EX-99 2 exhibit991.htm SWN TRANSCRIPT OF PRESENTATION

EXHIBIT 99.1

Slide Presentation dated January 24, 2005

The following slides were presented January 24, 2005 to investors.

(Cover)
Southwestern Energy Company

January 2005 Update

This left side of this slide contains a picture of a snow-capped volcano. The caption above reads "The Power Within."  The Company's formula is located in the bottom right corner.  The top right corner of this slide contains a box with a picture of an oil derrick and "75 years SWN 1929 - 2004."

(Slide 1)
Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN)

General Information

Southwestern Energy Company is an independent energy company primarily focused on the exploration for and production of natural gas. Our strategy is to add at least $1.30 in discounted value for every dollar invested in a focused exploration and production program in the Arkoma and Permian Basins, East Texas and the onshore Gulf Coast.

Market Data as of January 21, 2005

Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

36,245,534

Market Capitalization

$1,807,000,000

Institutional Ownership

80.9%

Management Ownership

7.0%

52-Week Price Range

$19.35 (2/5/2004)

 

$54.90 (11/30/2004)

Investor Contacts

Greg D. Kerley
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Phone:

(281) 618-4803

Fax:

(281) 618-4820

 

Brad D. Sylvester, CFA
Manager, Investor Relations

Phone:

(281) 618-4897

Fax:

(281) 618-4820

(Slide 2)
Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than historical financial information, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although the company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for gas and oil, the extent to which the Fayetteville Shale play can replicate the results of other productive shale gas plays, the potential for significant variability in reservoir characteristics of the Fayetteville Shale over such a large acreage position, the timing and extent of the company's success in discovering, developing, producing and estimating reserves, property acquisition or divestiture activities, the effects of weather and regulation on the company's gas distribution segment, increased competition, the impact of federal, state and local government regulation, the financial impact of accounting regulations and critical accounting policies, changing market conditions and prices (including regional basis differentials), the comparative cost of alternative fuels, conditions in capital markets and changes in interest rates, availability of oil field personnel, services, drilling rigs and other equipment, and any other factors listed in the reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see reports filed by the company with the SEC.  The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(Slide 3)
About Southwestern

* Focused on domestic exploration and production of natural gas.
  * 645 Bcfe of reserves; 92% natural gas; 11.9 R/P at year-end 2004.
 
* Track record of adding significant reserves at low costs.
 

* Since 1999, we've averaged production growth of 10%, reserve growth of 13%, 246% reserve replacement, and F&D cost of $1.28 per Mcfe.

   
* E&P strategy built on organic growth through the drillbit.
  * Approximately 83% of planned E&P capital allocated to drilling in 2005.
   

* Proven management team has increased Southwestern's market capitalization from $187 million at year-end 1998 to approximately $1.8 billion today.

* Strategy built on the Formula:
  The Right People doing the Right Things, wisely investing the cash flow from the underlying Assets will create Value+.

(Slide 4)
Current Highlights

2003

* Accelerated development drilling at Overton Field (March 2003 equity offering of $103 million).

 

 

* Improved debt-to-capital ratio to 45% at 12/31/03, down from 66% at 12/31/02.

 

 

* Record operating and financial results.

 

* New records set for reserve adds, production, net income and EBITDA(1).

2004

* Record estimated production of 54.1 Bcfe, up 31% over 41.2 Bcfe in 2003.

* Record reserves of 645 Bcfe at year-end 2004, up 28% from 503 Bcfe in 2004.

* In 2004, we again expect to set new records in net income, EBITDA(1), and cash flow.

* Began drilling in Fayettevile Shale play in Arkansas.

2005 Forecast

* Planned CapEx of approximately $353.0 million, up 20% from 2004.

* Production guidance of 61.0 - 63.0 Bcfe, up 13 - 17% from forecasted 2004 production.

* Plan to significantly accelerate Fayetteville Shale drilling program.

