equity securities for pension and postretirement benefits do not include the Company’s common stock.

Plan assets included in the funded status of the pension plans were as follows:

 

      December 31, 2010
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total

United States equities

   $ 44,566       $ 10,360       $ -       $  54,926

Global equities

     24,785         5,560         5,087       35,432

Fixed income

     -         69,878         -       69,878

Alternative investments

     -         26,688         21,754       48,442

Cash and cash equivalents

     -         3,776         -       3,776

Total

   $ 69,351       $ 116,262       $ 26,841       $212,454

 

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      December 31, 2009
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total

United States equities

   $ 35,020       $ 7,860       $ -       $  42,880

Global equities

     22,044         4,176         4,674       30,894

Fixed income

     -         46,716         -       46,716

Alternative investments

     -         16,124         17,134       33,258

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,624         12,281         -       13,905

Total

   $ 58,688       $ 87,157       $ 21,808       $167,653

United States equities consist of mutual and commingled funds with varying strategies. Such strategies include stock investments across market capitalizations and investment styles. Global equities consist of mutual funds and a limited partnership that invest in United States and non-United States securities broadly diversified across mostly developed markets but with some tactical exposure to emerging markets. Fixed income securities consist of mutual funds and separate accounts. Fixed income securities are well diversified with allocations to investment grade and non-investment grade issues and issues that provide both intermediate and longer duration exposure. Alternative asset investments consist of limited partnerships and commingled and mutual funds with varying investment strategies. Alternative assets are meant to serve as a risk reducer at the total portfolio level as they provide asset class exposures not found elsewhere in the portfolio.

The following is a reconciliation of plan assets in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 21,808       $ 19,523   

Purchases

     3,791         -   

Unrealized gains relating to instruments held at the reporting date

     1,242         2,285   

Balance at end of period

   $ 26,841       $ 21,808   

Plan assets included in the funded status of the postretirement benefit plans were as follows:

 

      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Total  

United States equities

   $ 34,387       $ -       $ 34,387   

Global equities

     13,603         -         13,603   

Fixed income

     -         32,128         32,128   

Total

   $ 47,990       $ 32,128       $ 80,118   

 

      December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Total  

United States equities

   $ 36,150       $ -       $ 36,150   

Global equities

     14,410         -         14,410   

Fixed income

     -         21,283         21,283   

Cash and cash equivalents

     384         -         384   

Total

   $ 50,944       $ 21,283       $ 72,227   

The Company had no Level 3 postretirement benefit plan assets. United States equities consisted of mutual funds with varying strategies. These funds invest largely in medium to large capitalized companies with exposure blending growth, market-oriented and value styles. Additional fund investments include small capitalization companies, and certain of these funds utilize tax-sensitive management approaches. Global equities are mutual funds that invest in non-United States securities broadly diversified across most developed markets with exposure blending growth, market-oriented and value styles. Fixed income securities are high-quality short-duration securities including investment-grade market sectors with tactical investments in non-investment grade sectors.

Cash Flows: The Company anticipates required contributions of approximately $7.2 million during 2011 to the pension plans. The Company expects sufficient funding credits, as established under Internal Revenue Code

 

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Section 430(f), exist to meet the required funding. It is not anticipated that the funded status of the pension plans will fall below statutory thresholds requiring accelerated funding or constraints on benefit levels or plan administration. No additional discretionary contributions are currently expected to be made to the pension plans by the Company during 2011. The Company expects to make benefit payments of approximately $2.3 million during 2011 to retirees with respect to the nonqualified supplemental retirement plans. The Company expects to make discretionary contributions of $4.8 million to the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan during 2011.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are anticipated to be paid as follows. In addition, the following benefits reflect the expected prescription drug subsidy related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Act). The Act includes a prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D as well as a federal subsidy which began in 2007:

 

(in thousands)    Pension Benefits      Postretirement
Benefits
     Postretirement Benefits –
Prescription Drug  Subsidy
 

2011

     $      19,117         $      4,820         $       (321

2012

     $      20,596         $      5,186         $       (334

2013

     $      14,670         $      5,454         $       (344

2014

     $      16,572         $      5,625         $       (351

2015

     $      17,940         $      5,815         $       (360

2016-2020

     $    128,383         $    32,287         $    (1,844

In March 2010, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, Health Care Reform) was signed into law. The impact of the legislation has been estimated and is reflected in the December 31, 2010 measurement of the post retirement benefit obligation. Energen has applied and been approved for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). Due to the uncertain nature of this program, the impact has not been reflected in the post retirement benefit obligation.

6. COMMON STOCK PLANS

 

Energen Employee Savings Plan (ESP): A majority of Company employees are eligible to participate in the ESP by electing to contribute a portion of their compensation to the ESP. The Company may match a percentage of the contributions and make these contributions in Company common stock or in funds for the purchase of Company common stock. Employees may diversify 100 percent of their ESP Company stock account into other ESP investment options. The ESP also contains employee stock ownership plan provisions. At December 31, 2010, total shares reserved for issuance equaled 1,080,108. Expense associated with Company contributions to the ESP was $6,228,000, $5,806,000 and $5,559,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

1997 Stock Incentive Plan: The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to officers and key employees. The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan also provided for the grant of performance share awards and restricted stock. The Company has typically funded options, restricted stock obligations and performance share obligations through original issue shares. Under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, 5,600,000 shares of Company common stock were reserved for issuance with 1,089,604 remaining for issuance as of December 31, 2010.

Performance Share Awards: The Energen 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided for the grant of performance share awards, with each unit equal to the market value of one share of common stock, to eligible employees based on predetermined Company performance criteria at the end of a four-year award period. The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided that payment of earned performance share awards be made in the form of Company common stock.

 

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No performance share awards were granted in 2010, 2009 or 2008. A summary of performance share award activity as of December 31, 2010, and transactions during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

 

      1997 Stock Incentive Plan          
      Shares    

Weighted

Average Price

         

Nonvested at December 31, 2007

     362,903        $    49.87            

Vested and paid

     (134,220     54.25            

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

     228,683        30.80            

Expired without payout

     (117,540     18.50            

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

     111,143        43.81            

Vested and paid

     (111,143     43.81            

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

     -        $            -            

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded no expense for performance share awards. The Company recorded expense of $502,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 for performance share awards with a related deferred income tax benefit of $190,000. The Company recorded income of $2,308,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 for performance share awards with a related deferred income tax expense of $873,000.

Stock Options: The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, or a combination thereof to officers and key employees. Options granted under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided for the purchase of Company common stock at not less than the fair market value on the date the option is granted. The sale or transfer of the shares is limited during certain periods. All outstanding options are incentive or non-qualified, vest within three years from date of grant, and expire 10 years from the grant date.

A summary of stock option activity as of December 31, 2010, and transactions during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

 

      1997 Stock Incentive Plan  
      Shares     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

     466,339        $    30.79   

Granted

     186,700        60.56   

Exercised

     (28,068     11.88   

Forfeited

     (4,454     10.17   

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

     620,517        40.75   

Granted

     543,242        29.91   

Exercised

     (55,950     13.10   

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     1,107,809        36.83   

Granted

     281,110        46.69   

Exercised

     (111,676     23.83   

Forfeited

     (1,200     13.72   

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     1,276,043        $    40.16   

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

     276,530        $    24.05   

Exercisable at December 31, 2009

     360,229        $    36.87   

Exercisable at December 31, 2010

     574,992        $    41.16   

Remaining reserved for issuance at December 31, 2010

     1,089,604        -   

The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to calculate the fair values of the options awarded. For purposes of this valuation the following assumptions were used to derive the fair values:

 

Grant date

     1/27/10        8/24/2009        1/28/09        1/23/2008   

Awards granted

     281,110        4,750        538,492        186,700   

Fair market value of stock at grant

   $      16.47      $      15.00      $      8.83      $      17.83   

Expected life of award

     5.7 years        5.7 years        5.7 years        5.7 years   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.76     2.80     1.89     2.87

Annualized volatility rate

     37.3     36.9     34.8     24.3

Dividend yield

     1.1     1.2     1.7     0.0

 

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The Company recorded stock option expense of $4,604,000, $4,352,000 and $3,080,000 during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, with a related deferred tax benefit of $1,741,000, $1,645,000 and $1,165,000 respectively.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2010, was $2,209,000. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised was $271,000. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received cash of $830,000 from the exercise of stock options and paid $91,000 in settlement of stock appreciation rights. Total intrinsic value for outstanding options as of December 31, 2010, was $12,681,000 and $5,667,000 for exercisable options. The fair value of options vested for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $4,124,000. As of December 31, 2010, there was $1,768,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding nonvested stock options.

