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Petrohawk Announces First Quarter 2008 Operating and Financial Results

Posted on: Tuesday, 6 May 2008, 18:00 CDT

HOUSTON, May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Petrohawk Energy Corporation ("Petrohawk" or the "Company") today announced its first quarter 2008 financial and operating results, including updates on the Company's four core operating areas (Haynesville Shale, Fayetteville Shale, and Elm Grove and Terryville fields), as well as large scale development of an oil resource project in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, and a new joint venture in its James Lime area of East Texas. Additionally, Petrohawk has updated its development plans for 2008 and increased its 2008 capital budget to $1.3 billion.

"We believe Petrohawk's opportunity is of tremendous magnitude, with meaningful exposure in each key play, and management experience and technical expertise to quickly accelerate development in these areas," said Floyd C. Wilson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "An early mover advantage clearly rests with Petrohawk in the evolving Haynesville Shale play. After exhaustive research and a keen eye on the activities of others, we have begun a significant multi-year investment in this exciting new resource opportunity.

"First quarter production was above target, and we are tracking for a year that should yield record production and reserve growth. Our risked resource potential estimate has increased to approximately 10.3 Tcfe over and above year end 2007 proved reserves. We intend to continue to demonstrate Petrohawk's capability to grow, convert upside opportunities to proved reserves, lower costs and increase efficiencies."

Operating Highlights

Haynesville Shale -- Petrohawk owns or has commitments to acquire over 150,000 net acres in what the Company believes will be highly productive areas of the play in Northwest Louisiana. Petrohawk hopes to expand its leasehold position in the play to approximately 400,000 net acres.

The Company is currently drilling the planned 4,000 foot lateral on its first operated horizontal Haynesville Shale well. A second rig is expected to begin drilling in mid-May with three additional rigs staging in to a total of five to six rigs by fourth quarter 2008.

Fayetteville Shale -- Petrohawk drilled a total of 62 wells during the first quarter, 26 of which were operated and 36 were non-operated. Currently, the Company's net production from the Fayetteville Shale is approximately 43 Mmcfe/d. Gross operated production has increased to 76 Mmcfe/d.

Operated wells were drilled in a variety of areas and to various depths. During the first quarter, Petrohawk achieved significantly reduced well costs while achieving significantly higher average initial production rates on its operated wells. Operated wells drilled to true vertical depths (TVD) less than 3,000 feet had an average initial production rate of 1.7 Mmcfe/d and well costs of approximately $1.9 million. Operated wells drilled to depths greater than 3,000 feet TVD had an average initial production rate of 2.7 Mmcfe/d and average well costs of approximately $2.3 million. Overall, average well costs were down 12% and average initial production rates were up 20% quarter over quarter.

Petrohawk is currently operating six rigs in the play and has reduced average drilling days to 14. Wells at more shallow depths are being drilled in an average of 12 days. The Company plans to drill a total of 150 operated wells during 2008.

Petrohawk has made improving price realizations and securing operational control of takeaway capacity priorities in the Fayetteville Shale. The Company has completed construction on 32 miles of gathering systems and has approximately 58 miles of new gathering line currently under construction.

Elm Grove Field -- Petrohawk drilled 36 wells during the first quarter; 26 of which were operated, in Elm Grove. Included in this total are two Lower Cotton Valley Taylor horizontal wells which had initial production rates of 13 Mmcfe/d and 6 Mmcfe/d, with an average net revenue interest in each well of 42%. One horizontal well targeting the Lower Cotton Valley Davis was completed during the quarter with an average initial production rate of 4.5 Mmcfe/d.

Eight rigs (3 horizontal and 5 vertical) are currently operating in the field and are expected to drill a planned 140 operated wells during the year. In addition to the Lower Cotton Valley program, the Company is recompleting on average three wells in the Hosston zone per week and expects to remain at this pace for balance of 2008.

