Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Investor Relations
  • Journalists
  • Agencies
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
Search
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News Releases view all

    • News in Focus
        • Browse News Releases

        • All News Releases
        • All Public Company
        • English-only
        • News Releases Overview

        • Multimedia Gallery

        • All Multimedia
        • All Photos
        • All Videos
        • Multimedia Gallery Overview

        • Trending Topics

        • All Trending Topics
    • Business & Money
        • Auto & Transportation

        • Aerospace, Defense
        • Air Freight
        • Airlines & Aviation
        • Automotive
        • Maritime & Shipbuilding
        • Railroads and Intermodal Transportation
        • Supply Chain/Logistics
        • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
        • Travel
        • Trucking and Road Transportation
        • Auto & Transportation Overview

        • View All Auto & Transportation

        • Business Technology

        • Blockchain
        • Broadcast Tech
        • Computer & Electronics
        • Computer Hardware
        • Computer Software
        • Data Analytics
        • Electronic Commerce
        • Electronic Components
        • Electronic Design Automation
        • Financial Technology
        • High Tech Security
        • Internet Technology
        • Nanotechnology
        • Networks
        • Peripherals
        • Semiconductors
        • Business Technology Overview

        • View All Business Technology

        • Entertain­ment & Media

        • Advertising
        • Art
        • Books
        • Entertainment
        • Film and Motion Picture
        • Magazines
        • Music
        • Publishing & Information Services
        • Radio & Podcast
        • Television
        • Entertainment & Media Overview

        • View All Entertain­ment & Media

        • Financial Services & Investing

        • Accounting News & Issues
        • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers
        • Banking & Financial Services
        • Bankruptcy
        • Bond & Stock Ratings
        • Conference Call Announcements
        • Contracts
        • Cryptocurrency
        • Dividends
        • Earnings
        • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
        • Financing Agreements
        • Insurance
        • Investments Opinions
        • Joint Ventures
        • Mutual Funds
        • Private Placement
        • Real Estate
        • Restructuring & Recapitalization
        • Sales Reports
        • Shareholder Activism
        • Shareholder Meetings
        • Stock Offering
        • Stock Split
        • Venture Capital
        • Financial Services & Investing Overview

        • View All Financial Services & Investing

        • General Business

        • Awards
        • Commercial Real Estate
        • Corporate Expansion
        • Earnings
        • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
        • Human Resource & Workforce Management
        • Licensing
        • New Products & Services
        • Obituaries
        • Outsourcing Businesses
        • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
        • Personnel Announcements
        • Real Estate Transactions
        • Residential Real Estate
        • Small Business Services
        • Socially Responsible Investing
        • Surveys, Polls and Research
        • Trade Show News
        • General Business Overview

        • View All General Business

    • Science & Tech
        • Consumer Technology

        • Artificial Intelligence
        • Blockchain
        • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
        • Computer Electronics
        • Computer Hardware
        • Computer Software
        • Consumer Electronics
        • Cryptocurrency
        • Data Analytics
        • Electronic Commerce
        • Electronic Gaming
        • Financial Technology
        • Mobile Entertainment
        • Multimedia & Internet
        • Peripherals
        • Social Media
        • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
        • Supply Chain/Logistics
        • Wireless Communications
        • Consumer Technology Overview

        • View All Consumer Technology

        • Energy & Natural Resources

        • Alternative Energies
        • Chemical
        • Electrical Utilities
        • Gas
        • General Manufacturing
        • Mining
        • Mining & Metals
        • Oil & Energy
        • Oil and Gas Discoveries
        • Utilities
        • Water Utilities
        • Energy & Natural Resources Overview

        • View All Energy & Natural Resources

        • Environ­ment

        • Conservation & Recycling
        • Environmental Issues
        • Environmental Policy
        • Environmental Products & Services
        • Green Technology
        • Natural Disasters
        • Environment Overview

        • View All Environ­ment

        • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

        • Aerospace & Defense
        • Agriculture
        • Chemical
        • Construction & Building
        • General Manufacturing
        • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning)
        • Machinery
        • Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy
        • Mining
        • Mining & Metals
        • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
        • Precious Metals
        • Textiles
        • Tobacco
        • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing Overview

        • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

        • Telecomm­unications

        • Carriers and Services
        • Mobile Entertainment
        • Networks
        • Peripherals
        • Telecommunications Equipment
        • Telecommunications Industry
        • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
        • Wireless Communications
        • Telecommunications Overview

        • View All Telecomm­unications

    • Lifestyle & Health
        • Consumer Products & Retail

        • Animals & Pets
        • Beers, Wines and Spirits
        • Beverages
        • Bridal Services
        • Cannabis
        • Cosmetics and Personal Care
        • Fashion
        • Food & Beverages
        • Furniture and Furnishings
        • Home Improvement
        • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
        • Household Products
        • Jewelry
        • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
        • Office Products
        • Organic Food
        • Product Recalls
        • Restaurants
        • Retail
        • Supermarkets
        • Toys
        • Consumer Products & Retail Overview

        • View All Consumer Products & Retail

        • Entertain­ment & Media

        • Advertising
        • Art
        • Books
        • Entertainment
        • Film and Motion Picture
        • Magazines
        • Music
        • Publishing & Information Services
        • Radio & Podcast
        • Television
        • Entertainment & Media Overview

