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Form 8-K CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORP For: Feb 25

February 25, 2015 7:07 AM EST


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 25, 2015
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Oklahoma
 
1-13726
 
73-1395733
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(Commission File No.)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
6100 North Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
73118
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(405) 848-8000
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
*
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
*
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
*
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
*
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))






Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On February 25, 2015, Chesapeake Energy Corporation issued a press release reporting fourth quarter and full year 2014 financial and operational results and its 2015 outlook and capital expenditure program. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The information in the press release is being furnished, not filed, pursuant to Item 2.02. Accordingly, the information in the press release will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by Chesapeake Energy Corporation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
99.1
 
Chesapeake Energy Corporation press release dated February 25, 2015
 
 
 






SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 /s/ JAMES R. WEBB
 
James R. Webb
 
Executive Vice President - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Date:    February 25, 2015






EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
99.1
 
Chesapeake Energy Corporation press release dated February 25, 2015
 
 
 



 
 
Exhibit 99.1
News Release
 
 
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 25, 2015

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION REPORTS FINANCIAL AND
OPERATIONAL RESULTS FOR THE 2014 FULL YEAR AND FOURTH QUARTER; ANNOUNCES 2015 TOTAL PLANNED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
OKLAHOMA CITY, February 25, 2015 – Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK) today reported financial and operational results for the 2014 full year and fourth quarter and announced details of its 2015 Outlook and capital expenditure program. Highlights include:
2014 adjusted net income of $1.49 per fully diluted share and 2014 adjusted ebitda of $4.945 billion
Average 2014 production of approximately 706,000 boe per day, an increase of 9% year over year, adjusted for asset sales
Planned 2015 total capital expenditures ranging from $4.0 to $4.5 billion
Projected 2015 production growth of 3 – 5%, adjusted for asset sales
Doug Lawler, Chesapeake’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “2014 was a year of accomplishments for Chesapeake. Because of these accomplishments and the progress we have made as a company in 2014, Chesapeake is well positioned to remain strong and flexible in 2015. We have taken and continue to take appropriate steps not only to weather the current difficult commodity price environment we face today, but to thrive in it. Chesapeake became a much stronger company in 2014, and we are looking forward to becoming even stronger in 2015.”
2015 Capital Program and Production Outlook
Chesapeake is budgeting total capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) of $4.0 – $4.5 billion for 2015. Using the midpoint of the range, this represents a 26% reduction from the company's 2014 capital expenditures before acquisitions of $5.8 billion, and a 37% reduction from the companys 2014 total capital expenditures of approximately $6.7 billion (reconciled in the "Capital Spending and Cost Overview" section below). The company is targeting 2015 production of 235 – 240 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), or average daily production of 645 – 655 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (mboe), which represents 3 – 5% production growth after adjusting for 2014 asset sales. Of the 2015 projected production, approximately 39 – 40 mmboe is estimated to be crude oil, 1,035 – 1,055 billion cubic feet (bcf) natural gas and 23 – 24 mmboe natural gas liquids (NGL).
Chesapeake plans to operate 35 – 45 rigs in 2015, which represents the company's lowest operated rig activity level since 2004 and a decrease of approximately 38% (using the midpoint of the range) from an average of 64 rigs in 2014. The company intends to spud approximately 790 gross operated wells and connect to sales approximately 800 gross operated wells in 2015, a decrease from approximately 1,175 and 1,150 wells, respectively, in 2014. The table below compares the capital and rig counts allocated to the companys operating areas for 2015 and 2014:


 
 
 
INVESTOR CONTACT:
MEDIA CONTACT:
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
Brad Sylvester, CFA
(405) 935-8870
Gordon Pennoyer
(405) 935-8878
[email protected]
6100 North Western Avenue
P.O. Box 18496
Oklahoma City, OK 73154


 
2015E D&C Capex Allocation
2014 D&C Capex Allocation
2015E Avg. Operated Rigs
2014 Avg. Operated Rigs
Eagle Ford
35%
40%
12 – 14
20
Utica
25%
10%
3 – 5
8
Haynesville
13%
8%
7 – 8
8
Powder River Basin: Niobrara & Upper Cretaceous
10%
5%
3 – 4
4
Mid-Continent North: Mississippian Lime
5%
7%
7 – 8
9
Mid-Continent South
5%
8%
1 – 2
5
Marcellus
5%
11%
1 – 2
5
Other(a)
2%
11%
1 – 2
5
Totals
100%
100%
35 – 45
64

(a)
For 2014, includes Marcellus South, Barnett Shale and exploration wells.
2014 Full-Year Results
For the 2014 full year, Chesapeake reported net income available to common stockholders of $1.273 billion, or $1.87 per fully diluted share. Items typically excluded by securities analysts in their earnings estimates increased net income available to common stockholders for the 2014 full year by approximately $316 million and are presented on Page 14 of this release. The primary component of this increase was unrealized gains on the company's oil and natural gas commodity derivatives, partially offset by the redemption of all the outstanding preferred shares of a subsidiary. Adjusting for these items, 2014 full-year adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $957 million, or $1.49 per fully diluted share, compared to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $965 million, or $1.50 per fully diluted share, in the 2013 full year.
Adjusted ebitda was $4.945 billion for the 2014 full year, compared to $5.016 billion for the 2013 full year. Operating cash flow, which is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities before changes in assets and liabilities, was $5.026 billion for the 2014 full year, compared to $4.958 billion for the 2013 full year.
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders, operating cash flow, ebitda and adjusted ebitda are non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these measures to comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are provided on pages 13 – 17 of this release.
Chesapeake’s daily production for the 2014 full year averaged 706,300 barrels of oil equivalent (boe), a year-over-year increase of 9%, adjusted for asset sales. Average daily production consisted of approximately 115,800 barrels (bbls) of oil, 3.0 bcf of natural gas and 90,500 bbls of NGL. Adjusted for asset sales, 2014 full-year average daily oil production increased 7%, average daily natural gas production increased 6% and average daily NGL production increased 42%.
2014 Fourth Quarter Results
For the 2014 fourth quarter, Chesapeake reported net income available to common stockholders of $586 million, or $0.81 per fully diluted share. Items typically excluded by securities analysts in their earnings






