Bill Barrett Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2010 Results

DENVER, Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG) today reported third quarter 2010 operating results highlighted by:

• Natural gas and oil production up 12% to 25.5 Bcfe
• Discretionary cash flow up 27% to $136.5 million, or $2.98 per diluted common share
• Net income up significantly to $24.6 million, or $0.54 per diluted common share
• Initiation of continuous development program in West Tavaputs
• Continued operating and capital cost discipline driving improved 2010 guidance

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett commented: "Solid execution at our key development programs resulted in strong production growth and continued cost controls which, combined with strong realized pricing, delivered record discretionary cash flow.  We continue to realize premium pricing due to the increased contribution from liquids, as well as a reduced natural gas basis differential and our hedge positions.

"The quarter was highlighted by receipt of permits for on-going, year-round development activities at West Tavaputs. We have initiated a two-rig development program through the winter, and we expect to drill up to 20 wells by year-end. This is a significant event for all of our shareholders, paving the way to 1.3 trillion cubic feet equivalent ("Tcfe") of proved, probable and possible reserves that we were otherwise unable to drill as well as providing significant growth in cash flow for many years to come.

"As we wind up 2010, we are on track to meet our production guidance, narrowed to 97 to 98 billion cubic feet equivalent ("Bcfe"), while at the same time we have significantly lowered our guidance for capital expenditures, lease operating expense, and gathering and transportation expenses. We are also well positioned for 2011 with a portfolio of exploration opportunities and a development portfolio that enables flexibility for moderate to strong production growth and exposure to an exciting and growing oil asset. Further for 2011, we have approximately 43 Bcfe hedged at an average price of $7.12 per thousand cubic feet equivalent ("Mcfe") and $674 million available on our line of credit, currently undrawn."

Third quarter 2010 natural gas and oil production totaled a record 25.5 Bcfe, up 12% from 22.8 Bcfe in the third quarter of 2009 and up 2% sequentially from 25.1 Bcfe in the second quarter of 2010. Production growth is predominantly from Gibson Gulch in the Piceance Basin, up 5% sequentially, and the Blacktail Ridge/Lake Canyon oil producing properties, up 29% sequentially.  For the first nine months of 2010, production totaled 72.3 Bcfe, an increase of 8% compared with 67.0 Bcfe the first nine months of 2009. Including the effects of the Company's hedging activities and natural gas liquids recovery, the average realized sales price in the third quarter of 2010 was $7.03 per Mcfe, flat with the third quarter of 2009. The Company's commodity hedging program increased its third quarter 2010 natural gas and oil revenues by net $45.9 million, or $1.80 per Mcfe of production.

Discretionary cash flow (a non-GAAP measure, see "Discretionary Cash Flow Reconciliation" below) in the third quarter of 2010 was $136.5 million, or $2.98 per diluted common share. On a per share basis, discretionary cash flow was up 25% compared with $2.39 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2009 and up 17% sequentially compared with $2.55 per diluted common share in the second quarter of 2010. The sizable year-over-year increase was primarily due to the 12% increase in production as well as an adjustment from  2009 and year-to-date 2010 current tax expense to deferred tax expense. Excluding the deferred tax adjustment, discretionary cash flow would have been $123.4 million, or $2.69 per diluted common share. Discretionary cash flow for the first nine months of 2010 was $357.1 million, or $7.83 per diluted common share, up 3% compared with $345.2 million, or $7.69 per diluted common share, in the first nine months of 2009.

Net income in the third quarter of 2010 was $24.6 million, or $0.54 per diluted common share, compared with $0.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2009. The increased net income was driven primarily by higher production, lower per unit operating costs, lower dry hole expenses and lower commodity derivative losses, partially offset by higher income tax expense.  Net income for the third quarter of 2010 included certain adjustments totaling ($0.6) million net of tax, primarily related to unrealized derivative gains, resulting in adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure, see "Adjusted Net Income Reconciliation" below) of $24.0 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share. For the first nine months of 2010, net income was $87.7 million, up from $37.7 million in the first nine months of 2009, and adjusted net income was $75.6 million, up from $63.0 million in the first nine months of 2009. Total dry hole expense for the third quarter of 2010 was $3.9 million, and for the first nine months of 2010 was $5.9 million, or $2.4 million and $3.7 million after tax, respectively.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

At September 30, 2010, the Company's revolving credit facility had available capacity of $674.0 million, having $0 drawn.  In September 2010, the borrowing base was reaffirmed at $800 million based on mid-year 2010 reserves and hedge positions. Also at September 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding 5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 in the principal amount of $172.5 million and 9.875% Senior Notes due 2016 in the principal amount of $250.0 million. The Company has significant liquidity available from cash flows from operations and the credit facility to fund its planned capital programs.