The following table summarizes options outstanding as of December 31, 2010:

 

1997 Stock Incentive Plan
Range of Exercise Prices   Shares  

Weighted Average Remaining

Contractual Life

$11.32

  28,180   0.83 years

$14.86

  48,210   2.08 years

$21.38

  16,500   3.08 years

$46.45

  232,285   6.00 years

$55.08

  7,260   6.50 years

$60.56

  186,700   7.00 years

$29.79

  471,048   8.00 years

$43.30

  4,750   8.67 years

$46.69

  281,110   9.00 years

$11.32-$60.56

  1,276,043   7.26 years

The weighted average remaining contractual life of currently exercisable stock options is 6.55 years as of December 31, 2010.

Restricted Stock: In addition, the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan provided for the grant of restricted stock which have been valued based on the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. Restricted stock awards have a three to six year vesting period. A summary of restricted stock activity as of December 31, 2010, and transactions during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:

 

      1997 Stock Incentive Plan  
      Shares    

Weighted Average

Price

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2007

     137,595        $    29.94         

Vested

     (26,240     23.36         

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

     111,355        31.49         

Granted

     6,150        43.30         

Vested

     (64,500     31.65         

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

     53,005        32.66         

Vested

     (28,855     30.30         

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

     24,150        $    35.49         

The Company recorded expense of $185,000, $379,000 and $596,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to restricted stock, with a related deferred income tax benefit of $70,000, $143,000 and $225,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, there was $198,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards recorded in premium on capital stock. These awards have a remaining requisite service period of 1.26 years.

 

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2004 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan: The Energen 2004 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan provided for the payment of cash incentives measured by the long-term appreciation of Company stock. These awards are liability awards which settle in cash and are re-measured each reporting period until settlement. These awards have a three year requisite service period.

The Company issued the following awards with stock appreciation rights. The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to calculate the fair values of the options awarded. For purposes of this valuation the following assumptions were used to derive the fair values as of December 31, 2010:

 

Grant date

     1/27/2010        2/13-16/2009        1/28/09        2/04/2008   

Awards granted

     171,749        3,292        305,257        67,093   

Fair market value of stock

     $      17.20        $      22.02        $      22.87        $      8.81   

Expected life of award

     5.6 years        4.6 years        4.6 years        3.6 years   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.31     1.83     1.83     1.32

Annualized volatility rate

     37.9     37.9     37.9     37.9

Dividend yield

     1.1     1.1     1.1     1.1

Expense associated with stock appreciation rights of $3,360,000 and $4,608,000 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Income associated with stock appreciation rights of $2,413,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Petrotech Incentive Plan: The Energen Resources’ Petrotech Incentive Plan provided for the grant of stock equivalent units which may include market conditions. These awards are liability awards which settle in cash and are re-measured each reporting period until settlement. The fair value of the stock equivalent units with a market condition was calculated using a Monte Carlo approach. Stock equivalent units with service conditions were valued based on the Company’s stock price at the end of the period adjusted to remove the present value of future dividends.

During 2010, Energen Resources awarded 2,442 stock equivalent units with a three year vesting period. In the first quarter of 2009, Energen Resources awarded 900 stock equivalent units with a two year vesting period and 2,911 stock equivalent units with a three year vesting period. During the third quarter of 2009, Energen Resources awarded 938 stock equivalent units with a three year vesting period. Energen Resources awarded 1,805 stock equivalent units with a two year vesting period and 1,014 stock equivalent units with a three year vesting period in 2008. None of the awards issued included a market condition. Energen Resources recognized expense of $224,000 and $1,028,000 during 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to these units. Energen Resources recognized income of $2,042,000 during 2008 related to these units.

1997 Deferred Compensation Plan: The 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan allowed officers and non-employee directors to defer certain compensation. Amounts deferred by a participant under the 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan are credited to accounts maintained for a participant in either a stock account or an investment account. The stock account tracks the performance of the Company’s common stock, including reinvestment of dividends. The investment account tracks the performance of certain mutual funds. The Company has funded, and presently plans to continue funding, a trust in a manner that generally tracks participants’ accounts under the 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan. While intended for payment of benefits under the 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan, the trust’s assets remain subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors. Amounts earned under the Deferred Compensation Plan and invested in Company common stock held by the trust have been recorded as treasury stock, along with the related deferred compensation obligation in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2010 there were 709,000 shares reserved for issuance from the 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan.

1992 Energen Corporation Directors Stock Plan: In 1992 the Company adopted the Energen Corporation Directors Stock Plan to pay a portion of the compensation of its non-employee directors in shares of Company

 

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common stock. Under the Plan, 15,400 shares, 12,000 shares and 11,218 shares were awarded during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, leaving 175,324 shares reserved for issuance as of December 31, 2010.

Stock Repurchase Program: By resolution adopted May 25, 1994, and supplemented by a resolution adopted April 26, 2000 and June 24, 2006, the Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to 12,564,400 shares of the Company’s common stock. There were no shares repurchased pursuant to its repurchase authorization for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. As of December 31, 2010, a total of 8,992,700 shares remain authorized for future repurchase. The Company also from time to time acquires shares in connection with participant elections under the Company’s stock compensation plans. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company acquired 62,794 shares, 23,942 shares and 446,045 shares, respectively, in connection with its stock compensation plans.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Commitments and Agreements: Certain of Alagasco’s long-term contracts associated with the delivery and storage of natural gas include fixed charges of approximately $152 million through September 2024. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, Alagasco recognized approximately $52 million, $49 million and $51 million, respectively, of long-term commitments through expense and its regulatory accounts in the accompanying financial statements. Alagasco also is committed to purchase minimum quantities of gas at market-related prices or to pay certain costs in the event the minimum quantities are not taken. These purchase commitments are approximately 249 Bcf through August 2020.

Environmental Matters: Various environmental laws and regulations apply to the operations of Energen Resources and Alagasco. Historically, the cost of environmental compliance has not materially affected the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. New regulations, enforcement policies, claims for damages or other events could result in significant unanticipated costs. Remediation of the Huntsville, Alabama manufactured gas plant site, as discussed below, may also result in unanticipated costs.

A discussion of certain litigation in the state of Louisiana related to the restoration of oilfield properties is included below under Legal Matters.

Alagasco is in the chain of title of nine former manufactured gas plant sites (four of which it still owns), and five manufactured gas distribution sites (one of which it still owns). Subject to the following paragraph discussing the Huntsville, Alabama manufactured gas plant site, an investigation of the sites does not indicate the present need for remediation activities and management expects that, should remediation of any such sites be required in the future, Alagasco’s share, if any, of such costs will not materially affect the financial position of Alagasco.

In June 2009, Alagasco received a General Notice Letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifying Alagasco as a responsible party for a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site located in Huntsville, Alabama, and inviting Alagasco to enter an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent to perform a removal action at that site. The Huntsville MGP, along with the Huntsville gas distribution system, was sold by Alagasco to the City of Huntsville in 1949 with such sale being approved by the APSC. While Alagasco no longer owns the Huntsville site, the Company and the current site owner have entered into a Consent Order and agreed to develop an action plan for the site. Based on the limited information available at this time, Alagasco preliminarily estimates that it may incur costs associated with the site of approximately $4.3 million. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company incurred costs of $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with the site. As of December 31, 2010, the Company has accrued a contingent liability of $3.4 million in addition to the costs previously incurred. The estimate assumes an action plan for excavation of affected soil and sediment only. If it is determined that a greater scope of work is appropriate, then actual costs will likely exceed the preliminary estimate. Alagasco expects to recover such costs through future rates and has recorded a corresponding amount to its Enhanced Stability Reserve regulatory asset account.

 

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Legal Matters: Energen and its affiliates are, from time to time, parties to various pending or threatened legal proceedings. Certain of these lawsuits include claims for punitive damages in addition to other specified relief. Based upon information presently available, and in light of available legal and other defenses, contingent liabilities arising from threatened and pending litigation are not considered material in relation to the respective financial positions of Energen and its affiliates. It should be noted, however, that Energen and its affiliates conduct business in jurisdictions in which the magnitude and frequency of punitive and other damage awards may bear little or no relation to culpability or actual damages, thus making it difficult to predict litigation results.

Legacy Litigation

During recent years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against oil production companies in Louisiana for restoration of oilfield properties. These suits are referred to in the industry as “legacy litigation” because they usually involve operations that were conducted on the affected properties many years earlier. Energen Resources is or has been a party to several legacy litigation lawsuits, most of which result from the operations of predecessor companies. Based upon information presently available, and in light of available legal and other defenses, contingent liabilities arising from legacy litigation in excess of the Company’s accrued provision for estimated liability are not considered material to the Company’s financial position.

