Superior Energy Services Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results


HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) today announced net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $21.9 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, on revenue of $497.0 million.  This compares to a net loss from continuing operations of $57.2 million, or $0.37 per share for the third quarter of 2017, on revenue of $506.0 million and a net loss from continuing operations of $166.3 million, or $1.10 per share for the fourth quarter of 2016, on revenue of $354.4 million. 

The Company recorded a provisional income tax benefit of $76.5 million during the fourth quarter due to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017.  Additionally, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.2 million in reduction in value of assets.  The resulting adjusted net loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $51.2 million, or $0.33 per share.  This compares to an adjusted net loss from continuing operations of $50.5 million, or $0.33 per share for the third quarter of 2017, and an adjusted net loss from continuing operations of $111.6 million, or $0.74 per share for the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company’s net loss from continuing operations was $187.0 million, or $1.22 per share, on revenue of $1,874.1 million as compared with a net loss from continuing operations of $833.3 million, or $5.50 per share, on revenue of $1,450.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

“The U.S. land market experienced dramatic expansion in 2017,” said David Dunlap, President and CEO.  “This expansion caused us to absorb costs associated with activating idle equipment and hiring field personnel throughout the year.  During the fourth quarter, these costs began to abate and our profitability improved.  Industry inefficiencies related to transportation of proppant and reliability of supplies have also impacted profitability throughout the year.  These types of inefficiencies were to be expected as activity growth increased sharply as measured by the U.S. land rig count expanding by almost 140% between June of 2016 and the end of 2017.  As activity growth moderates, these inefficiencies will diminish and we believe that our profitability will continue to improve.

“We remain confident that dedicating high quality hydraulic fracturing assets to operators with the most efficient completion operations is the best model for our hydraulic fracturing business.  This business realized improvement in profitability throughout the year, which increased sharply in the fourth quarter.  During the course of the fourth quarter, we also observed an increase in the percentage of our customers who are now sourcing their own proppant, continuing a broader industry trend.  Historically, many of our customers have sourced their own proppant and proppant sales have generally been associated with low margins.  As a result, we sold less proppant during the quarter, which impacted our revenue, but this change in behavior did not impact our profitability to the same degree.

“The value of our diversified business model was also apparent as several other product lines across U.S. land markets, led by coiled tubing and pressure control, experienced higher levels of demand and pricing during the quarter.  

“Revenue was lower in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily due to lower completion services activity.  A large sand control project peaked during the third quarter and was substantially less active in the fourth quarter.  Also, a Gulf of Mexico subsea well intervention project was suspended after a subcontracted control system failed.  An alternative control system is being prepared and we expect to resume commercial operations during the second half of 2018.

“Internationally, there has been a gradual increase in spending and activity levels in certain land markets, primarily in Latin America.  We remain cautious about signaling a widespread international recovery as a number of market areas have yet to show signs of increasing activity, but we do see signs that a gradual upward trend, supported by higher oil prices, may continue.

“Looking back at 2017, it is amazing how fast our industry has returned to work.  There are just as many challenges to manage during a recovery as there are in a downturn, but we have assembled an impressive workforce with the skills and experience to meet them.  Looking ahead to 2018, I am confident that an improved oil price environment and economic outlook can lead to better than expected results and improving margins as our operating efficiency continues to improve.”

Fourth Quarter 2017 Geographic Breakdown

U.S. land revenue was $331.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, unchanged as compared with revenue of $331.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and a 65% increase compared to revenue of $200.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Gulf of Mexico revenue was $76.4 million, a sequential decrease of 17% from third quarter 2017 revenue of $91.7 million, and a 7% increase from revenue of $71.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.  International revenue of $89.6 million increased 8% as compared with $82.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 and increased 9% as compared to revenue of $82.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Drilling Products and Services Segment

The Drilling Products and Services segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $79.2 million, a 3% increase from third quarter 2017 revenue of $77.2 million and a 14% increase from fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $69.3 million.

U.S. land revenue increased 4% sequentially to $35.1 million, Gulf of Mexico revenue decreased 3% sequentially to $22.5 million and international revenue increased 7% sequentially to $21.6 million.

Onshore Completion and Workover Services Segment

The Onshore Completion and Workover Services segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $232.7 million, a 6% decrease from third quarter 2017 revenue of $248.4 million, and a 55% increase from fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $150.6 million.

During the fourth quarter, the Company’s pressure pumping business sold less proppant than in the third quarter resulting from a greater number of its customers sourcing their own proppant.  This change in customer behavior resulted in sequential revenue being approximately $18.9 million lower. 

Production Services Segment

The Production Services segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $118.2 million, a 21% increase from third quarter 2017 revenue of $97.3 million and a 46% increase from fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $81.0 million.

