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Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results

January 25, 2018

  • Quarterly U.S. Land revenue days (activity) increased by approximately 4%
  • H&P’s spot pricing in the U.S. Land market continued to increase (approximately 4%) from the date of the fourth quarter results announcement (November 16, 2017) to January 25, 2018
  • Quarterly U.S. Land adjusted average rig margin per day increased by approximately 11%(1)
  • H&P’s U.S. Land contracted rig count increased by approximately 4% from 197 rigs at September 30, 2017 to 204 rigs at December 31, 2017, compared to a slight decline in the industry rig count(2)
  • Upgraded 16 FlexRigs to super-spec(3) capacity during the first fiscal quarter of 2018

             
TULSA, Okla., Jan. 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) reported net income of $500 million or $4.55 per diluted share from operating revenues of $564 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  Net income per diluted share includes $4.57 of after-tax gains comprised of select items(4), the most significant of which is a non-cash gain of approximately $501 million related to a reduction of H&P’s deferred income tax liability as a result of applying the new corporate tax rate enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(5).    

President and CEO John Lindsay commented, “Our team continued to deliver better-than-expected results. Setting aside the significant and favorable impact of the non-cash adjustment related to the new tax law, our operational results exceeded expectations in the first fiscal quarter. We are encouraged by an improving macro outlook for oil prices, and the prospect of an increasing level of rig activity that it portends.

“One of the primary factors driving rig pricing is the continued demand for high capacity super-spec rigs and the near full utilization of that portion of the U.S. fleet.  A significant driver for super-spec rig demand last year was an average 15% increase in the length of laterals, and we expect this trend to continue.  H&P has over 40% of the active super-spec rigs and with that portion of the industry fleet fully utilized we believe pricing should continue to improve.  We also have a significant advantage for future growth as we have roughly half of the 200 to 250 upgradeable rigs available in the U.S. market today that could be readily upgraded to super-spec capacity.

“We are well equipped for the industry’s digital evolution.  With our acquisitions of Motive Drilling Technologies and MagVAR we can provide additional value for our customers through improved wellbore quality and placement. Both companies are technology leaders in their respective space and the demand for their offerings is increasing as the importance of wellbore accuracy grows with longer laterals and tighter well spacing.

“Our people, performance, technology, reliability and uniform FlexRig fleet remain our strongest competitive advantages. Our most recent acquisitions add an attractive dimension to our strategic vision and further differentiate us from others in the market.  Along with our scale and financial rigor, we are able to continue to provide superior value to customers and shareholders.”

Operating Segment Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2018

U.S. Land Operations:

Segment operating income increased by $28.9 million to $24.7 million sequentially.  For the third quarter in a row, the favorable change was primarily attributable to an increase in quarterly revenue days and a higher average rig margin per day.  The segment’s Depreciation expense for the quarter includes non-cash charges of $7.2 million for abandonments of used drilling rig components related to rig upgrades, compared to similar non-cash charges of $15.4 million during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017.

The number of quarterly revenue days increased sequentially by approximately 4%.  Adjusted average rig revenue per day increased by $483 to $22,167(1) as pricing continued to improve throughout the quarter.  The average rig expense per day decreased sequentially by $359 to $13,546; the decrease in the average was mostly attributable to lower than anticipated self-insurance expenses.  The corresponding adjusted average rig margin per day increased sequentially by $842 to $8,621(1).

Offshore Operations:

Segment operating income increased by $3.7 million to $8.7 million sequentially primarily as a result of higher management contract contributions and slightly higher average rig margins during the quarter.  Management contracts on customer-owned platform rigs contributed approximately $6.5 million to the segment’s operating income, compared to approximately $2.5 million during the prior quarter.  The number of quarterly revenue days on H&P-owned platform rigs decreased sequentially by approximately 6%, and the average rig margin per day increased sequentially by $287 to $12,375

International Land Operations:

The segment had operating income this quarter as compared to an operating loss during the previous quarter.  The $5.5 million sequential increase in operating income was primarily attributable to a higher number of revenue days during the quarter.  Revenue days increased during the quarter by 23% to 1,587.  The average rig margin per day decreased by $1,035 to $11,351.  Both the first fiscal quarter and the prior quarter benefited from favorable adjustments that are not expected to recur going forward.

