Form 10-Q for quarterly period ended March 31, 2009
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-16179

 

 

ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   72-1409562

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

201 St. Charles Ave., Suite 3400 New Orleans, Louisiana   70170
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(504) 569-1875

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨       Accelerated filer    x
Non-accelerated filer      ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company).     Smaller reporting company    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange

Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of August 31, 2009, there were 32,287,082 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,

outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements:

   3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

   5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   6

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   18

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   25

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   26

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   27

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   27

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   28

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   28

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   28

Item 5. Other Information

   28

Item 6. Exhibits

   28

 

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands, except share data)    March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 20,083      $ 1,991   

Trade accounts receivable

     25,621        29,264   

Receivables from insurance

     2,510        4,230   

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

     4,682        5,415   

Prepaid expenses

     4,686        4,522   
                

Total current assets

     57,582        45,422   

Property and equipment, at cost under the successful efforts
method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties

     1,648,704        1,646,805   

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (995,689     (958,438
                

Net property and equipment

     653,015        688,367   

Other assets

     27,775        23,041   

Deferred tax assets

     1,326        1,580   

Deferred financing costs — net of accumulated amortization
of $5,112 at March 31, 2009 and $3,780 at December 31, 2008

     7,024        8,356   
                
   $ 746,722      $ 766,766   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 26,611      $ 39,517   

Accrued expenses

     35,128        54,467   

Accrued interest on indebtedness

     15,522        9,506   

Asset retirement obligations

     14,229        18,181   

Current portion of long-term debt

     537,501        497,501   

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,326        1,580   

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

     —          28   
                

Total current liabilities

     630,317        620,780   

Asset retirement obligations

     88,540        87,506   

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

     —          55   

Other

     896        1,306   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

    
                
     719,753        709,647   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value. Authorized 1,700,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued: 2009 – 44,400,636 shares; 2008—44,323,293 shares; outstanding, net of treasury shares: 2009 – 32,160,650 and 2008—32,083,307 shares

     445        444   

Additional paid-in capital

     383,952        382,232   

Accumulated deficit

     (99,072     (67,201

Treasury stock, at cost, 2009 and 2008—12,239,986 shares

     (258,356     (258,356
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     26,969        57,119   
                
   $ 746,722      $ 766,766   
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Revenue:

    

Oil and natural gas

   $ 42,650      $ 97,455   

Other

     50        41   
                
     42,700        97,496   

Costs and expenses:

    

Lease operating

     13,550        14,214   

Transportation

     136        406   

Exploration expenditures and dry hole costs

     572        23,284   

Impairments of properties

     5,113        (75

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     32,140        28,810   

Accretion of liability for asset retirement obligations

     1,834        1,056   

General and administrative

     12,644        9,367   

Taxes, other than on earnings

     1,399        2,379   

Gain on sale of assets

     —          (6,674

Other

     344        1,096   
                

Total costs and expenses

     67,732        73,863   

Business interruption recovery

     1,185        —     
                

Income (loss) from operations

     (23,847     23,633   

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

     38        301   

Interest expense

     (11,713     (11,912

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments

     3,651        (8,326
                
     (8,024     (19,937

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (31,871     3,696   

Income taxes

     —          (1,381
                

Net income (loss)

     (31,871     2,315   
                

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.99   $ 0.07   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.99   $ 0.07   

Weighted average common shares used in
computing earnings per share:

    

Basic

     32,106        31,772   

Incremental common shares

    

Stock options

     —          —     

Restricted share units

     —          —     

Performance shares

     —          7   
                

Diluted

     32,106        31,779   
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (31,871   $ 2,315   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     32,140        28,810   

Accretion of liability for asset retirement obligations

     1,834        1,056   

Unrealized loss on derivative contracts

     649        3,096   

Non cash compensation

     1,175        1,466   

Deferred income taxes

     —          1,064   

Gain on sale of oil and gas assets

     —          (6,674

Exploration expenditures

     (12 )     21,707   

Impairments of properties

     5,113       (75

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,332        407   

Other

     521        674   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Trade accounts receivable

     3,643        8,728   

Other receivables

     1,720        —     

Prepaid expenses

     (164     (321

Other assets

     (4,734     (329

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (3,856     3,080   

Other liabilities

     (5,239     (2,583
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,251        62,421   
                

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Property acquisitions

     (29     (15,341

Exploration and development expenditures

     (24,005     (47,010

Proceeds from sale of oil and gas assets

     —          15,026   

Other property and equipment additions

     (125     (216
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (24,159     (47,541
                

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Repayments of indebtedness

     —          (35,000

Proceeds from indebtedness

     40,000        25,000   

Exercise of stock options and warrants

     —          101   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     40,000        (9,899
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     18,092        4,981   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,991        8,864   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 20,083      $ 13,845   
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Energy Partners, Ltd. (referred to herein as “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company”) was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on January 29, 1998. We operate as an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Our current operations are concentrated in the shallow to moderate depth waters in the Gulf of Mexico focusing on the areas of offshore Louisiana as well as the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in depths less than 5,000 feet.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, management believes the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements in order to conform to the classification adopted for reporting in the current period. These financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed August 5, 2009 (“2008 Annual Report”).

The financial information as of March 31, 2009 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 has not been audited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included therein. The results of operations for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which might be expected for the entire year.

Recent Events—Bankruptcy

On May 1, 2009, we and certain of our subsidiaries (the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions (In re: Energy Partners, Ltd., et. al., Case No. 09-32957) for reorganization (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (the “Bankruptcy Court”). We continue to manage our properties and operate our business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 filings and related matters are addressed in Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Important additional information regarding the Chapter 11 Cases is available in our 2008 Annual Report.

Included in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2009, are subsidiaries which have not commenced Chapter 11 cases or other similar proceedings, and are not debtors in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding. The net assets of our non-debtor subsidiaries are not significant. The Debtors have been operating as debtors-in-possession pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code since May 1, 2009.

Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. On the effective date of the reorganization, which is subject to the closing of one or more loans and/or credit facilities that together would provide liquidity to us upon our exit from bankruptcy, among other things, we will adopt “fresh-start” accounting as required by the provisions of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code” (“SOP 90-7”). SOP 90-7 will require us to allocate the “reorganization value” to our assets and liabilities in relation to their fair values. Accordingly, the carrying values of assets and liabilities on the effective date of reorganization may differ materially from the amounts shown as of March 31, 2009. Additionally, amounts reported in subsequent financial statements may change materially due to the reorganization of our assets and liabilities, as well as the application of the “fresh-start” accounting provisions. We expect that our reorganization and “fresh-start” accounting adjustments will include conversion of the principal and accrued interest on our 9.75% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2014 (the “Fixed Rate Notes”), our Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2013 (the “Floating Rate Notes” and together with the Fixed Rate Notes, the “Senior Unsecured Notes”) and the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 into new common stock. Additionally, along with all of our assets and liabilities, our property and equipment assets and our asset retirement obligations will be reported at fair market values. As a result, our interest expense, accretion of liability for asset retirement obligations and our depreciation, depletion and amortization may be significantly different in periods after the effective date of the reorganization.

(2) EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that could have been outstanding assuming the exercise of stock options and the potential shares associated with restricted share units and performance shares that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share.

 

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(3) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Background to the Chapter 11 Cases

Prior to our filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, a number of events and economic conditions which existed in 2008 negatively impacted our business and liquidity. These events included the following:

 

   

hurricanes in August and September of 2008 damaged third-party production pipelines, causing us to shut-in a significant amount of our production from September 2008 and continuing into early 2009;

 

   

oil and natural gas prices declined in the fourth quarter of 2008 and have remained at low levels during 2009 relative to the levels in 2008; and

 

   

the worldwide credit and capital markets collapsed in 2008 and the availability of debt and equity financing became significantly more scarce, thus reducing financial flexibility for most companies, including us.

