Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report – April 25, 2011

(Date of earliest event reported)

 

 

QEP RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

STATE OF DELAWARE   001-34778   87-0287750

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File No.)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1050 17th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80265

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 303-672-6900

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Section 2 - Financial Information

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On April 26, 2011 QEP Resources, Inc. (the “Registrant”) issued a press release to report the Registrant’s financial results for the period ended March 31, 2011. A copy of the Registrant’s release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in Item 2.02 to this Form 8-K, including the exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Section 7 - Regulation FD

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On April 25, 2011, the Registrant issued a press release to report first quarter 2011 production and provided an update on the Registrant’s operating activities. A copy of the Registrant’s release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2, and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in Item 7.01 to this Form 8-K, including the exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Exhibit

99.1    Press release issued April 26, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc.
99.2    Press release issued April 25, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc.

 

2


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

      QEP Resources, Inc.
          (Registrant)
April 27, 2011      
     

/s/Richard J. Doleshek

      Richard J. Doleshek
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer

List of Exhibits:

 

Exhibit No.

  

Exhibit

99.1    Press release issued April 26, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc.
99.2    Press release issued April 25, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc.

 

3

Press Release issued April 26, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO     News Release
    QEP Resources, Inc.
    1050 17th Street, Suite 500
    Denver, CO 80265

April 26, 2011

NYSE: QEP

Contact: Scott Gutberlet

Phone: 303-672-6988

QEP RESOURCES REPORTS ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $305.8 MILLION

AND PRODUCTION OF 65.9 BCFE

Company raises 2011 adjusted EBITDA and production guidance

DENVER — QEP Resources (NYSE: QEP) reported adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) of $305.8 million for the first quarter of 2011 compared to $268.5 million in the 2010 period, a 14% increase. Net realized natural gas prices were 18% lower than a year ago, but were more than offset by a 28% increase in production and higher net realized crude oil prices at QEP Energy, along with increased gathering and processing margins at QEP Field Services.

ADJUSTED EBITDA BY SUBSIDIARY

(in millions)

 

    

3 Months Ended

March 31,

        
   2011      2010      Change  

QEP Energy

   $ 242.0       $ 215.4         12

QEP Field Services

     61.4         50.4         22   

QEP Marketing and other

     2.4         2.7         (11
                    

TOTAL(a)

   $ 305.8       $ 268.5         14

 

(a) See attached schedule for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income.

QEP Energy – a QEP Resources subsidiary that acquires, explores for, develops and produces natural gas and oil – also reported first quarter net production of 65.9 Bcfe compared to 51.5 Bcfe in the 2010 period and 62.1 Bcfe in the fourth quarter of 2010. The Midcontinent region contributed 59% of QEP Energy current year production compared to 51% in the 2010 period.

Net income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $73.2 million or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to $78.1 million or $0.44 per diluted share in the 2010 period. Excluding changes in unrealized gains and losses on natural gas basis-only swaps and gains and losses on non-core asset sales, QEP Resources adjusted net income from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) was $53.6 million or $0.30 per diluted share in the first quarter compared to $56.9 million or $0.32 per diluted share in the 2010 period.


NET INCOME BY SUBSIDIARY

(in millions, except earnings per share)

 

    

3 Months Ended

March 31,

        
   2011      2010      Change  

QEP Energy

   $ 43.1       $ 53.8         (20 %) 

QEP Field Services(a)

     28.0         23.2         21   

QEP Marketing and other

     2.1         1.1         91   
                    

Income from continuing operations(a)

   $ 73.2       $ 78.1         (6 %) 

Discontinued operations(b)

     —           21.2         —     
                    

NET INCOME(a)

   $ 73.2       $ 99.3         (26 %) 

Earnings per diluted share(c)

        

From continuing operations

   $ 0.41       $ 0.44      

Total earnings

   $ 0.41       $ 0.56      

Weighted average diluted shares

     178.3         177.2      

 

(a) 

Net income represents amounts attributable to QEP Resources after deducting non-controlling interest.

(b) 

QEP Resources completed its tax-free spin-off from Questar Corporation on June 30, 2010. In conjunction with the spin-off, QEP Resources distributed the common stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wexpro Company, to Questar. Accordingly, Wexpro’s historical financial results have been presented as discontinued operations in this release.

(c) 

The share count for the 2010 period is that of Questar Corporation. The spin-off transaction of QEP Resources was a pro rata distribution of shares of QEP to existing Questar shareholders, therefore the per share statistics are comparable.

