Bay Street News

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) reported income of $19 million or $0.17 per diluted share from operating revenues of $741 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, compared to income of $2.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, on revenues of $697 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.  Net income per diluted share for the first fiscal quarter of 2019 and the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018 include $(0.25) and $(0.17), respectively, of after-tax losses comprised of select items(3). For the first fiscal quarter select items(3) were comprised of:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $209 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $186 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2018.

President and CEO John Lindsay commented, “The Company delivered sequentially improved operational results in the face of falling crude oil prices, which decreased by more than 30% during the quarter.  Customer demand for super-spec rigs continued during the first fiscal quarter and H&P responded by upgrading and converting 14 more rigs to super-spec capacity bringing our total number of super-spec FlexRigs to 221 at calendar year-end.  Additionally, H&P’s FlexAppTM solutions gained further traction in the market as more customers are realizing the value these software-based drilling applications create.

“Predictably, demand for super-spec rigs this current quarter has softened largely due to oil price uncertainty and our customers’ aim to spend within cash flow.  Even with the softening outlook, the Company’s large offering of highly capable super-spec FlexRigs and the associated technology surrounding wellbore quality and placement becomes more critical as drilling in the U.S.’s most prolific basins increases in complexity.

“The newly created H&P Technologies segment, which encompasses H&P’s technology-based subsidiaries, Motive and MagVar, also saw increased demand during the quarter.  Individually or combined with the FlexRig, our wellbore quality and placement technologies greatly enhance the economic potential of a well and add significant value to our customers and their stakeholders.  The Company’s drilling automation technology, AutoSlideSM, continues to gain momentum and interest from customers and we anticipate commercialization in the Midland Basin over the next few months.”

Vice President and CFO Mark Smith also commented, “This recent lack of clear direction in crude prices is injecting an amount of uncertainty into some of our customers’ drilling plans for 2019.  H&P, like our customers, has responded accordingly.  H&P is slowing the cadence of super-spec upgrades creating a commensurate reduction in our planned capital expenditures for the year.  

“We have reduced our budgeted capex by over 20%, approximately $150 million from our initial budget.  As in the past with volatile markets, the Company will maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy and we remain confident that our operational results and financial strength will support that strategy.”

John Lindsay concluded, “The Company’s ability to plan, adapt and respond in a near-term volatile market is one of the cornerstones of our long-term success. Despite industry conditions, the primary focus remains constant at H&P – to partner with our customers and add value through our people, the FlexRig fleet and technologies to achieve common goals.”

Operating Segment Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2019

U.S. Land Operations:

Segment operating income increased by $15.1 million to $79.7 million sequentially.  The increase in operating results was primarily driven by sequential increases in both quarterly revenue days and average rig revenue per day.  The number of quarterly revenue days increased sequentially by approximately 4%.  Adjusted average rig revenue per day improved by $835 or roughly 3% to $25,156(1) as average dayrates increased during the quarter.

The average rig expense per day increased sequentially by $1,334 to $15,443 as the quarter was negatively impacted by $821 of costs associated with a settled lawsuit while the prior quarter benefited from favorable adjustments to self-insurance expenses.  Corresponding adjusted average rig margin per day increased $322 to $10,534(1)

The segment’s depreciation expense for the quarter includes non-cash charges of $3.5 million for abandonments and accelerated depreciation of used drilling rig components related to rig upgrades, compared to similar non-cash charges of $13.9 million during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018.

Offshore Operations:

Segment operating income decreased by $1.0 million to $7.2 million sequentially.  The number of quarterly revenue days on H&P-owned platform rigs decreased sequentially by approximately 5%, while the average rig margin per day decreased sequentially by $1,454 to $9,998 primarily due to a rig undergoing maintenance during the quarter.  Management contracts on customer-owned platform rigs contributed approximately $5.4 million to the segment’s operating income, compared to approximately $5.5 million during the prior quarter. 