Other

Various other pending or threatened legal proceedings are in progress currently, and the Company has accrued a provision for estimated liability.

New Mexico Audits: During the third quarter of 2010, Energen Resources received preliminary findings from the Taxation and Revenue Department (the Department) of the State of New Mexico relating to its audit of federal oil and gas leases located in New Mexico. The audit covered periods from January 2004 through December 2008 and included a review of the computation and payment of royalties due on minerals removed from U.S. federal leases. The Department proposes a change in the method of determining allowable deductions of transportation, fuel and processing costs from royalties due under the terms of the related leases. Such proposal, if determined appropriate, will result in increases of royalties due under the audit periods.

The Department’s preliminary findings are contrary to those allowed under previous audits and are inconsistent with the Company’s understanding of industry practice. The Company intends to vigorously contest the proposal under the preliminary findings and has requested additional information from the Department to determine the basis of its conclusion. Management is unable, at this time, to determine a range of reasonably possible losses as a result of this finding and no amount has been accrued as of December 31, 2010.

Lease Obligations: Alagasco leases the Company’s headquarters building over a 25-year term ending January 31, 2024 and the related lease is accounted for as an operating lease. Under the terms of the lease, Alagasco has a renewal option; the lease does not contain a bargain purchase price or a residual value guarantee. Energen’s total lease payments related to leases included as operating lease expense were $18,570,000, $21,529,000 and $21,403,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Minimum future rental payments required after 2010 under leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31, (in thousands)
    2011    2012    2013    2014    2015    2016 and thereafter    
    $    5,436    $    5,163    $    4,080    $    3,442    $    3,201    $    16,914

Alagasco’s total payments related to leases included as operating expense, net of approximately $1,025,000 of lease expense paid by Energen each year, were $2,127,000, $2,150,000 and $2,114,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Minimum future rental payments required after 2010 under leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31, (in thousands)
    2011    2012    2013    2014    2015    2016 and thereafter    
    $    3,215    $    3,195    $    3,158    $    3,179    $    3,201    $    16,914

 

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Included in the table above are approximately $13.4 million of payments associated with leasing of the Company’s headquarters, which are expected to be reimbursed to Alagasco by Energen through the remaining term of the related lease. Such amounts are subject to intercompany allocations but are not subject to contractual agreements.

8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

 

Financial Instruments: The stated value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables (net of allowance), and short-term debt approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments. The fair value of Energen’s long-term debt, including the current portion, approximates $434.4 million and has a carrying value of $410.8 million at December 31, 2010. The fair value of Alagasco’s fixed-rate long-term debt, including the current portion, approximates $208.1 million and has a carrying value of $205.8 million at December 31, 2010. The fair values were based on market prices of similar issues having the same remaining maturities, redemption terms and credit rating.

Alagasco purchases gas as an agent for certain of its large commercial and industrial customers. Alagasco has in certain instances provided commodity-related guarantees to counterparties in order to facilitate these agency purchases. Liabilities existing for gas delivered to customers subject to these guarantees are included in the balance sheet. In the event the customer for whom the guarantee was entered fails to take delivery of the gas, Alagasco can sell such gas for the customer, with the customer liable for any resulting loss. Although the substantial majority of purchases under these guarantees are for the customers’ current monthly consumption and are at current market prices, in some instances, the purchases are for an extended term at a fixed price. At December 31, 2010, the fixed price purchases under these guarantees had a maximum term outstanding through December 2011 with an aggregate purchase price of $4 million and a market value of $3.7 million.

Finance Receivables: Alagasco finances third-party contractor sales of merchandise including gas furnaces and appliances. At December 31, 2010, Alagasco’s finance receivable totaled approximately $8.8 million. These finance receivables currently have an average balance of approximately $1,500 and with terms of up to 60 months. Financing is available only to qualified customers who meet credit worthiness thresholds for customer payment history and external agency credit reports. Alagasco relies upon ongoing payments as the primary indicator of credit quality during the term of each contract. The allowance for credit losses is recognized using an estimate of write-off percentages based on historical experience applied to an aging of the finance receivable balance. At December 31, 2010, Alagasco had an allowance for credit losses related to its finance receivables of approximately $447,000. Delinquent accounts are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and, absent evidence of debt repayment after 90 days, are due in full and assigned to a third-party collection agency. The remaining finance receivable is written off approximately 12 months after being assigned to the third-party collection agency.

Risk Management: At December 31, 2010, the counterparty agreements under which the Company had active positions did not include collateral posting requirements. The company is at risk for economic loss based upon the creditworthiness of its counterparties. Energen Resources was in a net loss position with eight of its active counterparties and in a net gain with the remaining three at December 31, 2010. The four largest counterparty positions at December 31, 2010, Citibank, N.A., Shell Energy North American (US), L.P., Morgan Stanley Capital Group, Inc and Barclays Bank PLC, constituted a $34.6 million loss, $24.5 million loss, $22.4 million loss and a $13.1 million gain, respectively, of Energen Resources’ net loss on its fair value of derivatives.

The following table details the fair values of commodity contracts by business segment on the balance sheets:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010  
     Oil and Gas
Operations
    Natural Gas
Distribution
    Total  

Derivative assets or (liabilities) designated as hedging instruments

      

Accounts receivable

   $ 85,867      $ -      $   85,867   

Long-term derivative instruments

     3,156     -        3,156   

Total derivative assets

     89,023        -        89,023   

Accounts receivable

     (25,315 )*      -        (25,315

Accounts payable

     (50,508     -        (50,508

Long-term liability derivative instruments

     (83,631     -        (83,631

Total derivative liabilities

     (159,454     -        (159,454

Total derivatives designated

     (70,431     -        (70,431

Derivative assets or (liabilities) not designated as hedging instruments

      

Accounts payable

     (110     (27,906     (28,016

Long-term liability derivative instruments

     -        (32,461     (32,461

Total derivative liabilities

     (110     (60,367     (60,477

Total derivatives not designated

     (110     (60,367     (60,477

Total derivatives

   $ (70,541   $ (60,367   $ (130,908

 

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(in thousands)    December 31, 2009  
     Oil and Gas
Operations
    Natural Gas
Distribution
    Total  

Derivative assets or (liabilities) designated as hedging instruments

      

Accounts receivable

   $ 148,937      $ -      $   148,937   

Long-term derivative instruments

     16,164        -        16,164   

Total derivative assets

     165,101        -        165,101   

Accounts receivable

     (29,484 )*      -        (29,484

Accounts payable

     (6,352     -        (6,352

Long-term asset derivative instruments

     (8,340 )*      -        (8,340

Long-term liability derivative instruments

     (41,374     -        (41,374

Total derivative liabilities

     (85,550     -        (85,550

Total derivatives designated

     79,551        -        79,551   

Derivative assets or (liabilities) not designated as hedging instruments

      

Accounts receivable

     (10 )*      -        (10

Accounts payable

     -        (25,750     (25,750

Long-term liability derivative instruments

     (106     (18,965     (19,071

Total derivative liabilities

     (116     (44,715     (44,831

Total derivatives not designated

     (116     (44,715     (44,831

Total derivatives

   $ 79,435      $ (44,715   $ 34,720   
*

Amounts classified in accordance with accounting guidance which permits offsetting fair value amounts recognized for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

The Company had a net $26.8 million deferred tax asset and a net $30.3 million deferred tax liability included in current and noncurrent deferred income taxes on the consolidated balance sheets related to derivative items included in other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table details the effect of derivative commodity instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the financial statements:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)   

Location on

Income Statement

   2010      2009  

Net gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion), net of tax of $19.5 million and ($2) million

   _      $    31,801         $     (3,316

Gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)

   Operating revenues      $  200,324         $  238,965   

Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)

   Operating revenues      $      1,082         $          (20

 

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The following table details the effect of derivative commodity instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the income statements:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    Location on
Income Statement
   2010     2009  

Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative

   Operating revenues      $               (3)      $            310   

As of December 31, 2010, $6.1 million of deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, are expected to be reclassified and reported in earnings as operating revenues during the next twelve-month period. The actual amount that will be reclassified to earnings over the next year could vary materially from this amount due to changes in market conditions. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 12 thousand barrels (MBbl) of oil hedges which expire during 2011 that did not meet the definition of a cash flow hedge but are considered by the Company to be economic hedges. During 2009, the Company reclassified gains of $66,000 after-tax from other comprehensive income into operating revenues associated with these hedges.