Terryville Field -- Thirteen wells, 12 of which were operated, were drilled during the quarter. The operated wells were all commingled in the Lower Cotton Valley and Bossier sands and had an average initial production rate of 4.6 Mmcfe/d. Petrohawk is currently operating 4 rigs in the field and recently spud its first well in the newly acquired western extension of the field. In addition, permitting and surveying are underway for a 60 square mile 3D seismic survey of the westward extension. The survey is expected to be delivered in the late third or early fourth quarter of this year.

Oklahoma County, Oklahoma -- Petrohawk has begun large scale horizontal development on its West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit (WEHLU), located just north of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This is a resource-style development of an area that encompasses over 30,000 acres. To date, approximately 15 horizontal wells have been drilled in the field. Petrohawk's latest operated horizontal well has recently been placed on production at a rate of 360 Bo/d and 750 Mcfe/d, or 485 Boe/d. The Company will be accelerating the development of this resource throughout 2008 and will drill approximately 8 vertical and 8 horizontal wells.

East Texas James Lime Trend -- Petrohawk and EOG Resources, Inc. are in the final stages of closing a Joint Venture Agreement to develop each company's acreage position within Nacogdoches and Shelby Counties, Texas. EOG is designated to operate and initiate a five-well program during the second quarter of 2008. The companies collectively hold approximately 30,000 net acres in the trend.

Financial Highlights -- First quarter 2008 represented the first full quarter reported that excludes the divested Gulf Coast division, with pro forma production growth of 10% over fourth quarter 2007. Petrohawk reported average production for the first quarter of 261 million cubic feet equivalent per day (Mmcfe/d), above the Company's stated first quarter guidance range of 250-260 Mmcfe/d. Total production for the quarter was 21.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas and 365 thousand barrels (MBbls) of oil, or 23.7 Bcfe, 91% natural gas. -- Petrohawk generated revenues of $215 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, an increase of 51% over pro forma first quarter 2007 of $142 million. Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital (a non-GAAP measure) was $133.7 million, or $0.72 per fully diluted common share, for the quarter. -- After adjusting for selected items, net income for the quarter was $0.15 per fully diluted common share, or $28.9 million, versus $26.5 million, or $0.15 per fully diluted common share one year ago (see Selected Item Review and Reconciliation table for additional information). Selected items for the first quarter include a $137.5 million non-cash derivative loss due to the accounting effect of increased commodity prices on the Company's long-term derivative position. Before excluding selected items, a $55.6 million loss was reported for the quarter. -- During the first quarter, per unit lease operating costs were $0.52 per million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Mcfe), or $12.4 million, the sixth consecutive quarter that lease operating costs have been reported at or below $0.60 per Mcfe. -- Natural gas price realizations were $8.41 per Mcf, which included a $0.07 realized gain from natural gas derivatives. This price reflects $8.03. Oil price realizations were $76.27 per Bbl, which included $18.59 per Bbl of realized loss from oil derivatives. This figure reflects a realization of 97% of the average NYMEX price for the quarter of $97.84. -- On April 28, 2008 a $100 million note receivable related to the sale of the Gulf Coast division was paid. 2008 Capital Budget Increased to $1.3 Billion

Petrohawk has increased its planned capital budget for 2008 to $1.3 billion, from the previously announced $800 million. The increased budget accounts for 1) a significant expansion of leasehold in the Haynesville Shale; 2) additional capital of $150 million allocated to accelerating drilling programs in the Haynesville Shale, the WEHLU oil resource project, and the newly announced James Lime joint venture and other projects, 3) construction of gathering systems in the Fayetteville Shale which Petrohawk believes will lower overall operating costs; and 4) providing additional liquidity for future opportunities. During the first quarter, the Company utilized proceeds from the sale of its Gulf Coast division to grow its position in two key areas: the Fayetteville Shale and Elm Grove field.