        • View All Entertain­ment & Media

        • Health

        • Biometrics
        • Biotechnology
        • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
        • Dentistry
        • FDA Approval
        • Fitness/Wellness
        • Health Care & Hospitals
        • Health Insurance
        • Infection Control
        • International Medical Approval
        • Medical Equipment
        • Medical Pharmaceuticals
        • Mental Health
        • Pharmaceuticals
        • Supplementary Medicine
        • Health Overview

        • View All Health

        • Sports

        • General Sports
        • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
        • Sporting Events
        • Sports Equipment & Accessories
        • Sports Overview

        • View All Sports

        • Travel

        • Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
        • Gambling & Casinos
        • Hotels and Resorts
        • Leisure & Tourism
        • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
        • Passenger Aviation
        • Travel Industry
        • Travel Overview

        • View All Travel

    • Policy & Public Interest
        • Policy & Public Interest

        • Advocacy Group Opinion
        • Animal Welfare
        • Congressional & Presidential Campaigns
        • Corporate Social Responsibility
        • Domestic Policy
        • Economic News, Trends, Analysis
        • Education
        • Environmental
        • European Government
        • FDA Approval
        • Federal and State Legislation
        • Federal Executive Branch & Agency
        • Foreign Policy & International Affairs
        • Homeland Security
        • Labor & Union
        • Legal Issues
        • Natural Disasters
        • Not For Profit
        • Patent Law
        • Public Safety
        • Trade Policy
        • U.S. State Policy
        • Policy & Public Interest Overview

        • View All Policy & Public Interest

    • People & Culture
        • People & Culture

        • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
        • African American
        • Asian American
        • Children
        • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
        • Hispanic
        • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
        • Men's Interest
        • People with Disabilities
        • Religion
        • Senior Citizens
        • Veterans
        • Women
        • People & Culture Overview

        • View All People & Culture

    • Explore Our Platform
    • Plan Campaigns
    • Create with AI
    • Distribute Press Releases
    • Report Results
    • Amplify Content
    • All Products
    • General Inquiries
    • Editorial Bureaus
    • Partnerships
    • Media Inquiries
    • Worldwide Offices
    • Hamburger menu
    • PR Newswire: news distribution, targeting and monitoring
    • Send a Release
      • ALL CONTACT INFO
      • Contact Us

        888-776-0942
        from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

    • Searching for your content...

      No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.

      News Releases

      view all
      Close menu
    • News
    • Products
    • Contact
      • Send a Release
      • Client Login
      • Resources
      • Blog
      • Journalists
      • RSS
      • 3 News in Focus
      • 5 Business & Money
      • 5 Science & Tech
      • 5 Lifestyle & Health
      • 1 Policy & Public Interest
      • 1 People & Culture
      • Send a Release
      • Client Login
      • Resources
      • Blog
      • Journalists
      • RSS
      • Explore Our Platform
      • Plan Campaigns
      • Create with AI
      • Distribute Press Releases
      • Report Results
      • Amplify Content
      • All Products
      • Send a Release
      • Client Login
      • Resources
      • Blog
      • Journalists
      • RSS
      • General Inquiries
      • Editorial Bureaus
      • Partnerships
      • Media Inquiries
      • Worldwide Offices
      • Send a Release
      • Client Login
      • Resources
      • Blog
      • Journalists
      • RSS
      Close submenu (News in Focus) News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases
      • Multimedia Gallery
      • Trending Topics
      Close submenu (Business & Money) Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation
      • Business Technology
      • Entertain­ment & Media
      • Financial Services & Investing
      • General Business
      Close submenu (Science & Tech) Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology
      • Energy & Natural Resources
      • Environ­ment
      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
      • Telecomm­unications
      Close submenu (Lifestyle & Health) Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail
      • Entertain­ment & Media
      • Health
      • Sports
      • Travel
      Close submenu (Policy & Public Interest) Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest
      Close submenu (People & Culture) People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      Delta Petroleum Corporation Announces 2009 Annual and Fourth Quarter Results


      News provided by

      Delta Petroleum Corporation

      Mar 11, 2010, 08:00 ET

      Share this article

      Share this article


      DENVER, March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Petroleum Corporation (Delta or the Company) (Nasdaq: DPTR), an independent oil and gas exploration and development company, today announced its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009.

      John Wallace, Delta's President and COO stated, "We are pleased to report our financial results for the full year 2009 and for the fourth quarter of 2009.  Clearly, 2009 proved to be a very challenging year for Delta beginning with the drop in natural gas prices during the first half of the year, and further compounded by liquidity and bank covenant concerns for much of the year.  Yet, I am very pleased with how far we have come and, from an operational and liquidity perspective, how much we improved during the latter half of the year.  Cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $61.0 million for the fourth quarter, which is up meaningfully over the third quarter. The fourth quarter of 2009 was the third consecutive quarter of substantial growth in EBITDAX (a non-GAAP measure), up 134% from third quarter levels.  We have also been able to reduce our lease operating expenses to $1.26 per Mcfe for the fourth quarter, down 14% from the third quarter 2009.  More importantly, the EBITDAX for the fourth quarter is sufficient to be in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant of our senior credit facility.  While we obtained waivers for the first quarter of 2010, under the current commodity price forward curve, our current financial projections suggest that we will be in compliance with our financial covenants for the remainder of 2010.

