UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

 

 

 

Commission file number 1-32747

 

 

 

 

MARINER ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

One BriarLake Plaza, Suite 2000
2000 West Sam Houston Parkway South
Houston, Texas 77042
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(713) 954-5500

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

 

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2008 was approximately $3,166,804,986 based on the closing sale price of $36.97 per share as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2008. The number of shares of common stock of the registrant issued and outstanding on February 20, 2009 was 90,057,276.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 11, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

Various statements in this annual report, including those that express a belief, expectation, or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. Our forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “may,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “plan,” “goal” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The forward-looking statements in this annual report speak only as of the date of this annual report; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” elsewhere in this annual report. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:

 

 

 

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our business and the results of our operations. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this report. Certain statements made in our discussion may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from our expectations. See “Cautionary Statements” at the beginning of this report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of some of these risks and uncertainties. Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references to “Mariner,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” refer to Mariner Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries collectively. Certain oil and natural gas industry terms used in this annual report are defined in the “Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms” set forth in “Item 1. Business” of this annual report.

 

 

General

 

Mariner Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration, development, and production company. We were incorporated in August 1983 as a Delaware corporation. Our corporate headquarters are located at One BriarLake Plaza, Suite 2000, 2000 West Sam Houston Parkway South, Houston, Texas 77042. Our telephone number is (713) 954-5500 and our website address is www.mariner-energy.com. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “ME.”

 

We currently operate in three principal geographic areas:

 

 

During 2008, we produced approximately 118.4 Bcfe and our average daily production rate was 323 MMcfe per day. At December 31, 2008, we had 973.9 Bcfe of estimated proved reserves, of which approximately 57% were natural gas and 43% were oil, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and condensate. Approximately 70% of our estimated proved reserves were classified as proved developed.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. or at the SEC’s public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. Reports and other information about Mariner can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Copies of our SEC filings are available free of

charge on our website at www.mariner-energy.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information on our website is not a part of this annual report. Copies of our SEC filings can also be provided to you at no cost by writing or telephoning us at our corporate headquarters.

 

Recent Developments

 

Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Acquisition — On December 19, 2008, we acquired additional working interests in our existing property, Atwater Valley Block 426 (Bass Lite), for approximately $32.6 million, increasing our working interest by 11.6% to 53.8%. We internally estimated proved reserves attributable to the acquisition of approximately 17.6 Bcfe (100% natural gas).

 

Acquisition of Incremental Spraberry Interests — On February 29, 2008 and December 1, 2008, we acquired additional working interests in certain of our existing properties in the Spraberry field in the Permian Basin, increasing our average working interest across these properties to approximately 80%. We internally estimated proved reserves attributable to the acquisition of approximately 27.4 Bcfe. We operate substantially all of the assets. The purchase prices were approximately $21.7 million for the February acquisition and $19.4 million for the December acquisition.

 

Impact of Worldwide Financial Crisis and Lower Commodity Prices on Capital Program

 

In recent years, oil and gas commodity prices generally trended upwards in response to robust demand and constrained supplies, with oil and gas prices peaking at more than $140.00 per barrel and $13.00 per Mcf, respectively, in July 2008. In response to the sustained increase in commodity prices, the oil and gas industry experienced significant increases in activity and in demand for oil field services. The increased demand for these services resulted in significant inflation in the cost of drilling rigs, services, equipment and labor.

 

In the second half of 2008, a world-wide economic recession and oversupply of natural gas in North America led to an unprecedented decline in oil and gas prices, with oil falling by more than $100.00 per barrel from its peak earlier in 2008. However, the inflated cost of oil field services resulting from sustained historically high commodity prices did not decrease in line with the decline in commodity prices. The prospect of continued low commodity prices and disproportionately high service costs has constrained the industry’s capital reinvestment and undermined rates of return in new projects, particularly those in areas characterized by high costs or long reserve lives. In order to manage our capital program within expected cash flows, we tentatively have reduced our 2009 capital budget by more than 50% from 2008.

 

Our 2009 activities in the Permian Basin will focus primarily on expanding beyond our typical Spraberry infill drilling operation into new exploration plays, such as the Wolfberry and Wolfcamp Detrital trends. We plan to delineate prospects and determine their economic viability. Our goal is to expand our prospect inventory and generate opportunities to drill when commodity prices or service costs adjust to levels expected to yield more attractive returns. Until then, we are scaling down our infill drilling and development activities to primarily lease-saving operations and contractual drilling commitments. We also anticipate substantially reduced recompletion and development activities in our Gulf of Mexico shelf operation until commodity price and service cost dynamics adjust to allow a more attractive rate of return. In addition, we are allocating a disproportionate portion of our 2009 capital budget to our Gulf of Mexico deepwater exploration program due primarily to contractual drilling commitments.

 

Balanced Growth Strategy

 

We are a growth company and strive to increase our reserves and production from our existing asset base as well as through expansion into new operating areas. Our management team pursues a balanced growth strategy employing varying elements of exploration, development, and acquisition activities in complementary operating regions intended to achieve an overall moderate-risk growth profile at attractive rates of return under most industry conditions.

 

 

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe our core resources and strengths include:

 

Diversity of assets and activities.  Our assets and operations are diversified among the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico deepwater and shelf. Each of these areas involves distinctly different operational characteristics, as well as different financial and operational risks and rewards. Moreover, within these operating areas we pursue a breadth of exploration, development and acquisition activities, which in turn entail unique risks and rewards. By diversifying our assets both onshore and in the Gulf, and pursuing a full range of exploration, development and acquisition activities, we strive to mitigate concentration risk and avoid overdependence on any single activity to facilitate our growth. By maintaining a variety of investment opportunities ranging from high-risk, high-impact projects in the deepwater to relatively low-risk, repeatable projects in the Permian Basin, we attempt to execute a balanced capital program and attain a more moderate company-wide risk profile while still affording our stockholders the significant potential upside attendant to an active deepwater exploration company.

 

Large prospect inventory.  We believe we have significant potential for growth through the exploration and development of our existing asset base. We are one of the largest leaseholders among independent producers in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, we are an active participant at MMS lease sales. We were the apparent high bidder on three blocks at the Outer Continental Shelf 207 Lease Sale held on August 20, 2008 by the MMS. The MMS awarded all three blocks to us, yielding an aggregate exposure of $0.9 million. We hold a 100% working interest in each of these blocks. In addition, the MMS awarded us 19 blocks on which we were the apparent high bidder at the Central Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 206 held by the MMS on March 19, 2008. The awarded blocks involve seven deepwater subsalt prospects (both Miocene and Lower Tertiary), four deepwater prospects, four deep shelf prospects, and one conventional shelf prospect. Our net exposure on the awarded bids was $79.1 million and our working interest ranges from 33% to 100%. Furthermore, in the Permian Basin we have a large and growing asset base that we anticipate is capable of sustaining our current drilling program for a number of years. We believe that our large acreage position makes us less dependent on acquisitions for our growth as compared to companies that have less extensive drilling inventories.

Exploration expertise.  Our seasoned team of geoscientists has made significant discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico and has achieved a cumulative 65% success rate during the three years ended December 31, 2008. Our geoscientists each average almost 30 years of relevant industry experience. We believe our emphasis on exploration allows us a competitive advantage over other companies who are either wholly dependent on acquisitions for growth or only sporadically engage in more limited exploration activities.

 

Operational control and substantial working interests.  We serve as operator of properties representing approximately 87% of our production and have an average 74% working interest in our operated properties. We believe operating our properties gives us a competitive advantage over non-operating interest holders, particularly in a challenging financial environment, since operatorship better allows us to determine the extent and timing of our capital programs, as well as to assert the most direct impact on operating costs.

 

Extensive seismic library.  We have access to recent-vintage, regional 3-D seismic data covering a significant portion of the Gulf of Mexico. We use seismic technology in our exploration program to identify and assess prospects, and in our development program to assess hydrocarbon reservoirs with a goal of optimizing drilling, workover and recompletion operations. We believe that our investment in 3-D seismic data gives us an advantage over companies with less extensive seismic resources in that we are better able to interpret geological events and stratigraphic trends on a more precise geographical basis utilizing more detailed analytical data.

 

Subsea tieback expertise.  We have accumulated an extensive track record in the use of subsea tieback technology, which enables production from subsea wells to existing third-party production facilities through subsea flow line and umbilical infrastructure. This technology typically allows us to avoid the significant lead time and capital commitment associated with the fabrication and installation of production platforms or floating production facilities, thereby accelerating our project start ups and reducing our financial exposure. In turn, we believe this lowers the economic thresholds of our target prospects and allows us to exploit reserves that otherwise may be considered non-commercial because of the high cost of stand-alone production facilities.

 

Properties

 

Our principal oil and gas properties are located in the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico deepwater and shelf. The Gulf of Mexico properties are primarily in federal waters. The following table presents our top fields by estimated proved reserves for each principal geographic area:

 

 

 

 

Permian Basin Operations

 

Our Permian Basin operations historically have emphasized downspacing redevelopment activities in the prolific oil-producing Spraberry field in the Permian Basin. Since we began our Permian Basin redevelopment initiative in 2002, we have increased by approximately five-fold our net acreage position in the related fields and are targeting the Permian Basin for continued expansion through our Permian Basin operation’s headquarters in Midland, Texas. Production from the region is primarily from the Spraberry, Dean and Wolfcamp formations at depths between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, and is heavily weighted toward long-lived oil and NGLs.

 

During 2008, our Permian Basin operations produced approximately 14.9 Bcfe (13% of our total production) and accounted for approximately 436.6 Bcfe or 45% of our total estimated proved reserves at year end. Oil and NGLs accounted for 73% of total the Permian Basin production for 2008. We drilled 122 wells in the region during 2008 with a 100% success rate. Based upon our current level of drilling activity, our drilling inventory in this area would sustain a five-year drilling program.

 

Our largest field in the Permian Basin by reserves is the Spraberry Field, where we have been active for more than 20 years. We operate our wells in this field and hold an average 80% working interest. This property consists of net developed and undeveloped acres of 55,989 and 8,907, respectively on which there were 829 wells as of December 31, 2008 producing approximately 13.5 Bcfe net in 2008. This field is located in the Spraberry trend and productive zones in the field include the Spraberry, Dean and Wolfcamp formations. At year-end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to this field was 419.1 Bcfe, consisting of 69% oil and 31% natural gas.

Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Operations

 

We have acquired and maintained a significant acreage position in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater. We have successfully generated and operated deepwater exploration and development projects since 1996. As a corollary to our exploration activities, we have pioneered sophisticated deepwater development strategies employing extensive subsea tieback technologies that allow us to produce our discoveries without the expense of permanent production facilities. As of December 31, 2008, we held interests in 95 deepwater blocks and 40 subsea wells. These wells were tied back to 31 host production facilities for production processing. An additional four wells were then under development for tieback to two additional host production facilities. Although we have interests throughout the Gulf of Mexico, we focus much of our efforts in infrastructure-dominated corridors where our subsea technology can be most efficiently deployed. We feel our geological understanding based on exploration success in these corridors gives us a competitive advantage in assessing prospects and vying for new leases.

 

Production in our Gulf of Mexico deepwater operations is largely from Pleistocene to lower Miocene aged formations and varies between oil and gas depending on formation and age. During 2008, our deepwater operation produced approximately 40.4 Bcfe (34% of our total production) and accounted for approximately 198.7 Bcfe or 20% of our total estimated proved reserves at year end. Natural gas accounted for 69% of total deepwater production for 2008. We drilled eight wells in the region during 2008 with a 63% success rate.

 

We operate Atwater Valley 426, known as Bass Lite, in which in December 2008 we increased our working interest by 11.6% to 53.8%. It is in the Pleistocene formation and is located in approximately 6,750 feet of water. The field consists of two development wells drilled during 2007 that are connected by a 56-mile subsea tieback to the Devil’s Tower spar. Production on Bass Lite began in February 2008 and the field produced 8.5 Bcfe net to our interest during 2008. The project commenced production at full capacity once the topside facilities work was completed in August 2008. At year end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to this field was 95.8 Bcfe, of which 100% are natural gas.

 

We operate Garden Banks 462, known as Geauxpher, in which we hold a 60% working interest. We made this deepwater discovery in June 2008. The well, which lies in water depths of approximately 2,700 feet, was drilled to a total depth of 23,156 feet (measured depth). At year-end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to the discovery was 32.7 Bcfe, consisting of 3% oil and 97% natural gas. A two-well development is underway, with initial production expected during the first half of 2009. Apache Corporation holds a 40% working interest in the development.

 

Green Canyon 646, known as Daniel Boone, is operated by W&T Offshore, Inc. and consists of one well in the Pliocene/Pleistocene formation. It is located in approximately 4,200 feet of water and we have an approximate 40% working interest in the well. The field is being developed and first production is expected in 2009. At year end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to this field was 18.3 Bcfe, consisting of 68% oil and 32% natural gas.

 

East Breaks 558/602, known as Northwest Nansen, is operated by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. The field, which is in the Pliocene/Pleistocene formation, consists of four wells in approximately 3,500 feet of water that are connected by subsea tiebacks to the Nansen spar. We hold a 50% working interest in the East Breaks 558 well, which was completed as a gas well, and a 33% working interest in the three East Breaks 602 wells, which were completed as oil wells. The field began producing in February 2008 and the field produced 12.9 Bcfe net to our interest during 2008. At year end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to the field was 16.6 Bcfe, consisting of 34% oil and 66% natural gas.

 

Ewing Bank 921, known as North Black Widow, is operated by ENI Petroleum US and began producing in the Pliocene/Pleistocene formation in 2007. We hold an approximate 35% working interest in one well, which is located in approximately 1,700 feet of water. Our share of net production during 2008 was approximately 1.9 Bcfe. At year end 2008, our share of estimated proved reserves attributed to the field was 7.8 Bcfe, consisting of 91% oil and 9% natural gas.

 

Gulf of Mexico Shelf Operations

 

As an operator on the Gulf of Mexico shelf for a number of years, we expanded our Gulf of Mexico shelf operations in 2006 through our acquisition of the Gulf of Mexico operations of Forest Oil Corporation

(“Forest”) and in January 2008 through our acquisition of an indirect subsidiary of StatoilHydro ASA that owns substantially all of its former Gulf of Mexico shelf assets and operations. We increased our interests in shelf operations to 335 blocks at year-end 2008 from 235 blocks at year-end 2007. Due to our operational scale and substantial lease position on the shelf, we are able to pursue a diverse array of exploration and development projects on the shelf, including numerous engineering projects designed to increase production and reserves, as well as to manage production costs through optimization of topside facilities and efficiencies of scale. Drilling prospects run the gamut from relatively small, low-risk, conventional shelf projects that can be drilled from one of our numerous existing platform facilities, to high-impact, deep shelf exploration prospects at depths approaching 20,000 total vertical feet.

 

During 2008, our Gulf of Mexico shelf operation produced approximately 63.1 Bcfe (53% of our total production) and accounted for approximately 338.6 Bcfe or 35% of our total estimated proved reserves at year end. Natural gas accounted for 76% of total shelf production for 2008. We drilled 17 wells in the region during 2008 with an 88% success rate.

 

Our largest field in the Gulf of Mexico Shelf by reserves is Vermilion 380. At year-end 2008, estimated proved reserves attributed to this field were 33.1 Bcfe, consisting of approximately 50% oil and 50% natural gas. During 2008, we drilled three wells and completed one well before Hurricane Ike damaged the platform. Hurricane Ike also interrupted the drilling of a fourth well. Remaining development involves finishing the drilling of the fourth well, drilling a fifth well and completing the remaining wells. We anticipate that production from the five new wells will commence by third quarter 2009. The field currently has two producing wells (one of which is the new well we drilled and completed in 2008) in 340 feet of water. These two wells produced approximately 0.5 Bcfe in 2008. We generated this prospect from former Forest properties and hold a 100% working interest in the newly drilled wells.

 

We operate Vermilion 14/26/35, which consists of 10 producing wells in less than 20 feet of water. We hold a 100% working interest in this field. It has been producing for more than 20 years from numerous formations and in 2008 produced approximately 1.5 Bcfe net. At year-end 2008, estimated proved reserves attributed to this field were 30.1 Bcfe, consisting of approximately 8% oil and 92% natural gas.

 

We operate our 100% working interest in West Cameron 110 which consists of six producing wells. We operate the field, which has been producing for more than 20 years from numerous formations in approximately 40 feet of water and produced approximately 4.7 Bcfe net in 2008. At year-end 2008, estimated proved reserves attributed to this field were 29.3 Bcfe, consisting of approximately 4% oil and 96% natural gas.

 

We operate South Pass 24, which consists of 25 producing wells in approximately 10 feet of water. We have a 97% working interest in the property. South Pass 24 has been producing for more than 50 years from numerous formations, and in 2008 produced approximately 1.8 Bcfe net. At year-end 2008, estimated proved reserves attributed to this field were 21.5 Bcfe, consisting of approximately 61% oil and 39% natural gas.

 

We operate High Island 116, which consists of one producing well in approximately 30 feet of water. We have a 100% working interest in the property. It has been producing for more than 20 years and in 2008 produced approximately 0.8 Bcfe net. At year-end 2008, estimated proved reserves attributed to this field were 19.5 Bcfe, consisting of approximately 3% oil and 97% natural gas.

The following table presents our total production volumes and revenue, excluding the effects of hedging and other revenues, by area for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

Estimated Proved Reserves

 

The following table presents certain information with respect to our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves. The reserve information in the table below is based on estimates made in fully-engineered reserve reports prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. Reserve volumes and values were determined under the method prescribed by the SEC, which requires the application of period end prices and current costs held constant throughout the projected reserve life. Proved reserve estimates do not include any value for probable or possible reserves, which may exist, nor do they include any value for undeveloped acreage. The proved reserve estimates represent our net revenue interest in our properties.

 

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our estimated proved reserves by geographic area as of December 31, 2008 based on estimates made in a reserve report prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

Uncertainties are inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many risk factors beyond our control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating subsurface accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and the interpretation thereof. As a result, estimates by different engineers often vary, sometimes significantly. In addition, physical factors such as the results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate, as well as economic factors such as change in product prices and operating costs, may require revision of such estimates. Accordingly, oil and natural gas quantities ultimately recovered will vary from reserve estimates.

 

Productive Wells

 

The following table sets forth the number of productive oil and natural gas wells in which we owned an interest as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

 

 

Acreage

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to actual developed and undeveloped acreage in which we own an interest as of December 31, 2008.

 

The following table sets forth that portion of our onshore and offshore undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2008 that is subject to expiration absent drilling activity during the three years ended December 31, 2011.

 

 

Drilling Activity

 

Certain information with regard to our drilling activity during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is set forth below.

 

 

Marketing and Customers

 

We market substantially all of the oil and natural gas production from the properties we operate, as well as the properties operated by others where our interest is significant. Our natural gas, oil and condensate production is sold to a variety of customers under short-term marketing arrangements at market-based prices. The following table lists customers accounting for more than 10% of our total revenues for the year indicated.

 

Title to Properties

 

Substantially all of our properties currently are subject to liens securing our bank credit facility and obligations under hedging arrangements with lenders under our bank credit facility. In addition, our properties are subject to customary royalty interests, liens incident to operating agreements, liens for current taxes and other typical burdens and encumbrances. We do not believe that any of these burdens or encumbrances materially interfere with the use of such properties in the operation of our business. Our properties may also be subject to obligations or duties under applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders of governmental authorities.

 

We believe that we have performed customary investigation of, and have satisfactory title to or rights in, all of our producing properties. As is customary in the oil and natural gas industry, minimal investigation of title is made at the time of acquisition of undeveloped properties. Title investigation is made usually only before commencement of drilling operations. We believe that title issues are less likely to arise with offshore oil and natural gas properties than with onshore properties.

 

Competition

 

We believe that our leasehold acreage, exploration, drilling and production capabilities, large 3-D seismic database and technical and operational experience enable us to compete effectively. However, our primary competitors include major integrated oil and natural gas companies, nationally owned or sponsored enterprises, and domestic independent oil and natural gas companies. Many of our larger competitors possess and employ financial and personnel resources substantially greater than those available to us. Such companies may be able to pay more for productive oil and natural gas properties and exploratory prospects and to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or personnel resources permit. Our ability to acquire additional prospects and discover reserves in the future is dependent upon our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. In addition, there is substantial competition for capital available for investment in the oil and natural gas industry. Larger competitors may be better able to withstand sustained periods of unsuccessful drilling and absorb the burden of changes in laws and regulations more easily than we can, which would adversely affect our competitive position.

 

Royalty Relief

 

The Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water Royalty Relief Act (“RRA”), effective November 28, 1995, provides that all tracts in the Western and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico, including whole lease blocks in the Eastern Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico lying west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude, in water more than 200 meters deep and offered for bid within five years after the effective date of the RRA, will be entitled to royalty relief as follows:

 

 

Leases offered for bid within five years after the effective date of the RRA are referred to as “post-Act leases.” The RRA also allows federal offshore lessees the opportunity to apply for discretionary royalty relief for new production on leases acquired before the RRA was enacted, or “pre-Act leases.” If the MMS determines that new production under a pre-Act lease would not be economic without royalty relief, then the MMS may relieve a portion of the royalty to make the project economic.