International Land Operations:

The segment had operating income of $6.6 million this quarter as compared to an operating loss of $7.9 million during the previous quarter.  The $14.5 million sequential increase in operating income was primarily attributable to asset impairments charges related to ceasing operations in Ecuador that adversely impacted the prior quarter combined with an installment payment related to prior early terminations that benefitted first fiscal quarter revenues.  Revenue days decreased during the quarter by 3% to 1,758 while the adjusted average rig margin per day increased by $1,524 to $10,182(1)

H&P Technologies:

The segment had an operating loss of $10.3 million this quarter as compared to an operating loss of $15.6 million during the previous quarter.  The $5.3 million sequential decrease in the operating loss was due in part to the impairment of legacy TerraVici intangible assets that negatively impacted the prior quarter. 

Operational Outlook for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2019

U.S. Land Operations:

Offshore Operations:

International Land Operations:

Other Estimates for Fiscal 2019

Select Items Included in Net Income per Diluted Share

First Quarter of Fiscal 2019 net income of $0.17 per diluted share included $(0.25) in after-tax losses comprised of the following:

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2018 net income of $0.02 per diluted share included $(0.17) in after-tax losses comprised of the following:

Conference Call

A conference call will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) with John Lindsay, President and CEO, Mark Smith, Vice President and CFO, and Dave Wilson, Director of Investor Relations to discuss the Company’s fiscal first quarter 2019 results. Dial-in information for the conference call is (877) 876-9174 for domestic callers or (785) 424-1669 for international callers.  The call access code is ‘Helmerich’.  You may also listen to the conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet by logging on to the Company’s website at http://www.hpinc.com and accessing the corresponding link through the Investor Relations section by clicking on “INVESTORS” and then clicking on “Event Calendar” to find the event and the link to the webcast.

About Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (H&P) (NYSE: HP) is committed to delivering industry leading levels of drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety and innovation to deliver superior results for our customers and returns for shareholders. Through its subsidiaries, the Company designs, fabricates and operates high-performance drilling rigs in conventional and unconventional plays around the world.  H&P also develops and implements advanced automation, directional drilling and survey management technologies. H&P’s fleet includes 350 land rigs in the U.S., 32 international land rigs and eight offshore platform rigs. For more information, see H&P online at www.hpinc.com.

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 or otherwise used by H&P include FlexRig, FlexApp and AutoSlide, 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 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.
(3) See the corresponding section of this release for details regarding the select items.

Contact:  Dave Wilson, Director of Investor Relations
investor.relations@hpinc.com
(918) 588‑5190

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands, except per share data)

                     
    Three Months Ended  
    December 31   September 30    December 31  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS   2018     2018     2017    
          As adjusted   As adjusted  
Operating Revenues:                    
Contract drilling   $  737,358     $  693,677     $  561,069    
Other      3,240        3,148        3,018    
    $  740,598     $  696,825     $  564,087    
                     
Operating costs and expenses:                    
Contract drilling operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization      487,593        448,135        371,916    
Operating expenses applicable to other revenues      1,274        1,325        1,167    
Depreciation and amortization      141,460        150,281        143,267    
Research and development      7,019        5,018        3,234    
Selling, general and administrative      54,508        52,252        46,459    
Asset impairment charge      —        23,128        —    
Gain on sale of assets      (5,545 )      (7,527 )      (5,565 )  
       686,309        672,612        560,478    
                     
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations      54,289        24,213        3,609    
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Interest and dividend income      2,450        2,337        1,724    
Interest expense      (4,720 )      (6,471 )      (5,773 )  
Loss on investment securities      (42,844 )      (1 )      —    
Other      541        (1,044 )      441    
       (44,573 )      (5,179 )      (3,608 )  
                     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes      9,716        19,034        1    
Income tax provision (benefit)      1,352        16,859        (500,641 )  
Income from continuing operations      8,364        2,175        500,642    
                     
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes      12,665        14,262        (519 )  
Income tax provision      2,070        13,984        17    
Income (loss) from discontinued operations      10,595        278        (536 )  
                     
Net Income   $  18,959     $  2,453     $  500,106    
                     
Basic earnings per common share:                    
Income from continuing operations   $  0.07     $  0.02     $  4.57    
Income from discontinued operations   $  0.10     $  —     $  —    
                     
Net income   $  0.17     $  0.02     $  4.57    
                     
Diluted earnings per common share:                    
Income from continuing operations   $  0.07     $  0.02     $  4.55    
Income from discontinued operations   $  0.10     $  —     $  —    
                     
Net income   $  0.17     $  0.02     $  4.55    
                     
Weighted average shares outstanding:                    
Basic      109,142        108,948        108,683    
Diluted      109,425        109,397        109,095    

“As Adjusted” – Effective October 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits – (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.  The statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 has been adjusted to reflect changes that were applied retrospectively from that adoption.

