Basic Energy Services Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2017 Results

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: BAS) ("Basic" or the "Company") today announced its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Basic emerged from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy pursuant to a prepackaged plan of reorganization on December 23, 2016.  Upon emergence from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Company adopted fresh start accounting, which results in Basic becoming a new entity for accounting and financial reporting purposes upon emergence.  As such, the application of fresh start accounting was reflected in its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, and all fresh start accounting adjustments were included in its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Due to these adjustments, the results of operations as of December 31, 2017 are not comparable with information provided for prior periods.

FOURTH QUARTER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Fourth quarter 2017 revenues increased 1% sequentially to $235.3 million from $233.5 million in the third quarter of 2017, as an improved level of optimism and activity driven by higher oil prices offset the normal seasonal slowdown and the severe weather impact of the fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2017 revenues increased 51% from $155.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. We estimate the total seasonal and weather impact for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $13.7 million.

For the fourth quarter of 2017, Basic reported a net loss of $20.3 million, or a loss of $0.78 per basic and diluted share, which compares to a net loss of $13.8 million, or a loss of $0.53 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of 2017, and a net income of $141.9 million, or earnings of $3.32 per basic and $3.15 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2016.

Excluding the impact of these special items listed above, Basic reported a net loss of $14.4 million, or a loss of $0.55 per basic and diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2017. Excluding special items, the Company reported a net loss of $6.1 million, or a loss of $0.24 per basic and diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017.

"We are pleased with the significant progress we have made over the course of 2017 as we emerged from one of the worst downturns in our industry's history," said Roe Patterson, Chief Executive Officer.  "We are also very pleased with our fourth quarter results, which improved slightly despite a typical seasonal slowdown of the fourth quarter and weather impacting working hours. These results are encouraging because, historically, fourth quarter revenues that are flat or higher than third quarter levels despite seasonal impacts serve as a positive indication for robust activity levels during the following year. Even though heavy rains hampered operations in early October, our revenue for the month was not only the highest of 2017, but the highest since 2015. In addition, our production services went on to see their best levels of activity in mid-November, the week before Thanksgiving. That said, weather and holidays, particularly in the last half of the quarter, negatively impacted our fourth quarter revenue by approximately $14 million, more than twice the impact we suffered during the third quarter.

"Fourth quarter results were led by a particularly strong performance in the well servicing and water logistics segments, where we benefitted from increased utilization and revenue per rig and truck hour. In addition, the amount of water disposal volumes via higher-margin pipeline continues to increase, reaching over 20% of our total volumes by year-end.  Though we continue to see some rate traction on our production-oriented services, most markets remain competitive. However, we believe the industry is approaching virtually full utilization levels based on current available labor. Increased equipment activations in 2018 will require our industry to attract labor from outside the current labor pool. Higher wages are customarily needed to accomplish this, which we believe will be the primary driver for higher rates in 2018.  

"On the completion services side, while pressure pumping activity was steady, pricing in this segment was flat throughout the quarter, which is normal for this time of year. We saw no major issues with sand or other supply chain inputs. Customer activity levels were normal for the fourth quarter with a few projects sliding into the first quarter instead of being completed just before or during the holiday period.  We did experience some pricing traction in coiled tubing, rental and fishing tools and snubbing services during the quarter.

"The seasonal choppiness due to holiday and weather interruptions reduced our margins slightly, resulting in adjusted EBITDA of $22.5 million in the fourth quarter compared to the moderately higher levels we saw in the third quarter.

"Activity levels continued at a slower pace in early January, as winter weather continued to impact operations for the first two weeks of the quarter.  However, by the third week of January, activity had ramped up again, and we are already experiencing utilization levels that exceed the highs of 2017. We expect the exit rate for first quarter 2018 EBITDA to be higher than any run rates we experienced in 2017. We also anticipate that revenues for the first half of 2018 are likely to be 7% to 10% higher than the second half of 2017."

Adjusted EBITDA declined to $22.5 million, or 10% of revenues, for the fourth quarter of 2017 from $26.5 million, or 11% of revenues, in the third quarter of 2017.  In the fourth quarter of 2016, Basic generated Adjusted EBITDA of ($5.2) million, or (3%) of revenues.  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), goodwill impairment, retention expenses, restructuring costs, vesting of predecessor equity compensation, the loss on customer audit settlements, and the net gain or loss from the disposal of assets.  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not measures determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), are defined and reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables.

FULL YEAR 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Revenues during 2017 increased 58% to $864.0 million from $547.5 million for 2016.

In 2017, Basic reported a net loss of ($96.7) million, or ($3.72) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($123.4) million, or a loss of ($2.94) per basic and diluted share in for the predecessor entity in 2016.  Included in that result are several special items as noted below.

Excluding special items in 2016, Basic generated an adjusted net loss of ($206.9) million, or a loss of ($4.92) per basic and diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA for 2017 increased to $59.8 million, or 7% of revenues, from ($29.2) million, or (5%) of revenue, for 2016.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes the special items discussed above for both 2017 and 2016. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled in note 2 under the accompanying financial tables.