These factors negatively impacted our business, and led to several circumstances that significantly affected our liquidity, including:

MMS Order and Term Sheet. We received an order from the Minerals Management Service (“MMS”) dated March 23, 2009 (the “MMS Order”). The MMS is part of the United States Department of the Interior. The MMS Order demanded that we provide to the MMS bonds or other acceptable security in the aggregate amount of $34.7 million to secure plugging and abandonment liabilities associated with all of our properties on federal leases in the Gulf of Mexico, with the first installment payment of $1.2 million due no later than March 31, 2009, an additional installment payment of $1.2 million due no later than June 30, 2009 and the remaining $32.3 million due no later than July 31, 2009. The MMS Order also required us to immediately shut-in production from all of our wells and facilities located in South Pass Blocks 27 and 28 in the federal portion of our East Bay field, while properly maintaining these facilities and wells with essential personnel. We promptly completed the shut-in of our federal East Bay facilities before the end of March 2009. After further discussions with the MMS, the MMS has requested that three of our unit wells producing in East Bay be shut-in, further to compliance with the MMS Order affecting our federal leases in East Bay. This subsequent shut-in occurred on August 14, 2009. The MMS has acknowledged, however, that production from these three unit wells held the leases while they were producing. Because federal leases would normally terminate if there is no production for 180 consecutive days, the affected leases could expire if (1) we do not comply with the requirements set forth by applicable MMS regulations and restore production to the shut-in federal leases by February 10, 2010; (2) we and the MMS do not otherwise come to an agreement that would prevent the leases from expiring on such date; or (3) there is no other unitized production that would prevent the termination provisions in the affected leases from being triggered. The production from the wells and properties that we shut-in as a result of the MMS Order constituted less than 5% of our average daily production as of March 27, 2009. We also made two installment payments of approximately $1.2 million on March 30, 2009 and on April 29, 2009 in compliance with the MMS Order and the term sheet discussed below. We entered into a binding term sheet with the MMS on April 30, 2009 to establish terms for us to address our obligations under the MMS Order. Under the term sheet, we and the MMS have agreed to re-affirm the terms and conditions of the previously established trust account for the benefit of the MMS under the Decommissioning Trust Agreement dated December 23, 2008 among us, the MMS and JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA, and we had agreed to make monthly payments to the trust account in the amount of $1.2 million while the Chapter 11 Cases are pending and, on the effective date of the Plan to make a payment to the trust account equal to $21 million minus the aggregate amount of the monthly payments made into the trust account while the Chapter 11 Cases are pending (commencing with the payment made on April 29, 2009). The $1.2 million monthly payments to the trust account remain subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court. All remaining amounts owed to the trust account to reach the full funding amount owed to the MMS of $36.1 million (after giving credit to all prior payments made by us) were payable in equal quarterly installments of approximately $1.2 million, commencing October 31, 2009, with quarterly payments continuing until full funding has occurred. On June 11, 2009, we received a letter from the MMS requesting an additional $10.95 million in financial assurance based on the actual costs for partial and completed well plugging and abandonment associated with our federal leases in the East Bay field. On June 24, 2009, we advised the MMS that we will provide the additional $10.95 million by increasing our quarterly payments identified in the term sheet—such quarterly payments are presently contemplated to commence on October 31, 2009—which would increase the quarterly payments from approximately $1.2 million to approximately $1.8 million. The MMS has agreed to vote in favor of the Plan to the extent its treatment is consistent with the terms set forth in the term sheet. In addition, the MMS has granted a consensual stay of the MMS Order that will remain in place while the Chapter 11 Cases are pending. This stay, however, does not lift the requirement that our Federal wells and facilities located in South Pass Blocks 27 and 28 remain shut-in. The term sheet with the MMS contemplates that, on the effective date of the Plan, the MMS Order will be fully rescinded, and we will be allowed to resume production from these wells and facilities. However, the terms of the term sheet, as incorporated into the Plan, will only supersede the MMS Order if the Bankruptcy Court confirms the Plan.

        Reduction of Borrowing Base. In March 2009, we received a notice of redetermination from Bank of America, N.A., the Administrative Agent under our Credit Agreement dated as of April 23, 2007 (“Credit Agreement”), that our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement had been lowered from $150 million to $45 million, resulting in a borrowing base deficiency of $38 million. Following the receipt of this notice, we considered various alternatives provided for under the Credit Agreement to repay the borrowing base deficiency and presented to the Administrative Agent the proposal of an installment repayment plan. The Administrative Agent declined to approve our proposed repayment plan, and as a result, on March 24, 2009, we received a notice from the Administrative Agent requiring the lump-sum payment by us of $38 million to the bank lenders under the Credit Agreement (the

 

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“Lenders”) by April 3, 2009. On April 3, 2009, we obtained a consent from a majority of the outstanding commitments (the “Required Lenders”) under the Credit Agreement, extending the due date for the repayment of the borrowing base deficiency until April 14, 2009. On April 14, 2009, we and the Required Lenders entered into a letter agreement that further extended the due date for repayment of the borrowing base deficiency until May 1, 2009 and provided that the Lenders agree not to exercise any rights and remedies until May 1, 2009 with respect to all outstanding and certain anticipated defaults by us under the Credit Agreement in exchange for our compliance with specified conditions. On May 1, 2009, we filed the Chapter 11 Cases.

Default on Senior Unsecured Notes. We were required to make annual interest payments of approximately $45.0 million each year on the Senior Unsecured Notes, of which $17 million was due on April 15, 2009, and remains unpaid. Our failure to make these interest payments within 30 days of the due date was an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes and under the cross-default provision of the Credit Agreement.

Surety Obligations. As of August 31, 2009, we had outstanding $60.0 million in surety bonds with four different indemnity companies. Our agreements with these indemnity companies allow them to demand cash reserves or letters of credit to support our outstanding surety bonds. In December 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, we posted cash collateral to restricted accounts for the benefit of certain of these indemnity companies totaling $5.7 million in response to requests to provide reserves against our surety bonds with them. If we default on some or all of these surety bonds, the indemnity companies may cancel our surety bonds. The cancelation of some or all of our surety bonds may result in violations of other agreements or obligations. As a result, we could be forced to shut in our production or lose our ability to continue to perform our business operations.

Plan of Reorganization; Plan Support and Lock-Up Agreement

On April 30, 2009, we entered into a Plan Support and Lock-Up Agreement (the “Plan Support Agreement”) with the holders of more than 66 2/3% (the “Consenting Holders”) of the outstanding principal amount of our Senior Unsecured Notes. The parties to the Plan Support Agreement had agreed, following receipt of the Disclosure Statement, to vote in favor of and support a plan or reorganization that is consistent in all material respects with the term sheet attached to the Plan Support Agreement (“Term Sheet”).

The Plan Support Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances by the Majority Consenting Holders, including if (1) we fail to file the Plan or the Disclosure Statement with the Bankruptcy Court on or prior to May 15, 2009; (2) the Bankruptcy Court does not approve the Disclosure Statement on or prior to June 30, 2009; (3) the Bankruptcy Court does not confirm the Plan on or prior to August 15, 2009; (4) we do not consummate the restructuring transactions provided for in the Plan on or prior to September 10, 2009, or under certain circumstances, a later date; (5) we or any of our officers or directors fail to take any action required by the Plan Support Agreement in order to comply with our fiduciary obligations under applicable law or otherwise; (6) we file or support a plan of reorganization that is different from the Plan or withdraw or revoke the Plan; (7) we materially breach any of our obligations or fail to satisfy in any material respect any of the terms or conditions under the Plan Support Agreement; (8) our aggregate liabilities as of the dates specified in the Term Sheet (excluding those liabilities that would be extinguished by the Plan or otherwise do not survive the consummation of the Plan) materially exceed the amounts we represented in the Term Sheet; (9) an examiner with expanded powers relating to our business or trustee is appointed in any of the Chapter 11 Cases, any of the Chapter 11 Cases are converted to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code or any of the Chapter 11 Cases are dismissed by the Bankruptcy Court; or (10) any definitive documents executed by us in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases in order to implement the Plan are not consistent in all material respects with the terms set forth in the Term Sheet and otherwise are not reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to the Majority Consenting Holders. In any event, the Plan Support Agreement terminates on September 15, 2009.

Bankruptcy Proceedings, Plan of Reorganization, Exit Facility and Expected Emergence from Bankruptcy

On May 1, 2009, we and certain of our subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions (In re: Energy Partners, Ltd., et. al., Case No. 09-32957) for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended, in the Bankruptcy Court. We continue to manage our properties and operate our business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. On June 11, 2009, as part of the Chapter 11 Cases, we filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Plan and the Disclosure Statement, pursuant to which we solicited votes for the confirmation of the Plan. On July 31, 2009, we filed with the Bankruptcy Court our Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization, as modified as of July 31, 2009 (Plan). The Plan was formulated after extensive negotiations with committees representing holders of the Senior Unsecured Notes and holders of our common stock interests. The primary purpose of the Plan is to effectuate a restructuring of our capital structure to strengthen our balance sheet by reducing our overall indebtedness and improve cash flow.

