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Quotes & Info
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| DVN > SEC Filings for DVN > Form 8-K on 4-Feb-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
4-Feb-2009
Other Events
"MMBbls" means million Bbls. "MMBoe" means million Boe. "MMBtu" means million Btu. "MMBtu/d" means million Btu per day. "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet. "MMcf" means million cubic feet. "NGL" or "NGLs" means natural gas liquids. |
estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks discussed
below.
Additionally, we caution that our future marketing and midstream revenues and
expenses are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally associated
with transporting oil, gas and NGLs and processing natural gas. These risks
include, but are not limited to, price volatility, environmental risks,
regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future processing
volumes and pipeline throughput, cost of goods and services and other risks
discussed below.
Also, the financial results of our foreign operations are subject to currency
exchange rate risks. Unless otherwise noted, all of the following dollar amounts
are expressed in U.S. dollars. Financial amounts related to our Canadian
operations have been converted to U.S. dollars using an estimated average 2009
exchange rate of $0.80 dollar to $1.00 Canadian dollar. The actual 2009 exchange
rate may vary materially from this estimate. Such variations could have a
material effect on these forward-looking estimates.
Other specific risks associated with our price and production estimates are
provided immediately below. Additional risks are discussed throughout this
report in the context of line items most affected by such risks.
Specific Assumptions and Risks Related to Price and Production Estimates
Prices for oil, gas and NGLs are determined primarily by prevailing market
conditions. Market conditions for these products are influenced by regional and
worldwide economic conditions, weather and other local market conditions. These
factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. In addition,
volatility in general oil, gas and NGL prices may vary considerably due to
differences between regional markets, differing quality of oil produced (i.e.,
sweet crude versus heavy or sour crude), differing Btu content of gas produced,
transportation availability and costs and demand for the various products
derived from oil, gas and NGLs. Substantially all of our revenues are
attributable to sales, processing and transportation of these three commodities.
Consequently, our financial results and resources are highly influenced by price
volatility. Although we expect this volatility to continue throughout 2009, we
expect 2009 oil, gas and NGL prices will be noticeably lower than those for
2008.
Estimates for future production of oil, gas and NGLs are based on the
assumption that market demand and prices for oil, gas and NGLs will continue at
levels that allow for profitable discovery and production of these products.
There can be no assurance of such stability. Most of our Canadian production of
oil, gas and NGLs is subject to government royalties that fluctuate with prices.
Thus, price fluctuations can affect reported production. Also, our production of
oil in Azerbaijan and China is governed by payout agreements with the
governments of these countries. If the payout under these agreements is attained
earlier than projected, our net production and proved reserves in such areas
could be reduced.
Estimates for future processing and transport of oil, gas and NGLs are based
on the assumption that market demand and prices for oil, gas and NGLs will
continue at levels that allow for profitable processing and transport of these
products. There can be no assurance of such stability.
The production, transportation, processing and marketing of oil, gas and NGLs
are complex processes which are subject to disruption due to transportation and
processing availability, mechanical failure, human error, hurricanes and other
meteorological events, and numerous other factors. The forward-looking estimates
in this report were prepared assuming demand, curtailment, producibility and
general market conditions for our oil, gas and NGLs during 2009 will be
substantially similar to those that existed in 2008, unless otherwise noted.
Geographic Reporting Areas
Our estimates of production, average price differentials compared to industry
benchmarks and capital expenditures included in this report are provided
separately for each of the following geographic areas:
• the United States Onshore;
• the United States Offshore, which encompasses all oil and gas properties in the Gulf of Mexico;
• Canada; and
• International, which encompasses all oil and gas properties that lie outside of the United States and Canada.
Year 2009 Potential Operating Items
Oil, Gas and NGL Production
Set forth below are our estimates of oil, gas and NGL production for 2009. We
estimate that our combined 2009 oil, gas and NGL production will total
approximately 235 to 241 MMBoe. Of this total, approximately 97% is estimated to
be produced from reserves classified as "proved" at December 31, 2008. The
following estimates for oil, gas and NGL production are calculated at the
midpoint of the estimated range for total production.