As of December 31, 2010, Energen Resources entered into the following transactions for 2011 and subsequent years:

 

Production Period    Total Hedged
Volumes
  

Average Contract

Price

   Description

Natural Gas

2011    13.6 Bcf    $6.58 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   31.3 Bcf    $5.98 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps
2012    7.2 Bcf    $5.07 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   29.5 Bcf    $4.60 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps
2013    7.2 Bcf    $5.31 Mcf    NYMEX Swaps
   12.0 Bcf    $4.90 Mcf    Basin Specific Swaps

Oil

2011    4,421 MBbl    $78.83 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps
2012    3,744 MBbl    $82.52 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps
2013    3,199 MBbl    $85.32 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps
2014    2,742 MBbl    $87.44 Bbl    NYMEX Swaps

Oil Basis Differential

2011    2,076 MBbl    *    Basis Swaps
2012    672 MBbl    *    Basis Swaps

Natural Gas Liquids

2011    42.8 MMGal    $0.90 Gal    Liquids Swaps
2012    36.4 MMGal    $0.85 Gal    Liquids Swaps

*  Average contract prices not meaningful due to the varying nature of each contract

Alagasco entered into the following natural gas transactions for 2011 and subsequent years:

 

Production Period    Total Hedged Volumes    Description

2011

   15.2 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

2012

   17.2 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

2013

   1.5 Bcf    NYMEX Swaps

As of December 31, 2010, the maximum term over which Energen Resources and Alagasco has hedged exposures to the variability of cash flows is through December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

 

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The following sets forth derivative assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

      December 31, 2010  
(in thousands)    Level 2*     Level 3*     Total  

Current assets

   $ 10,316      $ 50,236      $ 60,552   

Noncurrent assets

     -        -        -   

Current liabilities

     (76,527     (1,997     (78,524

Noncurrent liabilities

     (107,452     (5,484     (112,936

Net derivative asset (liability)

   $ (173,663)      $ 42,755      $ (130,908

 

      December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)    Level 2*     Level 3*     Total  

Current assets

   $ 57,235      $ 62,208      $ 119,443   

Noncurrent assets

     (1,600     9,424        7,824   

Current liabilities

     (25,518     (6,584     (32,102

Noncurrent liabilities

     (59,914     (531     (60,445

Net derivative asset (liability)

   $ (29,797)      $ 64,517      $ 34,720   
*

Amounts classified in accordance with accounting guidance which permits offsetting fair value amounts recognized for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

As of December 31, 2010, Alagasco had $27.9 million and $32.5 million of derivative instruments which are classified as Level 2 fair values and are included in the above table as current and noncurrent liabilities, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, Alagasco had $25.8 million and $19 million of derivative instruments which are classified as Level 2 fair values and are included in the above table as current and noncurrent liabilities, respectively. Alagasco had no derivative instruments classified as Level 3 fair values as of December 31, 2010 and 2009.

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 derivative commodity instruments as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 64,517      $ 154,094      $ (9,998)   

Realized (gains) losses

     241        (13     5,921   

Unrealized gains relating to instruments held at the reporting date

     90,098        65,041        165,637   

Purchases and settlements during period

     (112,101     (154,605     (7,466

Balance at end of period

   $ 42,755      $ 64,517      $ 154,094   

Concentration of Credit Risk: Revenues and related accounts receivable from oil and gas operations primarily are generated from the sale of produced natural gas and oil to natural gas and oil marketing companies. Such sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. This concentration of sales to the energy marketing industry has the potential to affect the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the Company’s oil and gas purchasers may be affected similarly by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. Energen Resources considers the credit quality for its customers and, in certain instances, may require credit assurances such as a deposit, letter of credit or parent guarantee. The four largest oil and gas purchasers accounted for approximately 18 percent, 14 percent, 13 percent and 11 percent of Energen Resources’ accounts receivable for commodity sales as of December 31, 2010. Energen Resources’ other purchasers each accounted for less than 9 percent of this accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the three largest oil and gas purchasers accounted for approximately 13 percent, 12 percent and 11 percent of Energen Resources’ total operating revenues.

Natural gas distribution operating revenues and related accounts receivable are generated from state-regulated utility natural gas sales and transportation to approximately 437,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located in central and north Alabama. A change in economic conditions may affect the ability of customers to meet their obligations; however, the Company believes that its provision for possible losses on uncollectible accounts receivable is adequate for its credit loss exposure.

 

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9. RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

 

Years ended December 31,                                                                        

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

     2010              2009      2008  
     

Net

Income

     Shares      Per Share
Amount
    

Net

Income

     Shares      Per Share
Amount
    

Net

Income

     Shares      Per Share
Amount
 

Basic EPS

   $ 290,807         71,845       $ 4.05       $ 256,325         71,667       $ 3.58       $ 321,915         71,601       $ 4.50   

Effect of dilutive securities

                          

Performance share awards

        -               108               106      

Stock options

        190               78               225      

Non-vested restricted stock

        16               32               98      

Diluted EPS

   $ 290,807         72,051       $ 4.04       $ 256,325         71,885       $ 4.47       $ 321,915         72,030       $ 4.47   

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had 479,820 options and no shares of non-vested restricted stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS, as their effect was non-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company had 969,487 options and 6,150 shares of non-vested restricted stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS. The Company had no options or shares of non-vested restricted stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2008.

10. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of asset retirement obligations (ARO) in the period incurred. Subsequent to initial measurement, liabilities are accreted to their present value and capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company may recognize a gain or loss for differences between estimated and actual settlement costs. The ARO fair value liability is recognized on a discounted basis incorporating an estimate of performance risk specific to the Company. Revisions in estimates to the ARO result from revisions to the estimated timing or amount of the underlying cash flows. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, Energen Resources recognized amounts representing expected future costs associated with site reclamation, facilities dismantlement, and plug and abandonment of wells as follows:

 

(in thousands)        

Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2007

   $     60,571   

Liabilities incurred

     3,736   

Liabilities settled

     (2,446

Accretion expense

     4,290   

Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2008

     66,151   

Liabilities incurred

     8,226   

Liabilities settled

     (672

Revision in estimated cash flows

     9,658   

Accretion expense

     4,935   

Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2009

     88,298   

Liabilities incurred

     4,033   

Liabilities settled

     (1,094

Accretion expense

     6,178   

Balance of ARO as of December 31, 2010

   $ 97,415   

The Company recognizes conditional obligations if such obligations can be reasonably estimated and a legal requirement to perform an asset retirement activity exist. Included in the liabilities incurred for the year ended December 31, 2009, is $6,590,000 related to the acquisition of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin from Range Resources Corporation (Range Resources). Alagasco recorded a conditional asset retirement obligation, on a discounted basis, of $11.4 million and $17.4 million to purge and cap its gas pipelines upon abandonment as a

 

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regulatory liability as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The conditional asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2010 reflects the re-estimation of removal costs associated with Alagasco’s revised depreciation rate as discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The costs associated with asset retirement obligations are currently either being recovered in rates or are probable of recovery in future rates.

Alagasco accrues removal costs on certain gas distribution assets over the useful lives of its property, plant and equipment through depreciation expense in accordance with rates approved by the APSC. Regulatory liabilities for accumulated asset removal costs of $6.9 million and $136.8 million for December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are included as regulatory liabilities in deferred credits and other liabilities on the balance sheets. As of December 31, 2010, the Company recognized $22.3 million and $90.5 million of refundable negative salvage as regulatory liabilities in current liabilities and deferred credit and other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet in response to the June 28, 2010 APSC order as discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Supplemental information concerning Energen’s cash flow activities was as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized

   $     37,071       $     37,032       $     39,814   

Income taxes paid

   $ 83,894       $ 48,061       $ 38,235   

Noncash investing activities:

        

Accrued development and exploration costs

   $ 75,167       $ 46,107       $ 70,319   

Capitalized depreciation

   $ 116       $ 94       $ 98   

Capitalized asset retirement obligations costs

   $ 4,194       $ 18,113       $ 3,940   

Allowance for funds used during construction

   $ 808       $ 1,106       $ 700   

Noncash financing activities:

        

Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans

   $ 5,765       $ 641       $ 8,275   

Treasury stock acquired in connection with tax withholdings

   $ 2,894       $ 778       $ 27,345   

The Company recorded a non-cash adjustment for accretion expense of $6.2 million, $4.9 million and $4.3 million during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In 2009, the Company issued treasury shares for $0.3 million.