      "Our liquidity situation has also improved materially, aided in no small part by the offshore litigation settlement proceeds received from the federal government at the end of the year, which netted approximately $48.7 million to Delta.  While the proceeds are shown as cash on the December 31, 2009 balance sheet, subsequent to year-end, the proceeds of the settlement were used to reduce borrowings under our senior credit facility.  With borrowing base availability and cash on hand, our liquidity position at December 31, 2009 was $102 million and is approximately $84 million as of today.  Once the semi-annual borrowing base redetermination and the strategic alternatives process are completed we will announce our plans to recommence our drilling program in the Vega Area.  

      "Regarding our proved reserves for year-end 2009, the base price used for the calculation was $3.03 per MMBtu for natural gas (the average of the first day of the month prices in 2009 for Colorado Interstate Gas), which resulted in proved reserves of 154 Bcfe.  If we calculated our proved reserves based upon year-end CIG pricing of $5.54 per MMBtu for natural gas in accordance with the SEC's former reserve reporting rules, our year-end proved reserves would have been approximately 830 Bcfe.

      "Given how challenging our situation was, I can't help but be proud of how far we've come and where we stand today."

      STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES UPDATE

      As previously announced on November 30, 2009, Delta retained Morgan Stanley and Evercore Partners to evaluate and advise the Board of Directors on strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. The process is in its advanced stages and the Company does not expect to make further public comment regarding the process until the Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or otherwise determines that disclosure of significant developments, if any, is appropriate.

      2009 YEAR-END RESERVES

      For the year-ended December 31, 2009, Delta reported total estimated proved reserves of 154 billion cubic feet equivalents (Bcfe), compared to 884 Bcfe at December 31, 2008.  Estimated proved reserves were 82% natural gas and 87% proved developed, with an after-tax PV-10 value of $156.7 million.  Approximately 73% of proved reserves were located in the Rocky Mountains, 26% in the Gulf Coast and less than 1% in other locations. The reserves were prepared by an independent third party engineering firm.  

      Prices used to calculate the Company's estimated proved reserves reflect the pricing methodology required to be employed under the SEC's new reserve reporting rules which uses the trailing 12-month average of the first of the month price, or $3.03 per MMBtu priced at Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) and $61.18 per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil for 2009.

      Using the pricing methodology that applied under the prior SEC reporting rules, total estimated proved reserves would have been 830 Bcfe, based on a single day year-end CIG price of $5.54 per MMBtu of natural gas and a WTI price of $79.36 per barrel of oil.  The application of the new rules and their associated use of lower 12-month average prices in the calculation of reserves at December 31, 2009 resulted in a reduction in reported proved reserves of 677 Bcfe.

      Drilling and completion capital expenditures for the full year 2009 totaled $59.3 million.  Total costs incurred in oil and gas operations during 2009, including acquisition, leasehold, drilling, completion, dry hole costs, seismic, asset retirement obligations and all other capitalized oil and gas related costs, approximated $97.7 million.  

          
          
                                                         Total
                                                        (MMcfe)
                                                        -------
          Estimated Proved Reserves: Balance
           at December 31, 2008                         884,395
          
              Revisions of quantity estimate           (725,536)
              Extensions and discoveries                 20,381
              Purchase of properties                          -
              Sale of properties                         (3,499)
              Production                                (22,156)
                                                        -------
          Estimated Proved Reserves: Balance
           at December 31, 2009                         153,585
                                                        =======
              Proved developed reserves:
              December 31, 2008                         181,196
              December 31, 2009                         132,866
          
          
          Future net cash flows presented below are computed using year-end prices
          and costs and are net of all overriding royalty revenue interests.
          
          Future corporate overhead expenses and interest expense have not been 
          included.
          
          
                                                         2009
                                                        ------
          Future net cash flows                        $662,029
          Future costs:
              Production                                125,108
              Development and abandonment                77,965
              Income taxes*                                   -
                                                        -------
          Future net cash flows                         458,956
                10% discount factor                    (302,272)
                                                        -------
          Standardized measure of discounted
           future net cash flows                       $156,684
                                                        =======
          Estimated future development cost
           anticipated for following two years
           on existing properties                       $59,313
                                                        =======
          
          * No income tax provision is included in the standardized measure
          calculation shown above as the Company does not project to be taxable or
          pay cash income taxes based on its available tax assets and additional tax
          assets generated in the development of its reserves because the tax basis
          of its oil and properties and NOL carryforwards exceeds the amount of
          discounted future net earnings.
          