“The QEP Resources team continued to execute well in the first quarter,” said Chuck Stanley, President and CEO. “QEP Energy production was up 28% from the 2010 period and 6% from the fourth quarter of 2010. The production growth was driven by strong results from ongoing Haynesville Shale development activities, combined with significant contributions from new wells in our Woodford Shale, Granite Wash and Bakken plays. Our ongoing strategy to diversify away from our traditional Rockies focus also continued to bear fruit - QEP Energy grew Midcontinent production 48% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the 2010 period, representing 59% of QEP Energy total production. QEP Field Services also had a good quarter. Field Services gathering and processing businesses benefitted from growing QEP Energy and third-party producer volumes and from strong gas-processing margins,” Stanley added.

First Quarter 2011 Highlights

 

   

QEP Energy grew natural gas, oil and NGL net production to 65.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe) compared to 51.5 Bcfe in the 2010 period. Crude oil and NGL comprised 10% of reported production volumes.

 

   

QEP Energy adjusted EBITDA increased 12% compared to the 2010 period, driven by a 28% increase in production and a 23% increase in net realized crude oil prices, partially offset by an 18% decrease in net realized natural gas prices.

 

   

QEP Energy net realized natural gas prices averaged $4.06 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), compared to $4.97 per Mcf in the 2010 period. Field-level natural gas prices in 2011 were $3.35 per Mcf compared to $4.73 per Mcf in 2010, a 29% decrease. Natural gas-related derivative settlements increased net revenues $41.9 million in 2011 ($0.71 per Mcf) compared to $10.9 million in 2010 ($0.24 per Mcf).

 

   

QEP Energy net crude oil and NGL revenues (including the settlement of crude oil-related derivatives) increased 47% in the first quarter of 2011 to $79.5 million and represented 25% of net realized production revenues.

 

   

Net realized crude oil prices averaged $81.64 per barrel, up 23% compared to the 2010 period. Oil related derivative settlements had no impact on current year revenues but reduced first quarter 2010 revenues by $2.0 million.


   

Changes in unrealized gains and losses on natural gas basis-only swaps increased net income $19.6 million in the current quarter compared to $21.8 million in the 2010 period.

 

   

QEP Energy capital spending (on an accrual basis) was $298.2 million and was comprised of $276.2 million in drilling and completion costs and other expenditures (including $0.6 million of dry hole exploration expense) and $22.0 million in leasehold acquisition costs.

 

   

QEP Field Services adjusted EBITDA increased 22% compared to the first quarter of 2010, driven by a 23% increase in gathering margin and a 24% increase in processing margin. Net income was $28.0 million, up 21% from $23.2 million in the first quarter of 2010.

 

   

Capital spending (on an accrual basis) at QEP Field Services to expand capacity at its gathering, processing and treating facilities in western Wyoming, eastern Utah and northwest Louisiana totaled $16.1 million in the current quarter.

QEP Raises 2011 adjusted EBITDA and Production Guidance

QEP now expects 2011 adjusted EBITDA to range from $1,200 to $1,300 million, compared to a previously forecast range of $1,115 to $1,230 million. QEP Energy expects 2011 production should range from 263 to 267 Bcfe, compared to a previously forecast range of 258 to 265 Bcfe.

The company’s guidance assumes hedge positions in place on the date of this release and other assumptions summarized in the table below:

 

Guidance and Assumptions    2011    2011
     Current    Previous

QEP Resources adjusted EBITDA (millions)

   $1,200-$1,300    $1,115-$1,230

QEP Resources capital investment (millions)

   $1,200    $1,200

QEP Energy production – Bcfe

   263-267    258-265

NYMEX gas price per MMBtu(a)

   $3.75-$4.50    $3.75-$4.50

NYMEX crude oil price per bbl(a)

   $85.00-$95.00    $75.00-$85.00

NYMEX/Rockies basis differential per MMBtu(a)

   $0.60-$0.40    $0.60-$0.40

NYMEX/Midcontinent basis differential per MMBtu(a)

   $0.40-$0.20    $0.40-$0.20

 

(a) 

For remaining 2011 un-hedged volumes

QEP Energy has approximately 62% of forecasted natural gas production and 30% of forecasted oil production for the remainder of 2011 hedged with a combination of fixed price swaps and price collars. On a natural gas equivalent basis, the company has 55% of its forecasted production for the remainder of 2011 hedged. A table with details of the Company’s hedge positions is included at the end of this release.

QEP Energy First Quarter Production Up 28%; Adjusted EBITDA Up 12%

QEP Energy increased first quarter production 28% to 65.9 Bcfe (which included a positive 1.6 Bcfe out-of-period adjustment) compared to 51.5 Bcfe in the 2010 period. The Midcontinent region contributed 59% of current year production compared to 51% in the 2010 period. QEP Energy generated adjusted EBITDA of $242.0 million in the first quarter compared to $215.4 million in the 2010 period, a 12% increase. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily the result of higher production and higher net realized crude oil prices which more than offset an 18% decrease in net realized natural gas prices.