 

In addition to granting discretionary royalty relief, the MMS has elected to include royalty relief provisions in many leases issued after November 28, 2000, or “post-2000 leases.” For these post-2000 lease sales that have occurred to-date for which the MMS has elected to include royalty relief, the MMS has specified the water depth categories and royalty suspension volumes applicable to production from leases issued in the sale.

 

In 2004, the MMS adopted additional royalty relief incentives for production of natural gas from reservoirs located deep under shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These incentives apply to natural gas

produced in water depths of less than 200 meters and from deep natural gas accumulations of at least 15,000 feet of true vertical depth. Drilling of qualified wells must have started on or after March 26, 2003, and production must begin before May 3, 2009, unless the lessee obtains a one-year extension. These incentives generally apply only to production that occurs during years when the average price of natural gas on the New York Mercantile Exchange does not exceed the price threshold of $10.15 per million Btu, expressed in 2007 dollars. In regulations published in November 2008, the MMS implemented additional royalty relief provisions to reflect statutory changes enacted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The regulations provide enhanced incentives for gas production from wells of at least 20,000 feet of true vertical depth in waters of 400 meters or less. These regulations also expand the royalty relief incentives for natural gas produced from leases in waters 200 to 400 meters deep by entitling such leases to the royalty relief incentives available under the existing regulations for leases in less than 200 meters of water, with two exceptions. First, the incentive for production in waters 200 to 400 meters in depth applies to wells for which drilling began on or after May 18, 2007, rather than March 26, 2003, and that begin production before May 3, 2013, rather than May 3, 2009. Second, the applicable price threshold is $4.55 per million Btu, expressed in 2007 dollars, rather than $10.15.

 

The impact of royalty relief can be significant. Effective with lease sales in 2008, royalty rates for leases in all water depths in the Gulf of Mexico increased to 18.75% of production. For Gulf of Mexico leases awarded in 2007 lease sales, the royalty rate was 16.7% of production in all water depths. Royalty relief can substantially improve the economics of projects located in deepwater or in shallow water involving deep natural gas.

 

Many of our MMS leases that are subject to royalty relief contain language that suspends royalty relief if commodity prices exceed predetermined threshold levels for a given calendar year. As a result, royalty relief for a lease in a particular calendar year may be contingent upon average commodity prices remaining below the price threshold specified for that year. Since 2000, commodity prices have exceeded some of the predetermined price thresholds, except in 2002, for a number of our projects. For the affected leases, we have been ordered by the MMS to pay royalties for natural gas produced in some of those years. However, we have challenged the MMS’s authority to include price thresholds in six of our post-Act leases awarded in 1996 and 1997. We believe that post-Act leases are entitled to automatic royalty relief under the RRA, regardless of commodity prices, and have pursued administrative and judicial remedies in this dispute with the MMS. For more information concerning the contested royalty payments and the MMS’s demands, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”

 

Regulation

 

Our operations are subject to extensive and continually changing regulation affecting the oil and natural gas industry. Many departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue, and have issued, rules and regulations binding on the oil and natural gas industry and its individual participants. The failure to comply with such rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability. We do not believe that we are affected in a significantly different manner by these regulations than are our competitors.

 

Transportation and Sale of Natural Gas

 

Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce have been regulated pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938, the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. In the past, the federal government has regulated the prices at which natural gas could be sold. Deregulation of natural gas sales by producers began with the enactment of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. In 1989, Congress enacted the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act, which removed all remaining Natural Gas Act of 1938 and Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 price and non-price controls affecting producer sales of natural gas effective January 1, 1993. Congress could, however, re-enact price controls in the future. The FERC regulates interstate natural gas pipeline transportation rates and service conditions, which affect the marketing of gas produced by us and the revenues received by us for sales of such natural gas. The FERC requires interstate pipelines to provide open-

access transportation on a non-discriminatory basis for all natural gas shippers. The FERC frequently reviews and modifies its regulations regarding the transportation of natural gas with the stated goal of fostering competition within all phases of the natural gas industry. In addition, with respect to production onshore or in state waters, the intra-state transportation of natural gas would be subject to state regulatory jurisdiction as well.

 

In August, 2005, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or EP Act 2005. Among other matters, EP Act 2005 amends the Natural Gas Act, or NGA, to make it unlawful for “any entity”, including otherwise non-jurisdictional producers such as Mariner, to use any deceptive or manipulative device or contrivance in connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas or the purchase or sale of transportation services subject to regulation by the FERC, in contravention of rules prescribed by the FERC. On January 19, 2006, the FERC issued regulations implementing this provision. The regulations make it unlawful in connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC, or the purchase or sale of transportation services subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC, for any entity, directly or indirectly, to use or employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud; to make any untrue statement of material fact or omit to make any such statement necessary to make the statements made not misleading; or to engage in any act or practice that operates as a fraud or deceit upon any person. EP Act 2005 also gives the FERC authority to impose civil penalties for violations of the NGA up to $1,000,000 per day per violation. The new anti-manipulation rule does not apply to activities that relate only to intrastate or other non-jurisdictional sales or gathering, but does apply to activities of otherwise non-jurisdictional entities to the extent the activities are conducted “in connection with” gas sales, purchases or transportation subject to FERC jurisdiction. It therefore reflects a significant expansion of the FERC’s enforcement authority. We do not anticipate we will be affected any differently than other producers of natural gas.

 

Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas industry are considered from time to time by Congress, the FERC, state regulatory bodies and the courts. We cannot predict when or if any such proposals might become effective or their effect, if any, on our operations. The natural gas industry historically has been closely regulated; thus, there is no assurance that the less stringent regulatory approach recently pursued by the FERC and Congress will continue indefinitely into the future.

 

Regulation of Production

 

The production of oil and natural gas is subject to regulation under a wide range of state and federal statutes, rules, orders and regulations. State and federal statutes and regulations require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds, and reports concerning operations. Texas and Louisiana, the states in which we own and operate properties, have regulations governing conservation matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, the establishment of maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, the spacing of wells, and the plugging and abandonment of wells and removal of related production equipment. Texas and Louisiana also restrict production to the market demand for oil and natural gas and several states have indicated interests in revising applicable regulations. These regulations can limit the amount of oil and natural gas we can produce from our wells, limit the number of wells, or limit the locations at which we can conduct drilling operations. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to production and sale of crude oil, natural gas and gas liquids within its jurisdiction.

 

Most of our offshore operations are conducted on federal leases that are administered by the MMS. Such leases require compliance with detailed MMS regulations and orders pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act that are subject to interpretation and change by the MMS. Among other things, we are required to obtain prior MMS approval for our exploration plans and development and production plans at each lease. MMS regulations also impose construction requirements for production facilities located on federal offshore leases, as well as detailed technical requirements for plugging and abandonment of wells, and removal of platforms and other production facilities on such leases. The MMS requires lessees to post surety bonds, or provide other acceptable financial assurances, to ensure all obligations are satisfied on federal offshore leases. The cost of these surety bonds or other financial assurances can be substantial, and there is no assurance that bonds or other financial assurances can be obtained in all cases. We are currently in compliance with all MMS financial assurance requirements. Under certain circumstances, the MMS is authorized to suspend or terminate

operations on federal offshore leases. Any suspension or termination of operations on our offshore leases could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our crude oil and gas production is subject to royalty interests established under the applicable leases. Royalty on production from state and private leases is generally governed by state law and royalty on production from leases on federal or Indian lands is governed by federal law. The MMS is authorized by statute to administer royalty valuation and collection for production from federal and Indian leases. The MMS generally exercises this authority through standards established under its regulations and related policies. We do not anticipate that we will be affected by changes in federal or state law affecting royalty obligations any differently than other producers of crude oil and natural gas.

 

Environmental and Safety Regulations

 

Our operations are subject to numerous stringent and complex laws and regulations at the federal, state and local levels governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to human health and environmental protection. These laws and regulations may, among other things:

 

 

Failure to comply with these laws and regulations or to obtain or comply with permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, imposition of remedial requirements and the imposition of injunctions to force future compliance. Offshore drilling in some areas has been opposed by environmental groups and, in some areas, has been restricted. Our business and prospects could be adversely affected to the extent laws are enacted or other governmental action is taken that prohibits or restricts our exploration and production activities or imposes environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to us or the oil and natural gas industry in general.

 

The following is a summary of some of the existing laws and regulations to which our business operations are subject:

 

Spills and Releases.  The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and analogous state laws, impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original act, on certain classes of persons that contributed to the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include the “owner” and “operator” of the site where the release occurred, past owners and operators of the site, and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. Responsible parties under CERCLA may be liable for the costs of cleaning up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment and for damages to natural resources. Additionally, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file tort claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances into the environment. In the course of our ordinary operations, we may generate waste that may fall within CERCLA’s definition of a “hazardous substance.”

 

We currently own, lease or operate, and have in the past owned, leased or operated, numerous properties that for many years have been used for the exploration and production of oil and gas. Many of these properties have been operated by third parties whose actions with respect to the treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes were not under our control. It is possible that hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under such properties, or on or under other locations where such wastes may have been taken for disposal. These properties and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA and analogous state laws. Under such laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators), to clean up contaminated property (including contaminated groundwater) or to perform remedial plugging operations to prevent future contamination, or to pay the costs of such remedial measures. Although we believe we have utilized operating and disposal practices that are standard in the industry, during the course of operations

hydrocarbons and other wastes may have been released on some of the properties we own, lease or operate. We are not presently aware of any pending clean-up obligations that could have a material impact on our operations or financial condition.

 

The Oil Pollution Act (“OPA”).  The OPA and regulations thereunder impose strict, joint and several liability on “responsible parties” for damages, including natural resource damages, resulting from oil spills into or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines or in the exclusive economic zone of the United States. A “responsible party” includes the owner or operator of an onshore facility and the lessee or permittee of the area in which an offshore facility is located. The OPA establishes a liability limit for onshore facilities of $350 million, while the liability limit for offshore facilities is equal to all removal costs plus up to $75 million in other damages. These liability limits may not apply if a spill is caused by a party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, the spill resulted from violation of a federal safety, construction or operating regulation, or if a party fails to report a spill or to cooperate fully in a clean-up.

 

The OPA also requires the lessee or permittee of an offshore area in which a covered offshore facility is located to provide financial assurance in the amount of $35 million to cover liabilities related to an oil spill. The amount of financial assurance required under the OPA may be increased up to $150 million depending on the risk represented by the quantity or quality of oil that is handled by a facility. The failure to comply with the OPA’s requirements may subject a responsible party to civil, criminal, or administrative enforcement actions. We are not aware of any action or event that would subject us to liability under the OPA, and we believe that compliance with the OPA’s financial assurance and other operating requirements will not have a material impact on our operations or financial condition.

