Concho Resources Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2019 Results

Concho Resources Inc. (NYSE: CXO) (the “Company” or “Concho”) today reported financial and operating results for first-quarter 2019.

First-Quarter 2019 Highlights

• Achieved record oil production of 210 MBopd, a 46% increase over first-quarter 2018 and 6% over fourth-quarter 2018.
• Delivered total production of 328 MBoepd, exceeding the high end of the Company’s quarterly guidance range.
• Reduced per unit controllable cash costs year-over-year, with a 7% reduction in production expenses.
• Raised full-year 2019 production growth outlook, while maintaining capital expenditure guidance.
• Announced sale of the Oryx I oil gathering and transportation system, with expected net proceeds of approximately $300 million.
• Reported a net loss of $695 million, or ($3.49) per share. Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) totaled $144 million, or $0.72 per share.
• Generated $755 million of adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP).

See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for descriptions of the above non-GAAP measures as well as a reconciliation of these measures to the associated GAAP (as defined herein) measure.

Tim Leach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delivering exceptional performance across our portfolio as we execute on our clear strategy to drive sustained, differentiated oil growth, free cash flow and corporate returns. Results for the first quarter of 2019 reflect our focus on large-scale development, controlling costs and generating solid returns on strategic investments, as demonstrated by the Oryx sale. During the quarter, we completed several important projects ahead of schedule, driving increased production that exceeded the high end of our guidance range. Given our strong start to the year, we are raising our full-year production growth outlook while maintaining our capital expenditure guidance. Our high-quality assets and returns-driven approach position us to extend our track record of enhancing value for shareholders.”

First-Quarter 2019 Summary

Production for first-quarter 2019 was 29.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe), or an average of 328 thousand Boe per day (MBoepd), an increase of 44% from first-quarter 2018 and 7% from fourth-quarter 2018. Average daily oil production for first-quarter 2019 totaled 210 thousand barrels per day (MBopd), an increase of 46% from first-quarter 2018 and 6% from fourth-quarter 2018. Natural gas production for first-quarter 2019 totaled 709 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd). First-quarter 2019 production volumes benefited from strong early production from the Company’s latest large-scale projects and an increase in non-operated activity.

Concho’s average realized price for oil and natural gas for first-quarter 2019, excluding the effect of commodity derivatives, was $49.39 per Bbl and $2.64 per Mcf, respectively, compared with $61.29 per Bbl and $3.39 per Mcf, respectively, for first-quarter 2018.

Net loss for first-quarter 2019 was $695 million, or ($3.49) per share, compared with net income of $835 million, or $5.58 per share, for first-quarter 2018. Excluding certain non-cash and special items, first-quarter 2019 adjusted net income was $144 million, or $0.72 per share, compared with adjusted net income of $149 million, or $1.00 per share, for first-quarter 2018.

During the quarter, Concho generated adjusted EBITDAX of $755 million, compared with $570 million for first-quarter 2018.

In first-quarter 2019, cash flow from operating activities was $623 million. Before ($78) million in working capital changes, operating cash flow (non-GAAP) was $701 million.

Costs incurred for exploration and development activities for first-quarter 2019 totaled $926 million, exceeding the Company’s quarterly guidance primarily due to an increase in non-operated capital activity of approximately $40 million.

Operations Update

During first-quarter 2019, Concho averaged 33 rigs, compared to 34 rigs in fourth-quarter 2018. The Company is currently running 29 rigs, including 20 rigs in the Delaware Basin and nine rigs in the Midland Basin. Additionally, the Company is currently utilizing eight completion crews. See the table under “Operational Activity” below for detailed information about the Company’s drilling and completion activity by operating area for first-quarter 2019.

In the Delaware Basin, excluding the New Mexico Shelf, Concho added 23 wells with at least 60 days of production as of the end of first-quarter 2019. The average 30-day and 60-day peak rates for these wells were 1,817 Boepd (73% oil) and 1,647 Boepd (72% oil), respectively. These wells were drilled to an average lateral length of 9,125 feet.