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estimates increased 2014 fourth quarter net income by approximately $552 million on an after-tax basis. The primary component of this increase was unrealized gains on oil and natural gas commodity derivatives. Adjusting for these items, 2014 fourth quarter net income available to common stockholders was $34 million, or $0.11 per fully diluted share, which compares to adjusted net income available to common stockholders of $161 million, or $0.27 per fully diluted share, in the 2013 fourth quarter.
For the 2014 fourth quarter, Chesapeake reported adjusted ebitda of $916 million, compared to $1.132 billion in the 2013 fourth quarter. Operating cash flow was $873 million in the 2014 fourth quarter, compared to $995 million in the 2013 fourth quarter. The quarter-over-quarter decreases in adjusted ebitda and operating cash flow were primarily the result of lower realized oil, natural gas and NGL prices, partially offset by higher production volumes.
Chesapeake’s daily production for the 2014 fourth quarter averaged approximately 729,000 boe, a year-over-year increase of 12%, adjusted for asset sales. Average daily production in the 2014 fourth quarter consisted of approximately 121,200 bbls of oil, 3.1 bcf of natural gas and 97,600 bbls of NGL, which represent year-over-year increases of 7%, 9% and 40% respectively, adjusted for asset sales.
Strategic Transactions and Asset Sales Update
In the 2014 fourth quarter, the company received approximately $5.1 billion of net proceeds from asset sales, most of which was from the sale of certain assets in the southern Marcellus Shale and a portion of the eastern Utica Shale assets that closed in December 2014. Also in the 2014 fourth quarter, the company entered into a new five-year $4.0 billion senior unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility. The new unsecured facility has investment grade-like terms and allowed Chesapeake to release nearly $6.0 billion of proved reserve-based collateral.
Capital Spending and Cost Overview
Chesapeake’s drilling and completion capital expenditures during the 2014 full year were approximately $4.5 billion, and capital expenditures for the acquisition of unproved properties, geological and geophysical costs, and other property, plant and equipment were approximately $669 million, for a total of approximately $5.1 billion, compared to the company’s forecasted range of $5.0 – $5.4 billion. In addition, during 2014 the company invested approximately $499 million to repurchase leased rigs and compressors as part of its strategic initiative to reduce complexity and future commitments, as well as to facilitate asset sales and the spin-off of its oilfield services business. The company also invested approximately $450 million as part of an exchange of properties in the Powder River Basin. Total capital investments, including capitalized interest of $637 million, were approximately $6.7 billion in 2014, compared to approximately $7.8 billion in 2013, and is reconciled below. Chesapeake’s total capital expenditures were approximately $1.8 billion in the 2014 fourth quarter compared to approximately $2.1 billion in the 2013 fourth quarter.
$ in millions
2013
2014
2015
Type of Cost
Q4
FY
Q4
FY
Outlook
Drilling and completion costs
$
1,151

$
5,466

$
1,370

$
4,470

 
Other exploration and development costs and PP&E
478

1,231

252

669

 
Subtotal planned capital spending
$
1,629

$
6,697

$
1,622

$
5,139

$ 3,500 – 4,000
Capitalized interest
182

815

134

637

500
PRB property exchange



450

 
Sale leasebacks
262

266

25

499

 
Total capital spending
$
2,073

$
7,778

$
1,781

$
6,725

$ 4,000 – 4,500
Chesapeake spud a total of 308 gross wells and connected 311 gross wells to sales during the 2014 fourth quarter, compared to 239 gross wells spud and 260 gross wells connected to sales during the 2014 third quarter.
Chesapeake's focus on cost discipline continued to generate reductions in costs associated with production and general and administrative (G&A) expenses. Average production expenses during the 2014 full year

3


were $4.69 per boe, a decrease of 1% year over year. G&A expenses (including stock-based compensation) during the 2014 full year were $1.25 per boe, a decrease of 33% year over year.
Average production expenses during the 2014 fourth quarter were $5.07, an increase of 10% from the 2013 fourth quarter. G&A expenses (including stock-based compensation) during the 2014 fourth quarter were $1.38 per boe, a decrease of 30% from the 2013 fourth quarter.
A summary of the company’s guidance for 2015 is provided in the Outlook dated February 25, 2015, attached to this release as Schedule "A” beginning on Page 18.
Total Proved Reserves
The company's December 31, 2014 proved reserves were 2.469 billion boe, an increase of 5% compared to year-end 2013 before acquisitions and divestitures. In 2014, Chesapeake increased its proved reserves by 448 mmboe for extensions and discoveries and 14 mmboe from acquisitions.  The additions were offset by 362 mmboe as the result of divestitures, 51 mmboe of net negative reserve revisions and production of 258 mmboe.  Chesapeake's proved developed reserves as a percentage of total proved reserves increased to 75% as of December 31, 2014, compared to 68% as of December 31, 2013. Additional information on reserves changes can be found on Page 10.

Operations Update
As described below, Chesapeake continues to improve on its capital efficiency, cycle times and well cost reductions.
Southern Division
Eagle Ford Shale (South Texas): Eagle Ford net production averaged approximately 106 mboe per day (230 gross operated mboe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, an increase of 4% sequentially. The 2014 average completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $6.1 million with an average completed lateral length of 5,900 feet and 19 frac stages, compared to an average completed well cost of $6.9 million in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 5,850 feet and 18 frac stages. Wells in various stages of completion or waiting on pipeline in the area have increased to 158 as of December 31, 2014, compared to 109 wells at December 31, 2013. The average peak production rate of the 123 wells that commenced first production in the Eagle Ford during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 850 boe per day.
Haynesville Shale (Northwest Louisiana): Haynesville Shale net production averaged approximately 592 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (mmcfe) per day (910 gross operated mmcfe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, an increase of 5% sequentially. The 2014 average completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $8.4 million with an average completed lateral length of 4,900 feet and 13 frac stages, compared to an average completed well cost of $8.9 million in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 4,400 feet and 18 frac stages. The average peak production rate of the 18 wells that commenced first production in the Haynesville during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 13.4 mmcfe per day.
Mid-Continent North: Mississippian Lime (Northern Oklahoma): Mississippian Lime net production averaged approximately 28 mboe per day (72 gross operated mboe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, an increase of 4% sequentially. The 2014 average completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $3.1 million with an average completed lateral length of 4,500 feet, compared to an average completed well cost of $3.5 million in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 4,500 feet. The average peak production rate of the 42 wells that commenced first production in the Mississippian Lime during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 730 boe per day.
Northern Division
Utica Shale (Eastern Ohio): Utica net production averaged approximately 100 mboe per day (180 gross operated mboe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, an increase of 17% sequentially. The 2014 average