QEP Energy – Production by Region (Bcfe)

 

     3 Months Ended  
   March 31,  
     2011     2010      Change  

Midcontinent

     38.8        26.2         48

Pinedale Anticline

     16.2        15.5         5   

Uinta Basin

     (a)6.4        5.2         23   

Rockies Legacy

     4.5        4.6         (2
                   

Total

     65.9        51.5         28

 

(a) 

Includes 1.6 Bcfe from prior periods due to a change in ownership interest in a federal unit.

QEP Energy – Commodity Prices

 

     3 Months Ended  
   March 31,  
     2011     2010     Change  

Average field-level natural gas price ($ per Mcf)

   $ 3.35      $ 4.73        (29 %) 

Natural gas hedging impact ($ per Mcf) (a)

     1.24        0.99     
                  

Average revenue ($ per Mcf)

     4.59        5.72     

Realized losses on basis-only swaps ($ per Mcf) (b)

     (0.53     (0.75  
                  

Net realized natural gas price ($ per Mcf)

   $ 4.06      $ 4.97        (18 %) 

Average field-level oil price ($ per bbl)

   $ 81.64      $ 69.18        18

Oil hedging impact ($ per bbl) (a)

     —          (2.92  
                  

Net realized oil price ($ per bbl)

   $ 81.64      $ 66.26        23

Average field-level NGL price ($ per bbl)

   $ 44.44      $ 46.31        (4 %) 

 

(a)

Reported in revenues in the consolidated income statement.

(b)

Reported below operating income in the consolidated income statement.

QEP Energy – Production Costs (per Mcfe)

 

     3 Months Ended  
   March 31,  
     2011      2010      Change  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

   $ 2.69       $ 2.62         3

Lease operating expense

     0.51         0.56         (9

General and administrative expense

     0.36         0.37         (3

Allocated interest expense

     0.30         0.37         (19

Production taxes

     0.33         0.42         (21
                    

Production costs

   $ 4.19       $ 4.34         (3 %) 

 

   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense per Mcfe (the DD&A rate) increased compared to 2010 primarily as the result of an increased proportion of production coming from the Company’s NW Louisiana properties. The higher DD&A rate of the NW Louisiana properties reflects a significant component of amortizing leasehold pool costs as a result of 2008 producing property acquisitions.

 

   

QEP Energy cash cost of production – lease operating expense plus general and administrative expense, allocated interest, and production taxes was $1.50 per Mcfe, compared to $1.72 per Mcfe in the 2010 period, a 13% decrease.


   

Lease operating expense per Mcfe decreased compared to 2010 as the result of increased production volumes in lower cost areas. Growing production from new high-rate, low-operating cost wells in NW Louisiana and in Pinedale coupled with declining production from higher cost areas is lowering average per Mcfe lease operating expense.

 

   

General and administrative expense per Mcfe decreased compared to 2010 as the result of increased production volumes.

 

   

Production taxes per Mcfe decreased compared to 2010 as the result of reduced field-level natural gas prices partially offset by higher field-level oil prices.

QEP Field Services Adjusted EBITDA Up 22%; Net Income Up 21%

QEP Field Services (Field Services) – a QEP subsidiary that provides gas gathering and processing services – first quarter adjusted EBITDA increased 22% to $61.4 million compared to $50.4 million in the 2010 period. The increase was the result of higher gathering and processing margins.

 

   

Gathering margin (total gathering revenues less gathering related operating expenses) increased 23%, or $ 8.4 million, driven primarily by increased other gathering revenue related to a third party processing arrangement for certain gas volumes in the Rockies and a 5% increase in gathering system throughput volume to 1.3 million MMBtu per day. The increased volumes were primarily in NW Louisiana.

 

   

Processing margin (total processing plant revenues less plant operating expenses and shrinkage) increased 24%, or $4.9 million, driven by 19% higher keep-whole processing margins and increased fee-based processing revenues. The increased keep-whole processing margin was mostly the result of a 12% increase in NGL volumes. Fee-based processing volumes increased 6% compared to 2010 primarily as the result of the start-up of the 150 MMcf per day Iron Horse cryogenic processing plant in eastern Utah during the first quarter of 2011.

 

   

Approximately 78% of Field Services’ net operating revenue was derived from fee-based gathering and processing activities in both the 2011 and 2010 period.

First Quarter 2011 Earnings Teleconference

QEP Resources management will discuss first quarter 2011 results in a conference call on Wednesday, April 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. The call can be accessed at www.qepres.com.