In the Midland Basin, Concho added 27 wells with at least 60 days of production as of the end of first-quarter 2019. The average 30-day and 60-day peak rates for these wells were 986 Boepd (86% oil) and 879 Boepd (85% oil), respectively. These wells were drilled to an average lateral length of 10,379 feet.

Concho continues to advance large-scale development across its high-quality asset base. This approach to development accelerates innovation and captures efficiencies to optimize resource recovery and overall project economics. The Company successfully started production on nine projects during first-quarter 2019, including the Dominator, Eider and Jack projects in the Delaware Basin as well as the Mabee project in the Midland Basin. Concho completed these projects on time or ahead of schedule.

Strategic Midstream Investments Enhance Asset Value and Returns

During first-quarter 2019, Concho announced that Oryx Southern Delaware Holdings, LLC (“Oryx”), the owner of the Oryx I oil gathering and transportation system, entered into an agreement to sell Oryx I. Concho owns a 23.75% equity interest in Oryx and expects to receive approximately $300 million at closing after repayment of Oryx’s outstanding borrowings. In February 2018, Concho received a $157 million distribution related to a recapitalization of Oryx. The sale proceeds from Oryx combined with the earlier distribution total approximately $457 million, representing a 10-times multiple on invested capital of approximately $45 million since December 2015.

Importantly, the transaction is not expected to impact oil price realizations or transportation costs as Concho’s existing gathering agreement remains unchanged. Transaction closing is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2019, subject to customary terms and conditions, with sale proceeds expected to be used to repay borrowings outstanding on Concho’s credit facility. As of March 31, 2019, Concho had $615 million of outstanding borrowings under its credit facility.

Following quarter end, Concho announced a joint venture with Frontier Midstream Solutions IV, LLC to construct the Beta Crude Connector (BCC) oil gathering, transportation and storage system in the Northern Midland Basin. BCC will consist of an approximately 100-mile gathering system and 250,000 barrels of crude oil storage facilities. The pipeline system will have initial capacity to deliver 150,000 barrels per day of crude oil to multiple delivery points, access local refineries and connect to several long-haul pipelines. Following an open season in April 2019, construction will commence, targeting initial flows in mid-2019. BCC will enhance the value of the Company’s high-quality footprint in the Midland Basin with a reliable, cost-efficient gathering and transportation solution.

Outlook

Second-quarter 2019 production is expected to be 316 MBoepd to 322 MBoepd. The Company increased full-year 2019 total production growth guidance to 23% to 27%, reflecting first-quarter 2019 outperformance and strong execution of a disciplined capital program. Additionally, the Company increased full-year 2019 oil production growth guidance to 27% to 31%.

Commodity Derivatives Update

The Company’s commodity derivatives strategy is intended to manage its exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Please see the table under “Derivatives Information” below for detailed information about Concho’s current derivatives positions.

Conference Call

Concho will host a conference call tomorrow, May 1, 2019, at 8:00 AM CT (9:00 AM ET) to discuss first-quarter 2019 results. The telephone number and passcode to access the conference call are provided below:

Dial-in: (844) 263-8298
Intl. dial-in: (478) 219-0007
Participant Passcode: 4757136

To access the live webcast and view the related earnings presentation, visit Concho’s website at www.concho.com. The replay will also be available on the Company’s website under the “Investors” section.

About Concho Resources

Concho Resources (NYSE: CXO) is one of the largest unconventional shale producers in the Permian Basin, with operations focused on acquiring, exploring, developing and producing oil and natural gas resources. Concho is at the forefront of applying advanced technology and large-scale development to safely and efficiently maximize resource recovery while delivering attractive, long-term economic returns. We are working today to deliver a better tomorrow for our shareholders, people and communities. For more information about Concho, visit www.concho.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Statements

The foregoing contains “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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “could,” “may,” “enable,” “foresee,” “plan,” “will,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “goal” or other similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company based on management’s experience, expectations and perception of historical trends, current conditions, current plans, anticipated future developments, expected financings and other factors believed to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable and are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these assumptions are accurate or that any of these expectations will be achieved (in full or at all) or will prove to have been correct. Moreover, such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include the risk factors and other information discussed or referenced in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Information on Concho’s website is not part of this press release.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the presentation of the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this press release contains certain financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBITDAX and operating cash flow before working capital changes.