OPERATIONS

Production, Wells Spud and Capital Expenditures

The following table lists production, wells spud and total capital expenditures by basin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010:

Capital expenditures totaled $112.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 and $337.9 million for the first nine months of 2010. The Company has reduced its full-year 2010 capital expenditure projection to $475 to $485 million from $495 to $520 million before acquisitions, including additional capital to be spent at West Tavaputs for the post-Record of Decision program. The significant reduction in projected capital is predominantly a result of efficiencies realized in drilling and completion costs in the Piceance Basin.

Operating and Drilling Update

The Company anticipates drilling 275 to 280 wells in 2010, including approximately 70 to 75 coal bed methane (CBM) wells, up from 186 wells in 2009. The Company currently has six rigs drilling, with two in the Piceance Basin, one at Blacktail Ridge, the two recently mobilized rigs in West Tavaputs and one in the Wind River Basin drilling a Niobrara exploration well.

Piceance Basin, Colorado

Gibson Gulch – Current net production is approximately 144 million cubic feet equivalent per day (MMcfe/d), continuing strong production growth from the area as the Company drills its planned 2010 program of approximately 140 wells. Results from this area continue to reflect substantial capital and operating cost efficiencies while also benefitting from the Company's election to process the majority of its Gibson Gulch natural gas production, which exposes the Company to natural gas liquids pricing. The incremental benefit to product revenues related to natural gas liquids was $0.65 per Mcfe to the Company-wide realized price in the third quarter and $0.64 per Mcfe year-to-date. Gibson Gulch operations exemplify our Rocky Mountain expertise and offer strong margins due to low operating costs and the currently higher revenues related to liquids. The program continues to be a key, lower risk development area for the Company and offers flexibility to adjust the number of active rigs dependent upon the Company's capital strategy.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had an approximate 98% working interest in production from 677 gross wells in its Gibson Gulch program.

Cottonwood Gulch – In June 2009, the Company acquired a 90% working interest in 40,300 gross undeveloped acres in Cottonwood Gulch. The leases were challenged in Federal District Court by environmental groups and the Company and these groups entered into in a mediation process. In October, 2010, the mediation ended without settlement and the case was returned to the District Court judge for resolution.

Uinta Basin, Utah

West Tavaputs – Current net production is approximately 62 MMcfe/d, down from the third quarter average of 69 MMcfe/d.

During the third quarter, the Record of Decision (ROD) on the Environmental Impact Statement for full-field development at West Tavaputs was finalized and the Bureau of Land Management began issuing drilling permits. The Company is re-starting development activity with two rigs, spudding its first well under the ROD on October 27, 2010. The Company intends to drill up to 20 new wells by year-end. West Tavaputs is one of the Company's largest development assets based on its current reserve base of 325 Bcfe proved and 1.3 Tcfe proved, probable and possible reserves. Re-starting activity in this area provides a multi-year, high growth program for the Company.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had an approximate 96% working interest in production from 186 gross wells in its West Tavaputs shallow and deep programs. The West Tavaputs program offers growth in the shallow Mesaverde and Wasatch zones as well as upside opportunity through the shallow Green River oil, Mancos shale and deep formations.

Blacktail Ridge/Lake Canyon – Current net production is approximately 1,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day ("Boe/d"). The Company implemented a full-year, one-rig program in the area that continues to ramp-up production from 827 Boe/d in the first quarter of 2010. The Company expects to drill 25 wells in the area in 2010, including four wells operated by its partner in Lake Canyon. At September 30, 2010, the Company had an approximate 65% working interest in production from 42 gross wells. The working interests in this area range from 19% to 100%.

Hornfrog – At the Hornfrog natural gas prospect located southeast of West Tavaputs, the Company completed two wells to approximately 7,600 feet in September as part of a drill-to-earn program for a 55% working interest in up to 30,700 gross acres. Preliminary results indicate there are geologic similarities to Peter's Point in West Tavaputs, and together the wells currently are producing approximately 2.5 MMcfe/d gross to sales. The Company plans to continue the drill-to-earn program in 2011, although timing may be affected by a dispute between the Company's farmout partner and third parties.

Powder River Basin, Wyoming

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) – Current CBM net production is approximately 33 MMcf/d and the Company remains on track to complete its 70 to 75 well drilling program for 2010. Development of this area requires production of water in order to draw down the pressure, which allows the natural gas to detach from the coal and flow into the wellbore, which can take up to three years or, in some cases, longer.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had an approximate 77% working interest in production from 686 gross CBM wells.

Wind River Basin, Wyoming

Cave Gulch/Bullfrog/Other – Current net production from the area is approximately 18 MMcfe/d. The Company has identified more than 100,000 acres within its acreage position in the area that it considers prospective for shale oil. In October 2010, the Company spud a horizontal exploration well targeting the lower bench of the Niobrara Shale at approximately 8,200 feet depth. Completion timing may be affected by winter and wildlife stipulations that will be in effect mid-November through July.