Oil Gas NGLs Total
(MMBbls) (Bcf) (MMBbls) (MMBoe)
United States Onshore 12 676 25 149
United States Offshore 4 42 - 11
Canada 29 185 3 63
International 15 1 - 15
Total 60 904 28 238
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Oil and Gas Prices
We expect our 2009 average prices for the oil and gas production from each of
our operating areas to differ from the NYMEX price as set forth in the following
table. The expected ranges for gas prices are exclusive of the anticipated
effects of the gas financial contracts presented in the "Commodity Price Risk
Management" section below.
The NYMEX price for oil is the monthly average of settled prices on each
trading day for benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil delivered at
Cushing, Oklahoma. The NYMEX price for gas is determined to be the
first-of-month South Louisiana Henry Hub price index as published monthly in
Inside FERC.
Expected Range of Prices
as a % of NYMEX Price
Oil Gas
United States Onshore 85% to 95% 75% to 85%
United States Offshore 95% to 105% 100% to 110%
Canada 55% to 65% 83% to 93%
International 85% to 95% N/M
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N/M - Not meaningful.
Commodity Price Risk Management
From time to time, we enter into NYMEX related financial commodity collar and
price swap contracts. Such contracts are used to manage the inherent uncertainty
of future revenues due to oil and gas price
volatility. Although these financial contracts do not relate to specific
production from our operating areas, they will affect our overall revenues,
earnings and cash flow in 2009.
As of February 3, 2009, our financial commodity contracts pertaining to 2009
consisted only of gas collars. The key terms of these contracts are presented in
the following table.
Floor Price Ceiling Price
Weighted Weighted
Floor Average Ceiling Average
Volume Range Price Range Price
Period (MMBtu/d) ($/MMBtu) ($/MMBtu) ($/MMBtu) ($/MMBtu)
First Quarter 277,056 $ 8.00 - $8.50 $ 8.25 $ 10.60 - $14.00 $ 12.02
Second Quarter 265,000 $ 8.00 - $8.50 $ 8.25 $ 10.60 - $14.00 $ 12.05
Third Quarter 265,000 $ 8.00 - $8.50 $ 8.25 $ 10.60 - $14.00 $ 12.05
Fourth Quarter 265,000 $ 8.00 - $8.50 $ 8.25 $ 10.60 - $14.00 $ 12.05
2009 Average 267,973 $ 8.00 - $8.50 $ 8.25 $ 10.60 - $14.00 $ 12.05
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To the extent that monthly NYMEX prices in 2009 are outside of the ranges
established by the gas collars, we and the counterparties to the contracts will
settle the difference. Such settlements will either increase or decrease our
revenues for the period. Also, we will mark-to-market the contracts based on
their fair values throughout 2009. Changes in the contracts' fair values will
also be recorded as increases or decreases to our revenues. The expected ranges
of our realized gas prices as a percentage of NYMEX prices, which are presented
earlier in this report, do not include any estimates of the impact on our gas
prices from monthly settlements or changes in the fair values of our gas
collars.
In January 2009, we entered into an early settlement arrangement with one of
our counterparties. As a result of this early settlement, we received
$36 million in January 2009.
Marketing and Midstream Revenues and Expenses
Marketing and midstream revenues and expenses are derived primarily from our
gas processing plants and gas pipeline systems. These revenues and expenses vary
in response to several factors. The factors include, but are not limited to,
changes in production from wells connected to the pipelines and related
processing plants, changes in the absolute and relative prices of gas and NGLs,
provisions of contractual agreements and the amount of repair and maintenance
activity required to maintain anticipated processing levels and pipeline
throughput volumes.