        On July 23, 2009, we announced that the Plan had received the affirmative vote of the holders of our Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 and we consequently proceeded to request confirmation of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. On August 3, 2009, after a confirmation hearing in which the Bankruptcy Court considered the Plan and all objections thereto, it entered a confirmation order (the “Confirmation Order”) and confirmed the Plan as of August 3, 2009. The effectiveness of the Plan and our emergence from bankruptcy is subject to several conditions, including the successful closing of one or more loans and/or credit facilities that together would provide liquidity to us upon our exit from bankruptcy (together, the “Exit Facility”). We are currently in negotiations with lenders on structuring the Exit Facility. For more information on the conditions to the final effectiveness of the Plan see Item 1A“—Risk Factors” in our 2008 Annual Report.

 

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The material terms of the Plan as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on August 3, 2009 include, among other things, that:

 

   

each holder of the Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 would receive, in exchange for their total claim (including principal and interest), their pro rata share of 95% of the common stock to be issued pursuant to the Plan “New EPL Common Stock” in us upon our emergence from bankruptcy;

 

   

each holder of our common stock interests would receive, in exchange for their total claim, their pro rata share of 5% of the New EPL Common Stock;

 

   

upon the Effective Date, we shall have access to the Exit Facility in form and substance acceptable to us and a majority in interest of the Consenting Holders (the “Majority Consenting Holders”);

 

   

we may adopt the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan under which we may issue shares of restricted new EPL common stock and new EPL stock options to certain of our employees and certain members of management; and

 

   

following the effective date of the reorganization, the sole equity interests in us would consist of (1) New EPL Common Stock issued to the holders of our Senior Unsecured Notes, the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010, and holders of our common stock interests, (2) restricted new EPL common stock issued to certain members of our management, if any, and (3) new EPL stock options to be issued to certain key employees pursuant to the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan, if any, which would be exercisable for new EPL common stock. Collectively, the restricted new EPL common stock issued pursuant to subparagraph (2) and the shares reserved for the exercise of new EPL stock options pursuant to subparagraph (3) above would in no event exceed 3% of the new EPL common stock on a fully diluted basis.

The timing and ultimate outcome of the Chapter 11 proceedings remain uncertain. Issues and matters to be resolved prior to emergence from the proceedings include negotiation of the Exit Facility.

Consummation of the Plan is conditioned upon, among other things, the closing of the Exit Facility. There can be no assurance that any or all of the foregoing conditions will be met (or waived) or that the other conditions to consummation, if any, will be satisfied. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Plan will be consummated and the restructuring completed.

The above events and circumstances, together with the worldwide credit markets’ collapse in 2008 and the scarcity of available credit from most major commercial financial institutions, as well as the low trading price of our common stock, make it extremely difficult to find additional financing, either to refinance our Credit Agreement or our Senior Unsecured Notes or to provide additional liquidity during 2009.

Restructure of Prepetition Employee Arrangements

Prior to May 1, 2009, various incentive and retention plans and agreements existed for certain of our employees (collectively, the “Arrangements”) that provided for such employees to receive cash payments and/or settlement of equity compensation awards either upon specified future vesting dates or in connection with a termination of employment. The Plan Support Agreement contains certain provisions that provide that such Arrangements must be amended, renegotiated, and/or restructured prior to the effective date of a confirmed plan of reorganization.

As a result of the Plan Support Agreement, the Board of Directors amended the provisions of the Energy Partners, Ltd. Change of Control Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”) in a manner such that the protected employment period initiated by our change of control under such plans, as well as the severance benefits potentially payable in connection with certain terminations of employment during that protected period, would not be triggered by the restructuring contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement.

We also established two programs, a non-insider employee retention program and a senior management employee program (collectively, the “Retention Programs”). In order for an office employee who participates in either of these programs to receive his or her retention payments, the participant has to waive and release any and all potential claims against the Company under the prepetition Arrangements.

Finally, the written change of control severance agreements (each a “Severance Agreement”) with two of our executives were terminated by the Company and each of such executives in exchange for the executives receiving an unsecured claim for the rejection damages.

The total cost of the Retention Programs and the termination of the two Severance Agreements is approximately $2 million of which approximately $0.5 million has been paid during the bankruptcy proceedings and approximately $1.5 million will be paid when we emerge from bankruptcy.

NYSE Delisting

        In March 2009, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) notified us that our common stock had been suspended from trading and was subsequently delisted for failure to maintain the required market capitalization minimum criteria. Our common stock is being quoted for public trading on the Pink Sheets quotations system, an over-the-counter market, under the symbol ERPLQ.PK. This significantly impairs our ability to raise additional equity financing.

Changes to Production Levels

Due to our current liquidity situation and lower commodity prices, we expect to significantly reduce capital expenditures during 2009. As a result, we do not expect to be able to maintain our current production levels and we expect our production to decline significantly during the second half of 2009 primarily due to natural reservoir declines combined with minimal investment in reserve

 

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replacement activities. At our current and anticipated production levels, combined with the current and expected lower sales prices, we do not expect to have sufficient cash flows to fully fund our operations and meet all of our financial obligations in 2009 as discussed above.

Changes in the Board of Directors and Management

Commencing in the first half of fiscal 2009 and continuing through the date of this filing, we have experienced major changes in the management of our company. Our Board of Directors declined from eleven to five members during the first quarter of 2009. In addition, on March 1, 2009, Joseph T. Leary resigned as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On March 15, 2009, Richard A. Bachmann resigned as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and we engaged Alan D. Bell as our Chief Restructuring Officer. In July 2009, we announced the designation of Alan D. Bell as principal executive officer and Tiffany J. Thom as principal financial officer.

(4) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

On March 26 and 27, 2008, respectively, we completed the sale of two Gulf of Mexico properties located in the Western offshore area for $15.0 million after giving effect to preliminary closing adjustments and recorded a gain on the sale of $7.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008.

(5) DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS

Derivative contracts are carried at their fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as Fair value of commodity derivative instruments and all realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Gain (loss) on derivative instruments in Other income (expense). Recently, we have agreed to termination of certain of these contracts as requested by our lenders or as required by the terms of our agreements with them. We had the following derivative contracts as of March 31, 2009:

Natural Gas Contracts

 

        Contract Type      Floor/Ceiling-Floor
($/Mmbtu)
     Volume (Mmbtu)
               Daily      Total

04/09 – 06/09

     Synthetic Put      $ 5.00/$10.00-11.00      10,000      610,000

11/09 – 01/10

     Synthetic Put      $ 6.00/$10.00-11.00      5,000      920,000

11/09 – 01/10

     Synthetic Put      $ 5.83/$10.00-11.00      15,000      1,380,000

Oil Contracts

 

Remaining Contract Term    Contract Type      Floor/Ceiling
($/Bbl)
     Volume (Bbls)
             Daily      Total

4/09 – 06/09

   Collar      $ 55.00/$86.88      1,000      182,000

The following table presents information about the components of gain (loss) on derivative instruments:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  
     (in thousands)  

Derivative contracts:

    

Unrealized loss due to change in fair market value

   $ (649   $ (3,096

Realized gain (loss) on settlement

     4,300        (5,230
                

Total gain (loss) on derivative instruments

   $ 3,651      $ (8,326
                

 

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(6) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Changes in our asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2009, were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 105,687   

Accretion expense

     1,834   

Revisions

     196   

Liabilities settled

     (4,948
        

Balance at March 31, 2009

     102,769   

Less: Amount required to be settled within the next twelve months

     (14,229
        

Balance at March 31, 2009, noncurrent asset retirement obligations

   $ 88,540   
        

(7) INDEBTEDNESS

See Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information on our indebtedness and the impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on the Credit Agreement, the Senior Unsecured Notes and the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010.

Currently, we are in default on our Credit Agreement, Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010. Total indebtedness was as follows:

 

     March 31,
2009
   December 31,
2008
     (in thousands)

Fixed Rate Notes, annual interest of 9.75%, payable May 15, 2014

   $ 300,000    $ 300,000
Floating Rate Notes, with weighted average interest on March 31, 2009 of 6.22%,
payable April 15, 2013
     150,000      150,000

Senior Notes, annual interest of 8.75%, payable August 1, 2010

     4,501      4,501
Credit Agreement, interest rate based on LIBOR borrowing rates plus a floating
spread payable April 23, 2011, with weighted average interest on March 31, 2009 of 3.16%
     83,000      43,000
             

Total indebtedness, all amounts are current

   $ 537,501    $ 497,501
             

(8) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table provides fair value measurement information for our financial instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable (including income taxes payable and accrued expenses) approximated fair value at March 31 2009, and are not presented in the following table.

 

     As of March 31, 2009
                 Fair Value Measurements Using:
     Carrying
Amount
    Total Fair
Value
    Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Financial Assets (Liabilities) (in thousands):

           

Oil and natural gas puts and collars

   $ 4,682      $ 4,682      $     —      $ 4,682      $     —  

Debt

   $ (537,501   $ (194,035   $     —      $ (194,035   $     —  

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the table above, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels. Level 1 inputs on the hierarchy consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, and Level 3 inputs have the lowest priority and include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. When available, we measure fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value. We currently do not use Level 3 inputs to measure fair value.