Operational Outlook for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2018

U.S. Land Operations:

  • Quarterly revenue days expected to increase by approximately 1% to 2% sequentially (representing a 3% to 4% increase in the average number of active rigs given the lower number of calendar days during the second fiscal quarter)
  • Average rig revenue per day expected to be roughly flat to slightly up as compared to the first fiscal quarter (excluding any impact from early termination revenue)
  • Average rig expense per day expected to be roughly $13,900

Offshore Operations:

  • Quarterly revenue days expected to decrease by approximately 2% sequentially (as a result of the lower number of calendar days during the second fiscal quarter)
  • Average rig margin per day expected to be approximately $11,500
  • Management contracts expected to generate approximately $4 million in operating income

International Land Operations:

  • Quarterly revenue days expected to decrease by approximately 4% sequentially (representing a 2% decline in the average number of active rigs given the lower number of calendar days during the second fiscal quarter)
  • Average rig margin per day expected to be roughly $8,000

Other Estimates for Fiscal 2018

  • Given the continued improvement in market conditions and corresponding opportunities, fiscal 2018 capital expenditures are now expected to be approximately $350 million, up from our original estimate of $250 to $300 million.
  • The estimate for general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2018 is now approximately $180 million.

Other Highlights

  • On December 8, 2017 H&P continued to add to its Family of Solutions by acquiring Magnetic Variation Services, LLC (MagVAR), an industry leader in enhancing the accuracy of directional drilling and wellbore placement.
  • Since November 16, 2017, 10 AC drive FlexRigs were upgraded to super-spec(3) capacity resulting in 171 super-spec rigs in our fleet today.
  • On December 5, 2017, Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share on the Company’s common stock payable March 1, 2018 (as filed on Form 8‑K at the time of the declaration).

Select Items Included in Net Income (or Loss) per Diluted Share

First Quarter of Fiscal 2018 net income of $4.55 per diluted share included $4.57 in after-tax gains comprised of the following:

  • $4.55 of income tax adjustments related to the recognition of the new corporate tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in calculating the Company’s new deferred income tax liability
  • $0.03 of after-tax income from long-term contract early termination compensation from customers
  • $0.04 of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment
  • $(0.05) of after-tax losses from abandonment charges related to the decommissioning of used drilling equipment

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017 net loss of $(0.21) per diluted share included $(0.07) in after-tax losses comprised of the following:

  • $0.03 of after-tax income from long-term contract early termination compensation from customers
  • $0.02 of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment
  • $0.03 of after-tax gains related to a favorable adjustment to interest and other expenses as a result of the reversal of previously booked uncertain tax positions where the statute of limitations has expired
  • $(0.11) of after-tax losses from abandonment charges related to the decommissioning of used drilling equipment
  • $(0.04) of income tax adjustments related to a net operating loss carryback to a prior fiscal year that caused a reduction of prior year Section 199 domestic production deductions

About Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is primarily a contract drilling company.  As of January 25, 2018, the Company’s fleet includes 350 land rigs in the U.S., 38 international land rigs, and eight offshore platform rigs.  The Company’s global fleet has a total of 388 land rigs, including 373 AC drive FlexRigs.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the registrant’s future financial position, operations outlook, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.  For information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including but not limited to its annual report on Form 10‑K and quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q.  As a result of these factors, Helmerich & Payne, Inc.’s actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements.  We undertake no duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on changes in internal estimates, expectations or otherwise, except as required by law.

Note Regarding Trademarks.  Helmerich & Payne, Inc. owns or has rights to the use of trademarks, service marks and trade names that it uses in conjunction with the operation of its business.  Some of the trademarks that appear in this release include FlexRig and Family of Solutions, which may be registered or trademarked in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.

(1) See the Selected Statistical & Operational Highlights table(s) for details on the revenues or charges excluded on a per revenue day basis.  The inclusion or exclusion of these amounts results in adjusted revenue, expense, and/or margin per day figures, which are all non-GAAP measures.
(2) The overall market’s decrease of seven rigs (less than 1%) was calculated using the U.S. Land rig counts corresponding to the last weeks of the third and fourth calendar quarters of 2017 as publicly published by BHGE.
(3) The term “super-spec” herein refers to rigs with the following specifications: AC drive, 1,500 hp drawworks, 750,000 lbs. hookload rating, 7,500 psi mud circulating system and multiple-well pad capability.
(4) See the corresponding section of this release for details regarding the select items.
(5) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law, effective January 1, 2018.  H&P continues to analyze the effect of the new tax law on the Company’s tax position, which may result in further adjustments to our income tax provision.

Contact:  Investor Relations
investor.relations@hpinc.com
(918) 588‑5190

 


 
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
  Three Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF December 31
  September 30 
  December 31
  
OPERATIONS 2017  2017  2016  
           
Operating Revenues:          
Drilling — U.S. Land $ 461,640  $ 439,404  $ 263,636  
Drilling — Offshore   33,366    32,505    33,812  
Drilling — International Land   63,214    55,109    68,031  
Other   5,867    5,286    3,111  
  $ 564,087  $ 532,304  $ 368,590  
           
Operating costs and expenses:          
Operating costs, excluding depreciation and amortization   373,083    367,346    247,679  
Depreciation and amortization   143,267    153,876    133,847  
General and administrative   46,548    40,331    34,262  
Research and development   3,234    3,462    2,808  
Income from asset sales   (5,565)   (3,034)   (842) 
    560,567    561,981    417,754  
           