About QEP Resources

QEP Resources, Inc. (NYSE:QEP) is a leading independent natural gas and oil exploration and production company with operations focused in the Rocky Mountain and Midcontinent regions of the United States. QEP Resources also gathers, compresses, treats, processes and stores natural gas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections, which are subject to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated are discussed in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. QEP Resources undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this news release, in other documents, or on the Web site to reflect future events or circumstances. All such statements are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

For more information, visit QEP Resources’ Internet site at: www.qepres.com.


Hedge Positions – April 26, 2011

 

Time Periods   

Rocky

Mountain

   Midcontinent      Total        

Rocky  

Mountain

  Midcontinent     Total  
                           Estimated  
     Gas (Bcf) fixed-price swaps         Average price per Mcf, net to the well  

2011 remaining

   59.7      22.7         82.4                $  4.34     $    5.95        $    4.78   

2012

   46.9      35.1         82.0                $  5.34     $    4.48        $    4.97   

2013

   50.3      —           50.3                $  5.51     —          $    5.51   
               Estimated  
     Gas (Bcf) collars         Average price per Mcf, net to the well  
               Floor - Ceiling   Floor - Ceiling     Floor - Ceiling  

2011 remaining

   10.4      10.7         21.1        $    3.28 - $    5.62     $    5.41 - $    7.08        $    4.36 - $    6.36   
     Oil (Mbbl) fixed-price swaps         Average price per bbl, net to the well  

2011

   123      —           123        $  98.00     —          $    98.00   

2012

   732      183         915        $  93.13     $    108.00        $    96.10   

2013

   —        183         183        —       $    103.80        $  103.80   
               Estimated  
     Oil (Mbbl) collars         Average price per Bbl, net to the well  
                           Floor - Ceiling   Floor - Ceiling     Floor - Ceiling  

2011 remaining

   646      179         825        $  51.38 - $  99.98     $    53.00 - $    109.75        $    51.73 - $    102.10   


QEP RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

     3 Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (in millions, except per share amounts)  

REVENUES

    

Natural gas sales

   $ 271.0      $ 264.6   

Oil and NGL sales

     79.5        54.0   

Gathering, processing and other

     97.9        81.9   

Marketing sales

     147.8        179.7   
                

Total Revenues

     596.2        580.2   

OPERATING EXPENSES

    

Marketing purchases

     146.7        177.9   

Lease operating expense

     32.8        28.3   

Gathering, processing and other

     25.2        23.5   

General and administrative

     31.7        25.2   

Production and property taxes

     23.7        22.9   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     190.8        147.4   

Exploration expense

     2.8        3.6   

Abandonment and impairment

     5.4        7.6   
                

Total Operating Expenses

     459.1        436.4   

Net gain (loss) from asset sales

     —          (0.9
                

OPERATING INCOME

     137.1        142.9   

Interest and other income (loss)

     0.6        0.8   

Income from unconsolidated affiliates

     0.9        0.8   

Interest expense

     (22.1     (19.9
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     116.5        124.6   

Income taxes

     (42.7     (45.9
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     73.8        78.7   

Discontinued operations, net of income tax

     —          21.2   
                

NET INCOME

     73.8        99.9   

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

     (0.6     (0.6
                

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO QEP

   $ 73.2      $ 99.3   
                

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - ATTRIBUTABLE TO QEP

    

Basic from continuing operations

   $ 0.42      $ 0.45   

Basic from discontinued operations

     —          0.12   
                

Basic total

   $ 0.42      $ 0.57   
                

Diluted from continuing operations

   $ 0.41      $ 0.44   

Diluted from discontinued operations

     —          0.12   
                

Diluted total

   $ 0.41      $ 0.56   
                

Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding

    

Used in basic calculation

     176.2        174.9   

Used in diluted calculation

     178.3        177.2   


QEP RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,      December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

ASSETS

     

Current Assets

     

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 262.9       $ 269.9   

Fair value of derivative contracts

     201.1         257.3   

Inventories

     79.9         81.8   

Prepaid expenses and other

     36.6         45.2   
                 

Total Current Assets

     580.5         654.2   
                 

Property, Plant and Equipment (successful efforts method for gas and oil properties

     

Proved Properties

     7,156.7         6,874.3   

Unproved properties, not being depleted

     331.5         322.0   

Midstream field services

     1,377.9         1,360.5   

Marketing and other

     45.0         44.5   
                 

Total Property, Plant and Equipment

     8,911.1         8,601.3   

Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     

Exploration and production

     2,629.8         2,454.4   

Midstream field services

     257.3         244.6   

Marketing and other

     12.7         12.3   
                 

Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     2,899.8         2,711.3   
                 