 

Water Discharges.  The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, also known as the Clean Water Act, imposes restrictions and controls on the discharge of produced waters and other oil and gas pollutants into navigable waters. These controls have become more stringent over the years, and it is possible that additional restrictions may be imposed in the future. Permits must be obtained to discharge pollutants into state and federal waters. Certain state regulations and the general permits issued under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, program prohibit the discharge of produced waters and sand, drilling fluids, drill cuttings and certain other substances related to the oil and gas industry into certain coastal and offshore waters. The Clean Water Act provides for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of oil and other pollutants, and imposes liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release. Comparable state statutes impose liabilities and authorize penalties in the case of an unauthorized discharge of petroleum or its derivatives, or other pollutants, into state waters.

 

In furtherance of the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) promulgated the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (“SPCC”) regulations, which require facilities that possess certain threshold quantities of oil that could impact navigable waters or adjoining shorelines to prepare SPCC plans and meet specified construction and operating standards. The SPCC regulations were revised in 2002 and required the amendment of SPCC plans before February 18, 2006, if necessary, and required compliance with the implementation of such amended plans by August 18, 2006. This compliance deadline has been extended multiple times and on May 16, 2007 was extended until July 1, 2009. We have SPCC plans and similar contingency plans in place at several of our facilities, and may be required to prepare such plans for additional facilities where a spill or release of oil could reach or impact jurisdictional waters of the United States. We do not anticipate that the revisions to the SPCC regulations will cause a material impact on our operations or financial condition.

 

Air Emissions.  The Federal Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations restrict the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including oil and natural gas operations. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before operations can commence, and existing facilities may be required to obtain additional permits and incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations. We believe that compliance with the Clean Air

Act and analogous state laws and regulations will not have a material impact on our operations or financial condition.

 

Recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases” and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. In response to such studies, the U.S. Congress is actively considering legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, at least 17 states have declined to wait for Congress to develop and implement climate control legislation and have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Also, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on April 2, 2007 in Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA, the EPA must consider whether it is required to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources (e.g., cars and trucks) even if Congress does not adopt new legislation specifically addressing emissions of greenhouse gases. The Court’s holding in Massachusetts that greenhouse gases fall under the Federal Clean Air Act’s definition of “air pollutant” may also result in future regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources under various Clean Air Act programs, including those that may be used in our operations. It is not possible at this time to predict how legislation that may be enacted to address greenhouse gas emissions would impact our business. However, future laws and regulations could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, demand for our operations, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Waste Handling.  The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and analogous state and local laws and regulations govern the management of wastes, including the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. RCRA imposes stringent operating requirements, and liability for failure to meet such requirements, on a person who is either a “generator” or “transporter” of hazardous waste or an “owner” or “operator” of a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility. RCRA specifically excludes from the definition of hazardous waste drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil and natural gas. A similar exemption is contained in many of the state counterparts to RCRA. As a result, we are not required to comply with a substantial portion of RCRA’s requirements because our operations generate minimal quantities of hazardous wastes. However, these wastes may be regulated by EPA or state agencies as solid waste. In addition, ordinary industrial wastes, such as paint wastes, waste solvents, laboratory wastes, and waste compressor oils, may be regulated under RCRA as hazardous waste. We do not believe the current costs of managing our wastes, as they are presently classified, to be significant. However, any repeal or modification of the oil and natural gas exploration and production exemption, or modifications of similar exemptions in analogous state statutes, would increase the volume of hazardous waste we are required to manage and dispose of and would cause us, as well as our competitors, to incur increased operating expenses.

 

Endangered Species Act.  The Endangered Species Act, or ESA, restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA. However, the designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species could cause us to incur additional costs or become subject to operating restrictions or bans in the affected areas.

 

Safety.  The Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, and other similar laws and regulations govern the protection of the health and safety of employees. The OSHA hazard communication standard, EPA community right-to-know regulations under Title III of CERCLA and analogous state statutes require that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local governments and citizens. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with these requirements and with other applicable OSHA requirements.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 276 full-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any labor unions. We have never experienced a work stoppage or strike and we consider relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

 

Insurance Matters

 

Mariner is a member of OIL Insurance, Ltd. (“OIL”), an energy industry insurance cooperative, which provides our primary layer of physical damage and windstorm insurance coverage. Our coverage is subject to

a $10.0 million per-occurrence deductible for our assets and a $250.0 million per-occurrence loss limit. However, if a single event causes losses to all OIL-insured assets in excess of $750.0 million, amounts covered for such losses will be reduced on a pro-rata basis among OIL members.

 

In addition to our primary coverage through OIL, we also maintain commercial “difference in conditions” insurance that would apply (with no additional deductible) once our limits with OIL are exhausted, as well as partial business interruption insurance covering certain of our significant producing fields and certain other fields situated in hurricane prone areas. Our business interruption coverage begins to provide benefits after a 60-day waiting period once the designated field is shut-in due to a covered event and is limited to 35% of the forecast cash flow from each designated property. Our commercial policy expires annually on June 1, and is subject to a general limit of $100.0 million per occurrence and in the case of named windstorms, a combined annual aggregate limit of $100.0 million covering both property damage and business interruption.

 

In 2008, our operations were adversely affected by Hurricane Ike. The hurricane resulted in shut-in and delayed production as well as facility repairs and replacement expenses. We are evaluating the nature and extent of damage resulting from the hurricane. With respect to Hurricane Ike, our OIL coverage has a $10.0 million per occurrence deductible and a $250.0 million per occurrence limit, subject to an industry-wide loss limit per occurrence of $750.0 million. To the extent that aggregate claims exceed the OIL industry-wide loss limit per occurrence, we expect our insurance recovery would be reduced pro-rata with all other competing claims from Hurricane Ike and the shortfall covered by our commercial excess insurance, subject to policy limits.

 

Applicable insurance for our Hurricane Katrina and Rita claims with respect to the Gulf of Mexico assets previously acquired from Forest is provided by OIL. Our coverage for the former Forest properties is subject to a deductible of $5.0 million per occurrence and a $1.0 billion industry-wide loss limit per occurrence. OIL has advised us that the aggregate claims resulting from each of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are expected to exceed the $1.0 billion per occurrence loss limit and that therefore, our insurance recovery is expected to be reduced pro-rata with all other competing claims from the storms. During 2008, we settled our Katrina and Rita claims with our excess insurance providers for a one-time payment of $48.5 million. The insurance coverage for Mariner’s legacy properties is subject to a $3.75 million deductible. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information.

 

Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms

 

The following is a description of the meanings of some of the oil and natural gas industry terms used in this annual report. The definitions of proved developed reserves, proved reserves and proved undeveloped reserves have been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire definitions of those terms can be viewed on the website at http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf. Effective for annual reports on Forms 10-K for years ending on or after December 31, 2009, certain definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a) will be revised to reflect the SEC’s adoption of its final rule on the Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for more information.

 

3-D seismic data.  (Three-Dimensional Seismic Data) Geophysical data that depicts the subsurface strata in three dimensions. 3-D seismic data typically provides a more detailed and accurate interpretation of the subsurface strata than two dimensional seismic data.

 

Appraisal well.  A well drilled several spacing locations away from a producing well to determine the boundaries or extent of a productive formation and to establish the existence of additional reserves.

 

Bbl.  One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

 

Bcf.  Billion cubic feet of natural gas.

 

Bcfe.  Billion cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

Block.  A block depicted on the Outer Continental Shelf Leasing and Official Protraction Diagrams issued by the MMS or a similar depiction on official protraction or similar diagrams issued by a state bordering on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Boe.  Barrels of oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.

 

Btu or British Thermal Unit.  The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

 

Completion.  The installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.

 

Condensate.  Liquid hydrocarbons associated with the production of a primarily natural gas reserve.

 

Conventional shelf well.  A well drilled on the outer continental shelf to subsurface depths above 15,000 feet.

 

Deep shelf well.  A well drilled on the outer continental shelf to subsurface depths below 15,000 feet.

 

Deepwater.  Depths greater than 1,300 feet (the approximate depth of deepwater designation by the MMS).

 

Developed acreage.  The number of acres that are allocated or assignable to productive wells or wells capable of production.

 

Development costs.  Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas. This definition of development costs has been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire definition of this term can be viewed on the website at http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf.

 

Development well.  A well drilled within the proved boundaries of an oil or natural gas reservoir with the intention of completing the stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

 

Differential.  An adjustment to the price of oil or gas from an established spot market price to reflect differences in the quality and/or location of oil or gas.

 

Dry hole.  A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceed production expenses and taxes.

 

Dry hole costs.  Costs incurred in drilling a well, assuming a well is not successful, including plugging and abandonment costs.

 

Exploitation.  Ordinarily considered to be a form of development within a known reservoir.

 

Exploration costs.  Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells. This definition of exploratory costs has been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire definition of this term can be viewed on the website at http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf.

 

Exploratory well.  A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas reserves not classified as proved, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir or to extend a known reservoir.

 

Farm-in or farm-out.  An agreement under which the owner of a working interest in an oil or gas lease assigns the working interest or a portion of the working interest to another party who desires to drill on the leased acreage. Generally, the assignee is required to drill one or more wells in order to earn its interest in the acreage. The assignor usually retains a royalty or reversionary interest in the lease. The interest received by an assignee is a “farm-in” while the interest transferred by the assignor is a “farm-out.”

 

Field.  An area consisting of either a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs, all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.

 

Gas.  Natural gas.

Gross acres or gross wells.  The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.

 

Lease operating expenses.  The expenses of lifting oil or gas from a producing formation to the surface, and the transportation and marketing thereof, constituting part of the current operating expenses of a working interest, and also including labor, superintendence, supplies, repairs, short-lived assets, maintenance, allocated overhead costs, ad valorem taxes and other expenses incidental to production, but not including lease acquisition or drilling or completion expenses.

 

Mbbls.  Thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

 

Mcf.  Thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

 

Mcfe.  Thousand cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

 

MMBls.  Million barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

 

MMBtu.  Million British Thermal Units.

 

MMcf.  Million cubic feet of natural gas.

 

MMcfe.  Million cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

 

MMS.  Minerals Management Service of the United States Department of the Interior.

 

Net acres or net wells.  The sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or wells.

 

Net revenue interest.  An interest in all oil and natural gas produced and saved from, or attributable to, a particular property, net of all royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, carried interests, reversionary interests and any other burdens to which the person’s interest is subject.

