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Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results and Additional New Build Contracts

January 30, 2014

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) reported net income of $173.2 million ($1.59 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $889.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net income of $159.6 million ($1.48 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $844.6 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, and net income of $159.8 million ($1.47 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $864.5 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Included in net income corresponding to this year's first fiscal quarter and to last year's fourth fiscal quarter were $0.03 per diluted share of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment. Included in net income corresponding to last year's first fiscal quarter were $0.03 per diluted share of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment and $0.05 per diluted share of after-tax gains related to the sale of investment securities. 

The Company also announced today that it has entered into agreements with four exploration and production companies to build and operate nine additional FlexRigs®* in the U.S. All of these rigs were ordered under multi-year term contracts and are expected to generate attractive economic returns for the Company. This brings the total number of new build commitments announced in fiscal 2014 to 35 new FlexRigs, including 22 new FlexRigs since the Company's last earnings release. 

Chairman and CEO Hans Helmerich commented, "It is satisfying to once again report record quarterly levels in both revenue and operating income.  We have also continued to see signs of market improvement in the U.S., both in terms of spot pricing and demand for additional FlexRigs.  The flexibility afforded by our new build construction capabilities is allowing us to quickly respond to this renewed level of market demand.  We are pleased to be able to announce an additional nine fully contracted new builds, bringing our fiscal year-to-date total to 35. We are confident in the Company's ability to continue to capture market share, create differentiated value for our customers, and deliver attractive returns for our shareholders."

Operating Segment Results

Segment operating income for U.S. land operations was $251.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared with $234.4 million for last year's first fiscal quarter and $235.8 million for last year's fourth fiscal quarter. As compared to last year's fourth fiscal quarter, the number of revenue days for the segment increased by 944 to 23,464 during the first fiscal quarter of 2014. Average rig revenue per day decreased by $590 to $28,468 as compared to last year's fourth fiscal quarter. Also as compared to the prior year's fourth fiscal quarter, average rig expense per day for the segment decreased by $704 to $12,934 during the first fiscal quarter, resulting in a $114 average rig margin per day increase to $15,534.   The rig revenue and margin per day averages included approximately $422 per day of early termination fees during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to approximately $737 per day during the previous quarter. Rig utilization for the Company's U.S. land segment was 84% for this year's first fiscal quarter, compared with 82% for last year's first fiscal quarter and 82% for last year's fourth fiscal quarter.   At December 31, 2013, the Company's U.S. land segment had 264 contracted rigs (including 159 under term contracts) and 45 idle rigs. 

Segment operating income for the Company's offshore operations was $18.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared with $15.0 million for last year's first fiscal quarter and $10.3 million for last year's fourth fiscal quarter. The sequential increase in operating income was attributable to a higher average rig margin per day in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the inclusion of the $6.4 million settlement charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Excluding the charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the average rig margin per day increased by $772 to $27,449 during the first fiscal quarter of 2014. Rig utilization in the segment was reported at 89% for both the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

The Company's international land operations reported segment operating income of $12.8 million for this year's first fiscal quarter, compared with $9.1 million for last year's first fiscal quarter and $13.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The decrease in segment operating income as compared to last year's fourth fiscal quarter was mostly attributable to a seven percent decline in revenue days. The average rig margin per day also declined by $292 to $10,342 during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. 

Drilling Operations Outlook for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2014

In the U.S. land segment, the Company expects average rig revenue per day during the second fiscal quarter to be relatively flat as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (excluding early termination revenues). The average rig expense per day is expected to increase to slightly over $13,000 per day, and revenue days are expected to increase by approximately two percent during the second fiscal quarter as compared to the prior quarter. As of today, the U.S. land segment has approximately 269 contracted rigs, including 155 under term contracts.

In the offshore segment, the Company expects the average rig margin per day to decline to approximately $26,000 per day during the second fiscal quarter and revenue days to decline by approximately two percent as compared to the prior quarter. 