These factors increase the uncertainty inherent in estimating future
marketing and midstream revenues and expenses. Given these uncertainties, we
estimate that our 2009 marketing and midstream operating profit will be between
$375 million and $425 million. We estimate that marketing and midstream revenues
will be between $1.075 billion and $1.425 billion, and marketing and midstream
expenses will be between $0.700 billion and $1.000 billion.
Production and Operating Expenses
Our production and operating expenses include lease operating expenses,
transportation costs and production taxes. These expenses vary in response to
several factors. Among the most significant of these factors are additions to or
deletions from the property base, changes in the general price level of services
and materials that are used in the operation of the properties, the amount of
repair and workover activity required and changes in production tax rates. Oil,
gas and NGL prices also have an effect on lease operating expenses and impact
the economic feasibility of planned workover projects.
Given these uncertainties, we expect that our 2009 lease operating expenses
will be between $1.93 billion and $2.27 billion. Additionally, we estimate that
our production taxes for 2009 will be between 3.25% and 3.75% of total oil, gas
and NGL revenues, excluding the effect on revenues from financial collar
contracts upon which production taxes are not assessed.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ("DD&A")
Our 2009 oil and gas property DD&A rate will depend on various factors. Most
notable among such factors are the amount of proved reserves that will be added
from drilling or acquisition efforts in 2009 compared to the costs incurred for
such efforts and revisions to our year-end 2008 reserve estimates that, based on
prior experience, are likely to be made during 2009. Our reserve estimates as of
December 31, 2008 included negative price revisions of 473 MMBoe. The following
oil and gas property related DD&A estimates are largely based on the assumption
that the year-end 2008 negative price revisions will not reverse during 2009.
However, if such negative price revisions reverse, in whole or in part, our
actual oil and gas property related DD&A rate could vary materially from our
estimate.
Given these uncertainties, we estimate that our oil and gas property related
DD&A rate will be between $10.25 per Boe and $10.75 per Boe. Based on these DD&A
rates and the production estimates set forth earlier, oil and gas property
related DD&A expense for 2009 is expected to be between $2.44 billion and
$2.56 billion.
Additionally, we expect that our depreciation and amortization expense
related to non-oil and gas property fixed assets will total between $315 million
and $335 million in 2008.
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation
Accretion of asset retirement obligation in 2009 is expected to be between
$85 million and $95 million.
General and Administrative Expenses ("G&A")
Our G&A includes employee compensation and benefits costs and the costs of
many different goods and services used in support of our business. G&A varies
with the level of our operating activities and the related staffing and
professional services requirements. In addition, employee compensation and
benefits costs vary due to various market factors that affect the level and type
of compensation and benefits offered to employees. Also, goods and services are
subject to general price level increases or decreases. Therefore, significant
variances in any of these factors from current expectations could cause actual
G&A to vary materially from the estimate.
Given these limitations, we estimate our G&A for 2009 will be between
$565 million and $605 million. This estimate includes approximately $110 million
of non-cash, share-based compensation, net of related capitalization in
accordance with the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties.
Reduction of Carrying Value of Oil and Gas Properties
We follow the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties.
Under the full cost method, our net book value of oil and gas properties, less
related deferred income taxes (the "costs to be recovered"), may not exceed a
calculated "full cost ceiling." The ceiling limitation is the discounted
estimated after-tax future net revenues from oil and gas properties plus the
cost of unevaluated properties. The ceiling is imposed separately by country. In
calculating future net revenues, current prices and costs used are those as of
the end of the appropriate quarterly period. These prices are not changed except
where different prices are fixed and determinable from applicable contracts for
the remaining term of those contracts. The costs to be recovered are compared to
the ceiling on a quarterly basis. If the costs to be recovered exceed the
ceiling, the excess is written off as an expense. An expense recorded in one
period may not be reversed in a subsequent period even though higher oil and gas
prices may have increased the ceiling applicable to the subsequent period.