Net Property, Plant and Equipment

     6,011.3         5,890.0   
                 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

     44.0         44.5   

Goodwill

     59.6         59.6   

Fair value of derivative contracts

     102.1         120.8   

Other noncurrent assets

     21.0         16.2   
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 6,818.5       $ 6,785.3   
                 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities

     

Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances

   $ 25.5       $ 19.5   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     306.4         332.2   

Production and property taxes

     23.1         18.9   

Interest payable

     6.9         28.1   

Fair value of derivative contracts

     108.2         139.3   

Deferred income taxes

     6.9         27.8   

Current portion of long-term debt

     —           58.5   
                 

Total Current Liabilities

     477.0         624.3   
                 

Long-term debt, less current portion

     1,572.5         1,472.3   

Deferred income taxes

     1,410.4         1,377.7   

Asset retirement obligations

     152.4         148.3   

Fair value of derivative contracts

     1.7         0.3   

Other long-term liabilities

     113.2         99.3   

EQUITY

     

Common Stock

     1.8         1.8   

Additional paid-in capital

     401.1         394.2   

Retained earnings

     2,490.0         2,420.0   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     146.5         194.3   
                 

Total Common Shareholders’ Equity

     3,039.4         3,010.3   

Non-controlling interest

     51.9         52.8   
                 

Total Equity

     3,091.3         3,063.1   
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $ 6,818.5       $ 6,785.3   
                 


QEP RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     3 Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 73.8      $ 99.9   

Discontinued operations, net of income tax

     —          (21.2

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     191.6        147.7   

Deferred income taxes

     40.0        42.8   

Abandonment and impairment

     5.4        7.6   

Share-based compensation

     7.4        3.6   

Dry exploratory well expense

     0.6        —     

Net (gain) from asset sales

     —          0.9   

(Income) from unconsolidated affiliates

     (0.9     (0.8

Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates and other

     1.8        0.9   

Unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

     (31.2     (34.7

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     10.9        (24.7
                

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities Of Continuing Operations

     299.4        222.0   

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Property, plant and equipment, including dry exploratory well expense

     (342.5     (288.4

Proceeds from disposition of assets

     0.9        —     

Change in notes receivable

     —          25.0   
                

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities Of Continuing Operations

     (341.6     (263.4
                

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances

     5.9        9.6   

Long-term debt issued

     200.0        —     

Current Portion Long-term debt repaid

     (58.5     —     

Change in notes payable

     —          13.7   

Long-term debt repaid

     (100.0     —     

Other capital contributions

     (0.4     —     

Dividends paid

     (3.5     —     

Distribution from Questar

     0.2        —     

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

     (1.5     (1.2
                

Net Cash Provided from (Used In) Financing Activities Of Continuing Operations

     42.2        22.1   
                

CASH USED IN CONTINUING OPERATIONS

   $ —          (19.3
                

Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations

       46.8   

Cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations

       (17.5

Cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations

       (27.5

Effect of change in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

       (1.8
          

Change in cash and cash equivalents

       (19.3

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

       19.3   
          

Ending cash and cash equivalents

     $ —     


QEP RESOURCES, INC.

OPERATIONS BY LINE OF BUSINESS

(Unaudited)

 

     3 Months Ended March 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Revenues

     

QEP Energy

   $ 352.7       $ 319.7   

QEP Field Services

     95.1         80.3   

QEP Marketing and other

     148.4         180.2   
                 

Total

   $ 596.2       $ 580.2   
                 

Operating Income

     

QEP Energy

   $ 87.9       $ 103.8   

QEP Field Services

     47.3         37.1   

QEP Marketing and other

     1.9         2.0   
                 

Total

   $ 137.1       $ 142.9   
                 

Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to QEP Resources

     

QEP Energy

   $ 43.1       $ 53.8   

QEP Field Services

     28.0         23.2   

QEP Marketing and other

     2.1         1.1   
                 

Total

   $ 73.2       $ 78.1   
                 

QEP RESOURCES, INC.