Supplemental information concerning Alagasco’s cash flow activities was as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized

   $     11,653       $     11,731       $     12,611   

Income taxes paid

   $ 13,063       $ 7,908       $ 3,012   

Interest on affiliated company debt, net

   $ 274       $ 221       $ 57   

Noncash investing activities:

        

Accrued property, plant and equipment costs

   $ 2,592       $ 2,049       $ 2,510   

Capitalized depreciation

   $ 116       $ 94       $ 98   

Capitalized asset retirement obligations costs

   $ 161       $ 229       $ 204   

Allowance for funds used during construction

   $ 808       $ 1,106       $ 700   

12. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

 

On December 15, 2010, Energen completed the purchase of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin for a cash purchase price of $74 million (subject to closing adjustments). This purchase had an effective date of December 1, 2010. Energen acquired proved reserves of approximately 7.6 million barrels of oil equivalents (MMBOE). Of the proved reserves acquired, an estimated 92 percent are undeveloped. Approximately 62 percent of the acquisition’s estimated proved reserves are oil, 24 percent are natural gas liquids and natural gas comprises the remaining 14 percent. Energen Resources used its credit facilities and internally generated cash flows to finance the acquisition.

 

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The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized as of December 15, 2010. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to adjustment as the final closing statement is not complete.

 

(in thousands)

        

Consideration given

  

Cash (net)

   $ 73,630   

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

  

Proved properties

   $ 41,060   

Unproved leasehold properties

     32,500   

Accounts receivable

     149   

Asset retirement obligation

     (79

Total identifiable net assets

   $     73,630   

The impact to operating revenues and operating income from this acquisition was not material for the year ended December 31, 2010.

On December 9, 2010, Energen completed the asset purchase of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin from SandRidge Energy, Inc. for a cash purchase price of $110 million (subject to closing adjustments). This purchase had an effective date of December 9, 2010. Energen acquired no proved reserves related to this acquisition. Energen Resources used its credit facilities and internally generated cash flows to finance the acquisition.

During 2010, Energen Resources incurred write-offs of unproved capitalized leasehold costs associated with its Alabama shale acreage. The non-cash costs totaled $39.7 million pre-tax and were charged to exploration expense, which is included in O&M expense, after the Company determined that the shale acreage was not economically viable. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Energen Resources also recorded $15.5 million pre-tax in write-offs of well costs related to Alabama shale leasehold. During 2009, Energen Resources was unsuccessful in the completion of a Chattanooga shale well. The costs related to this well of approximately $5.6 million pre-tax were expensed during the fourth quarter of 2009. Also expensed during the fourth quarter, was approximately $1.2 million pre-tax of costs associated with a well originally drilled by Chesapeake in an area of the Chattanooga shale. In addition, the Company recognized unproved leasehold impairments of approximately $2.1 million pre-tax during 2009 related to the Alabama shales.

On September 30, 2010, Energen completed the purchase of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin for a cash price of $189 million (subject to closing adjustments). This purchase had an effective date of September 1, 2010.

Energen acquired proved reserves of approximately 18 MMBOE. Of the proved reserves acquired, an estimated 89 percent are undeveloped. Approximately 65 percent of the proved reserves are oil, 22 percent are natural gas liquids and natural gas comprises the remaining 13 percent. Energen Resources used its internally generated cash flows to finance the acquisition. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition is not presented because it would not be materially different from the information presented in the consolidated statements of income.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized as of September 30, 2010. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to adjustment as the final closing statement is not complete.

 

(in thousands)

        

Consideration given

  

Cash (net)

   $ 188,531   

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

  

Proved properties

   $ 152,050   

Unproved leasehold properties

     35,360   

Accounts receivable

     1,375   

Asset retirement obligation

     (142

Accounts payable

     (112

Total identifiable net assets

   $     188,531   

 

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Included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, is $5 million of operating revenues and $2.1 million in operating income resulting from the operation of the properties acquired above.

In September 2009, Energen Resources recorded a $4.9 million pre-tax gain in other operating revenues from the sale of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin. The Company received approximately $6.5 million pre-tax in cash from the sale of this property.

On June 30, 2009, Energen completed the purchase of certain oil properties in the Permian Basin from Range Resources for a cash price of $181 million. This purchase had an effective date of May 1, 2009. Energen acquired proved reserves of approximately 15.2 MMBOE. Of the proved reserves acquired, an estimated 24 percent are undeveloped. Approximately 76 percent of the proved reserves are oil, 16 percent are natural gas liquids and natural gas comprises the remaining 8 percent. Energen Resources used its short-term credit facilities and internally generated cash flows to finance the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid to Range Resources and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized as of June 30, 2009 (including the effects of closing adjustments).

 

(in thousands)

        

Consideration given to Range Resources

  

Cash (net)

   $ 181,249   

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

  

Proved properties

   $ 182,668   

Unproved leasehold properties

     3,800   

Accounts receivable

     4,987   

Inventory and other

     455   

Asset retirement obligation

     (6,590

Environmental liabilities

     (3,124

Accounts payable

     (947

Total identifiable net assets

   $     181,249   

Included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, is $22.3 million of operating revenues and $8.9 million in operating income resulting from operation of the properties acquired from Range Resources.

Summarized below are the consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 30, 2009 and 2008, on an unaudited pro forma basis as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented. The pro forma information is based on the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and on the data provided by the seller. The pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of results of operations that would have occurred had the transaction occurred on the basis assumed above, nor are they indicative of results of the future operations of the combined enterprises.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2009      2008  

Operating revenues

   $ 1,458,995       $ 1,659,814   

Operating income

   $ 439,624       $ 617,293   

Energen Resources recorded a $10.3 million pre-tax gain in other operating revenues from the March 2008 property sale of certain Permian Basin oil properties. The Company received approximately $15.5 million pre-tax in cash from the sale of this property.

 

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13. REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The following table details regulatory assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  
     Current      Noncurrent      Current      Noncurrent  

Regulatory assets:

           

Pension and postretirement assets

   $ 132       $ 60,284       $ 132       $ 66,552   

Accretion and depreciation for asset retirement obligation

     -         8,681         -         13,566   

Gas supply adjustment

     -         -         7,059         -   

Risk management activities

     27,906         32,461         25,750         18,965   

RSE adjustment

     25         -         25         -   

Enhanced stability reserve

     -         3,794         -         2,706   

Other

     223         145         230         344   

Total regulatory assets

   $     28,286       $ 105,365       $     33,196       $ 102,133   

Regulatory liabilities:

           

RSE adjustment

Unbilled service margin

Postretirement liabilities

Gas supply adjustment

Asset removal costs, net

Refundable negative salvage*

Asset retirement obligation

   $

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,147

34,197

-

14,990

-

22,336

-

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   $

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

-

754

-

6,913

90,504

11,439

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   $

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,508

28,178

-

-

-

-

-

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   $

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

-

-

-

136,799

-

17,419

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Other

     33         837         33         870   

Total regulatory liabilities

   $ 75,703       $ 110,447       $ 29,719       $ 155,088   
*

As of December 31, 2010, the Company reclassified $22.3 million and $90.5 million of accumulated asset removal costs to refundable negative salvage as regulatory liabilities in current liabilities and deferred credit and other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet in response to the June 28, 2010 APSC order as discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

As described in Note 2, Regulatory Matters, Alagasco’s rates are established under the RSE rate-setting process and are based on average equity for the period. Alagasco’s rates are not adjusted to exclude a return on its investment in regulatory assets during the recovery period.

14. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

 

The Company allocates certain corporate costs to Energen Resources and Alagasco based on the nature of the expense to be allocated using various factors including, but not limited to, total assets, earnings, or number of employees. The Company’s cash management program seeks to minimize borrowing from outside sources through inter-company lending. Under this program, Alagasco may borrow from but does not lend to affiliates. Alagasco had net trade receivables from affiliates of $698,000 and net payables of $24,962,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest income and expense between affiliates is calculated monthly based on the market weighted average interest rate. Alagasco had $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million in affiliated company interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The weighted average interest rate during 2010 and 2009 was 1.56 percent and 1.02 percent, respectively.

15. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations. These disclosures are effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

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In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. These disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for the interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. This standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted an accounting standard update to improve financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements. These disclosures are effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 roll forward, which is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim reporting periods within those years. This standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-07, Subsequent Events (Topic 855): Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements, which eliminates the requirements for SEC filers to disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events. This standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

16. SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

 

The Company’s business is seasonal in character. The following data summarizes quarterly operating results.