(1)  EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  See explanation and reconciliation of EBITDA on page 31.

(Slide 5)
Proven Track Record

This slide contains bar charts for the periods ended December 31.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004E 2005E

Production (Bcfe)

32.9

35.7

39.8

40.1

41.2

54.1E 61-63E

Reserve Replacement

150%

196%

224%

209%

351%

388%E

EBITDA ($MM)(1)

$76.1

$103.2

$134.6

$99.8

$152.3

245E  

F&D Cost ($/Mcfe)

$1.20

$0.99

$1.11

$1.02

$1.18

$1.34E

Note: Reserve data excludes reserve revisions.

(1)    EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation and reconciliation of EBITDA on page 31.

(Slide 6)
E&P Focused

This slide contains a map of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico with shadings to denote the Arkoma and Permian Basins, the Gulf Coast region and the East Texas region. Lines trace gas distribution pipelines and the Ozark Pipeline.

E&P Segment

* 2004 Reserves: 645 Bcfe
* 92% Natural Gas
* 83% Proved Developed
* Reserve Life: 11.9 years
* 2004 Production: 54.1 Bcfe

Arkoma

* Reserves - 247.0 Bcf (38%)
* Production - 20.2 Bcf (37%)
* Arkoma Conventional: Maintain our strong position through low-risk development drilling.
* Arkoma Unconventional: Pursue new Fayetteville Shale play.

East Texas (Overton)

* Reserves - 299.1 Bcfe (47%)
* Production - 22.2 Bcfe (41%)
* Grow through low-risk infill drilling.

Gulf Coast

* Reserves - 38.6 Bcfe (6%)
* Production - 4.6 Bcfe (9%)
* Reduce our high-risk exploration.

Permian

* Reserves - 60.8 Bcfe (9%)

* Production - 7.1 Bcfe (13%)

* Focus on medium-risk exploration.

Utility Segment

* 144,000 customers in N. Arkansas
* 6th fastest growing region in U.S.
* Filed $9.7 MM rate case in Dec. 2004

(Slide 7)
Capital Investments

This slide contains a bar chart of Company capital investments, summarized as follows:

2004

 
         

Unaudited

2005

2001

2002

2003

Est.

Plan

 

($ in millions)

Utility & Corporate

$7.1

 

$6.9

$9.3

$9.5

$13.7

Property Acquisitions

$0.7

 

$0.1

$ -

$14.4

$ -

Cap. Exp. & Other

$9.9

 

$10.9

$12.4

$21.7

$31.0

Leasehold & Seismic

$9.8

 

$9.2

$19.0

$21.0

$26.8

Development Drilling

$44.2

 

$46.3

$119.7

$182.6

$271.2

Exploration Drilling

$20.8

 

$18.7

$19.8

$35.5

$10.0

Total

$92.5

(1)

$92.1

$180.2

$284.7

$352.7

This slide also contains a pie chart of Company's planned 2004 capital investments by area of operation, summarized as follows:

% of Total

Capital Investments

East Texas

43%

Arkoma Fayetteville Shale

29%

Arkoma

17%

Other E&P

6%

Utility

3%

Gulf Coast

1%

Permian

1%

 

* E&P capital program heavily weighted to low-risk drilling in 2005:
  * Low-risk East Texas ($147.6 MM, 43%) and Arkoma ($59.3 MM, 17%),
  * Permian Basin ($4.8 MM, 1%) and Gulf Coast ($4.8 MM, 1%),
  * Other Exploration and New Ventures ($22.3 MM, 6%).
   
* Arkoma Fayetteville Shale (up to $100.2 MM, 29%).
  * Currently hold approx. 557,000 net acres in undeveloped play area + 125,000 net acres HBP.
  * Plan to drill approximately 160 - 170 wells in 2005.
   
* Over 80% of E&P capital allocated to drilling in 2005.

(1) Net of $13.5 million reimbursement from Overton Field partnership.

