Southwestern Energy Posts Strong Q1 Earnings - Analyst Blog

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Independent natural gas operator, Southwestern Energy Co. SWN reported robust first-quarter 2014 results, owing to a significant increase in production along with higher natural gas prices.

Southwestern reported adjusted earnings of 66 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents and the prior-year quarter's earnings of 42 cents.
 

Quarterly operating revenues of $1,112.8 million comfortably beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $970.0 million and increased considerably from $733.7 million in the first quarter of 2013.  

Production and Realized Prices

During the reported quarter, the company's oil and gas production grew 23.0% year over year to 182.0 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) – almost entirely gas – driven by increased Marcellus Shale activities. Production from Southwestern's Fayetteville shale plays increased marginally 0.4% from the year-earlier period to 119.4 Bcf. Moreover, output from the Marcellus shale plays soared 146.8% from the prior-year quarter to 58.0 Bcf.

The company's average realized gas price, including hedges, rose 22.5% to $4.19 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) from $3.42 per Mcf in the year-ago period. Oil was sold at $100.43 per barrel, down 6.1% from the year-earlier level of $106.93 per barrel. Natural gas liquids NGL were sold at $50.16 per barrel.  

Segmental Highlights

Operating income from the Exploration and Production (E&P) segment increased 100.3% year over year to $352.1 million in the first quarter. Improved output level and natural gas prices aided the results, partially offset by higher operating expenses.  

On a per-Mcfe basis, lease operating expenses were 93 cents versus 81 cents in the prior-year quarter. On the other hand, general and administrative expenses per unit of production increased to 25 cents from 21 cents in the prior-year quarter.

The Midstream Services segment's operating income increased 8.0% to $82.6 million in the first quarter from $76.3 million in the year-earlier quarter. Higher gas gathering volumes along with increased marketing margins brought forth the improvement.

Capex and Debt

The company's total capital expenditure in first-quarter 2014 was approximately $542.0 million, of which $499.0 million was spent on E&P activities and $39 million was expended in the Midstream segment.

As of Mar 31, 2014, long-term debt stood at $1,827.4 million, representing a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 32.5%.

Zacks Rating

Southwestern currently retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), implying that it is expected to perform in line with the broader U.S. equity market over the next 1 to 3 months.

Meanwhile, one can look at better-ranked players in the oil and gas exploration and production sector like Athlon Energy Inc. ATHL, RSP Permian Inc. RSPP and Clayton Williams Energy Inc. CWEI. All the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



ATHLON ENERGY ATHL: Free Stock Analysis Report

WILLIAMSCENGY CWEI: Free Stock Analysis Report

RSP PERMIAN INC RSPP: Free Stock Analysis Report

SOUTHWESTRN ENE SWN: Free Stock Analysis Report

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