 

 

    

Year ended December 31, 2010

 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)    First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Operating revenues

   $ 574,914       $ 333,725      $ 295,804      $ 374,091   

Operating income

   $ 192,198       $ 98,293      $ 67,320      $ 135,566   

Net income

   $ 116,710       $ 55,543      $ 38,304      $ 80,250   

Diluted earnings per average common share

   $ 1.62       $ 0.77      $ 0.53      $ 1.11   

Basic earnings per average common share

   $ 1.63       $ 0.77      $ 0.53      $ 1.12   
                                   
    

Year ended December 31, 2009

 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)    First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Operating revenues

   $ 484,106       $ 306,220      $ 287,289      $ 362,805   

Operating income

   $ 161,476       $ 94,145      $ 81,849      $ 97,923   

Net income

   $ 95,582       $ 55,001      $ 47,121      $ 58,621   

Diluted earnings per average common share

   $ 1.33       $ 0.76      $ 0.65      $ 0.81   

Basic earnings per average common share

   $ 1.33       $ 0.77      $ 0.66      $ 0.82   

Alagasco’s business is seasonal in character and influenced by weather conditions. The following data summarizes Alagasco’s quarterly operating results.

   
   
    

Year ended December 31, 2010

 
(in thousands)    First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Operating revenues

   $ 337,300       $ 99,139      $ 61,693      $ 121,640   

Operating income (loss)

   $ 75,255       $ 3,138      $ (9,015   $ 19,005   

Net income (loss)

   $ 44,246       $ (340   $ (7,120   $ 10,097   
         
                                   
    

Year ended December 31, 2009

 
(in thousands)    First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Operating revenues

   $ 294,986       $ 107,683      $ 68,788      $ 146,417   

Operating income (loss)

   $ 80,839       $ 3,242      $ (15,237   $ 15,140   

Net income (loss)

   $ 47,476       $ 902      $ (10,746   $ 7,783   

 

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17. OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

Capitalized Costs: The following table sets forth capitalized costs:

 

(in thousands)    December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  

Proved

     $    3,868,945         $    3,316,939   

Unproved

     211,834         62,189   

Total capitalized costs

     4,080,779         3,379,128   

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     1,161,635         972,676   

Capitalized costs, net

     $2,919,144         $2,406,452   

Costs Incurred: The following table sets forth costs incurred in property acquisition, exploration and development activities and includes both capitalized costs and costs charged to expense during the year:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Property acquisition:

        

Proved

   $     207,161       $ 186,263       $ 864   

Unproved

     201,881         5,100         18,132   

Exploration

     37,371         16,590         21,180   

Development

     332,541         226,841         415,682   

Total costs incurred

   $ 778,954       $     434,794       $     455,858   

Results of Operations From Producing Activities: The following table sets forth results of the Company’s oil and gas operations from producing activities:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Gross revenues

   $     957,371       $     815,465       $     906,006   

Production (lifting costs)

     224,901         217,429         236,679   

Exploration expense

     64,584         10,234         9,296   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     200,179         180,752         136,404   

Accretion expense

     6,178         4,935         4,290   

Income tax expense

     166,750         143,691         194,953   

Results of operations from producing activities

   $ 294,779       $ 258,424       $ 324,384   

Oil and Gas Operations: The calculation of proved reserves is made pursuant to rules prescribed by the SEC. Such rules, in part, require that proved categories of reserves be disclosed. Reserves and associated values were calculated using twelve-month average prices and current costs for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and year-end prices and current costs for the year ended December 31, 2008. Changes to prices and costs could have a significant effect on the disclosed amount of reserves and their associated values. In addition, the estimation of reserves inherently requires the use of geologic and engineering estimates which are subject to revision as reservoirs are produced and developed and as additional information is available. Accordingly, the amount of actual future production may vary significantly from the amount of reserves disclosed. The proved reserves are located onshore in the United States of America.

Estimates of physical quantities of oil and gas proved reserves were determined by Company engineers. Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) and T. Scott Hickman and Associates, Inc. (T. Scott Hickman), independent oil and gas reservoir engineers, have audited the estimates of proved reserves of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids that the Company has attributed to its net interests in oil and gas properties as of December 31, 2010. Ryder Scott audited the reserve estimates for coalbed methane in the Black Warrior and San Juan basins and substantially all of

 

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the Permian Basin reserves. T. Scott Hickman audited the reserves for the North Louisiana and East Texas regions and the conventional reserves in the San Juan Basin. The independent reservoir engineers have issued reports covering approximately 96 percent of the Company’s ending proved reserves indicating that in their judgment the estimates are reasonable in the aggregate.

 

Year ended December 31, 2010    Gas MMcf     Oil MBbl     NGL MBbl     Total Bcfe  

Proved reserves at beginning of period

     897,546        77,963        30,257        1,546.9   

Revisions of previous estimates

     66,679        (2,243     2,434        67.8   

Purchases

     21,700        16,443        5,730        154.8   

Extensions and discoveries

     39,570        16,234        4,058        161.3   

Production

     (70,924     (5,131     (1,880     (113.0

Sales

     (184     (4     2        (0.2

Proved reserves at end of period

     954,387        103,262        40,601        1,817.6   

Proved developed reserves at end of period

     786,292        72,030        28,809        1,391.3   

Proved undeveloped reserves at end of period

     168,095        31,232        11,792        426.2   
        
Year ended December 31, 2009    Gas MMcf     Oil MBbl     NGL MBbl     Total Bcfe  

Proved reserves at beginning of period

     1,038,453        62,034        28,953        1,584.4   

Revisions of previous estimates

     (122,862     1,175        (1,411     (124.3

Purchases

     9,646        12,064        2,537        97.2   

Extensions and discoveries

     45,791        8,144        1,969        106.5   

Production

     (72,337     (4,690     (1,791     (111.2

Sales

     (1,145     (764     -        (5.7

Proved reserves at end of period

     897,546        77,963        30,257        1,546.9   

Proved developed reserves at end of period

     743,859        66,078        24,985        1,290.2   

Proved undeveloped reserves at end of period

     153,687        11,885        5,272        256.6   
                                  

Year ended December 31, 2008

     Gas MMcf        Oil MBbl        NGL MBbl        Total Bcfe   

Proved reserves at beginning of period

     1,115,918        74,625        31,664        1,753.7   

Revisions of previous estimates

     (73,105     (15,813     (3,359     (188.1

Purchases

     1,211        6        -        1.2   

Extensions and discoveries

     62,232        7,937        2,407        124.3   

Production

     (67,573     (4,114     (1,683     (102.4

Sales

     (230     (607     (76     (4.3

Proved reserves at end of period

     1,038,453        62,034        28,953        1,584.4   

Proved developed reserves at end of period

     868,873        51,929        24,869        1,329.7   

Proved undeveloped reserves at end of period

     169,580        10,105        4,084        254.7   

2010 Activities: Energen Resources had upward reserve revisions during 2010 which totaled 67.8 Bcfe. The Black Warrior Basin had upward reserve revisions totaling 3.3 Bcfe of which approximately 7.7 Bcfe related to changes in year-end pricing partially offset by downward reserve revisions of 4.4 Bcfe. The San Juan Basin upward reserve revisions of 66 Bcfe included 45.8 Bcfe related to changes in year-end pricing and 49 Bcfe associated with well performance partially offset by 32 Bcfe of downward reserve revisions resulting from the SEC’s five-year development rule. Downward reserve revisions of 7.8 Bcfe in the Permian Basin were due to lower than anticipated injection response in certain waterflood units offset by 17.8 Bcfe of estimated positive price related revisions.

Energen Resources purchased 154.8 Bcfe of reserves during 2010 primarily related to the acquisitions of oil properties in the Permian Basin.

During 2010, Energen Resources had extensions and discoveries of 161.3 Bcfe of which 77 percent were proved undeveloped reserves and 23 percent were proved developed reserves. Extension drilling resulted in 159.5 Bcfe of discoveries with exploratory drilling providing 1.8 Bcfe of discoveries. The San Juan Basin added 38.2 Bcfe of reserves through the drilling or identification of 36 well locations; additionally, 1 sidetrack well added 6.5 Bcfe of reserves. The Permian Basin added 132.7 Bcfe of reserves primarily through the drilling or identification of 271 well locations.

 

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2009 Activities: Energen Resources had downward reserve revisions during 2009 which totaled 124.3 Bcfe. The Black Warrior Basin had downward reserve revisions totaling 45.6 Bcfe of which approximately 20.5 Bcfe related to changes in year-end pricing and approximately 12.9 Bcfe was caused by accelerated coal mining plans. In the San Juan Basin, downward reserve revisions of 73.9 Bcfe were largely due to 70.5 Bcfe of estimated price revisions and higher fuel usage. Upward reserve revisions of 6.4 Bcfe in the Permian Basin were due to 25.2 Bcfe of estimated positive price related revisions partially offset by lower than anticipated injection response in certain waterflood units.