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 8)

East Texas - Overton Field

This slide contains a map of Smith County, Texas where the Overton Field is located.  Existing wells at year-end 2003 and 2004 and 2005 development well locations are denoted.  It is stated that the Overton Field contains 17,900 acres and the South Overton Farm-in Acreage contains 6,500 acres.

* Purchased original 10,800 acres and 16 producing wells for $6.1 million in 2000 (developed at 640-acre spacing).

 

* Drilled 173 wells in 2001 through 2004 with 100% success.

 

* Plan to drill 80 wells in 2005, a portion of which will be at 40-acre spacing.

Overton Field reserve potential:

Approx.

Reserve

Well

Spacing

Potential

Count

(Acres)

(Net Bcfe)

Original Wells

16

640

22

2001 - 2002 Development

33

365

89

2003 Development

57

170

102

2004 Development

83

100

142

Planned 2005 Development 80 75 95

Potential Future Development

  Locations @ $5.00 Gas 37 70 35
Locations @ $6.00 Gas 92 60 84

 

Overton Field 2002-2004E Avg Results:

Reserve Replacement:

 

729%

LOE Cost (incl. Taxes) ($/Mcfe):

 

$0.47

F&D Cost ($/Mcfe):

 

$0.93

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 9)
Overton Field Gross Production

The graph contained in this slide displays the Overton Field gross production rate (MMcfe/d) from the year 2000 to December 2004 and the potential gross production rate for 2004 under both an accelerated drilling program and under an eighteen well per year program.

Overton Field Net Production:

Bcfe

2000

0.3

2001

2.3

2002

5.9

2003

13.6

2004 Estimate

22.2

2005 Forecast

25 - 27

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 10)
Overton Field - Improved Drilling Results

This slide of drilling days versus depth portrays the improved drilling rate in the Overton Field since its purchase from Fina in 2001.  Fina's average drilling rate was 55 days.  Upon the Field's purchase in 2001 we decreased that rate to 35 days.  It was further decreased to 27 days in 2002, 23 days in 2003 and 19 days in 2004.

* Reduced drilling time by >50%.

 

* Increased initial production by 200%.

 

* Increased gross reserves by 60% (avg. EUR of 2.0 Bcfe per well in 2004)

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 11)

Arkoma Basin

 

This slide contains a map of Arkansas and Oklahoma with shading to denote the Arkoma Basin. The Ranger Anticline and the area known as the Fairway are further noted. A portion of the Arkoma Unconventional play (1) is also noted.

* Conventional Play:

 

* 60+ years of experience in the basin, large acreage position of 287,000 net acres.

  * 2005 capital program includes drilling approximately 86 wells.
   

* Fayetteville Shale Play:

 

* Currently hold approx. 557,000 net acres in undeveloped play area + 125,000 net acres HBP.

 

* Fayetteville Shale project results to date have been encouraging.  Company plans to significantly increase activity in 2005, drilling up to 160 - 170 wells.

Arkoma Basin 2002-2004E Avg Results:

Reserve replacement:

154%

LOE Cost (incl. Taxes) ($/Mcf):

$0.43

F&D Cost ($/Mcf):

$1.15

Ranger Anticline (inception thru 12/31/04E):

Success:

43/50

Net EUR:

62.8 Bcf

F&D/Mcf:

$.70

 

(1) For illustrative purposes only.  Shaded area does not delineate actual play area.

 

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 12)
Ranger Anticline

This slide contains a map of the Ranger Anticline prospect with the Company's exploratory and held by production acreage designated with shading.  Also shown are SWN's producing wells at 12/31/04, and the 2005 proposed wells.

Ranger Anticline (inception thru 12/31/04E):

Success:

43/50

Net EUR:

62.8 Bcf

F&D/Mcf:

$.70

 

* In July 2004, received approval to downspace field to 560 feet between wells.

 

* Current acreage position of 7,700 gross developed acres and 43,500 gross exploratory acres.