Business Segment Results

Completion and Remedial Services

Completion and remedial services revenue decreased 1% to $122.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 from $123.7 million in the third quarter. The decrease was due to normal seasonal and severe weather impacts partially offset by increased activity in rental and fishing services in the Permian Basin and Central regions. In the fourth quarter of 2016, this segment generated $59.2 million in revenue.

At December 31, 2017, Basic had approximately 523,000 of total hydraulic horsepower ("HHP"), flat compared to the end of the third quarter and up from 444,000 HHP as of December 31, 2016. Weighted average HHP for the fourth quarter of 2017 was 523,000, up from 520,000 in the third quarter of 2017. Weighted average HHP was 444,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Segment profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased to $36.7 million compared to $39.2 million in the prior quarter.  Segment margin for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased to 30% compared to 32% during the previous quarter, driven by the decremental impact of seasonal holiday and weather effects.  The Rental and Fishing and Snubbing segments saw margin improvement quarter over quarter, as activity and pricing in the Permian Basin increased throughout the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter of 2016, segment profit was $8.4 million, or 14% of segment revenue.

Well Servicing

Well servicing revenues declined slightly to $54.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $54.6 million in the third quarter, reflecting seasonal declines and weather impact, almost completely offset by an improving activity and rate environment. Well servicing revenue was $45.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Revenues from the Taylor manufacturing operations were $369,000 compared to $300,000 in the third quarter of 2017 and $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

At December 31, 2017, the well servicing active rig count was 310, down from 421 as of the end of the prior quarter and at December 31, 2016. On December 31, 2017, Basic elected to classify 111 rigs as "cold-stacked" and remove these rigs from the active rig count.  It is anticipated that these cold-stacked rigs will ultimately be retired and disposed of in an orderly fashion.

Rig hours decreased 3% to 159,500 in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 165,200 in the previous quarter and were up 9% from 146,200 hours in the comparable quarter of last year. Rig utilization was 53% in the fourth quarter of 2017, down from 55% in the prior quarter and up from 49% in the fourth quarter of 2016.  If the 111 rigs noted above were not included in the active rig count, fourth quarter utilization would have been 72%.  

Excluding revenues associated with the Taylor manufacturing operations, revenue per well servicing rig hour was $339 in the fourth quarter of 2017, up 3% compared to $329 in the previous quarter and up 13% from $300 reported in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Rates continue to increase across all geographies, with notable rate increases in the first quarter of 2018, driven by slightly higher labor costs.

Segment profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased 8% to $10.5 million, compared to $11.4 million in the prior quarter and increased 71% from $6.1 million during the same period in 2016. Segment profit margin fell to 19% in the fourth quarter of 2017 from 21% in the prior quarter. Margins declined due to a combination of factors, including weather and holiday impacts as well as higher repair and maintenance costs during the quarter as operations took advantage of the seasonal slowdown to perform maintenance on equipment. In the fourth quarter of 2016, segment profit was 14% of segment revenue. Segment profit from the Taylor manufacturing operations was $9,000 in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $14,000 in the third quarter of 2017.

Water Logistics

Water Logistics revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 6% to $55.5 million from $52.3 million in the prior quarter.  Segment revenues grew due to an increase in pipeline utilization, slight rate improvements, and increased hot oiler revenue. These improvements were partially offset by weather and holiday impacts. During the fourth quarter of 2016, this segment generated $48.8 million in revenue. 

The weighted average number of water logistics trucks increased 2% to 967 during the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 947 during the third quarter of 2017 and increased 2% compared to 944 during the fourth quarter of 2016.  Truck hours were 492,800 during the fourth quarter of 2017 representing an improvement of 2% from 483,300 during the third quarter of 2017 and a decrease of 2% compared to 503,200 in the same period in 2016.  Revenue per truck increased 4% to $57,400 compared to $55,300 in the third quarter on improved rates for disposal utilization and hot oiling revenues. In the comparable quarter of 2016, average revenue per truck was $51,600.

As our business transitions to higher levels of pipeline water into our disposal wells, we believe tracking strictly trucking hours will be less indicative of the state of the Water Logistics segment.  Total water volumes for fourth quarter were 9.3 million barrels, with 21% coming via pipeline, up from 8.6 million barrels in the third quarter (18% via pipeline).

Segment profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased to $11.3 million from $11.1 million in the prior quarter. Segment profit margin decreased 70 basis points to 20% due to the impact of holiday periods and inclement weather, offset by improved pipeline activity, disposal utilization and hot oiling. Segment profit in the same period in 2016 was $6.3 million, or 13% of segment revenue.