Operating income (loss)   3,520    (29,677)   (49,164) 
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest and dividend income   1,724    1,887    990  
Interest expense   (5,773)   (2,244)   (5,055) 
Other   530    2,125    387  
    (3,519)   1,768    (3,678) 
           
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   1    (27,909)   (52,842) 
Income tax benefit   (500,641)   (6,198)   (18,288) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations   500,642    (21,711)   (34,554) 
           
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes   (519)   580    (424) 
Income tax provision   17    1,401    85  
Loss from discontinued operations   (536)   (821)   (509) 
           
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 500,106  $ (22,532) $ (35,063) 
           
Basic earnings per common share:          
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4.57  $ (0.20) $ (0.33) 
Loss from discontinued operations $ —  $ (0.01) $ —  
           
Net income (loss) $ 4.57  $ (0.21) $ (0.33) 
           
Diluted earnings per common share:          
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4.55  $ (0.20) $ (0.33) 
Loss from discontinued operations $ —  $ (0.01) $ —  
           
Net income (loss) $ 4.55  $ (0.21) $ (0.33) 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   108,683    108,588    108,276  
Diluted   109,095    108,588    108,276  


 
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands)
       
  December 31 September 30
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS 2017 2017
       
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 383,664 $ 521,375
Short-term investments   42,541   44,491
Other current assets   740,139   669,398
Current assets of discontinued operations   2   3
Total current assets   1,166,346   1,235,267
Investments   83,943   84,026
Net property, plant, and equipment   4,950,400   5,001,051
Other assets   161,407   119,644
       
TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,362,096 $ 6,439,988
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities $ 355,668 $ 344,311
Current liabilities of discontinued operations   94   74
Total current liabilities   355,762   344,385
Non-current liabilities   918,346   1,434,098
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations   4,470   4,012
Long-term debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs   493,168   492,902
Total shareholders’ equity   4,590,350   4,164,591
       
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 6,362,096 $ 6,439,988


 
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands)
       
  Three Months Ended
  December 31
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 2017  2016 
       As adjusted 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income (loss) $ 500,106  $ (35,063)
Adjustment for loss from discontinued operations   536    509 
Income (loss) from continuing operations   500,642    (34,554)
Depreciation and amortization   143,267    133,847 
Changes in assets and liabilities   (577,277)   (32,585)
Income from asset sales   (5,565)   (842)
Other   11,205    8,524 
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations   72,272    74,390 
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations   (57)   (19)
Net cash provided by operating activities   72,215    74,371 
       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Capital expenditures   (91,698)   (82,127)
Purchase of short-term investments   (16,183)   (15,025)
Payment for acquisition of business, net of cash acquired   (47,832)   — 
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments   18,120    13,900 
Proceeds from asset sales   8,749    1,209 
Net cash used in investing activities   (128,844)   (82,043)
       
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Dividends paid   (76,503)   (76,176)
Proceeds from stock option exercises   892    10,253 
Payments for employee taxes on net settlement of equity awards   (5,471)   (6,073)
Net cash used in financing activities   (81,082)   (71,996)
       
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (137,711)   (79,668)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   521,375    905,561 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 383,664  $ 825,893 

___________________________
“As adjusted” – Effective October 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The cash flow statement for the three months ended December 31, 2016 has been adjusted to reflect changes that were applied retrospectively from that adoption.

          
  December 31 September 30 
  December 31
 
SEGMENT REPORTING 2017 2017  2016 
         
  (in thousands, except days and per day amounts)
U.S. LAND OPERATIONS         
Revenues $ 461,640 $ 439,404  $ 263,636 
Direct operating expenses   299,064   297,978    170,606 
General and administrative expense   13,993   13,150    11,642 
Depreciation   123,838   132,438    112,276 
Segment operating income (loss) $ 24,745 $ (4,162) $ (30,888)
          
Revenue days   18,362   17,593    9,784 
Average rig revenue per day $ 22,400 $ 21,944  $ 24,788 
Average rig expense per day $ 13,546 $ 13,905  $ 15,204 
Average rig margin per day $ 8,854 $ 8,039  $ 9,584 
Rig utilization   57  55%   31%
          
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS         
Revenues $ 33,366 $ 32,505  $ 33,812 
Direct operating expenses   21,122   24,069    22,845 
General and administrative expense   1,165   918    916 
Depreciation   2,354   2,469    3,267 
Segment operating income $ 8,725 $ 5,049  $ 6,784 
          
Revenue days   460   491    644 
Average rig revenue per day $ 35,776 $ 34,797  $ 31,317 
Average rig expense per day $ 23,401 $ 22,709  $ 20,839 
Average rig margin per day $ 12,375 $ 12,088  $ 10,478 
Rig utilization   63  67%   78%
          