 

Operator.  The individual or company responsible for the exploration and/or exploitation and/or production of an oil or gas well or lease.

 

Payout.  Generally refers to the recovery by the incurring party to an agreement of its costs of drilling, completing, equipping and operating a well before another party’s participation in the benefits of the well commences or is increased to a new level.

 

Plugging and abandonment.  Refers to the sealing off of fluids in the strata penetrated by a well so that the fluids from one stratum will not escape into another or to the surface. Regulations of many states require plugging of abandoned wells.

 

PV10 or present value of estimated future net revenues.  An estimate of the present value of the estimated future net revenues from proved oil and gas reserves at a date indicated after deducting estimated production and ad valorem taxes, future capital costs and operating expenses, but before deducting any estimates of federal income taxes. The estimated future net revenues are discounted at an annual rate of 10%, in accordance with the SEC’s practice, to determine their “present value.” The present value is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of the revenue stream and should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties. Estimates of future net revenues are made using oil and natural gas prices and operating costs at the date indicated and held constant for the life of the reserves.

 

Productive well.  A well that is found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceed production expenses and taxes.

 

Prospect.  A specific geographic area, which based on supporting geological, geophysical or other data and also preliminary economic analysis using reasonably anticipated prices and costs, is deemed to have potential for the discovery of commercial hydrocarbons.

 

Proved developed non-producing reserves.  Proved developed reserves expected to be recovered from zones behind casing in existing wells.

 

Proved developed producing reserves.  Proved developed reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals currently open in existing wells and capable of production to market.

Proved developed reserves.  Proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. This definition of proved developed reserves has been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire definition of this term can be viewed on the website at http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf.

 

Proved reserves.  The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. This definition of proved reserves has been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire definition of this term can be viewed on the website at http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf.

 

Proved undeveloped reserves.  Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. This definition of proved undeveloped reserves has been abbreviated from the applicable definitions contained in Rule 4-10(a)(2-4) of Regulation S-X. The entire term definition can be viewed at website http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-x.pdf.

 

Recompletion.  The completion for production in an existing well bore to another formation from that which the well has been previously completed.

 

Reservoir.  A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

Shelf.  Areas in the Gulf of Mexico with depths less than 1,300 feet. Our shelf area and operations also includes a small amount of properties and operations in the onshore and bay areas of the Gulf Coast.

 

Subsea tieback.  A method of completing a productive well by connecting its wellhead equipment located on the sea floor by means of control umbilical and flow lines to an existing production platform located in the vicinity.

 

Subsea trees.  Wellhead equipment installed on the ocean floor.

 

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.  The standardized measure represents value-based information about an enterprise’s proved oil and gas reserves based on estimates of future cash flows, including income taxes, from production of proved reserves assuming continuation of year-end economic and operating conditions.

 

Undeveloped acreage.  Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil or gas regardless of whether or not such acreage contains proved reserves.

 

Working interest.  The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and receive a share of production.

 

 

Risks Relating to the Oil and Natural Gas Industry and to Our Business

 

The recent worldwide financial and credit crisis could lead to an extended worldwide economic recession and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.

 

The recent worldwide financial and credit crisis has reduced the availability of liquidity and credit to fund the continuation and expansion of industrial business operations worldwide. The shortage of liquidity and credit combined with recent substantial losses in worldwide equity markets could lead to an extended worldwide economic recession. A recession or slowdown in economic activity would likely reduce worldwide demand for energy and result in lower oil and natural gas prices, which could materially adversely affect our profitability and results of operations.

 

In addition, the economic crisis may adversely affect our liquidity. We may be unable to obtain adequate funding under our bank credit facility because our lending counterparties may be unwilling or unable to meet their funding obligations, or because our borrowing base under the facility may be decreased as the result of a redetermination, reducing it due to lower oil or natural gas prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves or

other reasons. If funding is not available as needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to implement our business strategies or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.

 

Oil and natural gas prices are volatile, and a decline in oil and natural gas prices would reduce our revenues, profitability and cash flow and impede our growth.

 

Our revenues, profitability and cash flow depend substantially upon the prices and demand for oil and natural gas. The markets for these commodities are volatile and even relatively modest drops in prices can affect significantly our financial results and impede our growth. Oil and natural gas prices increased to, and then declined significantly from, historical highs in 2008 and may fluctuate and decline significantly in the near future. Prices for oil and natural gas fluctuate in response to relatively minor changes in the supply and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond our control, such as:

 

 

Further, oil prices and natural gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relationship to each other. To the extent that oil or natural gas comprises more than 50% of our production or estimated proved reserves, our financial results may be more sensitive to movements in prices of that commodity. Lower oil and natural gas prices may not only decrease our revenues on a per unit basis, but also may reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically. This may result in our having to make substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 1. Business — Estimated Proved Reserves.” In addition, we may, from time to time, enter into long-term contracts based upon our reasoned expectations for commodity price levels. If commodity prices subsequently decrease significantly for a sustained period, we may be unable to perform our obligations or otherwise breach the contract and be liable for damages.

 

Reserve estimates depend on many assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate. Any material inaccuracies in these reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will affect materially the quantities and present value of our reserves, which may lower our bank borrowing base and reduce our access to capital.

 

Estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex and inherently imprecise. It requires interpretation of the available technical data and making many assumptions about future conditions, including price and other economic conditions. In preparing estimates we project production rates and timing of development expenditures. We also analyze the available geological, geophysical, production and engineering data. The extent, quality and reliability of this data can vary. This process also requires economic assumptions about matters such as oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves most likely will vary from our estimates, perhaps significantly. In addition, we may adjust estimates of proved reserves to reflect production history, results of exploration and development, prevailing oil and natural gas prices and other factors, many of

which are beyond our control. At December 31, 2008, approximately 30% of our estimated proved reserves were proved undeveloped.

 

If the interpretations or assumptions we use in arriving at our estimates prove to be inaccurate, the amount of oil and natural gas that we ultimately recover may differ materially from the estimated quantities and net present value of reserves shown in this report. See “Item 1. Business — Estimated Proved Reserves” for information about our oil and gas reserves.

 

In estimating future net revenues from estimated proved reserves, we assume that future prices and costs are fixed and apply a fixed discount factor. If any such assumption or the discount factor is materially inaccurate, our revenues, profitability and cash flow could be materially less than our estimates.

 

The present value of future net revenues from our estimated proved reserves referred to in this report is not necessarily the actual current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, we base the estimated discounted future net cash flows from our estimated proved reserves on fixed prices and costs as of the date of the estimate. Actual future prices and costs fluctuate over time and may differ materially from those used in the present value estimate.

 

The timing of both the production and expenses from the development and production of oil and natural gas properties will affect both the timing of actual future net cash flows from our estimated proved reserves and their present value. In addition, the 10% discount factor that we use to calculate the net present value of future net cash flows for reporting purposes in accordance with SEC rules may not necessarily be the most appropriate discount factor. The effective interest rate at various times and the risks associated with our business or the oil and natural gas industry, in general, will affect the appropriateness of the 10% discount factor in arriving at an accurate net present value of future net cash flows.

 

If oil and natural gas prices decrease, we may be required to write-down the carrying value and/or the estimates of total reserves of our oil and natural gas properties.

 

Accounting rules applicable to us require that we review periodically the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment. Based on specific market factors and circumstances at the time of prospective impairment reviews and the continuing evaluation of development plans, production data, economics and other factors, we may be required to write-down the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties. A write-down constitutes a non-cash charge to earnings. At December 31, 2008, the net capitalized cost of our proved oil and gas properties exceeded the ceiling limit and we recorded a non-cash ceiling test impairment of $575.6 million during the fourth quarter. Refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Oil and Gas Properties,” and “Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our use of the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties and its impact at December 31, 2008. We may incur other non-cash charges in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period taken. We may also reduce our estimates of the reserves that may be economically recovered, which could have the effect of reducing the value of our reserves.

 

We need to replace our reserves at a faster rate than companies whose reserves have longer production periods. Our failure to replace our reserves would result in decreasing reserves and production over time.

 

Unless we conduct successful exploration and development activities or acquire properties containing proven reserves, our estimated proved reserves will decline as reserves are depleted. Producing oil and natural gas reserves are generally characterized by declining production rates that vary depending on reservoir characteristics and other factors. High production rates generally result in recovery of a relatively higher percentage of reserves from properties during the initial few years of production. A significant portion of our current operations are conducted in the Gulf of Mexico. Production from reserves in the Gulf of Mexico generally declines more rapidly than reserves from reservoirs in other producing regions. As a result, our need to replace reserves from new investments is relatively greater than those of producers who produce their reserves over a longer time period, such as those producers whose reserves are located in areas where the rate of reserve production is lower. If we are not able to find, develop or acquire additional reserves to replace our

current and future production, our production rates will decline even if we drill the undeveloped locations that were included in our estimated proved reserves. Our future oil and natural gas reserves and production, and therefore our cash flow and income, are dependent on our success in economically finding or acquiring new reserves and efficiently developing our existing reserves.

 

Approximately 50% of our total estimated proved reserves are either developed non-producing or undeveloped and those reserves may not ultimately be produced or developed.

 

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 20% of our total estimated proved reserves were developed non-producing and approximately 30% were undeveloped. These reserves may not ultimately be developed or produced. Furthermore, not all of our undeveloped or developed non-producing reserves may be ultimately produced during the time periods we have planned, at the costs we have budgeted, or at all, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Any production problems related to our Gulf of Mexico properties could reduce our revenue, profitability and cash flow materially.

 

A substantial portion of our exploration and production activities is located in the Gulf of Mexico. This concentration of activity makes us more vulnerable than some other industry participants to the risks associated with the Gulf of Mexico, including delays and increased costs relating to adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes, which are common in the Gulf of Mexico during certain times of the year, drilling rig and other oilfield services and compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations.

 

Our exploration and development activities may not be commercially successful.

 

Exploration activities involve numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be discovered. In addition, the future cost and timing of drilling, completing and producing wells is often uncertain. Furthermore, drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including:

 

 

If any of these factors were to occur with respect to a particular project, we could lose all or a part of our investment in the project, or we could fail to realize the expected benefits from the project, either of which could materially and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

 

Our exploratory drilling projects are based in part on seismic data, which is costly and cannot ensure the commercial success of the project.

 

Our decisions to purchase, explore, develop and exploit prospects or properties depend in part on data obtained through geophysical and geological analyses, production data and engineering studies, the results of which are often uncertain. Even when used and properly interpreted, 3-D seismic data and visualization techniques only assist geoscientists and geologists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators. 3-D seismic data do not enable an interpreter to conclusively determine whether hydrocarbons are present or producible economically. In addition, the use of 3-D seismic and other advanced technologies may require greater predrilling expenditures than other drilling strategies. Because of these factors, we could incur losses as a result of exploratory drilling expenditures. Poor results from exploration activities could have a material adverse effect on our future cash flows, ability to replace reserves and results of operations.