SELECTED OPERATING STATISTICS

(Unaudited)

 

     3 Months Ended March 31,  
     2011      2010  

QEP Energy production volumes

     

Natural gas (Bcf)

     59.1         46.3   

Oil (MMbbl)

     0.8         0.7   

NGL (MMbbl)

     0.4         0.2   

Total production (Bcfe)

     65.9         51.5   

Average daily production (MMcfe)

     732.8         572.3   

QEP Energy average net realized price

     

Natural gas (per Mcf)

   $ 4.06       $ 4.97   

Oil (per bbl)

   $ 81.64       $ 66.26   

NGL (per bbl)

   $ 44.44       $ 46.31   

QEP Field Services natural gas processing volumes

     

NGL sales (MMgal)

     27.8         24.8   

NGL sales price (per gal)

   $ 1.03       $ 1.04   

Fee-based processing (millions of MMBtu)

     

For unaffiliated customers

     31.4         28.1   

For affiliated customers

     25.6         25.6   
                 

Total fee-based processing volumes

     57.0         53.7   
                 

Fee-based processing (per MMBtu)

   $ 0.17       $ 0.15   

QEP Field Services natural gas gathering volumes

  (millions of MMBtu)

     

For unaffiliated customers

     61.1         70.5   

For affiliated customers

     57.9         43.2   
                 

Total gathering

     119.0         113.7   
                 

Gathering revenue (per MMBtu)

   $ 0.33       $ 0.32   

QEP Marketing gas and oil marketing volumes

  (millions of MMBtu)

     56.3         55.9   


QEP RESOURCES, INC.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

(Unaudited)

This release contains references to a non-GAAP measure of earnings per diluted share from continuing operations excluding gains and losses from asset sales and unrealized gains and losses on basis-only swaps. Management believes earnings per diluted share excluding asset sales and unrealized basis-only swaps is an important measure of the Company’s operational performance relative to other gas and oil producing companies.

The following table calculates earnings per diluted share excluding gains and losses on assets sales and unrealized gains and losses on basis-only swaps:

 

     3 Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (in millions, except earnings
per share)
 

Net income attributable to QEP Resources

   $ 73.2      $ 99.3   

Less: Discontinued operations

     —          (21.2
                

Net Income from continuing operations attributable to QEP Resources

   $ 73.2      $ 78.1   

Exclusion of net (gain) loss from assets sales and unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps from net income

    

Net (gain) loss from asset sales

     —          0.9   

Income taxes on net (gain) loss on asset sales

     —          (0.3

Unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

     (31.2     (34.7

Income taxes on unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

     11.6        12.9   
                

After-tax (gain) loss on assets sales, unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps, separation costs and loss from early extinguishment of debt

     (19.6     (21.2
                

Net income attributable to QEP Resources excluding (gain) loss from assets sales and unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

   $ 53.6      $ 56.9   
                

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO QEP RESOURCES

    

Diluted

   $ 0.41      $ 0.44   

Diluted after-tax (gain) loss from asset sales and unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

     (0.11     (0.12
                

Earnings per diluted share attributable to QEP Resources excluding asset sales and unrealized (gain) loss on basis only swaps

   $ 0.30      $ 0.32   
                

Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding

    

Diluted

     178.3        177.2   


This release also contains references to a non-GAAP measure of adjusted EBITDA. Management defines adjusted EBITDA as net income before the following items: discontinued operations, unrealized gains and losses on basis-only swaps, gains and losses from asset sales, interest and other income, income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, depletion, and amortization, abandonment and impairment, and exploration expense. Management believes adjusted EBITDA is an important measure of the Company’s cash flow and liquidity and an important measure for comparing the Company’s financial performance to other gas and oil producing companies.

The following table reconciles QEP Resources’ net income to adjusted EBITDA:

 

      3 Months Ended December 31,  
      2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Net income attributable to QEP Resources

   $ 73.2      $ 99.3   

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

     0.6        0.6   
                

Net Income

     73.8        99.9   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          (21.2
                

Income from continuing operations

     73.8        78.7   

Unrealized (gain) loss on basis-only swaps

     (31.2     (34.7

Net (gain) loss from asset sales

     —          0.9   

Interest and other income

     (0.6     (0.8

Income taxes

     42.7        45.9   

Interest expense

     22.1        19.9   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     190.8        147.4   

Abandonment and impairment

     5.4        7.6   

Exploration

     2.8        3.6   
                

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 305.8      $ 268.5   
                
Press Release issued April 25, 2011, by QEP Resources, Inc

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

      News Release
      QEP Resources, Inc.
      1050 17th Street, Suite 500
      Denver, CO 80265

April 25, 2011

NYSE: QEP

Contact: Scott Gutberlet

Phone: 303-672-6988

QEP RESOURCES REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2011 PRODUCTION; UPDATES 2011 PRODUCTION GUIDANCE AND PROVIDES AN OPERATIONS UPDATE

DENVER - (PR NEWSWIRE), April 25, 2011 - QEP Resources (NYSE: QEP) today reported first quarter 2011 production and provided an update on individual plays and midstream operations. This update precedes the release of the company’s first quarter financial results which will be issued after the market close on April 26. QEP will also hold a conference call at 11:00 AM EDT on April 27 to discuss first quarter 2011 results. A live webcast of the call will be available on the QEP Resources website, www.qepres.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available on the website and from April 27 to May 11 by dialing (800) 642-1687 in the U.S. or (706) 645-9291 outside the U.S., and then entering passcode 54341216#. In addition, updated maps showing QEP Energy’s leasehold and current activity for key operating areas discussed in this release can be found on the company’s website.