INTERNATIONAL LAND OPERATIONS         
Revenues $ 63,214 $ 55,109  $ 68,031 
Direct operating expenses   46,737   42,949    53,350 
General and administrative expense   1,132   785    669 
Depreciation   11,811   13,374    13,187 
Segment operating income (loss) $ 3,534 $ (1,999) $ 825 
          
Revenue days   1,587   1,291    1,157 
Average rig revenue per day $ 38,039 $ 40,540  $ 55,880 
Average rig expense per day $ 26,688 $ 28,154  $ 42,911 
Average rig margin per day $ 11,351 $ 12,386  $ 12,969 
Rig utilization   45  37%   33%
            


Operating statistics exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts, gains and losses from translation of foreign currency transactions, and do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses in revenue per day, expense per day and margin calculations.

Reimbursed amounts were as follows:

           
U.S. Land Operations $ 50,315 $ 53,357 $ 21,098 
Offshore Operations $ 4,098 $ 5,900 $ 4,431 
International Land Operations $ 2,861 $ 2,762 $ 3,377 
           

Segment operating income for all segments is a non-GAAP financial measure of the Company’s performance, as it excludes general and administrative expenses, corporate depreciation, income from asset sales and other corporate income and expense. The Company considers segment operating income to be an important supplemental measure of operating performance for presenting trends in the Company’s core businesses. This measure is used by the Company to facilitate period-to-period comparisons in operating performance of the Company’s reportable segments in the aggregate by eliminating items that affect comparability between periods. The Company believes that segment operating income is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of the segments and the Company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers. Additionally, it highlights operating trends and aids analytical comparisons. However, segment operating income has limitations and should not be used as an alternative to operating income or loss, a performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as it excludes certain costs that may affect the Company’s operating performance in future periods.

The following table reconciles operating income per the information above to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands).

          
  Three Months Ended
  December 31
  September 30 
  December 31
 
  2017  2017  2016 
Operating income (loss)         
U.S. Land $ 24,745  $ (4,162) $ (30,888)
Offshore   8,725    5,049    6,784 
International Land   3,534    (1,999)   825 
Other   (7,317)   (3,697)   (2,049)
Segment operating income (loss) $ 29,687  $ (4,809) $ (25,328)
Corporate general and administrative   (28,549)   (24,506)   (21,035)
Other depreciation   (3,545)   (3,796)   (4,077)
Inter-segment elimination   362    400    434 
Income from asset sales   5,565    3,034    842 
Operating income (loss) $ 3,520  $ (29,677) $ (49,164)
          
Other income (expense):         
Interest and dividend income   1,724    1,887    990 
Interest expense   (5,773)   (2,244)   (5,055)
Other   530    2,125    387 
Total other income (expense)   (3,519)   1,768    (3,678)
          
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 1  $ (27,909) $ (52,842)

 

SUPPLEMENTARY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

The tables and information that follow are additional statistical information that may also help provide further clarity and insight into the operations of the Company.

 
SELECTED STATISTICAL & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Used to determine adjusted per revenue day statistics, which is a non-GAAP measure)
       
  Three Months Ended
  December 31 September 30 
  2017 2017
     
  (in dollars per revenue day)
U.S. Land Operations      
Early contract termination revenues $ 233 $ 260
Total impact per revenue day: $ 233 $ 260


 
U.S. LAND RIG COUNTS & MARKETABLE FLEET STATISTICS
         
  January 25 December 31 September 30  Q1FY18
  2018 2017 2017 Average
U.S. Land Operations        
Term Contract Rigs 109 102 100 101.7
Spot Contract Rigs 97 102 97 97.9
Total Contracted Rigs 206 204 197 199.6
Idle or Other Rigs 144 146 153 150.4
Total Marketable Fleet 350 350 350 350.0


 
H&P GLOBAL FLEET UNDER TERM CONTRACT STATISTICS
Number of Rigs Already Under Long-Term Contracts(1)
 
(Estimated Quarterly Average — as of 01/25/18)
               
               
  Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Segment FY18 FY18 FY18 FY19 FY19 FY19 FY19
U.S. Land Operations  104.1  91.4 74.1
  63.7  29.1  24.5  20.9
International Land Operations  10.8  10.0  10.0  10.0  10.0  10.0  10.0
Offshore Operations  2.0  1.9  0.3  —  —  —  —
Total  116.9  103.3  84.4  73.7  39.1  34.5  30.9

____________________
(1) The above term contract coverage excludes long-term contracts for which the Company received early contract termination notifications as of 01/25/18. Given notifications as of 01/25/18, the Company expects to generate approximately $4 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2018 and approximately $6 million over the next 9 months from early terminations corresponding to long-term contracts and related to its U.S. Land segment. All of the above rig contracts have original terms equal to or in excess of six months and include provisions for early termination fees.

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Source: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.