          The principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of discounted
          net cash flows during the year-ended December 31, 2009 is as follows (in
          thousands):
          
          
          Beginning of the year                        $159,368
          Sales of oil and gas production during
           the period, net of production costs          (48,195)
          Purchase of reserves in place                       -
          Net change in prices and production costs     (64,282)
          Changes in estimated future
           development costs                            741,318
          Extensions, discoveries and
           improved recovery                             17,509
          Revisions of previous quantity
           estimates, estimated
           timing of development and other             (674,560)
          Previously estimated development
           and abandonment costs
           incurred during the period                    15,556
          Sales of reserves in place                     (5,967)
          Change in future income tax                         -
          Accretion of discount                          15,937
                                                        -------
          End of year                                  $156,684
                                                        =======
      

      LIQUIDITY UPDATE

      At December 31, 2009, the Company had $61.9 million in cash and approximately $41 million available under its credit facility (based on the borrowing base as re-determined on October 30, 2009).  On May 13, 2009, Delta completed an underwritten public offering of 172.5 million shares of common stock at $1.50 per share for net proceeds of $246.9 million, net of underwriting commissions and related offering expenses. On May 19, 2009, the Company received from the U.S. government approximately $47.0 million in net offshore litigation proceeds related to the Amber Case and on December 29, 2009 received an additional $48.7 million in net proceeds related to the offshore California lease 452 litigation.  With proceeds from these transactions, Delta reduced its borrowings outstanding under the credit facility from $294.5 million at December 31, 2008 to $124.0 million at December 31, 2009, with $39.8 million of remaining availability based on the current $185.0 million borrowing base with a required minimum availability of $20.0 million and outstanding letters of credit totaling $1.2 million. The semi-annual scheduled borrowing base redetermination is currently in process, and the borrowing base could change depending on the lending banks' commodity price forecasts as well as changes in their calculations of Delta's producing reserve base.  In addition, the Company reduced its accounts payable from $159.0 million at December 31, 2008 to $44.2 million at December 31, 2009.

      The Company was in compliance with the capital expenditure and accounts payables covenants under its credit facility at December 31, 2009, and was also in compliance with the financial ratio covenants contained therein (although they had previously been waived for December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 in conjunction with the Second Amendment in October 2009).  Although waivers were obtained for its financial ratio covenants for the quarter ending March 31, 2010, the Company anticipates being in compliance with its financial ratio covenants.

      DHS remained out of compliance with the debt covenants under its credit facility and its forbearance agreement with LCPI expired on June 15, 2009.  As a result, amounts outstanding under the DHS credit facility are classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009.  DHS continues discussions with its credit facility lender regarding amendments, waivers or other restructuring of the credit facility, but there can be no assurance that the lender will agree to any such amendments.  

      RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 2009

      For the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported production of 5.0 Bcfe, a decrease of 27% when compared with the fourth quarter of 2008.  Total revenue increased 44% to $76.9 million in the quarter, versus revenue of $53.5 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to the gain on offshore litigation settlement.  Revenue from oil and gas sales declined 13% to $29.9 million, compared with $34.5 million in the prior year quarter.  The decrease was due to a 27% decrease in production partially offset by a 10% increase in the average gas price and a 38% increase in the average oil price. The average oil price received during the three months ended December 31, 2009 increased to $68.24 per barrel compared to $49.62 per barrel for the year earlier period.  The average natural gas price received during the three months ended December 31, 2009 increased to $4.63 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) compared to $4.22 per Mcf for the year earlier period.  Revenue from contract drilling and trucking fees decreased 78% to $4.3 million in the current quarter, versus $19.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.  

      The Company reported a fourth quarter net loss attributable to Delta common stockholders of ($34.1 million), or ($0.12) per diluted share, compared with net loss attributable to Delta common stockholders of ($460.7 million), or ($4.55) per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008. The decreased loss was primarily due to fewer dry holes and impairments recorded in 2009 as compared to 2008, and offshore litigation gains offset by lower oil and gas sales in 2009.  

          
          
          FOURTH QUARTER 2009 PRODUCTION VOLUMES, UNIT PRICES AND COSTS
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          
          Production volumes, average prices received and cost per equivalent Mcf
          for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
          
                                                     Three Months Ended December 31,
                                                     -------------------------------
                                                          2009             2008
                                                          ----             ----
          Production – Continuing Operations:
             Oil (MBbl)                                     167              233
             Gas (MMcf)                                   4,000            5,417
          
          Total Production (MMcfe)                        5,003            6,817
          
          Average Price – Continuing Operations:
             Oil (per barrel)                           $ 68.24          $ 49.62
             Gas (per Mcf)                              $  4.63          $  4.22
          
          Costs per Mcfe – Continuing Operations:
          ---------------------------------------
          Lease operating expense                       $  1.26          $  1.29
          Production taxes                              $  0.02          $  0.06
          Transportation costs                          $  0.75          $  0.51
          Depletion expense                             $  5.03          $  3.06
      

      Lease Operating Expense.   Lease operating expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $6.3 million compared to $8.8 million for the year earlier period.  The average lease operating expense per Mcfe was $1.26 per Mcfe as compared to $1.29 per Mcfe for the year earlier period.

      Transportation Costs.  Transportation costs increased 8% to $3.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $3.5 million for the year earlier period and 47% on a per Mcfe basis.  This increase is due to a new marketing arrangement for the majority of the operated Piceance Basin gas in the Vega area.  Although the Company's new marketing agreement results in higher transportation costs, this increase is more than offset by higher revenues from improved natural gas liquids recoveries at the higher efficiency plant and a greater percentage of natural gas liquids retained.  As a result of these changes, based on current oil, gas and NGL prices, the net profitability has improved substantially.

      Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization – oil and gas.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased 20% to $26.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $21.7 million for the year earlier period. Depletion expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 was $25.2 million compared to $20.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008. The depletion rate increased to $5.03 per Mcfe for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 from $3.06 per Mcfe for the year earlier period.

      RESULTS FOR THE FULL YEAR 2009

      For the year-ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported total production of 22.2 Bcfe, which was a decrease of 11% from the previous year, but exceeded the previously stated guidance given for 2009.  For the year-ended December 31, 2009, oil and gas sales from continuing operations decreased 57% to $95.0 million, compared with $221.7 million in the comparable period a year earlier.  The decrease resulted from a 54% decrease in the average gas price and a 43% decrease in the average oil price, in addition to an 11% decrease in total production.  Drilling and trucking revenue decreased 72% to $13.7 million, from $49.4 million in the prior-year period, due to the decrease in the number of rigs operating during the year.  

      For the year-ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported a net loss of ($328.8) million, or ($1.56) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of ($456.1 million), or ($4.77) per diluted share, for the year-ended December 31, 2008.

          
          
          FULL YEAR 2009 PRODUCTION VOLUMES, UNIT PRICES AND COSTS
          --------------------------------------------------------
          
          Production volumes, average prices received and cost per equivalent Mcf
          for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
          
                                                         Years Ended December 31, 
                                                         ------------------------ 
                                                          2009             2008
                                                          ----             ----
          Production – Continuing Operations:
             Oil (MBbl)                                     761              993
             Gas (MMcf)                                  17,590           18,948
          
          Total Production (MMcfe)                       22,156           24,908
          
          Average Price – Continuing Operations:
             Oil (per barrel)                           $ 52.37          $ 92.12
             Gas (per Mcf)                              $  3.13          $  6.87
          
          Costs per Mcfe – Continuing Operations:
          ---------------------------------------
          Lease operating expense                       $  1.41          $  1.35
          Production taxes                              $  0.17          $  0.48
          Transportation costs                          $  0.52          $  0.46
          Depletion expense                             $  4.76          $  3.87
      

      Lease Operating Expense.   Lease operating expenses for the year-ended December 31, 2009 were $31.3 million compared to $33.5 million for the year earlier period.  Lease operating expense from continuing operations for the year-ended December 31, 2009 remained relatively flat from the year earlier period.  However, lease operating expenses increased on a per unit basis primarily due to declining production.  The average lease operating expense was $1.41 per Mcfe in 2009 as compared to $1.35 per Mcfe for the year earlier period.

      Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization – oil and gas.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased 9% to $108.5 million for the year-ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $99.1 million for the year earlier period. Depletion expense for the year-ended December 31, 2009 was $105.4 million compared to $96.5 million for the year-ended December 31, 2008. The 9% increase in depletion expense was primarily due to a 23% increase in the depletion rate.  The depletion rate increased to $4.76 per Mcfe for the year-ended December 31, 2009 from $3.87 per Mcfe for the year earlier period. The increase is primarily due to the effect of low Rockies gas prices throughout most of 2009 and low 12-month average historical prices at December 31, 2009 on the reserves used in the depletion calculation.  Based on current commodity prices, the Company expects its depletion rate to decline in 2010 due to additional Rockies proved undeveloped reserves that can be recorded at higher prices.

      General and Administrative Expense.   General and administrative expense decreased 23% to $41.4 million for the year-ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $53.6 million for the comparable prior year period.  The decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily attributed to lower expenses incurred on employee benefits and wages from reductions in force during 2009 and a decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense.  We would expect further reductions to full year cash general and administrative expenses in 2010 as changes implemented in 2009 take full effect.

          
          
          ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                    
          --------------------------------                                    
          The following table summarizes the Company's open derivative contracts at
          December 31, 2009, required pursuant to the Company's credit agreement:
                                                                             
          Commodity          Volume       Fixed Price       Term        Index Price
          ---------          ------       -----------       ----        -----------
          
          Crude oil     1,000 Bbls / Day    $52.25    Jan '10- Dec '10  NYMEX – WTI
          Crude oil       500 Bbls / Day    $57.70    Jan '11- Dec '11  NYMEX – WTI
          Natural gas   6,000 MMBtu / Day   $5.720    Jan '10- Dec '10  NYMEX – HHUB
          Natural gas  15,000 MMBtu / Day   $4.105    Jan '10- Dec '10      CIG
          Natural gas   5,367 MMBtu / Day   $3.973    Jan '10- Dec '10      CIG
          Natural gas  12,000 MMBtu / Day   $5.150    Jan '11- Dec '11      CIG
          Natural gas   3,253 MMBtu / Day   $5.040    Jan '11- Dec '11      CIG
      

      The pre-credit risk adjusted fair value of the Company's net derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2009 was $29.5 million. A credit risk adjustment of $2.5 million to the fair value of the derivatives reduced the reported amount of the net derivative liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet to $27.0 million.

      OPERATIONS UPDATE

      Piceance Basin, CO, 31% – 100% WI – Current production from the Piceance Basin approximates 27.4 million cubic feet equivalent per day (Mmcfe/d) net.  During the fourth quarter 2009 the Company completed four wells from its drilled and uncompleted inventory in the Vega Area. The Company expects to complete the remaining 19 drilled and uncompleted wells in 2010.  Additionally, the operator of Garden Gulch has a one rig drilling program ongoing.  