Contract Drilling

Contract drilling revenue increased 15% to $3.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $2.8 million the prior quarter. During the fourth quarter of 2016, this segment generated $2.4 million in revenue.  Basic marketed 11 drilling rigs during the fourth quarter of 2017, the same number of rigs as in the previous quarter and down one from 12 in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Two rigs were active through the entire fourth quarter. Revenue per drilling day in the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased to $23,500 compared to $31,000 in the previous quarter, but up from $17,500 in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Rig operating days during the fourth quarter increased to 139 compared to 92 in the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a rig utilization of 14% and 9% during the fourth and third quarters of 2017, respectively. This improvement is due to a second rig remaining out throughout the entire fourth quarter, as compared to a partial quarter's impact in the third quarter of 2017.  In the comparable period in 2016, rig operating days were also 139, producing a utilization of 14%. 

Segment profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $352,000 compared to $301,000 in the prior quarter and a loss of $40,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Segment margin for the fourth quarter of 2017 was 11% of segment revenues, consistent with the prior quarter. For the fourth quarter of 2016, segment margin was (2%).

G&A Expense

Reported General and Administrative ("G&A") expense was $37.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to a reported G&A expense for the third quarter of 2017 of $39.2 million. Excluding costs associated with business development activity, G&A expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $36.5 million, or 15% of revenues, compared to $35.0 million, also 15% of revenue, in the third quarter.

Non-cash stock incentive expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $6.7 million, compared to $6.3 million in the third quarter.  G&A expense in the fourth quarter of 2016 was $38.5 million.

Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $10.3 million compared to $8.9 million in the third quarter of 2017.  The increase is related to the draw of $64 million in the third quarter on the new ABL facility that closed in September 2017. Net interest expense was $29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Tax Benefit

Basic's tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $312,000 compared to a benefit of $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. The fourth quarter of 2017 represents an effective tax benefit rate of 2%, compared to an effective tax benefit rate of 11% in the prior quarter. Excluding the valuation allowance related to the temporary impairments of the deferred tax assets of $5.6 million, the operating effective tax benefit of $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 translated into an effective tax benefit rate of 28%.

Cash and Total Liquidity

On December 31, 2017, Basic had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $38.5 million, down from $43.1 million at September 30, 2017 and $98.9 million on December 31, 2016.  On October 27, 2017, Basic entered into an agreement to increase the aggregate commitments of the new ABL facility by $20 million, to a total of $120 million. In addition, Basic had restricted cash in the amount of $48 million at December 31, 2017. The borrowing base of the ABL was $75 million at December 31, 2017.  Borrowings under the ABL were $64 million, including $45 million for the cash collateralization of letters of credit, $15 million for working capital purposes, and $4 million for fees associated with the ABL. Availability under the ABL at December 31 was $11 million, which was not subject to covenant restrictions. At December 31, 2017, total liquidity was approximately $50 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and the $11 million of availability under Basic's ABL previously discussed.

Capital Expenditures

Total capital expenditures during 2017 were approximately $138 million (including capital leases of $67 million), comprised of $47 million for expansion projects, $88 million for sustaining and replacement projects and $3 million for other projects.  Expansion capital spending included $40 million for the completion and remedial services segment, $6 million for the well servicing segment, and $524,000 for the water logistics segment.   Other capital expenditures were mainly for facilities and IT infrastructure.

Basic currently anticipates maintenance capital expenditures for 2018 to be $95 million, including $40 million of capital leases. 

Conference Call

Further details are provided in the presentation for our quarterly conference call to review the fourth quarter and full year of 2017 results, available in the investor relations section of our corporate website.  Basic will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2017 results on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Central).  To access the call, please dial (412) 902-0003 and ask for the "Basic Energy Services" call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.  The conference call will also be broadcast live via the Internet and can be accessed through the investor relations section of Basic's corporate website, www.basicenergyservices.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available until March 13, 2018 and may be accessed by calling (201) 612-7415 and using pass code 13676101#.  A webcast archive will be available at www.basicenergyservices.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 30 days. 

About Basic Energy Services

Basic Energy Services provides well site services essential to maintaining production from the oil and gas wells within its operating area.  The Company employs more than 4,100 employees in more than 100 service points throughout the major oil and gas producing regions in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Wyoming, North Dakota, California and the Rocky Mountain and Appalachian regions. Additional information on Basic Energy Services is available on the Company's website at www.basicenergyservices.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Basic has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete.  However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, including (i) changes in demand for our services and any related material impact on our pricing and utilizations rates, (ii) Basic's ability to execute, manage and integrate acquisitions successfully, (iii) changes in our expenses, including labor or fuel costs and financing costs, (iv) continued volatility of oil or natural gas prices, and any related changes in expenditures by our customers, and (v) competition within our industry.  Additional important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in Item 1A of Basic's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent Form 10-Qs filed with the SEC.  While Basic makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Basic nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved.  Basic assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Basic, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

-Tables to Follow-

The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA, which is the most comparable GAAP performance measure, for each of the periods indicated:

The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to "Adjusted EBITDA," which means our EBITDA excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets, retention expense, goodwill impairment, due diligence on M&A activities, reorganization items, net, vesting of equity compensation, and restructuring costs

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SOURCE Basic Energy Services, Inc.