First quarter 2011 production totaled 65.9 Bcfe

QEP Resources exploration and production subsidiary, QEP Energy, reported net production of 65.9 Bcfe in the first quarter of 2011 (which included a positive 1.6 Bcfe out-of-period adjustment) compared to 51.5 Bcfe in the 2010 quarter, a 28% increase, and 62.1 Bcfe in the fourth quarter of 2010, a 6% increase. Crude oil and natural gas liquids comprised 10% of the first quarter 2011 equivalent production. Production growth is being driven by development activities in the company’s Midcontinent region which represented 59% of QEP Energy total volumes in the quarter. Capital investment continues in the core plays of the Haynesville Shale, Pinedale, Woodford “Cana” Shale, North Dakota Bakken, and the Granite Wash/Atoka Wash.

“QEP remains focused on profitable growth and maximizing returns on invested capital,” said Chuck Stanley, QEP Resources President and CEO. “Our drilling and completion teams continue their relentless focus on reducing drilling and completion cycle-times which translate directly into industry leading completed well costs in our core producing areas. Field Services had a great quarter, with fee-based processing volumes benefitting from the successful start-up of our Iron Horse cryogenic processing plant in eastern Utah and from growing production volumes in NW Louisiana. Work is progressing rapidly on Field Service’s Blacks Fork II cryogenic gas processing plant in western Wyoming, which we anticipate will be on-line in the fourth quarter of this year,” Stanley added.

QEP increases 2011 production forecast to 263 - 267 Bcfe

The company now estimates 2011 net production could range from 263 to 267 Bcfe, up 15 to 17% from 2010 production of 229.0 Bcfe. Prior guidance was 258 to 265 Bcfe.

Growth continues in the Haynesville Shale of NW Louisiana

Since the last operations update, QEP has completed and turned to sales 10 additional company- operated Haynesville wells, each with strong production rates and pressures. QEP’s 50,750 net acres (an increase of 1,150 net acres) are in a concentrated area located in the core of the Haynesville development. In the first quarter of 2011, QEP drill times averaged 32 days from spud to total depth on


company- operated Haynesville wells, down from 37 days in 2010. Improved drilling performance and completion efficiencies have allowed QEP to remain the lowest cost operator in its portion of the Haynesville play. QEP-operated gross completed well costs averaged $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $9.3 million in 2010. QEP currently has 14 operated wells waiting on completion and 6 operated rigs working in the Haynesville play. The company also participated in 9 outside-operated Haynesville wells that were completed and turned to sales since the last operations update. Working interest in these wells ranged from less than 1% to 42%. QEP has interests in 10 outside-operated Haynesville wells that are waiting on completion and one outside-operated well currently being drilled. During the 1st quarter 2011, the company’s Haynesville net production averaged approximately 257 MMcfd and Cotton Valley/Hosston net production averaged approximately 56 MMcfd.

Pinedale operations coming out of winter mode

The company has completed and turned to sales 16 new wells at Pinedale since resuming completion operations in mid-March 2011. The company discontinues completion operations at Pinedale during the coldest months of the winter which causes a production decline in the first and second quarters of each year compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year. QEP currently has 50 operated wells waiting on completion. Improved drilling performance has translated directly into lower Pinedale well costs, with first quarter 2011 drill times averaging 14 days from spud to total depth with resultant average gross completed well costs below $3.8 million. The average drill time from spud to total depth in 2010 was 17 days. During the 1st quarter 2011, QEP’s Pinedale net production averaged approximately 180 MMcfed. The company has 4 rigs currently working at Pinedale as one rig has recently been moved to the North Dakota Bakken play.

Industry activity ramping up in the Woodford “Cana” Shale play

QEP has completed and turned to sales 2 new QEP-operated Woodford “Cana” Shale wells in western Oklahoma. QEP has 3 operated wells currently being drilled and 3 operated wells waiting on completion. The company currently operates 13 producing wells and has a non-operated working interest in 128 producing wells across the play. The company also has interests in 7 wells currently being drilled and 21 wells waiting on completion that are operated by others. The areal extent of the play continues to expand to the northwest as additional economic wells have been completed outside QEP’s interpretation of the original “core” or “Tier 1” area. During the 1st quarter 2011, QEP net production from the play averaged approximately 34 MMcfed and the company anticipates operating 3 rigs in the play in 2011. QEP has increased its net acreage in the play by 7,300 net acres to 75,300 net acres.