      The Company's new water treatment facility is under construction and is expected to be operational by the middle of the second quarter.  Additionally, Delta has completed and commenced operations of its new compression facility that will allow for significant increased production volumes in the future.

      2010 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

      Although Delta's capital expenditure budget was reduced dramatically in 2009 due to significant declines in commodity prices and the availability of capital, the Company's financial condition has improved and Rockies gas prices have recently begun to return to more attractive levels for additional development.  The Company expects to announce its 2010 drilling plans and production guidance once the strategic alternatives evaluation process and borrowing base redetermination are complete.

      INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL

      The Company will host an investor conference call, Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 12:00 noon EST to discuss operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009.

      Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing 800-860-2442 (international callers dial 412-858-4600) and referencing the ID code "Delta Petroleum call," a few minutes before 12:00 noon Eastern Time on March 11, 2010.  The call will also be broadcast live and can be accessed through the Company's website at http://www.deltapetro.com/eventscalendar.html.  A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after the completion of the conference call from March 11, 2010 until March 19, 2010 by dialing 877-344-7529 (international callers dial 412-317-0088) and entering the conference ID 438003.  

      ABOUT DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION

      Delta Petroleum Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and development company based in Denver, Colorado. The Company's core areas of operations are the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast Regions, which comprise the majority of its proved reserves, production and long-term growth prospects.  Its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol "DPTR."

      FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      Forward-looking statements in this announcement are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based on management's present expectations, estimates and projections, but involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation the effects of oil and natural gas prices, availability of capital to fund required payments on our credit facility and our working capital needs, the outcome of our strategic alternatives process, the outcome of our borrowing base redetermination, the contraction in demand for natural gas in the United States, uncertainties in the projection of future rates of production, unanticipated recovery or production problems, unanticipated results from wells being drilled or completed, the effects of delays in completion of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities, as well as general market conditions, competition and pricing. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions.  Please refer to the Company's report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2008 and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information.  The Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

      For further information contact the Company at (303) 293-9133 or via email at [email protected]

          
          
          DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
          AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
          (Unaudited)
          
                                                         December 31,   December 31,
                                                            2009           2008 
                                                            ----           ---- 
                        ASSETS                     (In thousands, except share data)
          
          Current assets:         
             Cash and cash equivalents                    $61,918        $65,475
             Short-term restricted deposits               100,000        100,000
             Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance
              for doubtful accounts of $100 and $652,
              respectively                                 16,654         30,437
             Deposits and prepaid assets                    3,103         11,253
             Inventories                                    5,588          9,140
             Deferred tax assets                                -            231
             Other current assets                           5,189          6,221
                                                        ---------      ---------
                Total current assets                      192,452        222,757
          
          Property and equipment:
             Oil and gas properties, successful efforts
              method of accounting:
               Unproved                                   280,844        415,573
               Proved                                   1,379,920      1,365,440
             Drilling and trucking equipment              177,762        194,223
             Pipeline and gathering systems                92,064         86,076
             Other                                         16,154         29,107
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total property and equipment             1,946,744      2,090,419
             Less accumulated depreciation
              and depletion                              (800,501)      (658,279)
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Net property and equipment               1,146,243      1,432,140
                                                        ---------      ---------
          
          Long-term assets:
             Long-term restricted deposit                 100,000        200,000
             Marketable securities                              -          1,977
             Investments in unconsolidated affiliates       7,444         17,989
             Deferred financing costs                       3,017          7,640
             Other long-term assets                         8,329         12,460
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total long-term assets                     118,790        240,066
                                                        ---------      ---------
          
               Total assets                            $1,457,485     $1,894,963
                                                       ==========     ==========
          
                           LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
          Current liabilities:
             Credit facility – Delta                           $-       $294,475
             Credit facility – DHS                         83,268              -
             Installments payable on
              property acquisition                         97,874         97,453
             Accounts payable                              44,225        159,024
             Offshore litigation payable                   13,877              -
             Other accrued liabilities                     13,459         13,576
             Derivative instruments                        19,497              -
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total current liabilities                  272,200        564,528
          
          Long-term liabilities:                           
             Installments payable on property
              acquisition, net of current portion          95,381        188,334
             7% Senior notes                              149,609        149,534
             3 3/4% Senior convertible notes              104,008         99,616
             Credit facility - Delta                      124,038              -
             Credit facility - DHS                              -         93,848
             Asset retirement obligations                   7,654          6,585
             Derivative instruments                         7,475              -
             Deferred tax liabilities                           -          1,024
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total long-term liabilities                488,165        538,941
          
          Commitments and contingencies
          Equity:
             Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
              authorized 3,000,000 shares, none issued          -              -
             Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
              300,000,000 shares, issued 282,548,000
              shares at December 31, 2009 and
              103,424,000 shares at December 31, 2008       2,825          1,034
             Additional paid-in capital                 1,625,035      1,372,123
             Treasury stock at cost; 42,000 shares
              at December 31, 2009 and 36,000 shares
              at December 31, 2008                           (268)          (540)
             Accumulated deficit                         (939,010)      (610,227)
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total Delta stockholders' equity           688,582        762,390
                                                        ---------      ---------
             Non-controlling interest                       8,538         29,104
                                                        ---------      ---------
               Total equity                               697,120        791,494
                                                        ---------      ---------
          