Oil and gas drilling and production involve many business and operating risks, any one of which could reduce our levels of production, cause substantial losses or prevent us from realizing profits.

 

Our business is subject to all of the operating risks associated with drilling for and producing oil and natural gas, including:

 

 

If any of these events occurs, we could incur substantial losses as a result of injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties, suspension of our operations and repairs to resume operations.

 

Our offshore operations involve special risks that could increase our cost of operations and adversely affect our ability to produce oil and natural gas.

 

Offshore operations are subject to a variety of operating risks specific to the marine environment, such as capsizing, collisions and damage or loss from hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions. These conditions can cause substantial damage to facilities and interrupt production. As a result, we could incur substantial liabilities that could reduce or eliminate the funds available for exploration, development or leasehold acquisitions, or result in loss of equipment and properties.

 

Exploration for oil or natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater generally involves greater operational and financial risks than exploration on the shelf. Deepwater drilling generally requires more time and more advanced drilling technologies, involving a higher risk of technological failure and usually higher drilling costs. Moreover, deepwater projects often lack proximity to the physical and oilfield service infrastructure present in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, necessitating significant capital investment in subsea flow line infrastructure. Subsea tieback production systems require substantial time and the use of advanced and very sophisticated installation equipment supported by remotely operated vehicles. These operations may encounter mechanical difficulties and equipment failures that could result in significant cost overruns. As a result, a significant amount of time and capital must be invested before we can market the associated oil or natural gas, increasing both the financial and operational risk involved with these operations. Because of the lack and high cost of infrastructure, some reserve discoveries in the deepwater may never be produced economically. See “Item 1. Business — Properties — Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about our use of tieback technology.

 

Our hedging transactions may not protect us adequately from fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices and may limit future potential gains from increases in commodity prices or result in losses.

 

We typically enter into hedging arrangements pertaining to a substantial portion of our expected future production in order to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices and to achieve more predictable cash flow. These financial arrangements typically take the form of price swap contracts and costless collars. Hedging arrangements expose us to the risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including situations when the other party to the hedging contract defaults on its contract or production is less than

expected. During periods of high commodity prices, hedging arrangements may limit significantly the extent to which we can realize financial gains from such higher prices. Our hedging arrangements reduced the benefit we received from increases in oil and natural gas prices by approximately $100.8 million in 2008. Although we currently maintain an active hedging program, we may choose not to engage in hedging transactions in the future. As a result, we may be affected adversely during periods of declining oil and natural gas prices.

 

Counterparty contract default could have an adverse effect on us.

 

Our revenues are generated under contracts with various counterparties. Results of operations would be adversely affected as a result of non-performance by any of these counterparties of their contractual obligations under the various contracts. A counterparty’s default or non-performance could be caused by factors beyond our control such as a counterparty experiencing credit default. A default could occur as a result of circumstances relating directly to the counterparty, such as defaulting on its credit obligations, or due to circumstances caused by other market participants having a direct or indirect relationship with the counterparty. Defaults by counterparties may occur from time to time, and this could negatively impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

 

Properties we acquire may not produce as projected, and we may be unable to determine reserve potential, identify liabilities associated with the properties or obtain protection from sellers against such liabilities.

 

Properties we acquire may not produce as expected, may be in an unexpected condition and may subject us to increased costs and liabilities, including environmental liabilities. The reviews we conduct of acquired properties, prior to acquisition, are not capable of identifying all potential adverse conditions. Generally, it is not feasible to review in depth every individual property involved in each acquisition. Ordinarily, we will focus our review efforts on the higher value properties or properties with known adverse conditions and will sample the remainder. However, even a detailed review of records and properties may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems or permit a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their condition, any deficiencies, and development potential. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and environmental problems, such as ground water contamination, are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken.

 

Market conditions or transportation impediments may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay our production.

 

Market conditions, the unavailability of satisfactory oil and natural gas transportation or the remote location of our drilling operations may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay our production. The availability of a ready market for our oil and natural gas production depends on a number of factors, including the demand for and supply of oil and natural gas and the proximity of reserves to pipelines or trucking and terminal facilities. In deepwater operations, the availability of a ready market depends on the proximity of, and our ability to tie into, existing production platforms owned or operated by others and the ability to negotiate commercially satisfactory arrangements with the owners or operators. We may be required to shut in wells or delay initial production for lack of a market or because of inadequacy or unavailability of pipeline or gathering system capacity. When that occurs, we are unable to realize revenue from those wells until the production can be tied to a gathering system. This can result in considerable delays from the initial discovery of a reservoir to the actual production of the oil and natural gas and realization of revenues.

 

The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies or personnel could affect adversely our ability to execute on a timely basis our exploration and development plans within budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Increased drilling activity periodically results in service cost increases and shortages in drilling rigs, personnel, equipment and supplies in certain areas. Shortages in availability or the high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies or personnel could delay or affect adversely our exploration and development operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Increases in drilling activity in the United States or the Gulf of Mexico could exacerbate this situation.

Competition in the oil and natural gas industry is intense and many of our competitors have resources that are greater than ours, giving them an advantage in evaluating and obtaining properties and prospects.

 

We operate in a highly competitive environment for acquiring prospects and productive properties, marketing oil and natural gas and securing equipment and trained personnel. Many of our competitors are major and large independent oil and natural gas companies and possess and employ financial, technical and personnel resources substantially greater than ours. Those companies may be able to develop and acquire more prospects and productive properties than our financial or personnel resources permit. Our ability to acquire additional prospects and discover reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. Also, there is substantial competition for capital available for investment in the oil and natural gas industry. Larger competitors may be better able to withstand sustained periods of unsuccessful drilling and absorb the burden of changes in laws and regulations more easily than we can, which would adversely affect our competitive position. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future in acquiring prospective reserves, developing reserves, marketing hydrocarbons, attracting and retaining quality personnel and raising additional capital.

 

Financial difficulties encountered by our farm-out partners, working interest owners or third-party operators could adversely affect our ability to timely complete the exploration and development of our prospects.

 

From time to time, we enter into farm-out agreements to fund a portion of the exploration and development costs of our prospects. Moreover, other companies operate some of the other properties in which we have an ownership interest. Liquidity and cash flow problems encountered by our partners and co-owners of our properties may lead to a delay in the pace of drilling or project development that may be detrimental to a project. In addition, our farm-out partners and working interest owners may be unwilling or unable to pay their share of the costs of projects as they become due. In the case of a farm-out partner, we may have to obtain alternative funding in order to complete the exploration and development of the prospects subject to the farm-out agreement. In the case of a working interest owner, we may be required to pay the working interest owner’s share of the project costs. We cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain the capital necessary in order to fund either of these contingencies.

 

We cannot control the timing or scope of drilling and development activities on properties we do not operate, and therefore we may not be in a position to control the associated costs or the rate of production of the reserves.

 

Other companies operate some of the properties in which we have an interest. As a result, we have a limited ability to exercise influence over operations for these properties or their associated costs. Our dependence on the operator and other working interest owners for these projects and our limited ability to influence operations and associated costs could materially adversely affect the realization of our targeted returns on capital in drilling or acquisition activities. The success and timing of drilling and development activities on properties operated by others therefore depend upon a number of factors that are outside of our control, including timing and amount of capital expenditures, the operator’s expertise and financial resources, approval of other participants in drilling wells and selection of technology.

 

Compliance with environmental and other government regulations could be costly and could affect production negatively.

 

Exploration for and development, production and sale of oil and natural gas in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. We may be required to make large expenditures to comply with these environmental and other requirements. Matters subject to regulation include, among others, environmental assessment prior to development, discharge and emission permits for drilling and production operations, drilling bonds, and reports concerning operations and taxation.

 

Under these laws and regulations, and also common law causes of action, we could be liable for personal injuries, property damage, oil spills, discharge of pollutants and hazardous materials, remediation and clean-up

costs and other environmental damages. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations or to obtain or comply with required permits may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to remedial obligations, as well as administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Moreover, these laws and regulations could change in ways that substantially increase our costs. We cannot predict how agencies or courts will interpret existing laws and regulations, whether additional or more stringent laws and regulations will be adopted or the effect these interpretations and adoptions may have on our business or financial condition. For example, the OPA imposes a variety of regulations on “responsible parties” related to the prevention of oil spills. The implementation of new, or the modification of existing, environmental laws or regulations promulgated pursuant to the OPA could have a material adverse impact on us. Further, Congress or the MMS could decide to limit exploratory drilling or natural gas production in additional areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Accordingly, any of these liabilities, penalties, suspensions, terminations or regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 1. Business — Regulation” for more information on our regulatory and environmental matters.

 

Compliance with MMS regulations could significantly delay or curtail our operations or require us to make material expenditures, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

A significant portion of our operations are located on federal oil and natural gas leases that are administered by the MMS. As an offshore operator, we must obtain MMS approval for our exploration, development and production plans prior to commencing such operations. The MMS has promulgated regulations that, among other things, require us to meet stringent engineering and construction specifications, restrict the flaring or venting of natural gas, govern the plug and abandonment of wells located offshore and the installation and removal of all production facilities and govern the calculation of royalties and the valuation of crude oil produced from federal leases.

 

Our insurance may not fully protect us against our business and operating risks.

 

We maintain insurance for some, but not all, of the potential risks and liabilities associated with our business. For some risks, we may not obtain insurance if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. As a result of the losses sustained in 2005 from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and in 2008 from Hurricane Ike, as well as other factors affecting market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies, including windstorm insurance, have increased substantially. In some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. As a result, we may not be able to renew our existing insurance policies or procure other desirable insurance on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

 

Although we maintain insurance at levels that we believe are appropriate and consistent with industry practice, we are not fully insured against all risks, including drilling and completion risks that are generally not recoverable from third parties or insurance. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Losses and liabilities from uninsured and underinsured events and delay in the payment of insurance proceeds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we have not yet been able to determine the full extent of our insurance recovery and the net cost to us resulting from the hurricanes. See “Item 1. Business — Insurance Matters” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information.

 

Risks Relating to Significant Acquisitions and Other Strategic Transactions

 

The evaluation and integration of significant acquisitions may be difficult.

 

We periodically evaluate acquisitions of reserves, properties, prospects and leaseholds and other strategic transactions that appear to fit within our overall business strategy. Significant acquisitions and other strategic transactions may involve many risks, including:

 

 

 

The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of our business. Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our business. If our senior management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could suffer.