 

* Average working interest 50% - 100%.

 

* SWN plans to drill approximately 43 wells in 2005.

 

* Area has significant upside potential.

Ranger Anticline Potential:

Reserve

Well

Potential

Count

(Net Bcfe)

Producing Wells at 12/31/02

13

20

Successful Wells in 2003

10

12

Successful Wells in 2004

20

32

2005 Drilling Program 43 48
     
  Other Contingent Locations 133 121

 

TOTAL

219

233

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 13)

Arkoma - Fayetteville Shale Play

 

This slide contains a map of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and portions of Louisiana and Texas.  Shading denotes the Fayetteville and Caney Shales in the Arkoma Basin, the Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth Basin and the Frontal Belt area.

 

* Mississippian-age shale, geologic equivalent of the Caney Shale in Oklahoma and the Barnett Shale in north Texas.

 

* The shale appears to be laterally extensive, ranging in thickness from 50 to 325 feet, and ranging in depths from 1,500 to 6,500 feet.

 

* Currently hold approximately 557,000 net acres in undeveloped play area + 125,000 net acres in HBP.

 

* At December 31, 2004, we had drilled 21 Fayetteville Shale wells in 5 pilot areas.

 

* 2005 Plan: Invest up to $100.2 million, which includes drilling up to 160 - 170 wells.

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 14)
How Have We Been Doing?

Graph shows F&D cost ($/Mcfe), reserve replacement (%) and PVI ($/$) after new management, a new E&P team and a new strategy were implemented in 1997.

1997

1998

1999

2000 (1)

2001

2002

2003

2004 Est.

F&D cost ($/Mcfe)

$2.53

$1.10

$1.20

$.99

$1.11

$1.02

$1.18

1.34E

Reserve replacement (%)

77%

129%

150%

196%

224%

209%

351%

388%E

PVI ($/$)

$ .56

$1.17

$1.07

$1.30

$1.40

$1.33

$1.42

$1.40E

Note:  All metrics calculated exclude reserve revisions.  2004 data based upon preliminary unaudited results.

(1)    PVI metrics calculated using pricing in effect at year-end (except for 2000 which was calculated at $3.00 per Mcf natural gas price).

(Slide 15)
Outlook for 2005

* Production estimate of 54.1 Bcfe in 2004 (estimated growth of 31%).
* Production target of 61.0 - 63.0 Bcfe in 2005 (estimated growth of 13 - 17%).

2003 Actual

2004 Guidance

2005 Guidance

$5.39 Gas

$6.00 Gas

$5.00 Gas

$6.00 Gas

$30.83 Oil

$34.00 Oil

$30.00 Oil

$36.00 Oil

Net Income

$48.9 MM

$95 - $100 MM

$91 - $93 MM

$117 - $119 MM

EPS

$1.43

$2.60 - $2.70

$2.45 - $2.50

$3.15 - $3.20

Operating Income

$97.3 MM

$175 - $180 MM

$165 - $170 MM

$207 - $212 MM

Net Cash Flow(1)

$132.3 MM

$230 - $235 MM

$233 - $238 MM

$275 - $280 MM

EBITDA(1)

$152.3 MM

$245 - $250 MM

$252 - $257 MM

$293 - $298 MM
CapEx $180.2 MM $295.0 MM 352.7 MM $352.7 MM

Note: Per share estimates assume 36.6 million and 37.0 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2004 and 2005, respectively.

(1)   Net Cash Flow is net cash flow before changes in operating assets and liabilities.  Net cash flow and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures.  See explanation and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures on pages 30 and 31.