See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a description and reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure presented in this press release to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The Company uses the two-class method of calculating earnings per share because certain of the Company’s unvested share-based awards qualify as participating securities.

The Company’s basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is computed as (i) net income (loss) as reported, (ii) less participating basic earnings (iii) divided by weighted average basic common shares outstanding. The Company’s diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is computed as (i) basic earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders, (ii) plus reallocation of participating earnings (iii) divided by weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

The following table reconciles the Company’s earnings (loss) from operations and earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders to the basic and diluted earnings (loss) used to determine the Company’s earnings per share amounts for the periods indicated under the two-class method:

The following table is a reconciliation of the basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the periods indicated:

The following table sets forth summary information concerning production and operating data for the periods indicated:

The tables below provide a summary of operational activity for first-quarter 2019:

Total Activity (Gross):

Total Activity (Gross Operated):

The table below provides the costs incurred for oil and natural gas producing activities for the periods indicated:

The table below provides data associated with the Company’s derivatives at April 30, 2019, for the periods indicated:

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with the United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, the Company believes certain non-GAAP performance measures may provide financial statement users with additional meaningful comparisons between current results, the results of its peers and of prior periods. In addition, the Company believes these measures are used by analysts and others in the valuation, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. See the reconciliations throughout this release of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures for the periods indicated.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share

The Company’s presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share that exclude the effect of certain items are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share represent earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share determined under GAAP without regard to certain non-cash and unusual items. The Company believes these measures provide useful information to analysts and investors for analysis of its operating results on a recurring, comparable basis from period to period. Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for earnings (loss) or diluted earnings (loss) per share as determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation from the GAAP measure of net income (loss) to adjusted net income, both in total and on a per diluted share basis, for the periods indicated:

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDAX

Adjusted EBITDAX (as defined below) is presented herein and reconciled from the GAAP measure of net income (loss) because of its wide acceptance by the investment community as a financial indicator.

The Company defines adjusted EBITDAX as net income (loss), plus (1) exploration and abandonments, (2) depreciation, depletion and amortization, (3) accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations, (4) non-cash stock-based compensation, (5) loss on derivatives, (6) net cash payments on derivatives, (7) gain on disposition of assets, net, (8) interest expense, (9) gain on equity method investment distribution and (10) income tax expense (benefit). Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measure of net income (loss) or cash flows as determined by GAAP.

The Company’s adjusted EBITDAX measure provides additional information that may be used to better understand the Company’s operations. Adjusted EBITDAX is one of several metrics that the Company uses as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of its business and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance. Certain items excluded from adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic cost of depreciable and depletable assets. Adjusted EBITDAX, as used by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and is one of many metrics used by the Company’s management team and by other users of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For example, adjusted EBITDAX can be used to assess the Company’s operating performance and return on capital in comparison to other independent exploration and production companies without regard to financial or capital structure, and to assess the financial performance of the Company’s assets and the Company without regard to capital structure or historical cost basis.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the GAAP measure of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDAX for the periods indicated:

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Operating Cash Flow (OCF) Before Working Capital Changes

The Company provides OCF before working capital changes, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. OCF before working capital changes represents net cash provided by operating activities as determined under GAAP without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes OCF before working capital changes provides an estimate of the cash generated from all operating activities, prior to investments in or liquidations of operating assets and liabilities, and therefore, may indicate trends in operating performance and may call out significant changes in the generation of cash through operating activities. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by operating activities as an indicator of operating performance.

The following table provides a reconciliation from the GAAP measure of net cash provided by operating activities to OCF before working capital changes:

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