4


completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $6.6 million with an average completed lateral length of 6,000 feet and 27 frac stages, compared to an average completed well cost of $6.7 million in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 5,150 feet and 17 frac stages. Wells in various stages of completion or waiting on pipeline in the area decreased to 166 as of December 31, 2014, compared to 195 at December 31, 2013. The average peak production rate of the 51 wells that commenced first production in the Utica during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 1,280 boe per day.
Marcellus Shale (Northern Pennsylvania): Northern Marcellus net production averaged approximately 817 mmcfe per day (2.07 gross operated bcfe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, a decrease of 7% sequentially. The 2014 average completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $7.3 million with an average completed lateral length of 5,900 feet and 27 frac stages, compared to an average completed well cost of $7.9 million in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 5,400 feet and 13 frac stages. Wells in various stages of completion or waiting on pipeline in the area increased to 117 as of December 31, 2014, compared to 112 at December 31, 2013. The average peak production rate of the 25 wells that commenced first production in the northern Marcellus during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 15.2 mmcfe per day.
Powder River Basin (PRB): Niobrara and Upper Cretaceous (Wyoming): PRB net production averaged approximately 18 mboe per day (27 gross operated mboe per day) during the 2014 fourth quarter, an increase of 20% sequentially, and, adjusted on an absolute basis to include the property exchange transaction with RKI Exploration & Production, an increase of 29% sequentially. The 2014 average completed well cost (January – October) was approximately $9.1 million per well with an average completed lateral length of 5,100 feet and 18 frac stages, compared to an average completed well cost of $10.1 million per well in 2013 with an average completed lateral length of 5,050 feet and 15 frac stages. Wells in various stages of completion or waiting on pipeline in the area decreased to 38 as of December 31, 2014, compared to 57 wells at December 31, 2013. The average peak production rate of the 13 wells that commenced first production in the Powder River Basin during the 2014 fourth quarter was approximately 1,670 boe per day.

5


Key Financial and Operational Results

The table below summarizes Chesapeake’s key financial and operational results during the 2014 fourth quarter and 2014 full year and compares them to results in prior periods.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Full Year Ended
 
12/31/14
 
09/30/14
 
12/31/13
 
12/31/14
 
12/31/13
Oil equivalent production (in mmboe)
67.1

 
66.8

 
61.2

 
257.8

 
244.4

Oil production (in mmbbls)
11.2

 
10.9

 
10.2

 
42.3

 
41.1

Average realized oil price ($/bbl)(a)
76.40

 
84.81

 
89.58

 
82.76

 
92.53

Oil as % of total production
17

 
16

 
17

 
16

 
17

NGL production (in mmbbls)
9.0

 
8.8

 
5.9

 
33.1

 
20.9

Average realized NGL price ($/bbl)(a)
13.11

 
22.95

 
31.76

 
21.27

 
27.87

NGL as % of total production
13

 
13

 
9

 
13

 
8

Natural gas production (in bcf)
281.6

 
282.0

 
270.5

 
1,095.0

 
1,094.6

Average realized natural gas price ($/mcf)(a)
1.72

 
2.09

 
1.90

 
2.36

 
2.23

Natural gas as % of total production
70

 
71

 
74

 
71

 
75

Production expenses ($/boe) 
(5.07
)
 
(4.47
)
 
(4.62
)
 
(4.69
)
 
(4.74
)
Production taxes ($/boe)
(0.70
)
 
(0.94
)
 
(0.91
)
 
(0.90
)
 
(0.94
)
General and administrative costs ($/boe)(b)
(1.23
)
 
(0.72
)
 
(1.79
)
 
(1.07
)
 
(1.62
)
Stock-based compensation ($/boe)
(0.15
)
 
(0.18
)
 
(0.19
)
 
(0.18
)
 
(0.24
)
DD&A of natural gas and liquids properties ($/boe)
(10.53
)
 
(10.31
)
 
(10.53
)
 
(10.41
)
 
(10.59
)
DD&A of other assets ($/boe)
(0.56
)
 
(0.55
)
 
(1.32
)
 
(0.90
)
 
(1.28
)
Interest expense ($/boe)(a)
(0.56
)
 
(0.16
)
 
(0.86
)
 
(0.63
)
 
(0.65
)
Marketing, gathering and compression net margin ($ in millions)(c)
(39
)
 
(7
)
 
9

 
(11
)
 
98

Oilfield services net margin ($ in millions)(c)

 

 
52

 
115

 
159

Operating cash flow ($ in millions)(d)
873

 
1,293

 
995

 
5,026

 
4,958

Operating cash flow ($/boe)
13.01

 
19.37

 
16.27

 
19.50

 
20.26

Adjusted ebitda ($ in millions)(e)
916

 
1,236

 
1,132

 
4,945

 
5,016

Adjusted ebitda ($/boe)
13.66

 
18.52

 
18.51

 
19.18

 
20.52

Net income available to common stockholders ($ in millions)
586

 
169

 
(159
)
 
1,273

 
474

Earnings per share – diluted ($)
0.81

 
0.26

 
(0.24
)
 
1.87

 
0.73

Adjusted net income available to common stockholders ($ in millions)(f)
34

 
251

 
161

 
957

 
965

Adjusted earnings per share – diluted ($)
0.11

 
0.38

 
0.27

 
1.49

 
1.50


(a)
Includes the effects of realized gains (losses) from hedging, but excludes the effects of unrealized gains (losses) from hedging.
(b)
Excludes expenses associated with stock-based compensation and restructuring and other termination costs.
(c)
Includes revenue and operating expenses and excludes depreciation and amortization of other assets.
(d)
Defined as cash flow provided by operating activities before changes in assets and liabilities.
(e)
Defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, as adjusted to remove the effects of certain items detailed on Page 17.
(f)
Defined as net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted to remove the effects of certain items detailed on Page 14.