Because the ceiling calculation dictates that prices in effect as of the last
day of the applicable quarter are held constant indefinitely, and requires a 10%
discount factor, the resulting value is not indicative of the true fair value of
the reserves. Oil and gas prices have historically been cyclical and, on any
particular day at the end of a quarter, can be either substantially higher or
lower than our long-term price forecast, which
is a more appropriate input for estimating fair value. Therefore, oil and gas
property writedowns that result from applying the full cost ceiling limitation,
and that are caused by fluctuations in price as opposed to reductions to the
underlying quantities of reserves, should not be viewed as absolute indicators
of a reduction of the ultimate value of the related reserves.
Because of the volatile nature of oil and gas prices, it is not possible to
predict whether we will incur full cost writedowns in 2009. However, such
writedowns may be more likely to occur during 2009 than in recent periods,
considering current and near-term estimates of oil and gas prices.
We recognized full cost ceiling writedowns related to our oil and gas
properties in the United States, Canada and Brazil in the fourth quarter of
2008. These writedowns resulted primarily from significant declines in oil and
gas prices compared to previous quarter-end prices. The December 31, 2008
weighted average wellhead prices for these countries are presented in the
following table.
Country Oil Gas NGLs
United States $ 42.21 $ 4.68 $ 16.16
Canada $ 23.23 $ 5.31 $ 20.89
Brazil $ 26.61 N/A N/A
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N/A - Not applicable.
The wellhead prices in the table above compare to the December 31, 2008 NYMEX
cash price of $44.60 per Bbl for crude oil and the Henry Hub spot price of $5.71
per MMBtu for natural gas. Should 2009 quarter-end prices approximate or
decrease from these December 31, 2008 prices, the likelihood that we will incur
full cost writedowns during 2009 will increase.
Interest Expense
Future interest rates and debt outstanding have a significant effect on our
interest expense. We can only marginally influence the prices we will receive in
2009 from sales of oil, gas and NGLs and the resulting cash flow. This increases
the margin of error inherent in estimating future outstanding debt balances and
related interest expense. Other factors which affect outstanding debt balances
and related interest expense, such as the amount and timing of capital
expenditures are generally within our control.
As of January 31, 2009, we had total debt of $6.2 billion. This included
$6.0 billion of fixed-rate debt and $0.2 billion of variable-rate commercial
paper borrowings. The fixed-rate debt bears interest at an overall weighted
average rate of 7.23%. The commercial paper borrowings bear interest at variable
rates based on a standard index such as the Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR, or the
money market rate as found on the commercial paper market. As of January 31,
2009, the weighted average variable rate for our commercial paper borrowings was
3.33%. Additionally, any future borrowings under our credit facilities would
bear interest at various fixed-rate options for periods up to twelve months and
are generally less than the prime rate.
Based on the factors above, we expect our 2009 interest expense to be between
$330 million and $340 million. This estimate assumes no material changes in
prevailing interest rates or to our existing interest rate swap contracts
presented above. This estimate also assumes that our total debt will increase
approximately $1.0 billion during 2009, primarily in the form of commercial
paper borrowings.
The 2009 interest expense estimate above is comprised of three primary
components - interest related to outstanding debt, fees and issuance costs, and
capitalized interest. We expect the interest expense in 2009 related to our
fixed-rate and floating-rate debt, including net accretion of related discounts,
to be between $435 million and $445 million. We expect the interest expense in
2009 related to facility and agency fees, amortization of debt issuance costs
and other miscellaneous items not related to outstanding debt balances to be
between $5 million and $15 million. We also expect to capitalize between
$110 million and $120 million of interest during 2009.
Interest Rate Risk Management
We also have interest rate swaps to mitigate a portion of the fair value
effects of interest rate fluctuations on our fixed-rate debt. Under the terms of
these swaps, we receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate on a total notional
amount of $1.05 billion. The key terms of these interest rate swaps are
presented in the following table.
