Unit Corporation Reports 2006 Third Quarter Results

TULSA, Okla., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Unit Corporation announced today its financial and operational results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. Net income for the third quarter of 2006 was $81.3 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, on company-record third quarter revenues of $299.9 million, compared with net income of $57.6 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, on revenues of $231.0 million for the third quarter of 2005.

For the nine month period, Unit reported net income of $231.0 million, or $4.98 per diluted share, on record revenues for the period of $863.1 million, compared to 2005's nine month net income of $128.0 million, or $2.78 per diluted share, on revenues of $592.5 million. Increased oil and natural gas production, higher oil prices, an increased number of drilling rigs operating and higher dayrates produced record results for the first nine months of the year.

Larry Pinkston, Unit Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and President said: "Despite a downward shift in natural gas prices during the third quarter, we are pleased with our results and with the quarterly records we have achieved in company revenues, contract drilling operating margins and oil and natural gas production. For the remainder of the year, we will stay focused on delivering improved results in this extremely volatile oil and natural gas commodity market. Drilling rig dayrates were up 5% from the second quarter of 2006 and 14% from the first quarter of 2006. As we enter the fourth quarter, rig demand has remained strong as we are keeping our fleet at near 100% utilization, an accomplishment of which we are proud."

Pinkston continued: "The decline in natural gas prices has not deterred us from our goal of drilling 235 wells during 2006. We maintain the belief that our exploration and production segment is on track to achieve record annual production which we currently estimate to be approximately 53.0 Bcfe, a rise of 31% from 2005's annual production of 40.6 Bcfe. Our wholly owned gas gathering and processing subsidiary, Superior Pipeline, is continuing to expand its asset base and is expected to increase its annual throughput volumes by approximately 75% in 2006."

CONTRACT DRILLING RESULTS

Contract drilling rig rates for the third quarter averaged a record $19,559 per day, up 49% from the comparable quarter of 2005. Operating margins for the quarter reached an all-time record averaging $10,994 per day (before elimination of intercompany drilling rig profit of $8.0 million) as compared to $5,924 per day (before elimination of intercompany drilling rig profit of $3.2 million) for 2005, an increase of 86%. Contract drilling revenues increased 52% between the comparative third quarters to $182.5 million, primarily due to increases in dayrates and the number of working drilling rigs. Average drilling rig utilization was 110.6 drilling rigs in the third quarter of 2006, up 8% from 2005's third quarter rate of 102.6 drilling rigs. Currently, Unit has 116 operational drilling rigs of which 114 are under contract. Unit is in the process of adding three additional drilling rigs to its fleet. The 117th rig, a 750 horsepower, SCR drilling rig, should be placed into service during December and the 118th and 119th drilling rigs are expected to be placed into service early in 2007. Both of these rigs are 1,500 horsepower, SCR drilling rigs.

The following table illustrates Unit's rig count at the end of each period and utilization strength during each period:

3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr 06 06 06 05 05 05 04 04 04 04 Rigs 116 115 111 112 111 103 102 100 100 89 Utilization 96% 97% 98% 96% 98% 98% 98% 95% 96% 95%

Between the comparative first nine months, contract drilling revenues increased 61% to $519.8 million with rig utilization increasing to an average of 109.8 drilling rigs operating during the first nine months of 2006 compared to an average 100.7 drilling rigs operating in the first nine months of 2005.

Commenting on Unit Drilling, Pinkston said: "Demand for our drilling rigs continues to remain strong as is evident by the continued high utilization rate of our fleet. However, given the recent softening in natural gas prices and the uncertainty of the upcoming winter season, dayrates are holding strong but steady. We will continue to review opportunities to add new rigs to our fleet to meet our customers' demands as we look to 2007."

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION RESULTS

Third quarter production for Unit's oil and natural gas operations was a record 376,000 barrels of oil and a record 11.2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas, a 34% equivalent thousand cubic feet (Mcfe) increase from the third quarter of 2005. Exiting the quarter, Unit was producing 150.9 MMcfe per day. Revenues for the third quarter were $91.2 million, 9% higher than 2005's third quarter. The increase in revenue resulted from a 50% increase in oil production, as well as a 31% increase in natural gas production and higher oil prices.

Unit's average natural gas price for the third quarter of 2006 decreased 26% to $6.02 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) as compared to $8.13 per Mcf for the third quarter of 2005. Unit's average oil price for the third quarter of 2006 was $59.55 per barrel compared to $54.60 per barrel for the third quarter of 2005, a 9% increase. The following table illustrates the results of Unit's consistent production growth and aggressive internal drilling program:

3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr Qtr 06 06 06 05 05 05 04 04 04 04 Production, Bcfe 13.5 12.6 12.7 11.8 10.0 9.4 9.3 9.0 8.6 8.3 Realized price, Mcfe $6.68 $6.41 $7.36 $9.71 $8.28 $6.49 $6.00 $5.96 $5.31 $5.49 Wells Drilled 75 62 41 57 52 57 26 58 37 39 Success Rate 88% 85% 88% 100% 90% 89% 92% 86% 84% 92%

During the first nine months of 2006, Unit began drilling operations on 194 wells and completed 178 of those wells with a success rate of 87% compared to the completion of 135 wells with a 90% success rate for the first nine months of 2005. Unit also had 16 wells in progress at the end of September 2006.