6


2014 Full-Year and Fourth Quarter Financial and Operational Results Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss this release has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 9:00 am EST. The telephone number to access the conference call is 913-312-1469 or toll-free 888-601-3877. The passcode for the call is 2873261. We encourage those who would like to participate in the call to place calls between 8:50 and 9:00 am EST. For those unable to participate in the live conference call, a replay will be available for audio playback at 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, and will run through 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. The number to access the conference call replay is 719-457-0820 or toll-free 888-203-1112. The passcode for the replay is 2873261. The conference call will also be webcast live on Chesapeake’s website at www.chk.com and a replay will be available following the call.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK) is the second-largest producer of natural gas and the 11th largest producer of oil and natural gas liquids in the U.S. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the U.S. The company also owns substantial marketing and compression businesses. Further information is available at www.chk.com where Chesapeake routinely posts announcements, updates, events, investor information, presentations and news releases.
This news release and the accompanying Outlook include "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact. They include statements that give our current expectations or forecasts of future events, production, production growth and well connection forecasts, estimates of operating costs, planned development drilling and expected drilling cost reductions, capital expenditures, expected efficiency gains, anticipated asset sales and proceeds to be received therefrom, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, and the assumptions on which such statements are based. Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance they will prove to have been correct. They can be affected by inaccurate or changed assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include those described under "Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K and any updates to those factors set forth in Chesapeake's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K (available at http://www.chk.com/investors/sec-filings).  These risk factors include the volatility of oil, natural gas and NGL prices; write-downs of our oil and natural gas carrying values due to declines in prices; the availability of operating cash flow and other funds to finance reserve replacement costs; our ability to replace reserves and sustain production; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves and projecting future rates of production and the amount and timing of development expenditures; our ability to generate profits or achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations; leasehold terms expiring before production can be established; commodity derivative activities resulting in lower prices realized on oil, natural gas and NGL sales; the need to secure derivative liabilities and the inability of counterparties to satisfy their obligations; adverse developments or losses from pending or future litigation and regulatory proceedings, including royalty claims; the limitations our level of indebtedness may have on our financial flexibility; charges incurred in response to market conditions and in connection with actions to reduce financial leverage and complexity; drilling and operating risks and resulting liabilities; effects of environmental protection laws and regulation on our business; legislative and regulatory initiatives further regulating hydraulic fracturing; our need to secure adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations and to dispose of or recycle the water used; federal and state tax proposals affecting our industry; potential OTC derivatives regulation limiting our ability to hedge against commodity price fluctuations; impacts of potential legislative and regulatory actions addressing climate change; competition in the oil and gas exploration and production industry; a deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions; negative public perceptions of our industry; limited control over properties we do not operate; pipeline and gathering system capacity constraints and transportation interruptions; cyber attacks adversely impacting our operations; and interruption in operations at our headquarters due to a catastrophic event.
In addition, disclosures concerning the estimated contribution of derivative contracts to our future results of operations are based upon market information as of a specific date. These market prices are subject to significant volatility. Our production forecasts are also dependent upon many assumptions, including estimates of production decline rates from existing wells and the outcome of future drilling activity. Expected asset sales may not be completed in the time frame anticipated or at all. We caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release, and we undertake no obligation to update any of the information provided in this release or the accompanying Outlook, except as required by applicable law.


7




CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil, natural gas and NGL
 
$
2,369

 
$
1,608

 
$
8,180

 
$
7,052

Marketing, gathering and compression
 
2,681

 
2,689

 
12,225

 
9,559

Oilfield services
 

 
244

 
546

 
895

Total Revenues
 
5,050

 
4,541

 
20,951

 
17,506

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil, natural gas and NGL production
 
340

 
282

 
1,208

 
1,159

Production taxes
 
47

 
56

 
232

 
229

Marketing, gathering and compression
 
2,720

 
2,680

 
12,236

 
9,461

Oilfield services
 

 
193

 
431

 
736

General and administrative
 
93

 
121

 
322

 
457

Restructuring and other termination costs
 
(5
)
 
45

 
7

 
248

Provision for legal contingencies
 
134

 

 
234

 

Oil, natural gas and NGL depreciation, depletion and
amortization
 
706

 
644

 
2,683

 
2,589

Depreciation and amortization of other assets
 
38

 
80

 
232

 
314

Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
14

 
203

 
88

 
546

Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets
 
3

 
(12
)
 
(199
)
 
(302
)
Total Operating Expenses
 
4,090

 
4,292

 
17,474

 
15,437

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
 
960

 
249

 
3,477

 
2,069

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(7
)
 
(63
)
 
(89
)
 
(227
)
Losses on investments
 
(7
)
 
(189
)
 
(80
)
 
(226
)
Net gain (loss) on sales of investments
 

 

 
67

 
(7
)
Losses on purchases of debt
 
(2
)
 
(123
)
 
(197
)
 
(193
)
Other income
 
10

 
7

 
22

 
26

Total Other Expense
 
(6
)
 
(368
)
 
(277
)
 
(627
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
954

 
(119
)
 
3,200

 
1,442

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current income taxes
 
13

 
13

 
47

 
22

Deferred income taxes
 
273

 
(58
)
 
1,097

 
526

Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
286

 
(45
)
 
1,144

 
548

NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
668

 
(74
)
 
2,056

 
894

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(29
)
 
(42
)
 
(139
)
 
(170
)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHESAPEAKE
 
639

 
(116
)
 
1,917

 
724

Preferred stock dividends
 
(43
)
 
(43
)
 
(171
)
 
(171
)
Redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary
 

 

 
(447
)
 
(69
)
Earnings allocated to participating securities
 
(10
)
 

 
(26
)
 
(10
)
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
 
$
586

 
$
(159
)
 
$
1,273

 
$
474

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.89

 
$
(0.24
)
 
$
1.93

 
$
0.73

Diluted
 
$
0.81

 
$
(0.24
)
 
$
1.87

 
$
0.73

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
660

 
656

 
659

 
653

Diluted
 
773

 
656

 
772

 
653


8




CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,108

 
$
837

Other current assets
 
3,360

 
2,819

Total Current Assets
 
7,468

 
3,656

 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, (net)
 