Fixed Rate Variable
Notional Received Rate Paid Expiration
(In millions)
$ 500 3.90 % Federal funds rate July 18, 2013
$ 300 4.30 % Six month LIBOR July 18, 2011
$ 250 3.85 % Federal funds rate July 22, 2013
$ 1,050 4.00 %
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Including the effects of these swaps, the weighted-average interest rate
related to our fixed-rate debt was 6.64% as of January 31, 2009.
Income Taxes
Our financial income tax rate in 2009 will vary materially depending on the
actual amount of financial pre-tax earnings. The tax rate for 2009 will be
significantly affected by the proportional share of consolidated pre-tax
earnings generated by U.S., Canadian and International operations due to the
different tax rates of each country. There are certain tax deductions and
credits that will have a fixed impact on 2009 income tax expense regardless of
the level of pre-tax earnings that are produced.
Given the uncertainty of pre-tax earnings, we expect that our consolidated
financial income tax rate in 2009 will be between 20% and 40%. The current
income tax rate is expected to be between 10% and 20%. The deferred income tax
rate is expected to be between 10% and 20%. Significant changes in estimated
capital expenditures, production levels of oil, gas and NGLs, the prices of such
products, marketing and midstream revenues, or any of the various expense items
could materially alter the effect of the aforementioned tax deductions and
credits on 2009 financial income tax rates.
Year 2008 Potential Capital Resources, Uses and Liquidity
Capital Expenditures
Though we have completed several major property acquisitions in recent years,
these transactions are opportunity driven. Thus, we do not "budget," nor can we
reasonably predict, the timing or size of such possible acquisitions.
Our capital expenditures budget is based on an expected range of future oil,
gas and NGL prices as well as the expected costs of the capital additions.
Should actual prices received differ materially from our price expectations for
our future production, some projects may be accelerated or deferred and,
consequently, may increase or decrease total 2009 capital expenditures. In
addition, if the actual material or labor costs of the budgeted items vary
significantly from the anticipated amounts, actual capital expenditures could
vary materially from our estimates.
Given the limitations discussed above, the following table shows expected
ranges for drilling, development and facilities expenditures by geographic area.
Development capital includes development activity related to reserves classified
as proved and drilling that does not offset currently productive units and for
which there is not a certainty of continued production from a known productive
formation. Exploration capital includes exploratory drilling to find and produce
oil or gas in previously untested fault blocks or new reservoirs.
United United
States States
Onshore Offshore Canada International Total
(In millions)
Development capital $ 1,520 -$1,790 $ 460-$540 $ 740-$870 $ 160-$200 $ 2,880-$3,400
Exploration capital $ 150-$170 $ 130-$150 $ 40-$50 $ 200-$230 $ 520-$600
Total $ 1,670-$1,960 $ 590-$690 $ 780-$920 $ 360-$430 $ 3,400-$4,000
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In addition to the above expenditures for drilling, development and
facilities, we expect to spend between $325 million to $425 million on our
marketing and midstream assets, which primarily include our oil pipelines, gas
processing plants, and gas pipeline systems. Additionally, we expect to
capitalize between $460 million and $480 million of G&A expenses in accordance
with the full cost method of accounting and to capitalize between $110 million
and $120 million of interest. We also expect to pay between $105 million and
$115 million for plugging and abandonment charges, and to spend between
$230 million and $250 million for other non-oil and gas property fixed assets.
We anticipate spending between $40 million and $50 million to fulfill drilling
commitments related to our assets held for sale.
Other Cash Uses
Our management expects the policy of paying a quarterly common stock dividend
to continue. With the current $0.16 per share quarterly dividend rate and
444 million shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2008,
dividends are expected to approximate $284 million.
We have various defined benefit pension plans. The vast majority of these
plans are subject to minimum funding requirements. During 2008, investment
losses significantly reduced the funded status of these plans. Accordingly, our
2009 contributions to these plans are expected to be significantly higher than
those made in recent years. Depending on the funding targets we may attempt to
achieve, we estimate we will contribute between $100 million and $175 million to
our pension plans during 2009.
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