 

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The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Debt—At March 31, 2009, the Fixed Rate Notes and the Floating Rate Notes were not actively traded in an established market. Therefore, quoted prices were not available. However, we estimated the fair values of these debt instruments based on prices reflected by trades which occurred near March 31, 2009 as obtained through financial information services. The fair value of the Credit Agreement is estimated to approximate the carrying amount because the interest rates paid on such debt are generally set for periods of three months or less.

Oil and natural gas puts and collars—The fair values of the oil and natural gas puts and collars are estimated using similar, observable NYMEX published settlements.

(9) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” SFAS No. 165 modifies the definition of subsequent events and requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. SFAS No. 165 became effective for us on June 15, 2009. We evaluated subsequent events through September 8, 2009, which represents the date our financial statements were issued. Our significant subsequent events are addressed in Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

(10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As described in Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources,” on May 1, 2009, we and certain of our subsidiaries filed the Chapter 11 Cases. See Note 3 for additional information on legal proceedings related to the Chapter 11 Cases. In addition to the matters described in Note 3, we may become subject to claims asserted during or subsequent to the Chapter 11 proceedings. However, we do not anticipate that our exposure to these additional claims, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

We generate liabilities related to production that is delivered to us in excess of our interest in certain properties, often referred to as production imbalances. Additionally, we may, from time to time, receive cash in excess of amounts that we estimate are due to us for our interest in production, which amounts may be subject to further review, may require more information to resolve or may be in dispute. At March 31, 2009, based on information available to us, the amount that may be subject to claim by one purchaser of our production of $4.4 million is included in accrued expenses.

In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various other legal proceedings. We do not expect our exposure in these other proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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(11) SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In connection with the sale of the Senior Unsecured Notes, all of our current active subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) jointly, severally and unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations under the Senior Unsecured Notes. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a consolidating basis, the balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flow information for Energy Partners, Ltd. (Parent Company Only) and for the Guarantor Subsidiaries. We have not presented separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantor Subsidiaries because management has determined that such information is not material to investors.

The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for condensed financial information and does not include all disclosures included in annual financial statements, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain reclassifications were made to conform all of the financial information to the financial presentation on a consolidated basis. The principal eliminating entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances and intercompany revenues and expenses.

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2009

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 20,083      $ —        $ —        $ 20,083   

Accounts receivable

     31,141        1,672        —          32,813   

Other current assets

     4,623        63          4,686   
                                

Total current assets

     55,847        1,735        —          57,582   

Property and equipment

     1,377,719        270,985        —          1,648,704   

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (851,713     (143,976     —          (995,689
                                

Net property and equipment

     526,006        127,009        —          653,015   

Investment in affiliates

     81,212        —          (81,212     —     

Notes receivable, long-term

     —          120,431        (120,431     —     

Other assets

     36,035        90          36,125   
                                
     699,100        249,265        (201,643     746,722   
                                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 84,452      $ 7,038      $ —        $ 91,490   

Deferred tax liability

     1,326        —          —          1,326   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     537,501        —          —          537,501   
                                

Total current liabilities

     623,279        7,038        —          630,317   

Long-term debt

     —          120,431        (120,431     —     

Other liabilities

     48,852        40,584        —          89,436   
                                
     672,131        168,053        (120,431     719,753   

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock

     —          3        (3     —     

Common stock

     445        98        (98     445   

Additional paid-in capital

     383,952        310        (310     383,952   

Retained earnings

     (99,072     80,801        (80,801     (99,072

Treasury stock

     (258,356     —          —          (258,356
                                

Total stockholders’ equity

     26,969        81,212        (81,212     26,969   
                                
     699,100        249,265        (201,643     746,722   
                                

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2008

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,991      $ —        $ —        $ 1,991   

Accounts receivable

     37,665        1,244        —          38,909   

Other current assets

     4,459        63          4,522   
                                

Total current assets

     44,115        1,307        —          45,422   

Property and equipment

     1,376,387        270,418        —          1,646,805   

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (818,234     (140,204     —          (958,438
                                

Net property and equipment

     558,153        130,214        —          688,367   

Investment in affiliates

     84,697        (66     (84,631     —     

Notes receivable, long-term

     —          120,431        (120,431     —     

Other assets

     32,887        90          32,977   
                                
     719,852        251,976        (205,062     766,766   
                                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 114,510      $ 7,161      $ —        $ 121,671   

Deferred tax liability

     1,580        —          —          1,580   

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

     28        —          —          28   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     497,501        —          —          497,501   
                                

Total current liabilities

     613,619        7,161        —          620,780   

Long-term debt

     —          120,431        (120,431     —     

Other liabilities

     49,114        39,753        —          88,867   
                                
     662,733        167,345        (120,431     709,647   

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock

     —          3        (3     —     

Common stock

     444        98        (98     444   

Additional paid-in capital

     382,232        310        (310     382,232   

Retained earnings

     (67,201     84,220        (84,220     (67,201

Treasury stock

     (258,356     —          —          (258,356
                                

Total stockholders’ equity

     57,119        84,631        (84,631     57,119   
                                
     719,852        251,976        (205,062     766,766   
                                

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenue:

        

Oil and natural gas

   $ 32,536      $ 10,114      $ —        $ 42,650   

Other

     280        47        (277     50   
                                
     32,816        10,161        (277     42,700   

Costs and expenses:

        

Lease operating expenses

     9,718        3,832        —          13,550   

Exploration expenditures, dry hole costs and impairments

     5,685        —          —          5,685   

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     29,384        4,590        —          33,974   

General and administrative

     12,325        4,069        (3,750     12,644   

Taxes, other than on earnings

     256        1,143        —          1,399   

Other expenses

     480        —          —          480   
                                

Total costs and expenses

     57,848        13,634        (3,750     67,732   
                                

Business interruption recovery

     1,185        —          —          1,185   

Loss from operations

     (23,847     (3,473     3,473        (23,847
                                

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (11,675     —          —          (11,675

Gain on derivative instruments

     3,651        —          —          3,651   
                                
     (8,024     —          —          (8,024
                                

Loss before income taxes

     (31,871     (3,473     3,473        (31,871

Income taxes

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Net loss

   $ (31,871   $ (3,473   $ 3,473      $ (31,871
                                

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenue:

         

Oil and natural gas

   $ 75,131      $ 22,324    $ —        $ 97,455   

Other

     8,755        40      (8,754     41   
                               
     83,886        22,364      (8,754     97,496   

Costs and expenses:

         

Lease operating

     8,564        5,650      —          14,214   

Exploration expenditures, dry hole costs and impairments

     22,473        736      —          23,209   

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     25,273        4,593      —          29,866   

Taxes, other than on earnings

     52        2,327      —          2,379   

General and administrative

     9,063        4,054      (3,750     9,367   

Gain on sale of assets

     (6,674     —        —          (6,674

Other expenses

     1,502        —        —          1,502   
                               

Total costs and expenses

     60,253        17,360      (3,750     73,863   
                               

Income from operations

     23,633        5,004      (5,004     23,633   
                               

Other income (expense):

         

Interest expense, net

     (11,611     —        —          (11,611

Loss on derivative instruments

     (8,326     —        —          (8,326
                               
     (19,937     —        —          (19,937
                               

Income before income taxes

     3,696        5,004      (5,004     3,696   

Income taxes

     (1,381     —        —          (1,381
                               

Net income

   $ 2,315      $ 5,004    $ (5,004   $ 2,315   
                               

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations    Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 1,405      $ 846      $ —      $ 2,251   

Cash flows used in investing activities:

         

Property acquisitions

     (29     —          —        (29

Exploration and development expenditures

     (23,159     (846     —        (24,005

Other property and equipment additions

     (125     —          —        (125
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

     (23,313     (846     —        (24,159

Cash flows provided by financing activities:

         

Proceeds from long-term debt

     40,000        —          —        40,000   
                               

Net cash provided by financing activities

     40,000        —          —        40,000   
                               

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     18,092        —          —        18,092   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,991        —          —        1,991   
                               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 20,083      $ —        $ —      $ 20,083   
                               

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations    Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 58,994      $ 3,427      $ —      $ 62,421   

Cash flows used in investing activities:

         

Property acquisitions

     (15,341     —          —        (15,341

Exploration and development expenditures

     (43,583     (3,427     —        (47,010

Other property and equipment additions

     (216     —          —        (216

Proceeds from sale of oil and natural gas assets

     15,026        —          —        15,026   
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

     (44,114     (3,427     —        (47,541

Cash flows used in financing activities:

         

Repayments of long-term debt

     (35,000     —          —        (35,000

Proceeds from long-term debt

     25,000        —          —        25,000   

Exercise of stock options and warrants

     101        —          —        101   
                               

Net cash used in financing activities

     (9,899     —          —        (9,899
                               

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     4,981        —          —        4,981   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     8,864        —          —        8,864   
                               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 13,845      $ —        $ —      $ 13,845   
                               

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Statements we make in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”) which express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not historical fact, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those to which we refer under the headings “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Items 1 and 1A of Part 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed August 5, 2009 (“2008 Annual Report”).