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 16)
Gas Hedges in Place Through 2006

This slide contains a bar chart detailing gas hedges in place by quarter for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.  A summary of these outstanding gas hedges is as follows:

Average Price per Mcf

Percent of Total

Type

Hedged Volumes

(or Floor/Ceiling)

Production Hedged

2004

Swaps

9.2 Bcf

$4.71

15 - 20%

Collars

26.0 Bcf

$3.92 / $6.62

50 - 55%

2005

Swaps

12.6 Bcf

$5.04

20 - 25%

Collars

32.0 Bcf

$4.65/ $8.29

50 - 55%

2006

Swaps

5.0 Bcf

$5.89

-

Collars

22.0 Bcf

$4.64/ $8.70

-

Note:  Southwestern has approximately 360,000 barrels of oil hedged at a fixed WTI price of $33.17 per barrel in 2005 and 120,000 barrels of oil hedged at a fixed WTI price of $37.30 per barrel in 2006.

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 17)
The Road to V+

* Invest in the Highest PVI Projects.
  * Accelerate Overton Development.
  * Accelerate Ranger Anticline Development.
   
* Pursue Fayetteville Shale Potential.
   
* Maximize Cash Flow.
   
* Deliver the Numbers.
  * Production and Reserve Growth.
  * Add Value for Every Dollar Invested.
   
* Continue to Tell Our Story.

(Slide 18)
Appendix

(Slide 19)
Financial & Operational Summary

This slide contains a table that summarizes the Company's financial and operational indicators.

 

9 Months Ended September 30,

 

Year Ended December 31,

2004

2003

2003

2002

2001

2000 (1)

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenues

$327.6 $236.2  

$327.4

$261.5

$344.9

$363.9

EBITDA(2)

179.0 110.3  

152.3

99.8

134.6

103.2

Net Income

70.7 34.0  

48.9

14.3

35.3

20.5

Net Cash Flow (2)

165.3 95.0  

132.3

79.8

112.7

82.4

Diluted EPS

$1.92 $1.01  

$1.43

$0.55

$1.38

$0.82

               

Production (Bcfe)

39.0 30.0  

41.2

40.1

39.8

35.7

Avg. Gas Price ($/Mcf)

$5.07 $4.22  

$4.20

$3.00

$3.85

$2.88

Avg. Oil Price ($/Bbl)

$29.51 $27.17  

$26.72

$21.02

$23.55

$22.99

               

Finding Cost ($/Mcfe) (3)

     

$1.18

$1.02

$1.11

$0.99

Reserve Replacement (%) (3)

     

351%

209%

224%

196%

 

(1)    Before the effects of unusual and extraordinary items.

(2)    Net cash flow is net cash flow before changes in operating assets and liabilities.  Net cash flow and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures.  See explanation and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures on pages 30 and 31.

(3)    Excluding reserve revisions.

 

(Slide 20)

SWN is One of the Lowest Cost Operators

This slide contains a bar graph that compares SWN to its competitors in terms of lifting cost per Mcfe of production (3 year average).

   

Lifting Cost per Mcfe

   

of Production

   

(3 year average)

     

Houston Exploration

  $0.57

Burlington Resources

  $0.57
Remington Oil & Gas   $0.58

Southwestern Energy Company

  $0.62

EnCana

  $0.70

Newfield Exploration

  $0.71

Patina Oil & Gas

  $0.71

Chesapeake Energy

  $0.74
Cabot Oil & Gas   $0.76

Range Resources

  $0.79

Apache

  $0.79

Pioneer Natural Resources

  $0.82

Anadarko Petroleum

  $0.85
Swift Energy   $0.89

XTO Energy

  $0.89

Devon Energy

  $0.90
Cimarex Energy   $0.90
St. Mary Land & Exploration   $1.05
Forest Oil   $1.07
Denbury Resources   $1.14
Magnum Hunter Resources   $1.14

This slide also contains a bar graph comparing SWN to its competitors in terms of drillbit F&D cost per Mcfe (3 year average).