 

If we fail to realize the anticipated benefits of a significant acquisition, our results of operations may be lower than we expect.

 

The success of a significant acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated growth opportunities from combining the acquired assets or operations with those of ours. Even if a combination is successful, it may not be possible to realize the full benefits we may expect in estimated proved reserves, production volume, cost savings from operating synergies or other benefits anticipated from an acquisition or realize these benefits within the expected time frame. Anticipated benefits of an acquisition may be offset by operating losses relating to changes in commodity prices, or in oil and natural gas industry conditions, or by risks and uncertainties relating to the exploratory prospects of the combined assets or operations, or an increase in operating or other costs or other difficulties. If we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate from an acquisition, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Financing and other liabilities of a significant acquisition may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations or be dilutive to stockholders.

 

Future significant acquisitions and other strategic transactions could result in our incurring additional debt, contingent liabilities and expenses, all of which could decrease our liquidity or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. In addition, an issuance of securities in connection with such transactions could dilute or lessen the rights of our current common stockholders.

 

Risks Relating to Financings

 

We will require additional capital to fund our future activities. If we fail to obtain additional capital, we may not be able to implement fully our business plan, which could lead to a decline in reserves.

 

We may require financing beyond our cash flow from operations to fully execute our business plan. Historically, we have financed our business plan and operations primarily with internally generated cash flow, bank borrowings, proceeds from the sale of oil and natural gas properties, exploration arrangements with other parties, the issuance of debt securities, privately raised equity and borrowings from affiliates. In the future, we will require substantial capital to fund our business plan and operations. We expect to meet our needs from one or more of our excess cash flow, debt financings and equity offerings. Sufficient capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain additional capital resources, we may curtail our drilling, development and other activities or be forced to sell some of our assets on unfavorable terms.

 

The issuance of additional debt would require that a portion of our cash flow from operations be used for the payment of interest on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate requirements, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other competitors. Additionally, if revenues decrease as a result of lower oil or natural gas prices, operating difficulties or declines in reserves, our ability to obtain the capital necessary to undertake or complete future exploration and development programs and to pursue other opportunities may be limited. This could also result in a curtailment of our operations relating to exploration and development of our prospects, which in turn could result in a decline in our oil and natural gas reserves.

We may not be able to generate enough cash flow to meet our debt obligations.

 

We expect our earnings and cash flow to vary significantly from year to year due to price volatility. As a result, the amount of debt that we can manage, in some periods, may not be appropriate for us in other periods. Additionally, our future cash flow may be insufficient to meet our debt obligations and commitments, including the notes. Any insufficiency could negatively impact our business. A range of economic, competitive, business and industry factors will affect our future financial performance and, as a result, our ability to generate cash flow from operations and to pay our debt. Many of these factors, such as oil and natural gas prices, economic and financial conditions in our industry and the global economy or competitive initiatives of our competitors, are beyond our control.

 

Our debt level and the covenants in the agreements governing our debt could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our debt obligations.

 

Our level of indebtedness and the covenants contained in the agreements governing our debt could have important consequences for our operations, including:

 

 

We may be required to repay all or a portion of our debt on an accelerated basis in certain circumstances. If we fail to comply with the covenants and other restrictions in the agreements governing our debt, it could lead to an event of default and the consequent acceleration of our obligation to repay outstanding debt. Our ability to comply with these covenants and other restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic and financial conditions.

 

In addition, under the terms of our bank credit facility and the indentures governing our two series of senior unsecured notes, we must comply with certain financial covenants, including current asset and total debt ratio requirements under the bank credit facility. Our ability to comply with these covenants in future periods will depend on our ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn will be subject to general economic conditions and financial, market and competitive factors, in particular the selling prices for our products and our ability to successfully implement our overall business strategy.

 

The breach of any of the covenants in the indentures or the bank credit facility could result in a default under the applicable agreement or a cross default under each agreement, which would permit the applicable lenders or noteholders, as the case may be, to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. We may not have sufficient funds to make such payments. If we are unable to repay our debt out of cash on hand, we could attempt to refinance such debt, sell assets or repay such debt with the proceeds from an equity offering. We cannot assure that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on our debt or those future borrowings, equity financings or proceeds from the sale of assets will be available to pay or refinance such debt. The terms of our debt, including our

bank credit facility, may also prohibit us from taking such actions. Factors that will affect our ability to raise cash through an offering of our capital stock, a refinancing of our debt or a sale of assets include financial market conditions, the value of our assets and our operating performance at the time of such offering or other financing. We cannot assure that any such offerings, refinancing or sale of assets could be successfully completed.

 

 

None.

 

 

See “Item 1. Business” for discussion of oil and gas properties and locations.

 

We have offices in Houston and Midland, Texas and Lafayette, Louisiana. As of December 31, 2008, our leases covered approximately 94,226 square feet, 6,580 square feet and 14,376 square feet of office space in Houston, Midland and Lafayette, respectively. The leases run through October 31, 2018, October 31, 2011 and September 30, 2013 in Houston, Midland and Lafayette, respectively. The total annual costs of our leases for 2008 were approximately $2.1 million.

 

 

Mariner and its subsidiary, Mariner Energy Resources, Inc. (“MERI”), own numerous properties in the Gulf of Mexico. Certain of such properties were leased from the MMS subject to the RRA. Section 304 of the RRA relieves lessees of the obligation to pay royalties on certain leases until after a designated volume has been produced. Four of these leases held by Mariner and two held by MERI that are producing or have produced contain lease language (inserted by the MMS) that conditions royalty relief on commodity prices remaining below specified thresholds. Since 2000, commodity prices have exceeded some of the predetermined thresholds, except in 2002. In May 2006 and September 2008, the MMS issued orders asserting that the price thresholds had been exceeded in calendar years 2000, 2001, and each of the years from 2003 through 2007, and, accordingly, that royalties were due under such leases on oil and gas produced in those years. The potential liability of MERI under its leases relate to production from the leases commencing July 1, 2005, the effective date of Mariner’s acquisition of MERI. Mariner and MERI believe that the MMS did not have the statutory authority to include commodity price threshold language in the leases governed by Section 304 of the RRA and accordingly have withheld payment of royalties. Mariner and MERI have challenged the MMS’s authority in pending administrative appeals for those leases for which the MMS has issued orders to pay.

 

The enforceability of the price threshold provisions in leases granted pursuant to Section 304 of the RRA is currently being litigated in several administrative appeals filed by other companies in addition to Mariner, as well as in Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corp. v. Allred, No. 08-30069 (5th Cir.). In the Kerr-McGee litigation, the district court in the Western District of Louisiana granted Kerr-McGee’s motion for summary judgment, ruling that the price threshold provisions are unlawful and unenforceable under Section 304 of the RRA. Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corp. v. Allred, No. 2:06 CV 0439 (W.D. La.) (Mem. Ruling filed Oct. 30, 2007). The Department of the Interior appealed that judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. On January 12, 2009, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment that the price provisions are unlawful based on Section 304 of the RRA. Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corp. v. U.S. Dep’t of Interior,   F.3d  , 2009 WL 57883 (5th Cir. Jan. 12, 2009). Until the appeals process is complete, we will continue to monitor the case. Given the judicial history of the case, we determined that as of December 31, 2008, we no longer will record a liability for our estimated exposure to the MMS on our leases granted pursuant to Section 304 of the RRA. At December 31, 2008, this liability would have been $57.3 million, including interest. In addition, as of December 31, 2008, we began including in our estimated proved reserves those reserves attributable to these RRA Section 304 leases which, at December 31, 2008, was approximately 18.1 Bcfe.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we are a claimant and/or a defendant in various legal proceedings, including proceedings as to which we have insurance coverage and those that may involve the filing of liens against us or our assets. We do not consider our exposure in these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to be material.

 

Not applicable.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The following table sets forth the names, ages (as of February 20, 2009) and titles of the individuals who are executive officers of Mariner. All executive officers hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

 

 

Scott D. Josey — Mr. Josey has served as Chairman of the Board since August 2001. Mr. Josey was appointed Chief Executive Officer in October 2002 and President in February 2005. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Josey served as Vice President of Enron North America Corp. and co-managed its Energy Capital Resources group. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Josey provided investment banking services to the oil and gas industry and portfolio management services. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Josey was a Director with Enron Capital & Trade Resources Corp. in its energy investment group. From 1982 to 1993, Mr. Josey worked in all phases of drilling, production, pipeline, corporate planning and commercial activities at Texas Oil and Gas Corp. Mr. Josey is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Independent Producers Association of America.

 

Dalton F. Polasek — Mr. Polasek was appointed Chief Operating Officer in February 2005. From April 2004 to February 2005, Mr. Polasek served as Executive Vice President — Operations and Exploration. From August 2003 to April 2004, he served as Senior Vice President — Shelf and Onshore. From August 2002 to August 2003, he was Senior Vice President, and from October 2001 to January 2003, he was a consultant to Mariner. Prior to joining Mariner, Mr. Polasek was self employed from February 2001 to October 2001 and served as: Vice President of Gulf Coast Engineering for Basin Exploration, Inc. from 1996 until February 2001; Vice President of Engineering for SMR Energy Income Funds from 1994 to 1996; director of Gulf Coast Acquisitions and Engineering for General Atlantic Resources, Inc. from 1991 to 1994; and manager of planning and business development for Mark Producing Company from 1983 to 1991. He began his career in 1975 as a reservoir engineer for Amoco Production Company. Mr. Polasek is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas, and a member of the Independent Producers Association of America and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

 

John H. Karnes — Mr. Karnes was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in October 2006. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CDX Gas, LLC from July 2006 to August 2006. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Maxxam Inc. from April 2006 to July 2006. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Houston Exploration Company from November 2002 through December 2005. Earlier in his career, he served in senior management roles at several publicly-traded companies, including Encore Acquisition Company, Snyder Oil Corporation and Apache Corporation, practiced law with the national law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, and was employed in various roles in the securities industry.

Mike C. van den Bold — Mr. van den Bold was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Exploration Officer in April 2006 and served as Vice President and Chief Exploration Officer from April 2004 to April 2006. From October 2001 to April 2004, he served as Vice President — Exploration. Mr. van den Bold joined Mariner in July 2000 as Senior Development Geologist. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. van den Bold worked for British-Borneo Oil & Gas plc. He began his career at British Petroleum. Mr. van den Bold has more than 20 years of industry experience. He is a Certified Petroleum Geologist, a Texas Board Certified Geologist and a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

 

Judd A. Hansen — Mr. Hansen was promoted to Senior Vice President — Shelf and Onshore in April 2006 and served as Vice President — Shelf and Onshore from February 2002 to April 2006. From April 2001 to February 2002, Mr. Hansen was self-employed as a consultant. From 1997 until March 2001, Mr. Hansen was employed as Operations Manager of the Gulf Coast Division for Basin Exploration, Inc. From 1991 to 1997, he was employed in various engineering positions at Greenhill Petroleum Corporation, including Senior Production Engineer and Workover/Completion Superintendent. Mr. Hansen started his career with Shell Oil Company in 1978 and has 30 years of experience in conducting operations in the oil and gas industry.