 

Well Name

   First Sales    Working
Interest
   

Peak Daily Rate

(gross after processing)

Hobson 1-21H    Apr 15, 2011      84   4.1 MMcfed (2.1 MMcf, 237 Bbls NGL, 105 Bbls oil)
Rother 1-14H    Apr 19, 2011      32   7.3 MMcfed (3.5 MMcf, 489 Bbls NGL, 140 Bbls oil)

Bakken/Three Forks production grows on company’s 89,000 acre North Dakota leasehold

QEP has completed and turned to sales 2 additional operated wells in the Williston Basin of North Dakota. QEP has 2 company-operated rigs drilling with a third rig recently moved to the area and rigging up on QEP operated acreage located west of the Nesson Anticline. QEP has 4 operated wells waiting on completion in the play. The company also has interests in 7 outside-operated wells currently being drilled and 9 outside-operated wells waiting on completion. The company operates 13 producing wells in the play and has a working interest in 61 producing wells that are operated by others. During the 1st quarter 2011, QEP’s Bakken net production averaged approximately 1,900 Boepd. The company anticipates adding 2 additional QEP-operated rigs in the Bakken play by early 2012 to accelerate development of QEP’s acreage position via pad drilling.

 

Well Name

   First Sales      Working Interest    

Peak Daily Rate

Fed 1-27H-152-90

     Mar 18, 2011         75   1,489 Boepd *

MHA 2-04-03H-149-90

     Mar 30, 2011         100   598 Boepd **

 

* Short lateral Bakken
** Long lateral Bakken (lower rate due to restricted flow back and location on eastern edge of field)

 


Liquids-rich Granite Wash and Atoka Wash horizontal development in the Texas Panhandle

Since the last operations update, the company has completed and turned to sales 2 additional QEP operated Atoka formation horizontal wells in Wheeler County, TX. QEP has approximately 41,000 net acres in the “Wash” plays in the western Anadarko Basin including 27,000 acres in the Texas Panhandle. During the 1st quarter 2011, net production from this play (vertical and horizontal wells) averaged approximately 36 MMcfed. The company is currently drilling 3 wells and has 3 wells waiting on completion. QEP is also participating in two outside-operated wells currently being drilled and has an interest in one outside-operated well waiting on completion. QEP has a working interest in a total of 38 producing horizontal Granite Wash/Atoka Wash wells and anticipates operating between 1 and 3 rigs in this play during 2011.

 

Well Name

   First Sales    Working
Interest
   

Peak Daily Rate

(gross after processing)

Simmons 9-2H    Jan 21, 2011      88   3.2 MMcfed (2.3 MMcf, 118 Bbls NGL, 30 Bbls oil)
C. Home 2-4H    Mar 31, 2011      100   16.4 MMcfed (12.6 MMcf, 576 Bbls NGL, 51 Bbls oil)

QEP Field Services 2011 first quarter gathering volumes up 5%, fee-based processing volumes up 6%, NGL sales volume up 12%

QEP Field Services gathering volumes totaled 119.0 million MMBtu for the first quarter of 2011 compared to 113.7 million MMBtu for the first quarter of 2010, a 5% increase. Fee-based processing volumes totaled 57.0 million MMBtu in the 2011 quarter compared to 53.7 million MMBtu in the 2010 quarter, a 6% increase. NGL sales volumes totaled 661.2 thousand barrels during the 2011 quarter compared to 589.8 thousand barrels during the 2010 quarter, a 12% increase.

During the first quarter, the 150 MMcfd Iron Horse cryogenic processing plant in eastern Utah came on line. This plant predominantly provides fee-based processing services to third-parties. Construction of the 420 MMcfd Blacks Forks II cryogenic gas processing plant in southwest Wyoming is on schedule for completion in the 4th quarter of 2011. When operational, the Blacks Fork II plant will have the capacity to extract an incremental 15,000 bbl per day of NGL net to QEP Resources. With the addition of the Blacks Fork II plant, QEP Field Services will own and operate processing plants in the Rocky Mountain region with an aggregate capacity of 1.37 Bcfd of natural gas.

About QEP Resources

QEP Resources is a leading independent natural gas and oil exploration and production company with operations focused in the Rocky Mountain and Midcontinent regions of the United States. The company also gathers and processes natural gas. QEP Resources is headquartered in Denver, CO. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.qepres.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates; changes in industry trends; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, most of which are beyond the control of QEP Resources.

QEP Resources undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this release, in other documents, or on the website at www.qepres.com to reflect future events or circumstances. All such statements are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.