32,515

 
37,134

Other assets
 
768

 
992

Total Assets
 
$
40,751

 
$
41,782

 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
5,863

 
$
5,515

Long-term debt, net of discounts
 
11,154

 
12,886

Other long-term liabilities
 
1,344

 
1,834

Deferred income tax liabilities
 
4,185

 
3,407

Total Liabilities
 
22,546

 
23,642

 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
 
3,062

 
3,062

Noncontrolling interests
 
1,302

 
2,145

Common stock and other stockholders’ equity
 
13,841

 
12,933

Total Equity
 
18,205

 
18,140

 
 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
40,751

 
$
41,782

 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares Outstanding (in millions)
 
663

 
664






CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
CAPITALIZATION
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt, net of unrestricted cash
 
$
7,427

 
$
12,049

Preferred stock
 
3,062

 
3,062

Noncontrolling interests(a)
 
1,302

 
2,145

Common stock and other stockholders’ equity
 
13,841

 
12,933

Total
 
$
25,632

 
$
30,189

 
 
 
 
 
Total net debt to capitalization ratio
 
29
%
 
40
%
(a) 
Includes third-party ownership as follows:
 
CHK Cleveland Tonkawa, L.L.C.
 
$
1,015

 
$
1,015

 
Chesapeake Granite Wash Trust
 
287

 
314

 
CHK Utica, L.L.C.
 

 
807

 
Other
 

 
9

 
Total
 
$
1,302

 
$
2,145



9




CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
ROLL-FORWARD OF PROVED RESERVES
12 MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Mmboe(a)
 
 
 
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013
 
2,678

Production
 
(258
)
Acquisitions
 
14

Divestitures
 
(362
)
Revisions - changes to previous estimates
 
(78
)
Revisions - price
 
27

Extensions and discoveries
 
448

Ending balance, December 31, 2014
 
2,469

 
 
 
Proved reserves growth rate before acquisitions and divestitures
 
5
 %
Proved reserves growth rate after acquisitions and divestitures
 
(8
)%
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves
 
1,864

Proved developed reserves percentage
 
75
 %
 
 
 
PV-10 ($ in millions)(a)
 
$
22,012

(a)
Reserve volumes and PV-10 value estimated using SEC reserve recognition standards and pricing assumptions based on the trailing 12-month average first-day-of-the-month prices as of December 31, 2014 of $4.35 per mcf of natural gas and $94.98 per bbl of oil, before field differential adjustments.



CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF PV-10
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
$
17,133

 
$
17,390

Discounted future cash flows for income taxes
4,879

 
4,286

Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes (PV-10)
$
22,012

 
$
21,676


PV-10 is discounted (at 10%) future net cash flows before income taxes. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows includes the effects of estimated future income tax expenses and is calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932. Management uses PV-10 as one measure of the value of the company's current proved reserves and to compare relative values among peer companies without regard to income taxes. We also understand that securities analysts and rating agencies use this measure in similar ways. While PV-10 is based on prices, costs and discount factors which are consistent from company to company, the standardized measure is dependent on the unique tax situation of each individual company.

The company’s PV-10 and standardized measure were calculated using the following prices, before field differentials: $4.35 per mcf of natural gas and $94.98 per bbl of oil as of December 31, 2014 and $3.67 per mcf of natural gas and $96.82 per bbl of oil as of December 31, 2013, before field differential adjustments.













10


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA - OIL, NATURAL GAS AND NGL PRODUCTION, SALES AND INTEREST EXPENSE
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net Production:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil (mmbbl)
 
11.2

 
10.2

 
42.3

 
41.1

Natural gas (bcf)
 
281.6

 
270.5

 
1,095.0

 
1,094.6

NGL (mmbbl)
 
9.0

 
5.9

 
33.1

 
20.9

Oil equivalent (mmboe)
 
67.1

 
61.2

 
257.8

 
244.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil, natural gas and NGL Sales ($ in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil sales
 
$
749

 
$
937

 
$
3,682

 
$
3,911

Oil derivatives – realized gains (losses)(a)
 
103

 
(19
)
 
(185
)
 
(108
)
Oil derivatives – unrealized gains (losses)(a)
 
505

 
116

 
859

 
280

Total Oil Sales
 
1,357

 
1,034

 
4,356

 
4,083

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas sales
 
453

 
498

 
2,777

 
2,430

Natural gas derivatives – realized gains (losses)(a)
 
30

 
17

 
(191
)
 
9

Natural gas derivatives – unrealized gains (losses)(a)
 
411

 
(127
)
 
535

 
(52
)
Total Natural Gas Sales
 
894

 
388

 
3,121

 
2,387

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NGL sales
 
118

 
186

 
703

 
582

Total NGL Sales
 
118

 
186

 
703

 
582

Total Oil, Natural Gas and NGL Sales
 
$
2,369

 
$
1,608

 
$
8,180

 
$
7,052

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Sales Price – excluding gains (losses) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil ($ per bbl)
 
$
67.16

 
$
91.46

 
$
87.13

 
$
95.17

Natural gas ($ per mcf)
 
$
1.61

 
$
1.84

 
$
2.54

 
$
2.22

NGL ($ per bbl)
 
$
13.11

 
$
31.76

 
$
21.27

 
$
27.87

Oil equivalent ($ per boe)
 
$
19.68

 
$
26.49

 
$
27.78

 
$
28.33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Sales Price – including realized gains (losses) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil ($ per bbl)
 
$
76.40

 
$
89.58

 
$
82.76

 
$
92.53

Natural gas ($ per mcf)
 
$
1.72

 
$
1.90

 
$
2.36

 
$
2.23

NGL ($ per bbl)
 
$
13.11

 
$
31.76

 
$
21.27

 
$
27.87

Oil equivalent ($ per boe)
 
$
21.67

 
$
26.44

 
$
26.32

 
$
27.92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense ($ in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest(b)
 
$
40

 
$
56

 
$
173

 
$
169

Derivatives – realized (gains) losses(c)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(12
)
 
(9
)
Derivatives – unrealized (gains) losses(c)
 
(31
)
 
10

 
(72
)
 
67

Total Interest Expense
 
$
7

 
$
63

 
$
89

 
$
227


(a)
Realized gains and losses include the following items: (i) settlements of nondesignated derivatives related to current period production revenues, (ii) prior period settlements for option premiums and for early-terminated derivatives originally scheduled to settle against current period production revenues, and (iii) gains and losses related to de-designated cash flow hedges originally designated to settle against current period production revenues. Unrealized gains and losses include the change in fair value of open derivatives scheduled to settle against future period production revenues offset by amounts reclassified as realized gains and losses during the period. Although we no longer designate our derivatives as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, we believe these definitions are useful to management and investors in determining the effectiveness of our price risk management program.
(b)
Net of amounts capitalized.
(c)
Realized (gains) losses include settlements related to the current period interest accrual and the effect of (gains) losses on early termination trades. Unrealized (gains) losses include changes in the fair value of open interest rate derivatives offset by amounts reclassified to realized (gains) losses during the period.