Paradox Basin, Colorado

Yellow Jacket – At the Yellow Jacket shale gas prospect (55% working interest), the Company completed the Rose horizontal well with a 4,200 foot lateral and significantly larger fracture stimulation than used on previous wells. Results from the well included a peak production rate of 3.9 MMcf/d of natural gas, an initial production (IP) rate over 30 days averaging 1.4 MMcfe/d of natural gas and is currently flowing 400 Mcfe/d of natural gas to sales. The well was recently placed on artificial lift to assist in load recovery. The Company will continue to monitor well performance after load recovery in order to determine its economic viability. This prospect includes approximately 306,650 gross, and 138,000 net, undeveloped acres.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Guidance

The Company's 2010 guidance (please reference "Forward-Looking Statements" below) was updated as follows:

• Capital expenditures of $475 to $485 million, down from $495 to $520 million, including additional expenditures associated with re-starting development at West Tavaputs. This sizable capital savings is predominantly a result of efficiencies realized in drilling and completion costs at Gibson Gulch.
• Oil and natural gas production of 97 to 98 Bcfe, narrowed from 97 to 100 Bcfe.
• Lease operating costs per Mcfe of $0.54 to $0.56, down from $0.57 to $0.61, due to continued operating efficiencies at Gibson Gulch and West Tavaputs.
• Gathering and transportation costs per Mcfe of $0.72 to $0.75, reduced from $0.75 to $0.80, partly due to the benefit of lower fuel charges in a lower natural gas price environment.
• General and administrative expenses before non-cash stock-based compensation between $41 and $42 million, narrowed from $40 to 43 million.

Commodity Hedges Update

It is the Company's strategy to hedge a portion of its production to reduce the risks associated with unpredictable future commodity prices and to provide predictability for a portion of cash flows in order to support the Company's capital expenditure program.

For 2010 and 2011, the Company has hedges in place as outlined in the table below. Swap and collar hedge positions are tied to regional sales points and include:

• For the final three months of 2010, approximately 15.2 Bcfe at a weighted average blended floor price of $8.14 per Mcfe.
• For 2011, approximately 43.1 Bcfe at a weighted average blended floor price of $7.12 per Mcfe.

As of October 29, 2010:

In addition, the Company has the following natural gas basis only hedges in place, none of which currently is in the money:

THIRD QUARTER 2010 WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

As previously announced, a webcast and conference call will be held later this morning to discuss third quarter 2010 results. Please join Bill Barrett Corporation executive management at 12:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. MDT for the live webcast, accessed at www.billbarrettcorp.com, or join by telephone by calling 800-561-2601 (617-614-3518 international callers) with passcode 17372857. The webcast will remain available on the Company's website for approximately 30 days, and a replay of the call will be available through November 5, 2010 at call-in number 888-286-8010 (617-801-6888 international) with passcode 34340351. The Company has also tentatively scheduled its Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2010 earnings conference call for February 22, 2011 at noon Eastern time/10:00 a.m. Mountain time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Investor Conferences

Updated investor presentations will be posted to the homepage of the Company's website at www.billbarrettcorp.com for each event below. Please check the website at 5:00 Mountain time on the business day prior to the investor event for the most recent presentation:

Chief Financial Officer Bob Howard will participate in the Boenning and Scattergood 2010 Energy Conference on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. There will not be a webcast.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Fred Barrett will present at the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch 2010 Energy Conference on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The event will be webcast and the live webcast or replay may be accessed at the Company's website at www.billbarrettcorp.com.

Chief Financial Officer Bob Howard will present at the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch 2010 Credit Conference on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 4:40 p.m. EST. The event will be webcast and the live webcast or replay may be accessed at the Company's website at www.billbarrettcorp.com.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding projected results and future events. In particular, the Company is providing "2010 Guidance," which contains projections for certain 2010 operational and financial results. These forward-looking statements are based on management's judgment as of this date and include certain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC, and other filings including our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for a list of certain risk factors.

Actual results may differ materially from Company projections and can be affected by a variety of factors outside the control of the Company including, among other things, market conditions, oil and gas price volatility, exploration drilling and testing results, the ability to receive drilling and other permits, regulatory approvals, governmental laws and regulations and changes in enforcement of those laws and regulations, new laws and regulations, risks related to and costs of hedging activities including counterparty viability, surface access and costs, availability of third party gathering, transportation and processing, the availability and cost of services and materials, the ability to obtain industry partners to jointly explore certain prospects and the willingness and ability of those partners to meet capital obligations when requested, availability and costs of financing to fund the Company's operations, uncertainties inherent in oil and gas production operations and estimating reserves, the speculative actual recovery of estimated potential volumes, unexpected future capital expenditures, competition, risks associated with operating in one major geographic area, the success of the Company's risk management activities, title to properties, litigation, environmental liabilities, and other factors discussed in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.  Bill Barrett Corporation encourages readers to consider the risks and uncertainties associated with projections and other forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements based on future events or circumstances.

ABOUT BILL BARRETT CORPORATION

Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG), headquartered in Denver, Colorado, explores for and develops natural gas and oil in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Additional information about the Company may be found on its website www.billbarrettcorp.com.

SOURCE Bill Barrett Corporation