Energen Resources purchased 97.2 Bcfe of reserves during 2009 primarily related to the acquisition of oil properties in the Permian Basin.

During 2009, Energen Resources had extensions and discoveries of 106.5 Bcfe of which 81 percent were proved undeveloped reserves and 19 percent were proved developed reserves. Extension drilling resulted in 105.9 Bcfe of discoveries with exploratory drilling providing 0.6 Bcfe of discoveries. The San Juan Basin added 38.2 Bcfe of reserves through the drilling or identification of 46 well locations; additionally, 10 sidetrack wells added 6.5 Bcfe of reserves. The Permian Basin added 56.8 Bcfe of reserves primarily through the drilling or identification of 130 well locations.

2008 Activities: Energen Resources had downward reserve revisions during 2008 which totaled 188.1 Bcfe. The Black Warrior Basin had downward reserve revisions totaling 13.0 Bcfe of which approximately 3.1 Bcfe related to changes in year-end pricing and approximately 9.9 Bcfe was associated with high water production from several wells. In the San Juan Basin, downward reserve revisions of 72.7 Bcfe were largely due to 52 Bcfe of estimated price revisions plus higher operating expense and fuel usage and partially offset by improved performance. Downward reserve revisions of 92.6 Bcfe in the Permian Basin were largely due to 61 Bcfe of estimated price related revisions and delayed waterflood responses estimated at 36 Bcfe partially offset by improved performance.

Energen Resources purchased 1.2 Bcfe of reserves during 2008 primarily related to the acquisition of gas properties in East Texas.

During 2008, Energen Resources had extensions and discoveries of 124.3 Bcfe of which 68 percent were proved undeveloped reserves and 32 percent were proved developed reserves. Extension drilling resulted in discoveries of 124 Bcfe with exploratory drilling providing 0.3 Bcfe of discoveries. The Black Warrior Basin added 9.5 Bcfe of reserves primarily through the drilling or identification of 57 well locations. The San Juan Basin added 43.7 Bcfe of reserves through the drilling or identification of 173 well locations; additionally, 12 sidetrack wells added 6.6 Bcfe of reserves. The Permian Basin added 38.8 Bcfe of reserves through the drilling or identification of 159 well locations.

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves: The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair market value of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair market value would take into consideration factors such as, but not limited to, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved reserves, 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. At December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company had a deferred hedging loss of $70.4 million, a deferred hedging gain of $79.7 million and a deferred hedging gain of $324 million, respectively, all of which are excluded from the calculation of standardized measure of future net cash flows.

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Future gross revenues

   $     13,210,211       $     8,208,613       $     8,212,212   

Future production costs

     4,959,403         3,915,736         3,692,060   

Future development costs

     1,026,903         533,674         485,806   

Future income tax expense

     2,201,742         944,875         1,070,005   

Future net cash flows

     5,022,163         2,814,328         2,964,341   

Discount at 10% per annum

     2,555,027         1,251,138         1,337,724   

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

   $ 2,467,136       $ 1,563,190       $ 1,626,617   

Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes

   $ 3,155,746       $ 1,765,632       $ 1,902,594   

 

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The following are the principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,563,190      $ 1,626,617      $ 3,264,713   

Revisions to reserves proved in prior years:

      

Net changes in prices, production costs and future development costs

     945,179        (248,236     (2,571,311

Net changes due to revisions in quantity estimates

     36,349        (117,990     (250,491

Development costs incurred, previously estimated

     195,269        140,169        177,343   

Accretion of discount

     156,319        162,662        326,471   

Changes in timing and other

     15,815        97,142        461,876   

Total revisions

     1,348,931        33,747        (1,856,112

New field discoveries and extensions, net of future production and development costs

     319,223        81,954        36,266   

Sales of oil and gas produced, net of production costs

     (576,755     (389,125     (843,202

Purchases

     278,384        116,435        1,085   

Sales

     87        (7,571     (26,861

Net change in income taxes

     (465,924     101,133        1,050,728   

Net change in standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows

     903,946        (63,427     (1,638,096

Balance at end of year

   $ 2,467,136      $ 1,563,190      $ 1,626,617   

 

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18. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company is principally engaged in two business segments: the acquisition, development, exploration and production of oil and gas in the continental United States (oil and gas operations) and the purchase, distribution and sale of natural gas in central and north Alabama (natural gas distribution). The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

Years ended December 31,(in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating revenues

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 958,762      $ 822,546      $ 914,132   

Natural gas distribution

     619,772        617,874        654,778   

Total

   $ 1,578,534      $     1,440,420      $     1,568,910   

Operating income (loss)

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 406,729      $ 353,645      $ 482,588   

Natural gas distribution

     88,383        83,984        81,956   

Eliminations and corporate expenses

     (1,735     (2,236     (2,476

Total

   $ 493,377      $ 435,393      $ 562,068   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 203,821      $ 184,089      $ 139,539   

Natural gas distribution

     44,042        50,995        48,874   

Other

     2        -        -   

Total

   $ 247,865      $ 235,084      $ 188,413   

Interest expense

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 25,753      $ 25,775      $ 27,587   

Natural gas distribution

     13,894        13,714        14,807   

Eliminations and other

     (425     (110     (413

Total

   $ 39,222      $ 39,379      $ 41,981   

Income tax expense (benefit)

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 138,775      $ 117,969      $ 169,862   

Natural gas distribution

     29,875        27,353        24,829   

Other

     (1,660     (1,351     (1,648

Total

   $ 166,990      $ 143,971      $ 193,043   

Capital expenditures

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 717,782      $ 427,399      $ 449,571   

Natural gas distribution

     93,566        77,809        63,320   

Total

   $ 811,348      $ 505,208      $ 512,891   

Identifiable assets

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 3,160,601      $ 2,654,068      $ 2,650,136   

Natural gas distribution

     1,166,899        1,084,666        1,126,587   

Eliminations and other

     36,060        64,384        (1,319

Total

   $     4,363,560      $ 3,803,118      $ 3,775,404   

Property, plant and equipment, net

      

Oil and gas operations

   $ 2,936,284      $ 2,422,623      $ 2,181,131   

Natural gas distribution

     782,665        721,846        686,517   

Other

     278        -        -   

Total

   $ 3,719,227      $ 3,144,469      $ 2,867,648   

 

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SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Energen Corporation

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

  

Balance at beginning of year

   $     17,251      $     12,868      $     12,244   

Additions:

      

Charged to income

     2,665        11,200        6,716   

Recoveries and adjustments

     (1,100     (512     (245

Net additions

     1,565        10,688        6,471   

Less uncollectible accounts written off

     (3,768     (6,305     (5,847

Balance at end of year

   $     15,048      $ 17,251      $ 12,868   

Alabama Gas Corporation

 

  

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

  

Balance at beginning of year

   $     16,400      $ 12,100      $ 11,500   

Additions:

      

Charged to income

     2,655        11,122        6,590   

Recoveries and adjustments

     (1,094     (517     (199

Net additions

     1,561        10,605        6,391   

Less uncollectible accounts written off

     (3,761     (6,305     (5,791

Balance at end of year

   $     14,200      $ 16,400      $ 12,100   

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Energen Corporation

a. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

b. Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Energen Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Energen Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:

 

  i

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Energen Corporation;

 

  ii

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of Energen Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of Energen Corporation; and

 

  iii

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Energen Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of Energen Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2010, Energen Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. The effectiveness of Energen Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

February 25, 2011

 

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c. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Energen Corporation have concluded that during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Alabama Gas Corporation

a. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

b. Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Alabama Gas Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Alabama Gas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:

 

  i

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Alabama Gas Corporation;

 

  ii

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of Alabama Gas Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of Alabama Gas Corporation; and

 

  iii

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Alabama Gas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of Alabama Gas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2010, Alabama Gas Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. The effectiveness of Alabama Gas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

February 25, 2011

 

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c. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Alabama Gas Corporation have concluded that during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding the executive officers of Energen is included in Part I. The other information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011. The definitive proxy statement will be filed on or about March 18, 2011.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

a. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The information regarding the security ownership of the beneficial owners of more than five percent of Energen’s common stock is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011.

b. Security Ownership of Management

The information regarding the security ownership of management is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011.

c. Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Part 2 under Item 4.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information regarding Principal Accountant Fees and Services is incorporated herein by reference from Energen’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2011.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

a. Documents Filed as Part of This Report

 

  (1)

Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of Energen and the financial statements of Alagasco are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K

 

  (2)

Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statement schedules are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K

 

  (3)

Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K

 

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Energen Corporation

Alabama Gas Corporation

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Item 14(a)(3)

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

*3(a)