Overview

Energy Partners, Ltd. (“we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”) was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on January 29, 1998. We operate as an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Our current operations are concentrated in the shallow to moderate depth waters in the Gulf of Mexico focusing on the areas offshore Louisiana as well as the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in depths less than 5,000 feet.

We maintain a website at www.eplweb.com that contains information about us, including links to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all related amendments as soon as reasonably practicable after providing such reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

We use the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and natural gas producing activities. Under this method, we capitalize lease acquisition costs, costs to drill and complete exploration wells in which proven reserves are discovered and costs to drill and complete development wells. Exploratory drilling costs are charged to expense if and when activities result in no reserves in commercial quantities. Seismic, geological and geophysical, and delay rental expenditures are expensed as they are incurred. We conduct various exploration and development activities jointly with others and, accordingly, recorded amounts for our oil and natural gas properties reflect only our proportionate interest in such activities. Our 2008 Annual Report includes a discussion of our critical accounting policies, which have not changed significantly since the end of the last fiscal year.

Recent Events

Filing of Chapter 11 Cases and Preceding Events

On May 1, 2009, we and certain of our subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions (In re: Energy Partners, Ltd., et. al., Case No. 09-32957) for reorganization (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (the “Bankruptcy Court”). We continue to manage our properties and operate our business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 filings were preceded by a number of negative influences and factors, including:

 

   

hurricanes in August and September of 2008 damaged third-party production pipelines, causing us to shut-in a significant amount of our production from September 2008 and continuing into early 2009;

 

   

oil and natural gas prices declined in the fourth quarter of 2008 and have remained at relatively low levels during 2009 relative to the levels in 2008; and

 

   

the worldwide credit and capital markets collapsed in 2008 and the availability of debt and equity financing became significantly more scarce, thus reducing financial flexibility for most companies, including us.

These factors negatively impacted our business, and led to several circumstances that significantly affected our liquidity and led to our filing the Chapter 11 Cases, including:

 

   

in the third quarter of 2008, the Minerals Management Service (the “MMS”) rejected our request for a waiver of supplemental bonding requirements for the decommissioning of certain of our federal offshore properties, resulting in the requirement for us to provide cash or other financial support totaling $47.3 million, which ultimately led to the March 2009 Incident of Noncompliance and the MMS order to shut-in our production in the federal portion of our East Bay field in March 2009;

 

   

in March 2009, we received a notice of redetermination from Bank of America, N.A., the Administrative Agent under our Credit Agreement dated as of April 23, 2007 (“Credit Agreement”), that our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement had been reduced from $150 million to $45 million, resulting in a borrowing base deficiency of $38 million which was required to be repaid by April 3, 2009 (which date was ultimately extended to May 1, 2009); and

 

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on April 15, 2009, we were required to make our scheduled interest payments of approximately $17 million on our 9.75% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2014 (the “Fixed Rate Notes”) and our Senior Floating Notes due 2013 (the “Floating Rate Notes” and collectively with the Fixed Rate Notes, the “Senior Unsecured Notes”).

Our inability to satisfy these obligations in a timely manner ultimately led to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases.

Plan of Reorganization, Exit Facility and Expected Emergence from Bankruptcy

On June 11, 2009, as part of our Chapter 11 Cases, we filed with the Bankruptcy Court our Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), and a Second Amended Disclosure Statement (the “Disclosure Statement”), pursuant to which we solicited votes for the confirmation of the Plan. On July 31, 2009, we filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Plan, as modified as of July 31, 2009. The Plan was formulated after extensive negotiations with committees representing holders of the Senior Unsecured Notes and holders of our common stock interests. The primary purpose of the Plan is to effectuate a restructuring of our capital structure to strengthen our balance sheet by reducing our overall indebtedness and improve cash flow.

On July 23, 2009, we announced that the Plan had received the affirmative vote of the holders of our Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 and we consequently proceeded to request confirmation of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. On August 3, 2009, after a confirmation hearing in which the Bankruptcy Court considered the Plan and all objections thereto, it entered into a confirmation order (the “Confirmation Order”) and confirmed the Plan as of August 3, 2009. The effectiveness of the Plan and our emergence from bankruptcy is subject to several conditions, including the successful closing of one or more loans and/or credit facilities that together would provide liquidity to us upon our exit from bankruptcy (together, the “Exit Facility”). We are currently in negotiations with lenders on structuring the Exit Facility.

Impact on Current Conduct of Our Business and Management Team

The operation of our business is significantly impacted by our current status as a debtor-in-possession. Our significant strategic activities are generally subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. Our executive management team does not currently include a Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer. Our Chief Restructuring Officer has been engaged primarily to focus on our financial restructuring and the Chapter 11 Cases. We expect that our ownership and Board of Directors will change as a result of the financial restructuring. As part of the Plan, we have filed with the Bankruptcy Court the names of several persons who will be among our board members after we emerge from bankruptcy. We do not have any information, however, about any plans for the conduct of our business that our potential post-bankruptcy stockholders may have or that any future directors or executive management may implement, and we cannot predict what those plans might be.

You can find more information on the Plan and the recent events that have impacted us in Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources” of the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1, Part I of this Quarterly Report.

Overview and Outlook – Results of Operations

Our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 reflect significantly lower average selling prices for our oil and natural gas.

Our revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009, was significantly lower than revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2008, due primarily to the impact of oil and natural gas selling price declines. Our decline in total production for the 2009 quarter as compared to the 2008 comparative quarter was primarily the result of natural reservoir declines on our core eastern and central properties, offset, in part, primarily by new deepwater production and higher production from our western properties.

Our exploration expenditures and dry hole costs declined in the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008 due primarily to reduced spending on drilling activities. Our general and administrative expenses increased in the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, primarily as a result of legal and financial advisory fees associated with our balance sheet restructuring efforts and the Chapter 11 Cases. Our gain on derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was due to the settlement of certain derivative instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2009 when oil and natural gas prices had declined. The loss on derivative instruments in the three months ended March 31, 2008 resulted primarily from the impact of a steep increase in oil and natural gas selling prices during the 2008 period.

Our effective tax rate on the tax benefit related to our net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was zero because we provided a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets generated during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Cash and cash equivalents were $20.1 million as of March 31, 2009 as compared to approximately $2.0 million as of December 31, 2008.

 

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As of March 31, 2009, our outstanding balance under our Credit Agreement was $83.0 million and our total debt was $537.5 million, compared to $497.5 million of total debt at December 31, 2008, which included $43.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Agreement. As previously disclosed, in March 2009 the borrowing base under our Credit Agreement was reduced to $45 million, resulting in a borrowing base deficiency of $38 million. We are not able to make future borrowings under our Credit Agreement. As noted above, we are currently in negotiations with lenders to structure the Exit Facility.

Our most significant current challenge is addressing our severe liquidity constraints by completing our Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, securing exit financing and consummating the Plan. Our near term strategy includes the recapitalization of our balance sheet, targeted cost reduction activities, and significantly reduced drilling expenditures during 2009. The sales prices of our oil and natural gas will have a significant impact on our plans beyond 2009. If sales prices continue at the current low levels, our anticipated investment will not be adequate to maintain our current production levels and we expect our production to decline significantly during the second half of 2009 due primarily to natural reservoir declines. As further addressed under “—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources,” at our current and anticipated production levels, combined with the current and expected lower sales prices, we do not expect to have sufficient cash flows to fund our operations and meet our financial obligations in 2009.

Unless specifically addressed, any discussion in this Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our “intent,” “plans” or “expectations” or similar expressions of forward-looking statements may not consider the potential impact of the restructuring and recapitalization of our balance sheet in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases or any acquisition or merger by us or changes in plans and/or intentions resulting from changes in our management and/or Board of Directors that may result from the Chapter 11 Cases.