In the international land segment, the Company expects total revenue days during the second fiscal quarter to decline by approximately five to ten percent and the average rig margin per day to be relatively flat as compared to the prior quarter. 

Capital Expenditures Estimate for Fiscal 2014

Given the increasing demand for FlexRigs, the Company now expects a total of approximately $950 million in capital expenditures during fiscal 2014. This assumes increasing the new build construction cadence to approximately three rigs per month beginning in April through the end of the fiscal year. 

About Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is primarily a contract drilling company. As of January 30, 2014, the Company's existing fleet included 315 land rigs in the U.S., 29 international land rigs and 9 offshore platform rigs.  In addition, the Company is scheduled to complete another 21 new H&P-designed and operated FlexRigs and one 3,000 horsepower AC drive rig under long-term contracts with customers in fiscal 2014. Upon completion of these commitments, the Company's global fleet is expected to have a total of 366 land rigs, including 336 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, 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 Results of Operations and Financial Condition" 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.


*FlexRig® is a registered trademark of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

       
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands, except per share data)
       
  Three Months Ended
  September 30 December 31
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 2013 2013 2012
       
Operating Revenues:      
Drilling – U.S. Land $ 707,893 $ 731,674 $ 696,030
Drilling – Offshore 54,681 59,054 57,718
Drilling – International Land 98,504 95,341 87,267
Other 3,458 3,083 3,557
  864,536 889,152 844,572
       
Operating costs and expenses:      
Operating costs, excluding depreciation 473,170 474,048 466,871
Depreciation 118,801 120,237 106,599
General and administrative 29,903 32,243 32,421
Research and development 3,813 4,257 3,353
Income from asset sales (4,385) (5,664) (5,219)
  621,302 625,121 604,025
       
Operating income 243,234 264,031 240,547
       
Other income (expense):      
Interest and dividend income 571 453 426
Interest expense (1,544) (1,194) (1,308)
Gain on sale of investment securities -- -- 8,752
Other 3,186 (345) (2,084)
  2,213 (1,086) 5,786
       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 245,447 262,945 246,333
Income tax provision 85,650 89,763 86,722
Income from continuing operations 159,797 173,182 159,611
       
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes -- -- (8)
Income tax provision -- -- --
Loss from discontinued operations -- -- (8)
       
NET INCOME $ 159,797 $ 173,182 $ 159,603
       
Basic earnings per common share:      
Income from continuing operations $ 1.49 $ 1.61 $ 1.50
Income from discontinued operations $ -- $ -- $ --
       
Net income $ 1.49 $ 1.61 $ 1.50
       
Diluted earnings per common share:      
Income from continuing operations $ 1.47 $ 1.59 $ 1.48
Income from discontinued operations $ -- $ -- $ --
       
Net income $ 1.47 $ 1.59 $ 1.48
       
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic 106,522 107,149 105,867
Diluted 108,057 108,577 107,412
       
       
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.  
Unaudited  
(in thousands)  
       
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS December 31
2013
September 30
2013
 
 
       
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 581,414  $ 447,868  
Other current assets 806,120 806,638  
Current assets of discontinued operations 3,756 3,705  
Total current assets 1,391,290 1,258,211  
Investments 312,455 316,154  
Net property, plant, and equipment 4,693,770 4,676,103  
Other assets 13,072 14,359  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,410,587  $ 6,264,827   
       
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current liabilities  $ 475,488  $  449,063  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations 3,249 3,210  
Total current liabilities 478,737 452,273  
Non-current liabilities 1,282,731 1,288,332  
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations 507 495  
Long-term notes payable 80,000 80,000  
Total shareholders' equity 4,568,612 4,443,727  
       
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 6,410,587  $ 6,264,827  
   
 
HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands)
   
  Three Months Ended
  December 31
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 2013 2012
   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Net income $ 173,182 $ 159,603
Adjustment for loss from discontinued operations -- 8
Income from continuing operations 173,182 159,611
Depreciation 120,237 106,599
Changes in assets and liabilities 10,093 83,660
Gain on sale of assets and investment securities (5,664) (13,971)
Other 7,010 6,031
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations 304,858 341,930
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations -- (8)
Net cash provided by operating activities 304,858 341,922
     