11


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning cash
 
$
90

 
$
987

 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities
 
829

 
1,028

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Drilling and completion costs on proved and unproved properties(a)
 
(1,367
)
 
(1,117
)
Acquisition of proved and unproved properties(b)
 
(280
)
 
(211
)
Sales of proved and unproved properties
 
5,082

 
668

Geological and geophysical costs
 
(29
)
 
(17
)
Cash paid to purchase leased rigs and compressors
 
(25
)
 
(262
)
Additions to other property and equipment
 
(26
)
 
(71
)
Proceeds from sales of other assets
 
39

 
126

Additions to investments
 
(3
)
 
(36
)
Other
 
1

 

Total cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
3,392

 
(920
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash used in financing activities
 
(203
)
 
(258
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
4,018

 
(150
)
Ending cash
 
$
4,108

 
$
837


(a)
Includes capitalized interest of $9 million and $15 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(b)
Includes capitalized interest of $120 million and $163 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning cash
 
$
837

 
$
287

 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities
 
4,634

 
4,614

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Drilling and completion costs on proved and unproved properties(a)
 
(4,534
)
 
(5,552
)
Acquisition of proved and unproved properties(b)
 
(1,279
)
 
(974
)
Sales of proved and unproved properties
 
5,781

 
3,409

Geological and geophysical costs
 
(47
)
 
(52
)
Cash paid to purchase leased rigs and compressors
 
(499
)
 
(266
)
Additions to other property and equipment
 
(227
)
 
(706
)
Proceeds from sales of other assets
 
1,003

 
922

Additions to investments
 
(17
)
 

Proceeds from sales of investments
 
239

 
71

Decrease in restricted cash
 
37

 

Other
 
(3
)
 
181

Total cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
454

 
(2,967
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash used in financing activities
 
(1,817
)
 
(1,097
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
3,271

 
550

Ending cash
 
$
4,108

 
$
837


(a)
Includes capitalized interest of $39 million and $62 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(b)
Includes capitalized interest of $553 million and $734 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

12


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
($ in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
586

 
$
169

 
$
(159
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments, net of tax(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives
 
(663
)
 
(378
)
 
13

Restructuring and other termination costs
 
(3
)
 
(9
)
 
28

Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
10

 
9

 
126

Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets
 
2

 
(53
)
 
(7
)
Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
2

 

 
76

Losses on investments
 

 

 
84

Provision for legal contingencies
 
94

 
61

 

Other
 
6

 
5

 

Redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary(a)
 

 
447

 

Adjusted net income available to common stockholders(b)
 
$
34

 
$
251

 
$
161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
43

 
43

 
43

Earnings allocated to participating securities
 
10

 
3

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total adjusted net income attributable to Chesapeake
 
$
87

 
$
297

 
$
204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding
(in millions)(c)
 
775

 
776

 
767

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted earnings per share assuming dilution(b)
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.27


(a)
All adjustments to net income available to common stockholders reflected net of tax other than the redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary.
(b)
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share assuming dilution are not measures of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income available to common stockholders or diluted earnings per share. Adjusted net income available to common stockholders and adjusted earnings per share assuming dilution exclude certain items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results. The company believes these adjusted financial measures are a useful adjunct to earnings calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) because:
(i)
Management uses adjusted net income available to common stockholders to evaluate the company's operational trends and performance relative to other oil and natural gas producing companies.
(ii)
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders is more comparable to earnings estimates provided by securities analysts.
(iii)
Items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.
(c)
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding include shares that were considered antidilutive for calculating earnings per share in accordance with GAAP.














13


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
($ in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
1,273

 
$
474

 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments, net of tax(a):
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on derivatives
 
(941
)
 
(100
)
Restructuring and other termination costs
 
4

 
154

Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
57

 
341

Net gains on sales of fixed assets
 
(128
)
 
(187
)
Impairments of investments
 
3

 
6

Net (gain) loss on sales of investments
 
(43
)
 
5

Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
126

 
120

Losses on investments
 

 
84

Provision for legal contingencies
 
150

 

Other
 
9

 
(1
)
Redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary(a)
 
447

 
69

Adjusted net income available to common stockholders(b)
 
$
957

 
$
965

 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
171

 
171

Earnings allocated to participating securities
 
26

 
10

 
 
 
 
 
Total adjusted net income attributable to Chesapeake
 
$
1,154

 
$
1,146

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding (in millions)(c)
 
776

 
765

 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted earnings per share assuming dilution(b)
 
$
1.49

 
$
1.50


(a)
All adjustments to net income available to common stockholders reflected net of tax other than the redemption of preferred shares of a subsidiary.
(b) Adjusted net income available to common stockholders and adjusted earnings per share assuming dilution exclude certain items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results. The company believes these adjusted financial measures are a useful adjunct to earnings calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) because:
(i)
Management uses adjusted net income available to common stockholders to evaluate the company's operational trends and performance relative to other oil and natural gas producing companies.
(ii)
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders is more comparable to earnings estimates provided by securities analysts.
(iii)
Items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.
(c)
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding include shares that were considered antidilutive for calculating earnings per share in accordance with GAAP.