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energen Corporation (composite, as amended April 29, 2005) which was filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Energen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

*3(b)

 

Articles of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energen, designating Series 1998 Junior Participating Preferred Stock (July 27, 1998) which was filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Energen’s Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-00395)

*3(c)

 

Bylaws of Energen Corporation (as amended through July 23, 2008) which was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Energen’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 25, 2008

*3(d)

 

Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of Alabama Gas Corporation, dated September 27, 1995, which was filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1995

*3(e)

 

Bylaws of Alabama Gas Corporation (as amended through October 24, 2007) which was filed as Exhibit 3 to Energen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 31, 2007

*4(a)

 

Form of Indenture between Energen Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, which was dated as of September 1, 1996 (the “Energen 1996 Indenture”), and which was filed as Exhibit 4(i) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-11239)

*4(a)(i)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated September 13, 1996, pursuant to Section 301 of the Energen 1996 Indenture setting forth the terms of the Series A Notes which was filed as Exhibit 4(d)(i) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001

*4(a)(ii)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated July 8, 1997, pursuant to Section 301 of the Energen 1996 Indenture amending the terms of the Series A Notes which was filed as Exhibit 4(d)(ii) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001

*4(a)(iii)

 

Amended and Restated Officers’ Certificate, dated February 27, 1998, setting forth the terms of the Series B Notes which was filed as Exhibit 4(d)(iii) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001

*4(a)(iv)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated October 3, 2003, pursuant to Section 301 of the Energen 1996 Indenture setting forth the terms of the 5 percent Notes due October 1, 2013, which was filed as Exhibit 4 to Energen’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 3, 2003

*4(b)

 

Indenture dated as of November 1, 1993, between Alabama Gas Corporation and NationsBank of Georgia, National Association, Trustee, (“Alagasco 1993 Indenture”), which was filed as Exhibit 4(k) to Alabama Gas Corporations’ Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-70466)

*4(b)(i)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 14, 2005, pursuant to Section 301 of the Alabama Gas Corporation 1993 Indenture setting forth the terms of the 5.70 percent Notes due January 15, 2035, which was filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Alabama Gas Corporations’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 14, 2005

 

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*4(b)(ii)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 14, 2005, pursuant to Section 301 of the Alabama Gas Corporation 1993 Indenture setting forth the terms of the 5.20 percent Notes due January 15, 2020, which was filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Alabama Gas Corporations’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 14, 2005

*4(b)(iii)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated November 17, 2005, pursuant to Section 301 of the Alabama Gas Corporation 1993 Indenture setting forth the terms of the 5.368 percent Notes due December 1, 2015, which was filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alabama Gas Corporations’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 17, 2005

*4(b)(iv)

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 16, 2007, pursuant to Section 301 of the Alabama Gas Corporation 1993 Indenture setting forth the terms of the 5.90 percent Notes due January 15, 2037, which was filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alabama Gas Corporations’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 16, 2007

*10(a)

 

Service Agreement Under Rate Schedule CSS (No. SSNG1), between Southern Natural Gas Company and Alabama Gas Corporation, dated as of September 1, 2005, which was filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005

*10(b)

 

Firm Transportation Service Agreement Under Rate Schedule FT and/or FT-NN (No. FSNG1), between Southern Natural Gas Company and Alabama Gas Corporation dated as of September 1, 2005, which was filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005

*10(c)

 

Form of Service Agreement Under Rate Schedule IT (No. 790420), between Southern Natural Gas Company and Alabama Gas Corporation, which was filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1993

*10(c)(i)

 

Amended Exhibits A and B, effective June 1, 2009, to Firm Transportation Service Agreement (No. FSNG1) between Southern Natural Gas Company and Alabama Gas Corporation which was filed as Exhibit 10(c)(i) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009

*10(c)(ii)

 

Amended Exhibits A and B, effective September 1, 2010, to Firm Transportation Service Agreement (No. FSNG1) between Southern Natural Gas Company and Alabama Gas Corporation which was filed as Exhibit 10(c)(ii) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009

*10(d)

 

Service Agreement between Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation and Transco Energy Marketing Company as Agent for Alabama Gas Corporation, dated August 1, 1991 which was filed as Exhibit 3(e) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003

*10(e)

 

Amendment to Service Agreement between Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation and Alabama Gas Corporation, dated December 2, 2005, which was filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005

*10(f)

 

Occluded Gas Lease, dated January 1, 1986 and First through Seventh Amendments, which was filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005

*10(f)(i)

 

Eighth Amendment to Occluded Gas Lease, dated January 1, 2009, while was filed as Exhibit 10(f)(i) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-k for the year ended December 31, 2008

*10(g)

 

Form of Executive Retirement Supplement Agreement between Energen Corporation and its executive officers (as revised October 2000) which was filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000

 

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*10(h)

 

Form of Severance Compensation Agreement between Energen Corporation and its executive officers which was filed as Exhibit 10(h) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009

*10(i)

 

Energen Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended effective January 1, 2010) which was filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Energen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009

*10(j)

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Energen Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan which was filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Energen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004

*10(k)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Energen Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan which was filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Energen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004

*10(l)

 

Form of Performance Share Award under the Energen Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan which was filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Energen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004

*10(m)

 

Energen Corporation 1997 Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated effective January 1, 2008)

*10(n)

 

Energen Corporation Directors Stock Plan (as amended April 28, 2010) which was filed as an attachment to Energen’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A

*10(o)

 

Energen Corporation Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended effective January 1, 2010 which was filed as an attachment to Energen’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed March 19, 2010

*10(p)

 

Credit Agreement dated October 29, 2010, by and among Energen Corporation, Energen Resources Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Regions Bank, and Co-Syndication Agents, BBVA, as Documentation Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities LLC, Regions Capital Markets, a division of Regions Bank and BBVA as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, and the lenders party thereto which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Energen’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 1, 2010

*10(q)

 

Credit Agreement dated October 29, 2010, by and among Alabama Gas Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Regions Bank, and Co- Syndication Agents, BBVA, as Documentation Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities LLC, Regions Capital Markets, a division of Regions Bank and BBVA as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, and the lenders party thereto which was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Energen’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 1, 2010

  21

 

Subsidiaries of Energen Corporation and Alabama Gas Corporation

  23(a)

 

Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)

  23(b)

 

Consent of Independent Oil and Gas Reservoir Engineers (Ryder Scott Company, L.P.)

  23(c)

 

Consent of Independent Oil and Gas Reservoir Engineers (T. Scott Hickman and Associates, Inc.)

  24

 

Power of Attorney

 

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  31(a)

 

Energen Corporation Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

  31(b)

 

Energen Corporation Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

  31(c)

 

Alabama Gas Corporation Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

  31(d)

 

Alabama Gas Corporation Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

  32(a)

 

Energen Corporation Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

  32(b)

 

Alabama Gas Corporation Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

  99(a)

 

Reserve Audit – Ryder Scott & Company, L.P.

  99(b)

 

Reserve Audit – T. Scott Hickman and Associates, Inc.

  101

 

The following financial statements from Energen Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

*Incorporated by reference

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ENERGEN CORPORATION

(Registrant)

ALABAMA GAS CORPORATION

(Registrant)

 

            February 25, 2011            

 

By

 

    /s/ J.T. McManus, II

 

J.T. McManus, II

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Energen Corporation; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama Gas Corporation

 

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

February 25, 2011     By    /s/ J.T. McManus, II                                                                                 
    J.T. McManus, II
   

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of

Energen Corporation; Chairman and Chief Executive

Officer of Alabama Gas Corporation

February 25, 2011     By    /s/ Charles W. Porter, Jr.                                                                         
    Charles W. Porter, Jr.
   

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

Treasurer of Energen Corporation and Alabama

Gas Corporation

February 25, 2011     By    /s/ Russell E. Lynch, Jr.                                                                           
    Russell E. Lynch, Jr.
   

Vice President and Controller of Energen

Corporation

February 25, 2011     By    /s/ William D. Marshall                                                                            
    William D. Marshall
    Vice President and Controller of Alabama Gas
    Corporation
February 25, 2011             *                                                                                                                   
    Julian W. Banton
    Director
February 25, 2011             *                                                                                                                   
    Kenneth W. Dewey
    Director
February 25, 2011             *                                                                                                                   
    James S. M. French
    Director
February 25, 2011             *                                                                                                                   
    Judy M. Merritt
    Director
February 25, 2011             *                                                                                                                   
    David W. Wilson
    Director
    *By    /s/ Charles W. Porter, Jr.                                                                      
    Charles W. Porter, Jr.,
    Attorney-in-Fact

 

103