               Total liabilities and equity            $1,457,485     $1,894,963
                                                       ==========     ==========
          
          
          
          DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
          AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
          (Unaudited)
          
                                           Three Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended
                                               December 31,        December 31,
                                           -----------------     ----------------
                                            2009       2008       2009      2008
                                            ----       ----       ----      ----
                                          (In thousands, except per share amounts)
          Revenue:
             Oil and gas sales            $29,921    $34,453    $94,962   $221,733
             Contract drilling and
              trucking fees                 4,255     19,090     13,680     49,445
             Gain on offshore litigation
              settlement, net of property
              sales                        42,746          -     73,800          -
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
                Total revenue              76,922     53,543    182,442    271,178
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Operating expenses:
             Lease operating expense        6,290      8,786     31,303     33,508
             Transportation expense         3,763      3,493     11,612     11,395
             Production taxes                  91        409      3,852     12,075
             Exploration expense              182      5,170      2,604     10,975
             Dry hole costs and
              impairments                  34,109    428,046    189,072    438,963
             Depreciation, depletion,
              amortization and accretion
              – oil and gas                26,036     21,734    108,505     99,125
             Drilling and trucking
              operating expenses            4,877     11,997     15,293     32,594
             Goodwill and drilling
              equipment impairments             -     29,349      6,508     29,349
             Depreciation and amortization
              – drilling and trucking       5,405      4,561     22,917     14,134
             General and administrative
              expense                       9,869     11,468     41,414     53,607
             Executive severance
              expense, net                      -          -      3,739          -
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
                Total operating expenses   90,622    525,013    436,819    735,725
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Operating Loss                  (13,700)  (471,470)  (254,377)  (464,547)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Other income and (expense):
             Interest expense and
              financing costs             (11,349)   (15,273)   (55,035)   (45,489)
             Interest income                  675      1,732      2,454     10,132
             Other income (expense)          (580)    (1,584)     1,049     (5,210)
             Realized gain (loss) on
              derivative instruments, net  (1,485)    16,328     (1,115)    18,383
             Unrealized gain (loss) on
              derivative instruments, net      62    (10,209)   (26,972)     3,365
             Income (loss) from
              unconsolidated affiliates   (12,149)       562    (15,473)     3,375
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
                Total other expense       (24,826)    (8,444)   (95,092)   (15,444)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Loss from continuing
           operations before income taxes
           and discontinued operations    (38,526)  (479,914)  (349,469)  (479,991)
          
          Income tax expense (benefit)        268     (8,091)       215    (11,723)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Loss from continuing 
           operations                     (38,794)  (471,823)  (349,684)  (468,268)
          
          Discontinued operations:
          
             Gain (loss) on sale of
              discontinued operations,
              net of tax                        -         (1)         -        718
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
             Net Loss                     (38,794)  (471,824)  (349,684)  (467,550)
                Less net loss
                 attributable to
                 non-controlling interest   4,710     11,131     20,901     11,486
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Net loss attributable to
           Delta common stockholders     $(34,084) $(460,693) $(328,783) $(456,064)
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======
          Amounts attributable to
           Delta common stockholders:
             Loss from continuing
              operations                 $(34,084) $(460,692) $(328,783) $(456,782)
             Income (loss) from
              discontinued operations,
              net of tax                        -         (1)         -        718
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
             Net loss                    $(34,084) $(460,693) $(328,783) $(456,064)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Basic income (loss)
           attributable to Delta
           common stockholders
           per common share:
             Loss from continuing
              operations                   $(0.12)    $(4.55)    $(1.56)    $(4.78)
             Discontinued operations            -          -          -       0.01
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
             Net loss                      $(0.12)    $(4.55)    $(1.56)    $(4.77)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Diluted income (loss)
           attributable to Delta
           common stockholders
           per common share:
             Loss from continuing
              operations                   $(0.12)    $(4.55)    $(1.56)    $(4.78)
             Discontinued operations            -          -          -       0.01
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
             Net loss                      $(0.12)    $(4.55)    $(1.56)    $(4.77)
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------
          Weighted average common
           shares outstanding:
             Basic                        274,878    101,272    211,033     95,530
             Diluted                      274,878    101,272    211,033     95,530
          
          
          
          DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
          RECONCILIATION OF DISCRETIONARY CASH FLOW AND EBITDAX
          (Unaudited)
                                         (In thousands)
          
          THREE MONTHS ENDED                         December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES       $60,985           $47,358
          Changes in assets and liabilities            (9,403)          (16,879)
          Less net proceeds from offshore
           litigation award                           (48,657)                -
          Exploration costs                               182             5,170
                                                      -------           -------
          Discretionary cash flow (deficiency)*        $3,107           $35,649
                                                      =======           =======
          
          TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:                       December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES       $81,144          $140,676
          Changes in assets and liabilities           (10,516)           (9,205)
          Less net proceeds from offshore
           litigation award                           (97,358)                -
          Exploration costs                             2,604            10,975
                                                      -------           -------
          Discretionary cash flow (deficiency)*      $(24,126)         $142,446
                                                      =======           =======
          
          *  Discretionary cash flow represents net cash provided by operating
             activities before changes in assets and liabilities and offshore
             litigation plus exploration costs.  Discretionary cash flow is
             presented as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of
             our business.  We believe that it provides additional information
             regarding our ability to meet our future debt service, capital
             expenditures and working capital requirements.  This measure is widely
             used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison,
             rating and investment recommendations of companies.  Discretionary cash
             flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. 
             Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for cash flows
             from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of
             cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity. 
          