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands)

             
    December 31   September 30
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS   2018   2018
             
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents   $  228,462   $  284,355
Short-term investments      41,072      41,461
Other current assets      773,213      789,734
Total current assets      1,042,747      1,115,550
Investments      54,731      98,696
Property, plant and equipment, net      4,900,339      4,857,382
Other noncurrent assets      146,524      143,239
             
Total Assets   $  6,144,341   $  6,214,867
             
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity            
Current liabilities   $  385,913   $  377,168
Long-term debt      490,805      493,968
Other noncurrent liabilities      937,752      946,742
Noncurrent liabilities – discontinued operations      3,633      14,254
Total shareholders’ equity      4,326,238      4,382,735
             
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $  6,144,341   $  6,214,867

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.
Unaudited
(in thousands)

             
    Three Months Ended
    December 31
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS   2018     2017  
          As adjusted
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net income   $  18,959     $  500,106  
Adjustment for (income) loss from discontinued operations      (10,595 )      536  
Income from continuing operations      8,364        500,642  
Depreciation and amortization      141,460        143,267  
Loss on investment securities      42,844        —  
Changes in assets and liabilities      13,857        (569,887 )
Gain on sale of assets      (5,545 )      (5,565 )
Other      8,528        11,205  
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations      209,508        79,662  
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations      (26 )      (57 )
Net cash provided by operating activities      209,482        79,605  
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:            
Capital expenditures      (196,094 )      (91,698 )
Purchase of short-term investments      (31,324 )      (16,183 )
Payment for acquisition of business, net of cash acquired      (2,781 )      (47,832 )
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments      31,860        18,120  
Proceeds from asset sales      11,609        8,749  
Net cash used in investing activities      (186,730 )      (128,844 )
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:            
Dividends paid      (78,122 )      (76,503 )
Debt issuance costs paid      (3,912 )      —  
Proceeds from stock option exercises      1,954        892  
Payments for employee taxes on net settlement of equity awards      (6,267 )      (5,471 )
Payment of contingent consideration from acquisition of business      —        (1,500 )
Net cash used in financing activities      (86,347 )      (82,582 )
             
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash      (63,595 )      (131,821 )
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period      326,185        560,509  
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $  262,590     $  428,688  

 

“As Adjusted” – Effective October 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Restricted Cash and Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.  The cash flow statement for the three months ended December 31, 2017 has been adjusted to reflect changes that were applied retrospectively from those adoptions.

                     
    Three Months Ended  
    December 31   September 30    December 31  
SEGMENT REPORTING   2018     2018     2017    
    (in thousands, except operating statistics)
U.S. LAND OPERATIONS                    
Operating revenues   $  624,241     $  587,244     $  461,640    
Direct operating expenses      408,806        369,744        299,064    
Selling, general and administrative expense      11,656        15,365        13,993    
Depreciation      124,111        131,901        123,838    
Asset impairment charge      —        5,695        —    
Segment operating income   $  79,668     $  64,539     $  24,745    
                     
Revenue days      21,933        21,035        18,362    
Average rig revenue per day   $  25,265     $  24,449     $  22,400    
Average rig expense per day   $  15,443     $  14,109     $  13,546    
Average rig margin per day   $  9,822     $  10,340     $  8,854    
Rig utilization      68      65      57  
                     
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS                    
Operating revenues   $  36,910     $  38,482     $  33,366    
Direct operating expenses      26,305        26,614        21,122    
Selling, general and administrative expense      769        1,110        1,165    
Depreciation      2,668        2,588        2,354    
Segment operating income   $  7,168     $  8,170     $  8,725    
                     
Revenue days      525        552        460    
Average rig revenue per day   $  35,635     $  36,424     $  35,776    
Average rig expense per day   $  25,637     $  24,972     $  23,401    
Average rig margin per day   $  9,998     $  11,452     $  12,375    
Rig utilization      71      75      63  
                     