Tropical Weather Impact

In late August and early September 2008 Hurricanes Gustav and Ike traversed the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent land areas. As a result of these two hurricanes, nearly all of our production was shut in at one time or another during the third and fourth quarters of 2008. We maintained insurance coverage for property damage due to windstorms with a deductible of $10 million for each hurricane. For these occurrences, we also previously maintained business interruption insurance on a portion of our lost revenue on our South Timbalier 41, 42 and 46 properties, which represented 37% of our 2008 year to date daily production volumes prior to the hurricanes. In order to mitigate the higher cost of insurance coverages in 2009, we negotiated higher deductibles and significantly lower aggregates for property damage due to windstorms. Further, we no longer maintain business interruption insurance.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table presents information about our oil and natural gas operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Net production (per day):

    

Oil (Bbls)

     5,223        6,432   

Natural gas (Mcf)

     59,386        56,202   

Total barrels of oil equivalent

     15,121        15,799   

Average sales prices, excluding impact of derivatives:

    

Oil (per Bbl)

   $ 36.83      $ 93.24   

Natural gas (per Mcf)

     4.74        8.38   

Total (per Boe)

     31.34        67.78   

Oil and natural gas revenues (in thousands):

    

Oil

   $ 17,316      $ 54,575   

Natural gas

     25,334        42,880   
                

Total

     42,650        97,455   

Impact of derivatives instruments (1):

    

Oil (per Bbl)

    

Unrealized

   $ (7.24   $ (8.93

Realized

     7.54        (2.07
                

Total

     0.30        (11.00

Natural gas (per Mcf)

    

Unrealized

   $ 0.52      $ (0.37

Realized

     0.14        —     
                

Total

     0.66        (0.37

Average costs (per Boe):

    

Lease operating expense (Loe)

   $ 9.96      $ 9.89   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A)

     23.62        20.04   

Accretion expense

     1.35        0.73   

Taxes, other than on earnings

     1.03        1.65   

General and administrative (G&A)

     9.29        6.52   

Decrease in oil and natural gas revenues between periods presented due to (in thousands):

    

Changes in prices of oil

   $ (33,015  

Changes in production volumes of oil

     (4,244  
          

Total decrease in oil sales

     (37,259  

Changes in prices of natural gas

   $ (18,639  

Changes in production volumes of natural gas

     1,093     
          

Total decrease in natural gas sales

     (17,546  

 

(1) See Other Income and Expense section for further discussion of the impact of derivative instruments.

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

Revenue and Net Income (Loss)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

            
     2009     2008    $ Change     % Change  
     (in thousands)        

Oil and natural gas revenues

   $ 42,650      $ 97,455    $ (54,805   (56 )% 

Net income (loss)

     (31,871     2,315      (34,186   NM   

NM – Not Meaningful

Our oil and natural gas revenues declined primarily as a result of the 54% decline in average selling prices for our oil and natural gas in the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008. In addition, production declined by 4% in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, due primarily to natural reservoir declines in our core eastern and central properties. These declines were offset, in part, by new deepwater production, which averaged 1,787 Boe per day in the three months ended March 31, 2009, and higher production from our western properties. In addition to these factors, the change in net income (loss) in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008 was primarily attributable to:

 

   

higher DD&A in 2009 primarily reflecting the higher per Boe DD&A rates on new production in the deepwater and western properties;

 

   

higher impairments in 2009 primarily reflecting commodity price declines and reservoir performance in two producing fields; and

 

   

higher G&A expenses in 2009, offset in part by lower Loe in 2009 as addressed below; offset, in part, by

 

   

gains on derivative instruments in the three months ended March 31, 2009 reflecting the impact of a decline in oil and natural gas selling prices in 2009; and

 

   

lower exploration expenditures and dry hole costs reflecting a significant decline in drilling activity in 2009.

As more fully addressed in Notes 1 and 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1, Part I of this Quarterly Report, amounts reported in subsequent financial statements may change materially due to the reorganization, which is subject to the closing of the Exit Facility, among other things. Our reorganization and “fresh-start” accounting adjustments will include conversion of the principal and accrued interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes and the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 into new common stock. We discontinued accruing interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 as of May 1, 2009, the date we filed the Chapter 11 Cases. Additionally, along with all of our assets and liabilities, our property and equipment assets and our asset retirement obligations will be reported at fair market values. As a result, our interest expense, accretion of liability for asset retirement obligations and our depreciation, depletion and amortization may be significantly different in periods after the effective date of the reorganization.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses primarily consist of the following:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,              
     2009    2008     $ Change     % Change  
     (in thousands)        

Loe

   $ 13,550    $ 14,214      $ (664   (5 )% 

Exploration expenditures and dry hole costs

     572      23,284        (22,712   (98 )% 

Impairments of properties

     5,113      (75     5,188      NM   

DD&A, including accretion expense

     33,974      29,866        4,108      14

G&A

     12,644      9,367        3,277      35

Taxes, other than on earnings

     1,399      2,379        (980   (41 )% 

Other

     480      1,502        (1,022   (68 )% 

NM – Not Meaningful

Loe decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, primarily due to fewer workovers in 2009, and ongoing efforts to reduce Loe costs during 2009.

 

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Exploration expenditures and dry hole costs decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, reflecting a significant decline in drilling activity in 2009. The expense in the three months ended March 31, 2009 is comprised of $0.6 million of seismic expenditures and delay rentals. The expense in the three months ended March 31, 2008 is comprised of $21.7 million of costs for two exploratory wells or portions thereof which were found to be not commercially productive and $1.5 million of seismic expenditures and delay rentals.

Impairment expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, was primarily related to two producing fields which were determined to have future net cash flows less than their carrying values due primarily to commodity price declines and reservoir performance resulting in the write down of these properties to their estimated fair values as of March 31, 2009.

DD&A, including accretion of liability for asset retirement obligations, increased in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, primarily reflecting the higher per Boe DD&A rates on new production in the deepwater and western properties.

G&A expense, which includes cash and non-cash stock based compensation of $1.2 million and $1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, increased in the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, primarily as a result of legal and financial advisory fees associated with our balance sheet restructuring efforts and an increase in personnel costs.

Taxes, other than on earnings, decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, due primarily to lower average sales prices for oil (which is taxed based on value).

Other Income and Expense

Included in Other income (expense) in the three months ended March 31, 2009 is a net gain of $3.7 million consisting of an unrealized loss of $0.6 million due to the change in fair market value of derivative instruments to be settled in the future and a gain of $4.3 million on derivative instruments settled during the quarter primarily from the impact of a decline in oil and natural gas selling prices during 2009. Included in other income (expense) in the three months ended March 31, 2008 is a net loss of $8.3 million consisting of an unrealized loss of $3.1 million due to the change in fair market value of derivative instruments to be settled in the future and a loss of $5.2 million on derivative instruments settled during the quarter primarily from the impact of an increase in oil and natural gas selling prices during the 2008 period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     2009     2008     Change  

Cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 2,251      $ 62,421      $ (60,170

Cash flows used in investing activities

     (24,159     (47,541     23,382   

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

     40,000        (9,899     49,899   

Analysis of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

The decrease in our 2009 cash flows from operations primarily reflects the impact of the precipitous decline in oil and natural gas sales prices realized during the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008. Although we significantly reduced drilling activity in the three months ended March 31, 2009, our accounts payable and accrued expenses declined at a slower rate, in part due to our efforts to increase the time period between when costs are incurred and when we make cash payments to vendors.

Net cash used in investing activities declined in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of curtailed capital expenditures in response to declining oil and natural gas sales prices, contraction in the credit markets and reduced liquidity.

Net cash provided by financing activities increased during the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2008 reflecting increased utilization of our credit facility to fund working capital shortfalls caused by the decline in production and the precipitous decline in oil and natural gas sales prices in 2009. Net cash used in financing activities in 2008 reflects the net repayments on our credit facility resulting from higher operating cash flows available to repay borrowings in the 2008 period.

We have not paid any cash dividends in the past on our common stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain earnings for the future operations and development of our business. Any future cash dividends would depend on contractual limitations, future earnings, capital requirements, our financial condition and other factors determined by our board of directors.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The content under “—Recent Events” and “—Overview and Outlook-Results of Operations” above addresses important factors affecting our financial condition, liquidity and capital resources including the Chapter 11 Cases, the impact of the significant reduction in our borrowing base in 2009, debt compliance violations, defaults on our Credit Agreement, Senior Unsecured Notes and 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010, and surety obligations and anticipated decline in production and cash flows.

At March 31, 2009, our unrestricted cash on hand was $20.1 million and we had $537.5 million in indebtedness currently due as a result of the defaults described above.