   

Drillbit F&D Cost

   

per Mcfe

   

(3 year average)

     

XTO Energy

  $0.81

Southwestern Energy Company

  $1.11
Burlington Resources   $1.37
Apache   $1.37

Swift Energy

  $1.48

EnCana

  $1.51

Anadarko Petroleum

  $1.51

Patina Oil & Gas

  $1.52
Cabot Oil & Gas   $1.63

Denbury Resources

  $1.72

Range Resources

  $1.79
St. Mary Land & Exploration   $1.93

Forest Oil

  $1.95

Chesapeake Energy

  $2.00
Remington Oil & Gas   $2.07
Houston Exploration   $2.23

Newfield Exploration

  $2.76

Pioneer Natural Resources

  $2.98
Cimarex Energy   $3.01
Magnum Hunter Resources   $3.03
Devon Energy   $3.18

 

Source:  John S. Herold Database

Note:  All data as of December 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003.

(Slide 21)
Ranger Anticline

This slide contains a vertical cross-section of the Ranger Anticline area with shading to denote upper and lower borum.

* Thrust faulted/anticlinal Atokan sand play.
 
* Repeat sections of tight gas sands.
 
* Natural fractures enhance productivity.

(Slide 22)
Focused on Adding Value

 

Overton Well

 

Ranger Well

Typical First Year Economics:            

Gross reserves (Bcfe)

2.2

2.0 1.5  

1.8

1.2
  (per Mcfe)   (per Mcf)
Revenues $5.00 $5.00 $5.00   $5.00 $5.00

Production costs

$0.38

$0.40 $0.45  

$0.28

$0.36

Cash netback

$4.62

$4.60 $4.55  

$4.72

$4.64

F&D costs

$0.90

$1.01 $1.34  

$0.80

$1.20

 

           
Total Life Economics:            

Completed Well Cost ($MM)

$1.6

$1.6 $1.6  

$1.0

$1.0

Pretax ROR

42%

34% 20%  

53%

28%

Pretax PVI

2.0

1.8 1.3  

2.5

1.6

Note:  Our ability to achieve our target PVI results are dependent upon the current and future market prices for natural gas and crude oil, costs associated with producing natural gas and crude oil and our ability to add reserves at an acceptable cost.

Note that the information contained on this slide constitutes a "forward-looking statement".

(Slide 23)

U.S. Gas Consumption and Sources

This slide displays U.S. gas production versus U.S. gas consumption from 1975 to the present. Net gas imports for the same period are also given.  U.S. gas production has been basically flat since 1994.

Source:  EIA

(Slide 24)
U.S. Gas Production Decline Rate

This graph portrays U.S. natural gas production history.  The graph indicates a 30% 2005 decline rate.

 

Production Decline Rate of Base

1990

 

17%

 

1991

 

17%

 

1992

 

16%

 

1993

 

18%

 

1994

 

19%

 

1995

 

19%

 

1996

 

20%

 

1997

 

21%

 

1998

 

23%

 

1999

 

23%

 

2000

 

25%

 

2001E

 

24%

 

2002E

 

27%

 

2003E

 

28%

 
2004E   29%  
2005E   30%  

Utilizes data supplied by IHS Energy; Copyright 1990 - 2005 IHS Energy

Chart prepared by and property of EOG Resources, Inc.; Copyright 2002 - 2005

(Slide 25)
U.S. Electricity Consumption on the Rise

This line graph shows an increase in U.S. electricity consumption in billion kilowatt-hours per month from 1990 to 2005.

Source:  Edison Electric Institute

(Slide 26)
NYMEX Gas Prices

This line graph represents NYMEX gas prices in $/Mcf from 2000 to 2005.

Source:  Bloomberg

(Slide 27)
U.S. Gas Drilling

This line graph denotes the number of rigs drilling for gas through the period 1988 to 2005.

Source:  Baker Hughes

(Slide 28)
West Texas Intermediate Oil Prices

This line graph shows the price of West Texas Intermediate oil in $/Bbl for the years 2000 to 2005.

