Natural gas producer
Ultra Petroleum Corporation
(
UPL
) reported mixed second quarter results based on higher production
volume offset by higher operating expenses.
Earnings per share, excluding special items, came in at 36 cents,
beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents.
However, compared with the year-earlier period, Ultra Petroleum's
adjusted earnings per share declined 45.5% from 66 cents, hurt by a
weak natural gas price scenario.
Total operating revenue, at $170.3 million, was well below the
Zacks Consensus Estimate of $271.0 million and year-ago level of
$280.6 million.
Production
Production during the quarter increased 10.1% year over year to
65.1 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), reflecting the company's
successful drilling activities. Natural gas volumes - accounting
for approximately 97.0% of the total - were up 10.5% year over year
to 63.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf). Oil production remained flat year
over year to 332,512 barrels.
Realized Prices
Ultra Petroleum's average realized price on natural gas fell 49.1%
to $2.23 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). Including commodity
derivative gains/losses, average realized natural gas price for the
quarter was $4.04 per Mcf, down 21.9% from the prior-year level.
The average oil price for the quarter, at $88.52 per barrel, was
down from the second quarter 2011 level of $92.35 per barrel.
Costs, Expenses & Margins
Lease operating expense rose 10.1% from the prior-year quarter to
$12.2 million. During the second quarter of 2012, the company
reported all-in costs of $3.16 per Mcfe, up 11.7% from the
comparable year-ago quarter. Ultra Petroleum's competitive cost
structure enabled it to achieve a 67% cash flow margin and a 19%
net income margin.
Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2012, the company had cash and cash equivalents of
$15.7 million and long-term debt of $2.1 billion.
Production Guidance
Ultra Petroleum expects its full-year 2012 production in the range
of approximately 250-260 Bcfe, implying an increase of 2% to 6%
from the 2011 level. For the third quarter, the company is looking
to produce 60-62 Bcfe.
Our Take
Another natural gas firm
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
(
COG
) reported weak second quarter 2012 results of 5 cents, below the
Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents due to lower gas prices and
higher operating expenses.
Ultra Petroleum's high natural gas exposure raises its sensitivity
to gas price fluctuations, compared to its more-diversified
independent peers with higher oil production. The company, which
derives more than 95% of its reserves/production from natural gas,
has seen its sales and income being adversely affected in recent
quarters by a sharp drop in gas prices.
Ultra Petroleum currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold
rating).
CABOT OIL & GAS (COG): Free Stock Analysis
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ULTRA PETRO CP (UPL): Free Stock Analysis
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