We expect our cash flows from operations to decline in 2009 as a result of lower anticipated sales prices for oil and natural gas which, along with our plans to reduce capital expenditures, will negatively impact reserve replacement and production enhancement. We expect our cash used in investing activities will decline significantly as a result of our plans to reduce capital expenditures in 2009. Prior to receiving the reduced borrowing base redetermination on our bank credit facility, we had forecasted to use our bank credit facility to continue funding projected working capital shortfalls during 2009. As a result of the decline in our borrowing capacity, our strategic alternatives are significantly limited and will require that we implement and execute the Plan in order to continue to meet our obligations.

Our exploration and development expenditures for 2008 totaled $205.1 million. We expect that our exploration and development activities in 2009 will be significantly lower than in prior years. For 2009, we expect exploration and development expenditures to total less than $10 million, which we expect would be directed primarily toward selective efforts to maintain existing production levels. Our planned expenditures for 2009 do not include any acquisitions or deepwater activities. We expect that any funding that may be approved for drilling in 2009 would be allocated primarily to lower risk development and exploitation opportunities. We also expect to incur abandonment costs of approximately $18.1 million in 2009 on several of our properties in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. We expect the abandonment work related to our East Bay field will be funded in part by expected draws from restricted escrow funds previously set aside for this work. We have made draws to date of approximately $3.4 million in 2009.

The level of our planned capital expenditures is based on several factors, but the primary items driving capital expenditure decisions currently include obligations for our cash flows related to principal and interest on our currently outstanding debt and, our potential future debt under the Plan, and other existing obligations including reducing our working capital deficit. Additionally, estimates for oil and natural gas sales prices, general industry conditions including the level of pricing for equipment and services, and the anticipated level of participation by other working interest owners and the costs of drilling rigs and other oilfield goods and services drive our planned level of capital expenditures. We believe that potential industry partners, including those with significantly more resources than us, may choose to defer significant projects and capital expenditures in an effort to preserve cash and strengthen their balance sheets. As a result, we believe the likelihood that we will be able to partner with other working interest owners to explore and develop new opportunities in the near term is diminished as compared to our past expectations.

Based on our planned capital expenditures, we expect that we will not be able to replace reserves at a rate that will allow us to maintain production levels. If actual experience does not improve significantly from the assumptions in our forecast, especially regarding sales prices for oil and natural gas, and our capital expenditures continue at the low levels projected for 2009, we expect that our production will decline in the second half of 2009. Our forecasts do not consider any significant production disruptions that may occur due to hurricanes or other catastrophic events. At our current and anticipated production levels, combined with current sales prices, we do not expect to have sufficient cash flows to fully fund our operations and meet all of our financial obligations in 2009.

We have experienced and expect to again experience substantial working capital deficits. We had a working capital deficit at March 31, 2009 of $572.7 million, including the impact of our indebtedness of $537.5 million which is classified as a current liability at March 31, 2009. Excluding the impact of our indebtedness, our working capital deficit was $35.2 million at March 31, 2009. Our working capital deficits have historically resulted from increased accounts payable and accrued expenses related to ongoing exploration and development costs, which are capitalized as noncurrent assets pending determination of the project’s success.

Debt Compliance

We are in default on our Credit Agreement, Senior Unsecured Notes and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010.

In March 2009, our borrowing base was redetermined at $45 million, at which time we had $83 million outstanding, resulting in a deficiency of $38 million. The significant effects of this 2009 redetermination are addressed under “—Recent Events” above. We are not able to borrow on the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our assets.

 

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1, Part I of this Quarterly Report.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. When used herein, the words “will,” “would,” “should,” “likely,” “estimates,” “thinks,” “strives,” “may,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “goals,” “plans,” or “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. While our management considers the expectations and assumptions to be reasonable when and as made, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:

 

   

our inability to continue business operations during the Chapter 11 proceedings;

 

   

our ability to consummate the Plan as currently planned and risks associated with negotiating and closing the Exit Facility;

 

   

the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on our liquidity and results of operations;

 

   

our ability to retain, recruit and motivate key executives and other necessary personnel while seeking to implement the Plan;

 

   

our ability to continue as a going concern;

 

   

changes in general economic conditions;

 

   

uncertainties in reserve and production estimates;

 

   

unanticipated recovery or production problems;

 

   

hurricane and other weather-related interference with business operations;

 

   

the effects of delays in completion of, or shut-ins of, gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities;

 

   

oil and natural gas prices and competition;

 

   

the impact of derivative positions;

 

   

production expense estimates;

 

   

cash flow estimates;

 

   

future financial performance;

 

   

planned capital expenditures; and

 

   

other matters that are discussed in our filings with the SEC.

These statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual decisions, performance and results may differ materially. Important trends or factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in the section “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A and elsewhere in our 2008 Annual Report, elsewhere in this Quarterly report, and in our reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the SEC, and other announcements we make from time to time.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which any forward-looking statements are based in this Quarterly Report and other periodic reports filed by us are reasonable when and as made, no assurance can be given that such assumptions will prove correct. All forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws and regulations.

 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

        We are exposed to changes in interest rates which affect the interest earned on our interest-bearing deposits and the interest rate paid on borrowings under our bank credit facility and $150 million aggregate principal amount of senior floating rate notes due 2013. Currently, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. At March 31, 2009, $233.0 million of our indebtedness had variable interest rates while the remaining $304.5 million had fixed interest rates. If the market

 

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interest rates had averaged 1% higher in the first three months of 2009, interest rates for the period on variable rate debt outstanding during the period would have increased, and net loss before income taxes would have increased, by approximately $0.5 million based on total variable debt outstanding during the period. If market interest rates had averaged 1% lower in the first three months of 2009, interest expense for the period on variable rate debt would have decreased, and net loss before income taxes would have decreased, by approximately $0.5 million.

Commodity Price Risk

Our revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow and raise additional capital. The amount we can borrow under our bank credit facility is subject to periodic redetermination based in part on changing expectations of future prices. Lower prices may reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can economically produce. We currently sell all of our oil and natural gas production under price sensitive or market price contracts.

Historically, we have used derivative commodity instruments to manage commodity price risks associated with future oil and natural gas production. However, as a result of our liquidity challenges that led to the Chapter 11 Cases, we have agreed to termination of certain of these contracts as requested by our lenders or as required by the terms of our agreements with them. We expect to enter into new derivative contracts under the anticipated terms of the Exit Facility.

The following table presents information related to our derivative contracts as of March 31, 2009:

 

Natural Gas Contracts

Remaining Contract Term

   Contract Type    Floor/Ceiling-Floor
($/Mmbtu)
   Volume (Mmbtu)
Daily
   Total    Total Fair Value
(in thousands)

04/09 - 06/09

   Synthetic Put    $     5.00/$10.00 -11.00    10,000    610,000    $             1,046

11/09 - 01/10

   Synthetic Put    $ 6.00/$10.00 -11.00    5,000    920,000    $ 1,076

11/09 - 01/10

   Synthetic Put    $ 5.83/$10.00 -11.00    15,000    1,380,000    $ 1,454

Oil Contracts

Remaining Contract Term

   Contract Type    Floor/Ceiling
($/Bbl)
   Volume (Bbls)
Daily
   Total    Total Fair Value
(in thousands)

4/09 - 06/09

   Collar    $ 55.00/$86.88    1,000    182,000    $ 1,106

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Quarterly Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. This information is also accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter reported on herein. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2009 because of the material weaknesses discussed below.

As part of our quarterly evaluation of the effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures described above, we have concluded that the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that existed at December 31, 2008 continued to exist at March 31, 2009:

 

   

Control Environment over Financial Reporting. We lacked sufficient resources and accounting expertise to perform effective supervisory reviews and monitoring activities over financial reporting matters and controls related to matters involving judgments and estimates.

These deficiencies contributed to the development of the Complex and Non-Routine Accounting Matters and Period-End Financial Reporting Process material weaknesses described below.

 

   

Complex or Non-Routine Accounting Matters. We lacked sufficient expertise and resources within our organization to effectively identify and evaluate the financial reporting implications of complex or non-routine accounting matters, such as application of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”

 

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Period-End Financial Reporting Process. We also lacked sufficient expertise and resources within our organization to ensure journal entries, both recurring and non-recurring, were accompanied by sufficient supporting documentation and were adequately reviewed and approved prior to being recorded.

There were material errors in asset retirement obligations and impairments resulting from the material weaknesses and the errors were corrected prior to the issuance of the financial statements.

In light of the material weaknesses described above, we performed additional procedures that were designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of (1) our financial reporting; and (2) the preparation of the consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report. Accordingly, management believes that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our quarter ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

(c) Management’s Remediation Plans

We plan to remediate our material weaknesses caused by a lack of personnel when we are able to recruit and retain the required resources. Management believes that (1) hiring adequate accounting resources with appropriate accounting expertise and (2) enhancing policies and procedures will remedy the material weaknesses described above.