Source:  Bloomberg

(Slide 29)
Oil and Gas Price Comparison

This line graph compares the prices of Henry Hub natural gas and WTI crude oil in $/MMBtu and $/Bbl respectively for the period 1994 to 2005.

Source:  Bloomberg

(Slide 30)

Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Net Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities is presented because of its acceptance as an indicator of an oil and gas exploration and production company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service or incur additional debt. The company has also included this information because changes in operating assets and liabilities relate to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements which the company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Forecasting changes in operating assets and liabilities would require unreasonable effort, would not be reliable and could be misleading.  Therefore, the reconciliation of the company's forecasted net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities has assumed no changes in assets and liabilities.  The first table below reconciles actual net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities with net cash provided by operating activities as derived from the company's financial information. 

 

9 Months Ended September 30,

 

    12 Months Ended December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2003

  2002   2001   2000  

 

(in thousands)

 

Net Cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities

$165,345 

 

$94,968 

 

$132,327 

 

$79,775 

 

$112,697 

 

$82,372 

(1)

Add back (deduct):

Change in operating assets and liabilities

17,974 

 

(117)

 

(23,228) 

 

(2,201) 

 

31,886

 

24,286

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$183,319 

 

$94,851 

 

$109,099  

 

$77,574  

 

$144,583  

 

$106,658  

(1)
(1) Before the effects of unusual and extraordinary items.                        

 

2004 Guidance

  2005 Guidance

 

NYMEX Commodity Price Assumptions

 

$6.00 Gas   $5.00 Gas   $6.00 Gas

 

$34.00 Oil   $30.00 Oil   $36.00 Oil

 

(in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$230 - $235

  $233-$238   $275-$280

Add back (deduct):

         

Change in operating assets and liabilities

--   --   --

Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities

$233-$238   $233-$238   $275-$280

(Slide 31)

Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: EBITDA

EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization. Southwestern has included information concerning EBITDA because it is used by certain investors as a measure of the ability of a company to service or incur indebtedness and because it is a financial measure commonly used in the energy industry.  EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, net cash provided by operating activities or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the company's profitability or liquidity. EBITDA as defined above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Net income is a financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The table below reconciles historical EBITDA with historical net income.

12 Months Ended December 31,

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

                   

Net income

$48,897

 

$14,311

 

$35,324

 

$20,461

(1)

$9,927

     Depreciation, depletion and amortization (2)

57,762

 

55,352

 

53,641

 

46,622

  42,387

     Net interest expense

17,311

 

21,466

 

23,699

 

24,689

  17,351

     Provision for income taxes

28,372

(3)

8,708

 

21,917

 

11,457

  6,449

EBITDA

$152,342

 

$99,837

 

$134,581

 

$103,229

(1)

$76,114

 

(1)    2000 amounts exclude unusual items of $109.3 million for the Hales judgment and $2.0 million for other litigation.

(2)    Depreciation, depletion and amortization includes the amortization of restricted stock issued under the company's incentive compensation plan.

(3)    Provision for income taxes for 2003 includes the tax benefit associated with the cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle.

The table below reconciles EBITDA with 2005 forecasted net income assuming different NYMEX price scenarios and their corresponding estimated impact on the company's results for 2005, including current hedges in place, as of December 9, 2004:

 

2004 Guidance

 

2005 Guidance

 

NYMEX Commodity Price Assumptions

 

$6.00 Gas

 

$5.00 Gas

 

$6.00 Gas

 

$34.00 Oil

 

$30.00 Oil

 

$36.00 Oil

($ in millions)

Net income

$95 - $100

 

$91 - $93

 

$117 - $119

Add back:

         

     Provision for income taxes - deferred

59 - 61

 

53 - 54

 

69 - 70

     Interest expense

17 - 19

 

21 - 22

 

21 - 22

     Depreciation, depletion, amortization

73 - 76   87 - 89  

87 - 89

EBITDA

$245 - $250   $252 - $257   $293 - $298