 

Teresa G. Bushman — Ms. Bushman was promoted to Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in April 2006 and served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from June 2003 to April 2006. From 1996 until joining Mariner in 2003, Ms. Bushman was employed by Enron North America Corp., most recently as Assistant General Counsel representing the Energy Capital Resources group, which provided debt and equity financing to the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining Enron, Ms. Bushman was a partner with Jackson Walker, LLP, in Houston.

 

Cory L. Loegering — Mr. Loegering was promoted to Senior Vice President — Deepwater in September 2006 and served as Vice President — Deepwater from August 2002 to September 2006. Mr. Loegering joined Mariner in July 1990 and since 1998 has held various positions including Vice President of Petroleum Engineering and Director of Deepwater development. Mr. Loegering was employed by Tenneco from 1982 to 1988, in various positions including as senior engineer in the economic, planning and analysis group in Tenneco’s corporate offices. Mr. Loegering began his career with Conoco in 1977 and held positions in the construction, production and reservoir departments responsible for Gulf of Mexico production and development. Mr. Loegering has 31 years of experience in the industry.

 

Jesus G. Melendrez — Mr. Melendrez was promoted to Senior Vice President — Corporate Development in April 2006 and served as Vice President — Corporate Development from July 2003 to April 2006. Mr. Melendrez also served as a director of Mariner from April 2000 to July 2003. From February 2000 until July 2003, Mr. Melendrez was a Vice President of Enron North America Corp. in the Energy Capital Resources group where he managed the group’s portfolio of oil and gas investments. He was a Senior Vice President of Trading and Structured Finance with TXU Energy Services from 1997 to 2000, and from 1992 to 1997, Mr. Melendrez was employed by Enron in various commercial positions in the areas of domestic oil and gas financing and international project development. From 1980 to 1992, Mr. Melendrez was employed by Exxon in various reservoir engineering and planning positions.

 

Richard A. Molohon — Mr. Molohon was appointed Vice President — Reservoir Engineering in May 2006. He joined Mariner in January 1995 as a Senior Reservoir Engineer and since then has held various positions in reservoir engineering, economics, acquisitions and dispositions, exploration, development, and planning and basin analysis, including Senior Staff Engineer from January 2000 to January 2004, and Manager, Reserves and Economics from January 2004 to May 2006. Mr. Molohon has more than 30 years of industry experience. He began his career with Amoco Production Company as a Production Engineer from 1977 until 1980. From 1980 to 1991, he was a Project Petroleum Engineer for various subsidiaries of Tenneco, Inc. From 1991 to 1995 he was a Senior Acquisition Engineer for General Atlantic Inc. Mr. Molohon has been a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas since 1983 and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

 

Michael C. McCullough — Mr. McCullough was promoted to Vice President — Acquisitions and Divestitures in February 2008. He served as Manager, Acquisitions/Exploitation from March 2006 to February 2008, and as Senior Reservoir Engineer from May 2004 to March 2006. Mr. McCullough was employed by Basin Exploration, Inc. from 1999 to 2001 and its successor, Stone Energy Corporation, from 2001 to 2004, in general reservoir engineering, lease sales and acquisitions capacities. He has approximately

40 years of industry engineering experience, beginning his career in 1968 as a production engineer with Mobil Oil Corporation.

 

Kenneth E. Moore, Jr. — Mr. Moore was promoted to Vice President — Onshore Land in February 2008. A Certified Professional Landman, he was employed by Mariner in December 2004 as Onshore Business Development Manager and in November 2006, became Manager, Land/Business Development (Onshore). Mr. Moore served Mariner from November 2003 to December 2004 as an independent contractor performing land services through his firm Moore Land & Minerals which provided a full range of land services to various clients in the Texas Gulf Coast and the Permian Basin areas from September 2001 to December 2004. Mr. Moore has almost 35 years of industry land experience, beginning his career in 1974 as a landman with Gulf Oil Corporation.

 

 

Mariner’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ME.” The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sales prices of our common stock for the periods indicated:

 

 

As of February 20, 2009 there were 763 holders of record of our issued and outstanding common stock. We believe that there are significantly more beneficial holders of our stock.

 

We currently intend to retain our earnings for the development of our business and do not expect to pay any cash dividends. We did not pay any cash dividends for fiscal years 2007 or 2008. Refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Bank Credit Facility” and “Note 3. Long-Term Debt” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of certain covenants in our bank credit facility and indentures governing our senior unsecured notes which restrict our ability to pay dividends.

Performance Graph

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return for our common stock to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and a peer group for the period indicated as prescribed by SEC rules. “Cumulative total return” means the change in share price during the measurement period, plus cumulative dividends for the measurement period (assuming dividend reinvestment), divided by the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. The graph assumes $100 was invested on March 3, 2006 (the date on which our common stock began regular way trading on the NYSE) in each of our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s Composite 500 Index and a peer group.

 

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG
MARINER ENERGY, INC., THE S&P 500 INDEX AND A DEFINED PEER GROUP^(1),(2)

 

 

Note: The stock price performance of our common stock is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

 

 

 

The above information under the caption “Performance Graph” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

On March 2, 2004, Mariner’s former indirect parent, Mariner Energy LLC, merged with MEI Acquisitions, LLC, an affiliate of the private equity funds Carlyle/Riverstone Global Energy and Power Fund II, L.P. and ACON Investments LLC (“the Merger”). Prior to the Merger, we were owned indirectly by Enron Corp. As a result of the Merger, we ceased being affiliated with Enron Corp in 2004.

 

The selected financial data table below shows our historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the period from March 3, 2004 through December 31, 2004, and the period from January 1, 2004 through March 2, 2004. The historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, are derived from Mariner’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, and the historical consolidated financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005, and for the periods March 3, 2004 through December 31, 2004 (“Post-2004 Merger”) and January 1, 2004 through March 2, 2004 (“Pre-2004 Merger”), are derived from Mariner’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements that are not included herein. The financial information contained herein is presented in the style of Post-2004 Merger activity and Pre-2004 Merger activity to reflect the impact of the restatement of assets and liabilities to fair value as required by “push-down” purchase accounting at the March 2, 2004 merger date. The application of push-down accounting had no effect on our 2004 results of operations other than immaterial increases in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and interest expense and a related decrease in our provision for income taxes. You should read the following data in connection with “Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, where there is additional disclosure regarding the information in the following table. Mariner’s historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business Overview

 

We are an independent oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company with principal operations in the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 70% of our total estimated proved reserves were classified as proved developed, with approximately 45% of the total estimated proved reserves located in the Permian Basin, 20% in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater and 35% on the Gulf of Mexico shelf.

 

Our revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas and our ability to find, develop and acquire oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable while controlling and reducing costs. The energy markets historically have been very volatile. Oil and natural gas prices increased to, and then declined significantly from, historical highs in 2008 and may fluctuate and decline significantly in the future. Although we attempt to mitigate the impact of price declines and provide for more predictable cash flows through our hedging strategy, a substantial or extended decline in oil and natural gas prices or poor drilling results could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, quantities of natural gas and oil reserves that we can economically produce and our access to capital. Conversely, the use of derivative instruments also can prevent us from realizing the full benefit of upward price movements.

 

The recent worldwide financial and credit crisis has reduced the availability of liquidity and credit to fund the continuation and expansion of industrial business operations worldwide. The shortage of liquidity and credit combined with recent substantial losses in worldwide equity markets could lead to an extended worldwide economic recession. A recession or slowdown in economic activity would likely reduce worldwide demand for energy and result in lower oil and natural gas prices, which could materially adversely affect our profitability and results of operations.

Acquisitions.  On December 19, 2008, we acquired additional working interests in our existing property, Atwater Valley Block 426 (Bass Lite), for approximately $32.6 million, increasing our working interest by 11.6% to 53.8%. We internally estimated proved reserves attributable to the acquisition of approximately 17.6 Bcfe (100% natural gas).

 

On January 31, 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity in a subsidiary of Hydro Gulf of Mexico, Inc. pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement executed on December 23, 2007. The acquired subsidiary, now known as Mariner Gulf of Mexico LLC (“MGOM”), was an indirect subsidiary of StatoilHydro ASA and owns substantially all of its former Gulf of Mexico shelf operations. A summary of these assets and operations as of January 1, 2008 includes:

 

 

We paid approximately $243.0 million for MGOM, subject to customary purchase price adjustments, including $8.0 million for reimbursement of drilling costs attributable to the High Island 166 #5 well.

 

On December 31, 2007, February 29, 2008, and December 1, 2008 we acquired additional working interests in certain of our existing properties in the Spraberry field in the Permian Basin. We internally estimated proved reserves attributable to the December 2007 acquisition of approximately 94.9 Bcfe (75% oil and NGLs), to the February 2008 acquisition of approximately 14.0 Bcfe (65% oil and NGLs) and to the December 2008 acquisition of approximately 13.4 Bcfe (66% oil and NGLs). We operate substantially all of the assets. The purchase prices, subject to customary purchase price adjustments, were approximately $122.5 million for the December 2007 acquisition, $21.7 million for the February 2008 acquisition and $19.4 million for the December 2008 acquisition.

 

On March 2, 2006, a subsidiary of Mariner completed a merger transaction with Forest Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Forest Merger”) pursuant to which Mariner effectively acquired Forest’s Gulf of Mexico operations. Prior to the consummation of the Forest Merger, Forest transferred and contributed the assets and certain liabilities associated with its Gulf of Mexico operations to Forest Energy Resources. Immediately prior to the Forest Merger, Forest distributed all of the outstanding shares of Forest Energy Resources to Forest stockholders on a pro rata basis. Forest Energy Resources then merged with a newly-formed subsidiary of Mariner, became a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Mariner, and changed its name to Mariner Energy Resources, Inc. Immediately following the Forest Merger, approximately 59% of Mariner common stock was held by stockholders of Forest and approximately 41% of Mariner common stock was held by the pre-merger stockholders of Mariner. In the Forest Merger, Mariner issued 50,637,010 shares of common stock to the stockholders of Forest Energy Resources, Inc. Our acquisition of Forest Energy Resources added approximately 298 Bcfe of estimated proved reserves. The Forest Merger has had a significant effect on the comparability of operating and financial results between periods.

Results of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Operating and Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2008
Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007