U.S. land revenue increased 37% sequentially to $55.0 million due to higher demand for most service lines, particularly coiled tubing and pressure control.  Gulf of Mexico revenue increased 21% sequentially to $19.9 million due primarily to increased coiled tubing activity.  International revenue increased 6% sequentially to $43.3 million due to higher levels of well intervention work in Latin America.

Technical Solutions Segment

The Technical Solutions segment revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $66.9 million, a 19% decrease from third quarter 2017 revenue of $83.1 million and a 25% increase from fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $53.5 million.

U.S. land revenue decreased 10% sequentially to $8.2 million.  Gulf of Mexico revenue decreased 35% sequentially to $34.0 million as completion tools activity was lower after a large scale project peaked in the third quarter.  International revenue increased 12% to $24.7 million.

Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.  The call can be accessed from the Company’s website at www.superiorenergy.com or by telephone at 800-239-9838.  For those who cannot listen to the live call, a telephonic replay will be available through March 6, 2018 and may be accessed by calling 844-512-2921 and using the pin number 8365798.  

About Superior Energy Services

Superior Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE:SPN) serves major, national and independent oil and natural gas companies around the world and offers products and services with respect to the various phases of a well’s economic life cycle.  For more information, visit: www.superiorenergy.com.

The press release contains, and future oral or written statements or press releases by us and our management may contain, certain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Generally, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks” and “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical fact regarding the Company’s financial position, financial performance, liquidity, strategic alternatives, market outlook, future capital needs, capital allocation plans, business strategies and other plans and objectives of our management for future operations and activities are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by our management in light of its experience and prevailing circumstances on the date such statements are made. Such forward-looking statements, and the assumptions on which they are based, are inherently speculative and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements. Such uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the cyclicality and volatility of the oil and gas industry, including changes in prevailing levels of capital expenditures, exploration, production and development activity; changes in prevailing oil and gas prices or expectations about future prices; operating hazards, including the significant possibility of accidents resulting in personal injury or death, property damage or environmental damage for which we may have limited or no insurance coverage or indemnification rights; the effect of regulatory programs (including worker health and safety laws) and environmental matters on our operations or prospects, including the risk that future changes in the regulation of hydraulic fracturing could reduce or eliminate demand for our pressure pumping services, or that future changes in climate change legislation could result in increased operating costs or reduced commodity demand globally; counter-party risks associated with reliance on key suppliers; risks associated with the uncertainty of macroeconomic and business conditions worldwide; changes in competitive and technological factors affecting our operations; credit risk associated with our customer base; the potential inability to retain key employees and skilled workers; challenges with estimating our oil and natural gas reserves and potential liabilities related to our oil and natural gas property; risk associated with potential changes of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management security and bonding requirements for offshore platforms; risks inherent in acquiring businesses; risks associated with cyber-attacks; risks associated with business growth during an industry recovery outpacing the capabilities of our infrastructure and workforce; political, legal, economic and other risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations; potential changes in tax laws, adverse positions taken by tax authorities or tax audits impacting our operating results; risks associated with our outstanding debt obligations and the potential effect of limiting our future growth and operations; our continued access to credit markets on favorable terms; and the impact that unfavorable or unusual weather conditions could have on our operations. These risks and other uncertainties related to our business are described in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after such statements are made, including for example the market prices of oil and gas and regulations affecting oil and gas operations, which we cannot control or anticipate. Further, we may make changes to our business strategies and plans (including our capital spending and capital allocation plans) at any time and without notice, based on any changes in the above-listed factors, our assumptions or otherwise, any of which could or will affect our results. For all these reasons, actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements for any reason and, notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, changes in our business plans, our actual experience, or other changes.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

 

  
SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(in thousands, except earnings per share amounts) 
(unaudited) 
      
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
  December 31, September 30, December 31, 
   2017   2016   2017   2017   2016  
            
Revenues $497,043  $354,418  $506,029  $1,874,076  $1,450,047  
            
Cost of services and rentals (exclusive of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion)  356,628   321,132   368,279   1,398,695   1,123,274  
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion  107,565   117,954   108,751   438,716   509,971  
General and administrative expenses  68,934   78,122   74,372   295,507   346,606  
Reduction in value of assets  4,202   35,961   9,953   14,155   500,405  
            
Loss from operations  (40,286)  (198,751)  (55,326)  (272,997)  (1,030,209) 
            
Other income (expense):           
Interest expense, net  (24,776)  (24,429)  (29,096)  (101,455)  (92,753) 
Other income (expense)  (822)  519   (970)  (3,299)  22,621  
            
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes  (65,884)  (222,661)  (85,392)  (377,751)  (1,100,341) 
            