14


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING CASH FLOW AND EBITDA
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
829

 
$
1,184

 
$
1,028

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
44

 
109

 
(33
)
OPERATING CASH FLOW(a)
 
$
873

 
$
1,293

 
$
995


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
$
668

 
$
692

 
$
(74
)
Interest expense
 
7

 
17

 
63

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
286

 
437

 
(45
)
Depreciation and amortization of other assets
 
38

 
37

 
80

Oil, natural gas and NGL depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
706

 
688

 
644

EBITDA(b)
 
$
1,705

 
$
1,871

 
$
668


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
829

 
$
1,184

 
$
1,028

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
44

 
109

 
(33
)
Interest expense, net of unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
 
38

 
11

 
53

Oil, natural gas and NGL derivative gains (losses), net
 
1,049

 
564

 
(13
)
Cash receipts (payments) on oil, natural gas and NGL derivative settlements, net
 
(88
)
 
34

 
30

Stock-based compensation
 

 
(19
)
 
(20
)
Restructuring and other termination costs
 
(3
)
 
42

 
(11
)
Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
(14
)
 
(15
)
 
(166
)
Net gains (losses) on sales of fixed assets
 
(2
)
 
86

 
12

Losses on investments
 
(7
)
 
(27
)
 
(189
)
Provision for legal contingencies
 
(134
)
 
(100
)
 

Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
(2
)
 

 
(3
)
Other items
 
(5
)
 
2

 
(20
)
EBITDA(b)
 
$
1,705

 
$
1,871

 
$
668


(a)
Operating cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities before changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented because management believes it is a useful adjunct to net cash provided by operating activities under GAAP. Operating cash flow is widely accepted as a financial indicator of an oil and natural gas company's ability to generate cash that is used to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service debt. This measure is widely used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. Operating cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity.

(b)
Ebitda represents net income before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Ebitda is presented as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business. We believe that it provides additional information regarding our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. This measure is widely used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies. Ebitda is also a financial measurement that, with certain negotiated adjustments, is reported to our lenders pursuant to our bank credit agreements and is used in the financial covenants in our bank credit agreements. Ebitda is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for net income, income from operations or cash flow provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.


15


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING CASH FLOW AND EBITDA
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
4,634

 
$
4,614

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
392

 
344

OPERATING CASH FLOW(a)
 
$
5,026

 
$
4,958


 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
$
2,056

 
$
894

Interest expense
 
89

 
227

Income tax expense
 
1,144

 
548

Depreciation and amortization of other assets
 
232

 
314

Oil, natural gas and NGL depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
2,683

 
2,589

EBITDA(b)
 
$
6,204

 
$
4,572


 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
4,634

 
$
4,614

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
392

 
344

Interest expense, net of unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
 
161

 
159

Oil, natural gas and NGL derivative gains (losses), net
 
1,018

 
129

Cash receipts on oil, natural gas and NGL derivative settlements, net
 
264

 
91

Stock-based compensation
 
(59
)
 
(98
)
Restructuring and other termination costs
 
15

 
(175
)
Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
(58
)
 
(483
)
Net gains on sales of fixed assets
 
199

 
302

Provision for legal contingencies
 
(234
)
 

Losses on investments
 
(80
)
 
(229
)
Net gain (loss) on sales of investments
 
67

 
(7
)
Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
(63
)
 
(40
)
Other items
 
(52
)
 
(35
)
EBITDA(b)
 
$
6,204

 
$
4,572


(a)
Operating cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities before changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented because management believes it is a useful adjunct to net cash provided by operating activities under GAAP. Operating cash flow is widely accepted as a financial indicator of an oil and natural gas company's ability to generate cash which is used to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service debt. This measure is widely used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. Operating cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity.

(b)
Ebitda represents net income before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Ebitda is presented as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business. We believe that it provides additional information regarding our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. This measure is widely used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies. Ebitda is also a financial measurement that, with certain negotiated adjustments, is reported to our lenders pursuant to our bank credit agreements and is used in the financial covenants in our bank credit agreements. Ebitda is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for net income, income from operations or cash flow provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.

16


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA
($ in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
$
1,705

 
$
1,871

 
$
668

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (gains) losses on oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives
 
(916
)
 
(622
)
 
11

Restructuring and other termination costs
 
(5
)
 
(14
)
 
45

Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
14

 
15

 
203

Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets
 
3

 
(86
)
 
(12
)
Net loss on sales of investments
 

 

 
136

Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
2

 

 
123

Provision for legal contingencies
 
134

 
100

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(29
)
 
(30
)
 
(42
)
Other
 
8

 
2

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)
 
$
916

 
$
1,236

 
$
1,132

 
 
 
 
 
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED:
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
$
6,204

 
$
4,572

 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives
 
(1,394
)
 
(228
)
Restructuring and other termination costs
 
7

 
248

Impairments of fixed assets and other
 
88

 
550

Net gains on sales of fixed assets
 
(199
)
 
(302
)
Losses on investments
 
5

 
146

Net (gain) loss on sales of investments
 
(67
)
 
7

Losses on purchases of debt and extinguishment of other financing
 
197

 
193

Provision for legal contingencies
 
234

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(139
)
 
(170
)
Other
 
9

 

 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA(a)
 
$
4,945

 
$
5,016


(a)
Adjusted ebitda excludes certain items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results. The company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are a useful adjunct to ebitda because:
(i)
Management uses adjusted ebitda to evaluate the company's operational trends and performance relative to other oil and natural gas producing companies.
(ii)
Adjusted ebitda is more comparable to estimates provided by securities analysts.
(iii)
Items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.

Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income, income from operations or cash flow provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.

17


SCHEDULE "A”
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT’S OUTLOOK AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Chesapeake periodically provides management guidance on certain factors that affect the company’s future financial performance.
 