The Company plans to utilize up to 30 operated rigs in this program to drill approximately 685 operated and non-operated wells. Expected allocations among Petrohawk's major operating areas are as follows:

2008 Capital % of Total Total Wells Operated Estimated Budget* Capital Planned Rigs Gross ($ million) Budget Planned Drilling Locations Haynesville Shale $384 30% 10 operated 5-6 2,500 Fayetteville Shale 318 24% 150 operated 8 6,600 120 non-operated Elm Grove 293 23% 140 operated 8 1,500 50 non-operated Terryville 121 9% 60 operated 4 900 15 non-operated Western Region 184 14% 140 4 1,500 (including, WEHLU, James Lime/Travis Peak areas) Total $1,300 100% 685 29-30 13,000 * Infrastructure, land and seismic costs included, no acquisitions budgeted

Petrohawk's previously stated guidance for the full year 2008 includes expected average daily production of between 295 and 315 Mmcfe/d. For the second quarter 2008, average daily production is expected to be between 280 and 290 Mmcfe/d. As of March 31, the Company has expended $150 million during the first quarter on drilling and completions.

Petrohawk Conference Call and Webcast

Petrohawk has scheduled a conference call for Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. EDT (8:00 a.m. CDT) to discuss first quarter 2008 financial and operating results. To access the call, dial 800-644-8607 five to ten minutes before the call begins. Please reference Petrohawk Conference ID 41011665. International callers may also participate by dialing 706-679-8184. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the live broadcast ends and will be accessible until Wednesday, May 21, 2008. To access the replay, please dial 800-642-1687 and reference conference ID 41011665. International callers may listen to a playback by dialing 706-645-9291.

Petrohawk Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, production, exploration and development of natural gas and oil with properties concentrated in North Louisiana, Arkansas, East Texas, Oklahoma and the Permian basin.

For more information contact Joan Dunlap, Vice President - Investor Relations, at 832-204-2737 or jdunlap@petrohawk.com. For additional information about Petrohawk, please visit our website at http://www.petrohawk.com/.

Additional Information for Investors

This press release contains forward-looking information regarding Petrohawk that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor "forward-looking statements" provided by of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Petrohawk's current expectations and includes statements regarding acquisitions and divestitures, estimates of future production, future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Statements concerning oil and gas reserves also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements in that they reflect estimates based on certain assumptions that the resources involved can be economically exploited. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the oil and gas industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas; risks and uncertainties involving geology of oil and gas deposits; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather such as hurricanes and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; fluctuations in oil and gas prices; risks associated with derivative positions; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions, inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals, shortages of drilling equipment, oil field personnel and services, unavailability of gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities and the possibility that government policies may change or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Petrohawk's operations or financial results are included in Petrohawk's reports on file with the SEC. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Petrohawk does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

The SEC generally permits oil and gas companies, in filings made with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves, which are reserve estimates that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from know reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. In this press release, we use the term "resource potential" which the SEC guidelines may prohibit from being included in filings with the SEC. Resource potential refers to unproved reserves that may potentially be recoverable through additional drilling or recovery techniques and which are by their nature much more uncertain that estimates of proved reserves and are accordingly subject to substantially greater risk of not actually being realized by the Company. While the Company believes its calculations of resource potential and unproved reserves are reasonable, such estimates have not been reviewed by third party engineers or appraisers. In addition, our production forecasts and expectations for future periods are dependant upon many assumptions, including estimates of production decline rates from existing wells and the undertaking and outcome of future drilling activity, which may be affected by significant commodity price declines or drilling cost increases.

PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 2007 Operating revenues: Oil and gas $214,938 $209,243 Operating expenses: Production: Lease operating 12,394 15,876 Workover and other 537 2,177 Taxes other than income 10,964 13,650 Gathering, transportation and other 9,523 7,424 General and administrative 16,154 15,601 Depletion, depreciation and amortization 83,127 95,838 Total operating expenses 132,699 150,566 Income from operations 82,239 58,677 Other expenses: Net loss on derivative contracts (142,741) (58,933) Interest expense and other (27,537) (30,750) Total other expenses (170,278) (89,683) Loss before income taxes (88,039) (31,006) Income tax benefit 32,427 11,591 Net loss $(55,612) $(19,415) Net loss per share of common stock: Basic $(0.30) $(0.12) Diluted $(0.30) $(0.12) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 183,629 167,306 Diluted 183,629 167,306 PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In thousands) March 31, December 31, 2008 2007 Assets: Current assets $254,109 $189,193 Oil and gas properties, net 3,664,362 3,155,672 Other assets 1,074,348 1,327,574 Total assets $4,992,819 $4,672,439 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current liabilities $426,816 $360,497 Long-term debt 1,560,849 1,595,127 Other noncurrent liabilities 745,434 707,918 Stockholders' equity 2,259,720 2,008,897 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $4,992,819 $4,672,439 PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 2007 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $(55,612) $(19,415) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depletion, depreciation and amortization 83,127 95,838 Income tax benefit (32,427) (11,591) Stock-based compensation 2,598 2,888 Net unrealized loss on derivative contracts 137,515 74,971 Net realized gain on derivative contracts acquired - (2,440) Other (1,465) 1,355 Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital 133,736 141,606 Changes in working capital (72,551) (6,334) Net cash provided by operating activities 61,185 135,272 Cash flows from investing activities: Oil and gas capital expenditures (150,405) (224,496) Acquisition of oil and gas properties (428,306) (1,574) Decrease in restricted cash 269,837 - Other operating property and equipment expenditures (14,438) (1,363) Other - 1,101 Net cash used in investing activities (323,312) (226,332) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of options 6,307 1,400 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 310,500 - Offering costs (13,792) - Proceeds from borrowings 380,000 249,000 Repayment of borrowings (415,000) (161,415) Net realized gain on derivative contracts acquired - 2,440 Other (501) (14) Net cash provided by financing activities 267,514 91,411 Net increase in cash 5,387 351 Cash at beginning of period 1,812 5,593 Cash at end of period $7,199 $5,944 PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION SELECTED OPERATING DATA (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per unit and per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 2007 Production: Natural gas - Mmcf 21,523 24,526 Crude oil - Mbbl 365 748 Natural gas equivalent - Mmcfe 23,713 29,014 Average daily production - Mmcfe 261 322 Average price per unit: Realized oil price per Bbl - as reported $94.86 $56.11 Realized impact of derivatives per Bbl (18.59) 3.59 Net realized oil price per Bbl $76.27 $59.70 Realized gas price per Mcf - as reported 8.34 6.82 Realized impact of derivatives per Mcf 0.07 0.54 Net realized gas price per Mcf $8.41 $7.36 Cash flow from operations (1) 133,736 141,606 Cash flow from operations - per share (diluted) 0.72 0.83 Average cost per Mcfe: Production: Lease operating 0.52 0.55 Workover and other 0.02 0.08 Taxes other than income 0.46 0.47 Gathering, transportation and other 0.40 0.26 General and administrative: General and administrative 0.57 0.44 Stock-based compensation 0.11 0.10 Depletion 3.46 3.26 (1) Represents cash flow from operations before changes in working capital. See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for a reconciliation from this non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP financial measure. PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION SELECTED ITEM REVIEW AND RECONCILIATION (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 2007 Unrealized loss on derivatives:(1) Natural gas $133,035 $68,996 Crude oil 3,637 5,975 Interest 843 - Total selected items, before tax 137,515 74,971 Income tax effect of selected items (52,985) (29,106) Selected items, net of tax 84,530 45,865 Net loss available to common stockholders, as reported (55,612) (19,415) Net income available to common stockholders, excluding selected items $28,918 $26,450 Basic loss per share of common stock, as reported $(0.30) $(0.12) Impact of selected items 0.46 0.27 Basic earnings per share of common stock, excluding selected items $0.16 $0.15 Diluted loss per share of common stock, as reported $(0.30) $(0.12) Impact of selected items 0.45 0.27 Diluted earnings per share of common stock, excluding selected items $0.15 $0.15 (1) Represents the unrealized loss associated with the mark-to-market valuation of outstanding derivative positions at March 31, 2008 and 2007.

Petrohawk Energy Corporation

CONTACT: Joan Dunlap, Vice President, Investor Relations of PetrohawkEnergy Corporation, +1-832-204-2737, jdunlap@petrohawk.com

Web site: http://www.petrohawk.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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