          THREE MONTHS ENDED                         December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          Net income (loss)                          $(38,794)        $(471,824)
          Minority Interest                             4,710            11,131
          Income tax expense (benefit)                    268            (8,091)
          Interest income                                (675)           (1,732)
          Interest and financing costs                 11,349            15,273
          Depletion, depreciation and amortization     31,441            26,295
          Gain on offshore litigation award,
           sale of drilling rig and other             (42,238)                1
          Unrealized loss on derivative instruments       (62)           10,209
          Exploration, dry hole and
           impairment costs                            45,322           462,562
                                                      -------           -------
          EBITDAX**                                   $11,321           $43,824
                                                      =======           =======
          
          THREE MONTHS ENDED                         December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES       $60,985           $47,358
          Changes in assets and liabilities            (9,403)          (16,879)
          Net proceeds from offshore
           litigation award                           (48,657)                -
          Less Interest net of financing costs          7,096             8,378
          Exploration costs                               182            (1,016)
          Impairment of unconsolidated affiliates      11,032                 -
          Other non-cash items                         (9,914)            5,983
                                                      -------           -------
          EBITDAX**                                   $11,321           $43,824
                                                      =======           =======
          
          TWELVE MONTHS ENDED                        December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          Net income (loss)                         $(349,684)        $(467,550)
          Minority Interest                            20,901            11,486
          Income tax benefit                              215           (11,723)
          Interest income                              (2,454)          (10,132)
          Interest and financing costs                 55,035            45,489
          Depletion, depreciation and amortization    131,422           113,259
          Gain on offshore litigation award,
           sale of drilling rig and other             (74,955)             (718)
          Unrealized loss on derivative instruments    26,972            (3,365)
          Exploration, dry hole and
           impairment costs                           212,247           479,287
                                                      -------           -------
          EBITDAX**                                   $19,699          $156,033
                                                      =======           =======
          
          TWELVE MONTHS ENDED                        December 31,      December 31,
                                                        2009              2008
                                                        ----              ----
          CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES       $81,144          $140,676
          Changes in assets and liabilities           (10,516)           (9,205)
          Less net proceeds from
           offshore litigation award                  (97,358)                -
          Interest net of financing costs              33,392            19,959
          Exploration costs                             2,604            10,975
          Impairment of unconsolidated affiliates      14,063                 -
          Other non-cash items                         (3,630)           (6,372)
                                                      -------           -------
          EBITDAX**                                   $19,699          $156,033
                                                      =======           =======
          
          ** EBITDAX represents net income (loss) attributable to Delta common
             stockholders before income tax expense (benefit), interest and
             financing costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, gain
             on sale of oil and gas properties, offshore litigation and other
             investments, unrealized gains (loss) on derivative contracts and
             exploration and impairment and dry hole costs.  EBITDAX is presented as
             a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business.
             We believe that it provides additional information regarding our
             ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and
             working capital requirements.  This measure is widely used by investors
             and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment
             recommendations of companies.  EBITDAX is also a financial measurement
             that, with certain negotiated adjustments, is reported to our lenders
             pursuant to our bank credit agreement and is used in the financial
             covenants in our bank credit agreement and our senior note indentures.
             EBITDAX is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. 
             Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for net
             income, income from operations, or cash flow provided by (used in)
             operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.
      

      SOURCE Delta Petroleum Corporation

      Modal title

      Contact PR Newswire

      • Call PR Newswire at 888-776-0942
        from 8 AM - 9 PM ET
      • Chat with an Expert
      • General Inquiries
      • Editorial Bureaus
      • Partnerships
      • Media Inquiries
      • Worldwide Offices

      Products

      • Explore Our Platform
      • Plan Campaigns
      • Create with AI
      • Distribute Press Releases
      • Report Results
      • Amplify Content

      About

      • About PR Newswire
      • About Cision
      • Careers
      • Accessibility Statement
      • APAC
      • APAC - Simplified Chinese
      • APAC - Traditional Chinese
      • Brazil
      • Canada
      • Czech
      • Denmark
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Italy
      • Japan
      • Korea
      • Mexico
      • Middle East
      • Middle East - Arabic
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Russia
      • Slovakia
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • United Kingdom
      • Vietnam

      My Services

      • All New Releases
      • Platform Login
      • Data Privacy

      Do not sell or share my personal information:

      • Submit via [email protected] 
      • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

      Contact PR Newswire

      Products

      About

      My Services
      • All News Releases
      • Platform Login
      • ProfNet
      Call PR Newswire at
      888-776-0942
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Information Security Policy
      • Site Map
      • RSS
      • Cookies
      Copyright © 2026 Cision US Inc.