Year Ending
12/31/2015
Adjusted Production Growth(a)
3% - 5%
Absolute Production
 
Liquids - mbbls
62 – 64
Oil - mbbls
39 – 40
NGL(b) - mbbls
23 – 24
Natural gas - bcf
1,035 – 1,055
Total absolute production - mmboe
235 – 240
Absolute daily rate - mboe
645 – 655
Estimated Realized Hedging Effects(c) (based on 2/23/15 strip prices):
 
Oil - $/bbl
$19.94
Natural gas - $/mcf
$0.31
Estimated Basis/Gathering/Marketing/Transportation Differentials to NYMEX Prices:
 
Oil - $/bbl
$7.00 – 9.00
NGL - $/bbl
$48.00 – 52.00
Natural gas - $/mcf
$1.70 – 1.90
Fourth quarter MVC estimate ($ in millions)
($180) – (200)
Operating Costs per Boe of Projected Production:
 
Production expense
$4.50 – 5.00
Production taxes
$0.45 – 0.55
General and administrative(d)
$1.45 – 1.55
Stock-based compensation (noncash)
$0.20 – 0.25
DD&A of natural gas and liquids assets
$10.50 – 11.50
Depreciation of other assets
$0.60 – 0.70
Interest expense(e)
$1.00 – 1.10
Other ($ millions):
 
Marketing, gathering and compression net margin(f)
($40 – 60)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and other(g)
($30 – 50)
Book Tax Rate
37%
Capital Expenditures ($ in millions)(h)
$3,500 – 4,000
Capitalized Interest ($ in millions)
$500
Total Capital Expenditures ($ in millions)
$4,000 – 4,500

(a)
Based on 2014 production of 622 mboe/day adjusted for 2014 sales and the potential sale of Cleveland Tonkawa assets in 2015.
(b)
Assumes ethane recovery in the Utica to fulfill Chesapeake’s pipeline commitments, no ethane recovery in the Powder River Basin and partial ethane recovery in the Mid-Continent and Eagle Ford.
(c)
Includes expected settlements for commodity derivatives adjusted for option premiums. For derivatives closed early, settlements are reflected in the period of original contract expiration.
(d)
Excludes expenses associated with stock-based compensation.
(e)
Excludes unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate derivatives.
(f)
Includes revenue and operating expenses and excludes depreciation and amortization of other assets
(g)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of Chesapeake Granite Wash Trust and CHK Cleveland Tonkawa L.L.C.
(h)
Includes capital expenditures for drilling and completion, acquisition of unproved properties, geological and geophysical costs and other property and plant and equipment

18


Oil, Natural Gas and NGL Hedging Activities
Chesapeake enters into oil, natural gas and NGL derivative transactions in order to mitigate a portion of its exposure to adverse changes in market prices. Please see the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K filed by Chesapeake with the SEC for detailed information about derivative instruments the company uses, its quarter-end and year-end derivative positions and accounting for oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives.
As of January 31, 2015, the company had downside protection on approximately 43% of its projected 2015 oil production at an average price of $93.39 per bbl of which 11% is hedged under collar arrangements with upside to an average NYMEX price of $90/bbl and exposure below an average NYMEX price of $80/bbl. Approximately 43% of the company's projected 2015 natural gas production had downside protection at an average price of $4.21 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas, of which 20% is hedged under collar arrangements with upside to an average NYMEX price of $4.29/mcf and exposure below an average NYMEX price of $3.37/mcf.
The company’s crude oil hedging positions as of January 31, 2015 were as follows:
Open Crude Oil Swaps; Gains (Losses) from Closed
Crude Oil Trades and Call Option Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open Swaps
(mbbls)
 
Avg. NYMEX
Price of
Open Swaps
 
Total Gains from Closed Trades
and Premiums for
Call Options
($ in millions)
Q1 2015
3,834
 
$
94.07

 
$
50

Q2 2015
3,041
 
94.49

 
61

Q3 2015
2,868
 
94.82

 
62

Q4 2015
2,714
 
95.15

 
63

Total 2015
12,457
 
$
94.58

 
$
236

Total 2016 – 2022
 

 
$
117

Crude Oil Three-Way Collars
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open Collars (mbbls)
Avg. NYMEX Sold Put Price
Avg. NYMEX Bought Put Price
Avg. NYMEX Sold Call Price
Q1 2015
1,080
$
80.00

$
90.00

$
98.94

Q2 2015
1,092
80.00

90.00

98.94

Q3 2015
1,104
80.00

90.00

98.94

Q4 2015
1,104
80.00

90.00

98.94

Total 2015
4,380
$
80.00

$
90.00

$
98.94

Crude Oil Net Written Call Options
 
 
 
 
Call Options
(mbbls)
Avg. NYMEX
Strike Price
Q1 2015
1,485
$
100.00

Q2 2015
3,349
91.89

Q3 2015
3,386
91.89

Q4 2015
3,386
91.89

Total 2015
11,606
$
92.93

Total 2016 – 2017
24,220
$
100.07


19



The company’s natural gas hedging positions as of January 31, 2015 were as follows:
Open Natural Gas Swaps; Gains (Losses) from Closed
Natural Gas Trades and Call Option Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open Swaps
(bcf)
 
Avg. NYMEX
Price of
Open Swaps
 
Total Gains (Losses)
from Closed Trades
and Premiums for
Call Options
($ in millions)
Q1 2015
81
 
$
4.53

 
$
(39
)
Q2 2015
53
 
3.95

 
(30
)
Q3 2015
52
 
3.94

 
(31
)
Q4 2015
52
 
3.94

 
(31
)
Total 2015
238
 
$
4.14

 
$
(131
)
Total 2016 – 2022
37
 
$
3.95

 
$
(187
)
Natural Gas Three-Way Collars
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open Collars
(bcf)
Avg. NYMEX
Sold
Put Price
Avg. NYMEX
Bought
Put Price
Avg. NYMEX
Sold Call Price
Q1 2015
100
$
3.36

$
4.42

$
4.65

Q2 2015
35
3.38

4.17

4.37

Q3 2015
36
3.38

4.17

4.37

Q4 2015
36
3.38

4.17

4.37

Total 2015
207
$
3.37

$
4.29

$
4.51

Natural Gas Net Written Call Options
 
 
 
 
Call Options
(bcf)
Avg. NYMEX
Strike Price
Total 2016 – 2020
193
$
9.92

Natural Gas Basis Protection Swaps
 
 
 
 
Volume
(bcf)
Avg. NYMEX plus/(minus)
Q1 2015
28
$
1.28

Q2 2015
8
(0.34
)
Q3 2015
8
(0.33
)
Q4 2015
8
(0.33
)
Total 2015
52
$
0.55

Total 2016 - 2022
8
$
(1.02
)


20


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