INTERNATIONAL LAND OPERATIONS                    
Operating revenues   $  66,287     $  59,386     $  63,214    
Direct operating expenses      47,539        45,142        46,737    
Selling, general and administrative expense      2,281        699        1,132    
Depreciation      9,837        10,782        11,811    
Asset impairment charge      —        10,617        —    
Segment operating income (loss)   $  6,630     $  (7,854 )   $  3,534    
                     
Revenue days      1,758        1,818        1,587    
Average rig revenue per day   $  35,575     $  30,909     $  38,039    
Average rig expense per day   $  22,704     $  22,251     $  26,688    
Average rig margin per day   $  12,871     $  8,658     $  11,351    
Rig utilization      60      55      45  
                     
H&P TECHNOLOGIES                    
Revenues   $  9,920     $  8,565     $  2,849    
Direct operating expenses, including research and development      12,391        12,083        8,589    
General and administrative expense      6,099        4,699        1,709    
Depreciation      1,774        1,749        1,366    
Asset impairment charge      —        5,637        —    
Segment operating loss   $  (10,344 )   $  (15,603 )   $  (8,815 )  

Operating statistics exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts and 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:

                     
    Three Months Ended  
    December 31   September 30    December 31  
    2018   2018   2017  
U.S. Land Operations   $  60,889   $  63,764   $  41,114  
Offshore Operations   $  5,750   $  5,925   $  4,098  
International Land Operations   $  3,746   $  3,194   $  2,861  
                     

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 (loss) 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  
    2018     2018     2017    
          As adjusted   As adjusted  
Operating income (loss)                    
U.S. Land   $  79,668     $  64,539     $  24,745    
Offshore      7,168        8,170        8,725    
International Land      6,630        (7,854 )      3,534    
H&P Technologies      (10,344 )      (15,603 )      (8,815 )  
Other      1,554        1,431        1,498    
Segment operating income   $  84,676     $  50,683     $  29,687    
Income from asset sales      5,545        7,527        5,565    
Corporate selling, general and administrative costs and corporate depreciation      (35,932 )      (33,997 )      (31,643 )  
Operating income   $  54,289     $  24,213     $  3,609    
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Interest and dividend income      2,450        2,337        1,724    
Interest expense      (4,720 )      (6,471 )      (5,773 )  
Loss on investment securities      (42,844 )      (1 )      —    
Other      541        (1,044 )      441    
Total unallocated amounts      (44,573 )      (5,179 )      (3,608 )  
                     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes   $  9,716     $  19,034     $  1    
                           
“As Adjusted” – Effective October 1, 2018, we implemented organizational changes, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. Certain operations previously reported in “other” within our segment disclosures are now managed and presented within the new H&P Technologies reportable segment.  All segment disclosures have been recast for these segment changes.  Additionally, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits – (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.  Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 has been adjusted to reflect changes that were applied retrospectively from that adoption.
 

SUPPLEMENTARY STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Unaudited

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 
    2018   2018
    (in dollars per revenue day)
U.S. Land Operations            
Total impact on U.S. Land revenue per day:   $  109   $  128
             
             
International Land Operations            
Total impact on International Land revenue per day:   $  2,689   $  —

U.S. LAND RIG COUNTS & MARKETABLE FLEET STATISTICS

                 
    January 29   December 31   September 30    Q1FY19
    2019   2018   2018   Average
U.S. Land Operations                
Term Contract Rigs   152   156   138   149.0
Spot Contract Rigs   86   88   94   89.4
Total Contracted Rigs   238   244   232   238.4
Idle or Other Rigs   112   106   118   111.6
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 01/29/19)

                             
    Q2   Q3   Q4   Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4
Segment   FY19   FY19   FY19   FY20   FY20   FY20   FY20
U.S. Land Operations    148.9    133.2    111.2    90.9    65.4    58.6    53.2
International Land Operations    11.0    11.0    11.0    10.0    6.2    1.1    —
Offshore Operations    —    —    —    —    —    —    —
Total    159.9    144.2    122.2    100.9    71.6    59.7    53.2

(1) All of the above rig contracts have original terms equal to or in excess of six months and include provisions for early termination fees.