We are committed to finalizing our remediation action plan and implementing the necessary enhancements to our resources, policies and procedures to fully remediate the material weaknesses discussed above, and these material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until (1) new resources are fully engaged and new processes are fully implemented, (2) new processes are implemented for a sufficient period of time and (3) we are confident that the new processes are operating effectively.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see the information in Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. – Risk Factors” in our 2008 Annual Report that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and in our 2008 Annual Report are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and future results.

The following risk factor, included originally in our 2008 Annual Report, has been updated as a result of recent events:

The MMS may shut in production on the outer continental shelf in connection with our failure to provide cash or other adequate security to secure our obligations to plug, abandon and decommission our wellbores and related pipelines and facilities.

Most of our offshore operations are conducted on federal leases that are administered by the MMS and we are required to comply with the regulations and orders promulgated by the MMS under OCSLA. Among other things, MMS regulations establish construction and safety requirements for production facilities located on our federal offshore leases and govern the plugging and abandonment of wells and the operation, maintenance, and removal of production facilities from these leases.

On March 5, 2009, we were notified by the MMS that an Incident of Noncompliance (“INC”) had been issued as a result of our failure to provide supplemental bonds or other security in the amount of $16.7 million that was due by February 27, 2009 to guarantee performance of our obligations to abandon wells, remove platforms and facilities, and clear the seafloor of obstructions on leases with associated lease obligations. The INC stated that our failure to correct this INC by the close of business on March 27, 2009 would result in a shut-in of our outer continental shelf facilities associated with South Pass Block 27 and South Pass Block 28 that are located in federal waters, which payment we informed the MMS we could not make by the March 27 deadline. We received an order from the MMS dated March 23, 2009. The March 23, 2009, order required, among other financial requirements, that we immediately shut-in production from all of our wells and facilities located in South Pass Blocks 27 and 28 in the federal portion of our East Bay field, while properly maintaining these facilities and wells with essential personnel. We promptly completed the shut-in of our federal East

 

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Bay facilities before the end of March 2009. After further discussions with the MMS, the MMS has requested that three of our unit wells producing in East Bay be shut-in in further to compliance with the March 23, 2009 MMS order affecting our federal leases in East Bay. This subsequent shut-in occurred on August 14, 2009. MMS has acknowledged, however, that production from these three unit wells held the leases while they were producing. Because federal leases would normally terminate if there is no production for 180 consecutive days, the affected leases could expire if (1) we do not comply with the requirements set forth by applicable MMS regulations and restore production to the shut-in federal leases by February 10, 2010; (2) we and the MMS do not otherwise come to an agreement that would prevent the leases from expiring on such date; or (3) there is no other unitized production that would prevent the termination provisions in the affected leases from being triggered.

The production of oil and natural gas is subject to regulation under a wide range of local, state and federal statutes, rules, orders and regulations which are addressed under Part I, Item 1, “Business—Environmental Regulations” in our 2008 Annual Report.

 

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None

 

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

We were required to make annual interest payments of approximately $45.0 million each year on the Senior Unsecured Notes, of which $17 million was due on April 15, 2009 and remains unpaid. Our failure to make these interest payments within 30 days of the due date was an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes and under the cross-default provision of the Credit Agreement.

On May 1, 2009, we and certain of our subsidiaries filed the Chapter 11 Cases under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended, in the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 Cases and related matters are addressed in Note 3 “Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this Quarterly Report. Important additional information regarding the Chapter 11 Cases is available in our 2008 Annual Report, our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed from time to time with the SEC, and other announcements we make from time to time.

Subsequent to our filing the Chapter 11 Cases, we were also required to make an interest payment on the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010, which amount remains unpaid. Our failure to make the required interest payment within 30 days of the due date was an event of default under the indenture governing the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010.

 

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None

 

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS.

The exhibits marked with the asterisk symbol (*) are filed or furnished (in the case of Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) with this Quarterly Report. The exhibits marked with the cross symbol (†) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

We have not filed with this Quarterly Report copies of the instruments defining rights of all holders of the long-term debt of us and our consolidated subsidiaries based upon the exception set forth in Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Copies of such instruments will be furnished to the SEC upon request.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

3.1   

—Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of November 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-42876)).

3.2   

—Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of September 15, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-42876)).

3.3   

—Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of May 5, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2006 (File No. 001-16179)).

3.4   

—Certificate of Elimination of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and

    Series C Preferred Stock of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Energy Partners, Ltd.’s

    Form 8-K filed January 22, 2002 (File No. 001-16179)).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

3.5   

—Certificate of Elimination of the Series D Exchangeable Convertible Preferred Stock of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed February 27, 2006 (File No. 001-16179)).

3.6   

—Amended and Restated Bylaws of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed March 3, 2008 (File No. 001-16179)).

4.1   

—Indenture dated as of August 5, 2003 between Energy Partners, Ltd., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

4.2   

—Indenture dated as of April 23, 2007 between Energy Partners, Ltd., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2007 (File No. 011-16179)).

10.1   

—Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Energy Partners, Ltd. and certain of its Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as Modified as of July 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.2   

—Plan of Support and Lock-Up Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009 between Energy Partners, Ltd., and the holders of claims against Energy Partners, Ltd. signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.3   

—Credit Agreement dated as of April 23, 2007 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Collateral Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and BNP Paribas, as Co-Syndication Agents, The Bank of Nova Scotia and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc., as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2007 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.4   

—Letter Agreement dated as of April 3, 2009 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, and the other loan parties and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 001-16179).

10.5   

—Letter Agreement dated as of April 14, 2009 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, and the other loan parties and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.6   

—Term sheet with the United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service dated April 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.35   

—Form of Senior Management Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.36   

—Form of Omnibus Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.42   

—Senior Management Settlement Agreement dated as of June 30, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and Thomas DeBrock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.50   

—Settlement Agreement dated as of June 23, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and Stephen D. Longon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.51   

—Settlement Agreement dated as of June 23, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and John H. Peper (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

*31.1   

—Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*31.2   

—Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

*32.1   

—Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.2   

—Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

  ENERGY PARTNERS, LTD.

Date: September 8, 2009

  By:   /s/ John H. Peper
    John H. Peper
    Executive Vice President and General Counsel
    (authorized officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

The exhibits marked with the asterisk symbol (*) are filed or furnished (in the case of Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) with this Quarterly Report. The exhibits marked with the cross symbol (†) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

We have not filed with this Quarterly Report copies of the instruments defining rights of all holders of the long-term debt of us and our consolidated subsidiaries based upon the exception set forth in Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Copies of such instruments will be furnished to the SEC upon request.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

3.1   

—Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of November 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-42876)).

3.2   

—Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of September 15, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-42876)).

3.3   

—Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Partners, Ltd. dated as of May 5, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2006 (File No. 001-16179)).

3.4   

—Certificate of Elimination of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed January 22, 2002 (File No. 001-16179)).

3.5   

—Certificate of Elimination of the Series D Exchangeable Convertible Preferred Stock of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed February 27, 2006 (File No. 001-16179)).

3.6   

—Amended and Restated Bylaws of Energy Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed March 3, 2008 (File No. 001-16179)).

4.1   

—Indenture dated as of August 5, 2003 between Energy Partners, Ltd., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

4.2   

—Indenture dated as of April 23, 2007 between Energy Partners, Ltd., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2007 (File No. 011-16179)).

10.1   

—Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Energy Partners, Ltd. and certain of its Subsidiaries Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as Modified as of July 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.2   

—Plan of Support and Lock-Up Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009 between Energy Partners, Ltd., and the holders of claims against Energy Partners, Ltd. signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.3   

—Credit Agreement dated as of April 23, 2007 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Collateral Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and BNP Paribas, as Co-Syndication Agents, The Bank of Nova Scotia and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc., as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2007 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.4   

—Letter Agreement dated as of April 3, 2009 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, and the other loan parties and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 001-16179).

10.5   

—Letter Agreement dated as of April 14, 2009 among Energy Partners, Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, and the other loan parties and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2009 (File No. 001-16179)).

10.6   

—Term sheet with the United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service dated April 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

†10.35   

—Form of Senior Management Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.36   

—Form of Omnibus Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.42   

—Senior Management Settlement Agreement dated as of June 30, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and Thomas DeBrock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.50   

—Settlement Agreement dated as of June 23, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and Stephen D. Longon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

†10.51   

—Settlement Agreement dated as of June 23, 2009 by and between Energy Partners, Ltd. and John H. Peper (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Energy Partners, Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on August 5, 2009 (File No. 011-16179).

*31.1   

—Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*31.2   

—Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.1   

—Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.2   

—Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Energy Partners, Ltd. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

 

33