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:    
Capital expenditures (140,643) (219,444)
Proceeds from sale of assets and investment securities 7,913 25,516
Net cash used in investing activities (132,730) (193,928)
     
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Dividends paid (53,860) (7,432)
Exercise of stock options 8,201 473
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock (3,049) (1,677)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 10,126 5,693
Net cash used in financing activities (38,582) (2,943)
     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 133,546 145,051
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 447,868 96,095
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 581,414 $ 241,146
     
     
       
SEGMENT REPORTING Three Months Ended
  September 30 December 31
  2013 2013 2012
  (in thousands, except days and per day amounts)
U.S. LAND OPERATIONS      
Revenues $ 707,893 $ 731,674 $ 696,030
Direct operating expenses 360,628 367,186 361,068
General and administrative expense 9,408 9,957 9,321
Depreciation 102,040 103,579 91,253
Segment operating income $ 235,817 $ 250,952 $ 234,388
       
Revenue days 22,520 23,464 21,743
Average rig revenue per day $ 29,058 $ 28,468 $ 28,040
Average rig expense per day $ 13,638 $ 12,934 $ 12,634
Average rig margin per day $ 15,420 $ 15,534 $ 15,406
Rig utilization 82% 84% 82%
       
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS      
Revenues $ 54,681 $ 59,054 $ 57,718
Direct operating expenses 38,910 34,876 37,207
General and administrative expense 2,241 2,330 2,235
Depreciation 3,244 3,350 3,270
Segment operating income $ 10,286 $ 18,498 $ 15,006
       
Revenue days 736 736 736
Average rig revenue per day $ 60,415 $ 62,306 $ 61,936
Average rig expense per day $ 42,434 $ 34,857 $ 36,154
Average rig margin per day $ 17,981 $ 27,449 $ 25,782
Rig utilization 89% 89% 89%
       
INTERNATIONAL LAND OPERATIONS      
Revenues $ 98,504 $ 95,341 $ 87,267
Direct operating expenses 73,694 71,930 68,639
General and administrative expense 986 1,000 1,039
Depreciation 9,967 9,660 8,478
Segment operating income $ 13,857 $ 12,751 $ 9,111
       
Revenue days 2,315 2,156 2,237
Average rig revenue per day $ 37,113 $ 38,433 $ 35,511
Average rig expense per day $ 26,479 $ 28,091 $ 27,111
Average rig margin per day $ 10,634 $ 10,342 $ 8,400
Rig utilization 87% 82% 85%
       
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 $ 53,499 $ 63,700 $ 86,359
Offshore Operations $ 3,267 $ 2,766 $ 6,259
International Land Operations $ 12,587 $ 12,480 $ 7,828
       

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 from continuing operations before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands).

       
  Three Months Ended
  September 30 December 31
  2013 2013 2012
Operating income      
U.S. Land  $235,817  $250,952 $234,388
Offshore 10,286  18,498 15,006
International Land 13,857  12,751 9,111
Other (1,964)  (3,005) (1,635)
Segment operating income  $257,996  $279,196 $256,870
Corporate general and administrative (17,268)  (18,956) (19,826)
Other depreciation (3,000)  (3,244) (2,934)
Inter-segment elimination 1,121  1,371 1,218
Income from asset sales 4,385  5,664 5,219
Operating income  $243,234  $264,031  $240,547
       
Other income (expense):      
Interest and dividend income  571  453 426
Interest expense  (1,544)  (1,194) (1,308)
Gain on sale of investment securities  --  -- 8,752
Other 3,186  (345) (2,084)
Total other income (expense)  2,213  (1,086) 5,786
       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $245,447    $262,945  $246,333
CONTACT: Investor Relations
         investor.relations@hpinc.com
         (918) 588-5207

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