Income taxes  (87,762)  (56,402)  (28,203)  (190,740)  (267,001) 
            
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  21,878   (166,259)  (57,189)  (187,011)  (833,340) 
            
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax  (13,285)  (44,982)  (1,860)  (18,910)  (53,559) 
            
Net income (loss) $8,593  $(211,241) $(59,049) $(205,921) $(886,899) 
            
            
Basic earnings (losses) per share:           
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $0.14  $(1.10) $(0.37) $(1.22) $(5.50) 
Loss from discontinued operations  (0.08)  (0.30)  (0.02)  (0.13)  (0.35) 
Net income (loss) $0.06  $(1.40) $(0.39) $(1.35) $(5.85) 
            
Diluted earnings (losses) per share:           
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $0.14  $(1.10) $(0.37) $(1.22) $(5.50) 
Loss from discontinued operations  (0.08)  (0.30)  (0.02)  (0.13)  (0.35) 
Net income (loss) $0.06  $(1.40) $(0.39) $(1.35) $(5.85) 
            
Weighted average common shares:           
Basic  153,085   151,741   153,082   152,933   151,558  
Diluted  154,277   151,741   153,082   152,933   151,558  
            

 

  
SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
      
  12/31/2017 12/31/2016 
ASSETS     
      
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents $172,000 $187,591 
Accounts receivable, net  398,056  297,164 
Income taxes receivable  959  101,578 
Prepaid expenses  42,128  37,288 
Inventory and other current assets  134,032  130,772 
Assets held for sale  13,644  27,158 
      
Total current assets  760,819  781,551 
      
Property, plant and equipment, net  1,316,944  1,605,365 
Goodwill  807,860  803,917 
Notes receivable  60,149  56,650 
Intangible and other long-term assets, net  164,453  222,772 
      
Total assets $3,110,225 $3,470,255 
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     
      
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable $119,716 $94,831 
Accrued expenses  221,757  218,192 
Income taxes payable  -  694 
Current portion of decommissioning liabilities  27,261  22,164 
Liabilities held for sale  6,463  8,653 
      
Total current liabilities  375,197  344,534 
      
Deferred income taxes  61,058  243,611 
Decommissioning liabilities  103,136  101,513 
Long-term debt, net  1,279,771  1,284,600 
Other long-term liabilities  158,634  192,077 
      
Total stockholders' equity  1,132,429  1,303,920 
      
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $3,110,225 $3,470,255 
      

 

  
SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
   2017   2016  
      
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net loss $(205,921) $(886,899) 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion  438,716   509,971  
Reduction in value of assets  14,155   500,405  
Other noncash items  (135,464)  (38,685) 
Changes in working capital and other  (7,642)  (23,540) 
Net cash provided by operating activities  103,844   61,252  
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Payments for capital expenditures  (164,933)  (80,548) 
Other  58,869   6,309  
Net cash used in investing activities  (106,064)  (74,239) 
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Net repayments of long-term debt  -   (337,576) 
Other  (17,025)  (17,904) 
Net cash used in financing activities  (17,025)  (355,480) 
      
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash  3,654   (7,959) 
      
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (15,591)  (376,426) 
      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  187,591   564,017  
      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $172,000  $187,591  
      

 

  
SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION BY SEGMENT 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
        
  Three months ended, 
  December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 
U.S. land       
Drilling Products and Services $35,146 $33,779 $17,703 
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  232,720  248,405  150,578 
Production Services  55,010  40,123  19,984 
Technical Solutions  8,161  9,118  12,060 
Total U.S. land $331,037 $331,425 $200,325 
        
Gulf of Mexico       
Drilling Products and Services  22,521  23,234  25,772 
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  -  -  - 
Production Services  19,864  16,487  22,256 
Technical Solutions  34,027  51,991  23,614 
Total Gulf of Mexico $76,412 $91,712 $71,642 
        
International       
Drilling Products and Services $21,559 $20,193 $25,855 
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  -  -  - 
Production Services  43,363  40,723  38,734 
Technical Solutions  24,672  21,976  17,862 
Total International $89,594 $82,892 $82,451 
        
Total Revenues $497,043 $506,029 $354,418 
        

 

  
SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
        
  Three months ended, 
Revenues December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 
Drilling Products and Services $79,226  $77,206  $69,330  
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  232,720   248,405   150,578  
Production Services  118,237   97,333   80,974  
Technical Solutions  66,860   83,085   53,536  
Total Revenues $497,043  $506,029  $354,418  
        
Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations (1) (2)       
Drilling Products and Services $340  $1,165  $(10,640) 
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  (9,888)  (20,879)  (63,311) 
Production Services  (6,464)  (12,770)  (14,215) 
Technical Solutions  3,176   12,995   (10,307) 
Corporate and other  (23,248)  (25,884)  (27,128) 
Total Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations $(36,084) $(45,373) $(125,601) 
        
Adjusted EBITDA (1) (2)       
Drilling Products and Services $31,547  $33,004  $24,616  
Onshore Completion and Workover Services  41,311   27,252   (13,374) 
Production Services  12,420   6,563   7,901  
Technical Solutions  8,022   21,024   (1,152) 
Corporate and other  (21,819)  (24,465)  (25,638) 
Total Adjusted EBITDA $71,481  $63,378  $(7,647) 
        
(1) Adjusted income (loss) from operations and adjusted EBITDA exclude the impact of reduction in value of assets and other items. 
        
(2) Effective as of the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company changed the measurement used to evaluate the performance of its reportable segments to income (loss) from operations excluding allocated corporate expenses. 
        

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables reconcile net loss from continuing operations on a consolidated basis and by segment, which are the directly comparable financial results determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), to adjusted income/loss from operations and adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis and by segment (non-GAAP financial measures).  These financial measures are provided to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance. 

 
Consolidated Adjusted Net Loss From Continuing Operations Reconciliation
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
             
  Three months ended,
  December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  Consolidated Per Share Consolidated Per Share Consolidated Per Share
             
Reported net income (loss) from continuing operations $21,878  $0.14  $(57,189) $(0.37) $(166,259) $(1.10)
             
Reduction in value of assets and other items  4,202   0.02   9,953   0.06   73,150   0.48 
Income taxes  (716)  -   (3,287)  (0.02)  (18,529)  (0.12)
US Tax Reform (1)  (76,529)  (0.49)  -   -   -   - 
             
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations $(51,165) $(0.33) $(50,523) $(0.33) $(111,638) $(0.74)
             
(1)  Recorded in Income Taxes in the consolidated statement of operations.
             

 

  
Reconciliation of Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
              
  Three months ended, December 31, 2017 
  Drilling
Products and
Services
 Onshore
Completion
and Workover
Services
 Production
Services
 
Technical
Solutions
 Corporate and Other Consolidated
 
              
Reported net income (loss) from continuing operations $(1,016) $(12,734) $(6,464) $4,116  $37,976  $21,878  
Reduction in value of assets and other items  1,356   2,846   -   -   -   4,202  
Interest expense, net  -   -   -   (940)  25,716   24,776  
Other expense  -   -   -   -   822   822  
Income taxes  -   -   -   -   (87,762)  (87,762) 
Adjusted income (loss) from operations $340  $(9,888) $(6,464) $3,176  $(23,248) $(36,084) 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
  and accretion
  31,207   51,199   18,884   4,846   1,429   107,565  
Adjusted EBITDA $31,547  $41,311  $12,420  $8,022  $(21,819) $71,481  
              
              
  Three months ended, September 30, 2017 
  Drilling
Products and
Services
 Onshore
Completion
and Workover
Services
 Production
Services
 
Technical
Solutions
 Corporate and Other Consolidated
 
              
Reported net income (loss) from continuing operations $1,165  $(22,717) $(12,770) $5,806  $(28,673) $(57,189) 
Reduction in value of assets and other items  -   1,838   -   8,115   -   9,953  
Interest expense, net  -   -   -   (926)  30,022   29,096  
Other expense  -   -   -   -   970   970  
Income taxes  -   -   -   -   (28,203)  (28,203) 
Adjusted income (loss) from operations $1,165  $(20,879) $(12,770) $12,995  $(25,884) $(45,373) 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
  and accretion
  31,839   48,131   19,333   8,029   1,419   108,751  
Adjusted EBITDA $33,004  $27,252  $6,563  $21,024  $(24,465) $63,378  
              
              
  Three months ended, December 31, 2016 
  Drilling
Products and
Services
 Onshore
Completion
and Workover
Services
 Production
Services
 
Technical
Solutions
 Corporate and Other Consolidated
 
              
Reported net income (loss) from continuing operations $(24,501) $(66,032) $(25,240) $(54,689) $4,203  $(166,259) 
Reduction in value of assets and other items  13,861   2,721   11,012   45,266   290   73,150  
Interest expense, net  -   -   13   (884)  25,300   24,429  
Other expense  -   -   -   -   (519)  (519) 
Income taxes  -   -   -   -   (56,402)  (56,402) 
Adjusted income (loss) from operations $(10,640) $(63,311) $(14,215) $(10,307) $(27,128) $(125,601) 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
  and accretion
  35,256   49,937   22,116   9,155   1,490   117,954  
Adjusted EBITDA $24,616  $(13,374) $7,901  $(1,152) $(25,638) $(7,647) 
              

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Vincent, VP of Investor Relations, (713) 654-2200