During the first nine months of 2006, oil and natural gas revenues were $267.5 million, an increase of 32% over the same period in 2005. Natural gas production was 32.3 Bcf in the first nine months of 2006, while oil production for the same period was 1,062,000 barrels. Equivalent Mcf production was up 35% over the comparative nine month periods. The average natural gas price received decreased 7% to $6.28 per Mcf compared to $6.74 per Mcf during the first nine months of 2005. The average oil price received was $57.18 per barrel in the first nine months of 2006 compared to $48.16 per barrel in 2005, a 19% increase.

The Panola and Segno Fields are two core properties that continue to significantly impact Unit's strong production growth. The Panola field is located in the Arkoma basin in southeast Oklahoma where Unit announced earlier this year the completion of its eighth successful natural gas producer from the prolific Cecil sand, the Lively # 7(29.78% working interest (WI), 24.78% net revenue interest (NRI)). The Lively # 7 has produced 7.5 Bcfe since first gas sales on May 2, 2006 and is currently flowing gas at a rate of 40.0 MMcfe per day gross. Recent activity includes the completion of the Scharff # 7 (12.62 % WI, 9.57% NRI) on August 4, 2006 and the Scharff # 8 (12.62% WI, 9.57% NRI) on October 18, 2006 at initial flow rates of 16.0 MMcfe and 11.0 MMcfe per day, respectively. The current natural gas flow rate from the ten producing wells in this field totals 133.5 MMcfe per day gross and 22.9 MMcfe per day net. Additional Panola field drilling activity includes the Thornton # 3X ST (57.58% WI, 46.79% NRI) located on the west end of the field. The well has penetrated 203 feet of net Lower Atoka potential gas pay and will be completed in approximately three weeks. The Ivey # 1 (56.91% WI, 45.24% NRI) located on the north side of the field failed to find the Cecil sand, but did penetrate gas pay in the deeper Wister and Spiro sands. The Spiro zone has sold gas at an average rate of 3.0 MMcfe for the first 19 days of production. The east offset, the Jankowsky Trust # 1(51.49% WI, 39.09% NRI) will spud in the next couple of weeks. The 3-D survey across the field has been shot and is currently in processing with an anticipated delivery date for the data at the end of November.

The Segno field, which is located in Polk County, Texas, was discovered by Unit in January 2003. The field now has ten producing gas wells and two additional wells that are being completed. The current natural gas flow rate from the ten wells is 26.7 MMcfe per day gross and 16.2 MMcfe per day net. Plans are to drill two or three more field wells in the first quarter of 2007. To the east of Segno in an 80 square mile 3-D area., Unit currently anticipates that it will drill approximately ten wells during 2007 on both exploratory and development prospects that have been identified from the 3-D seismic data.

Pinkston said: "In October, we completed the acquisition of Brighton Energy, LLC, a private company, for approximately $67.0 million. The acquisition includes approximately 27.0 Bcfe of proved reserves and 5.0 MMcfe per day of current production. The reserves are 78% natural gas and 67% proved developed. The majority of the reserves are located in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma and the onshore Gulf Coast basins of Texas and Louisiana, with additional reserves in Arkansas, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. This acquisition fits well within our core area of operations and should have substantial upside potential."

GAS GATHERING AND PROCESSING RESULTS

Third quarter 2006 gathering volumes for Unit's gas gathering and processing operations were 276,888 MMBtu per day, a 73% increase from the third quarter of 2005. The increase in volumes gathered per day is primarily attributable to one system that gathered 153,883 MMBtu and 86,736 MMBtu per day during the third quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively. While gathering volumes increased, total revenue decreased approximately 3% from the third quarter of 2005 due to lower natural gas prices. Processing volumes for the first nine months of 2006 were 27,226 MMBtd per day, a 17% decrease from the first nine months of 2005. This decrease was due to changing pipeline deliveries, between comparative periods, to an outlet that accepted unprocessed natural gas. In August 2006, the construction of a natural gas processing plant was completed that allowed Superior to resume processing this natural gas. Operating profit (as defined below in the financial tables) for the third quarter was $3.4 million or 55% higher than 2005's third quarter.

3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 06 06 06 05 05 05 05 Gas gathered MMBtu/day 276,888 243,399 215,341 180,098 159,821 121,611 107,254 Gas processed MMBtu/day 35,124 22,812 23,616 24,391 36,061 31,670 30,336

Natural gas gathering volumes for the first nine months of 2006 were 245,435 MMBtu per day, an 89% increase from the first nine months of 2005, while operating profit before depreciation for the nine month period was $9.1 million for 2006 and $5.3 million for the comparative period of 2005, an increase of 72%.

Unit's gas gathering and processing operations are conducted through Superior Pipeline Company LLC and its subsidiaries, which operates three natural gas treatment plants, owns seven processing plants, 37 active gathering systems and 600 miles of pipeline.

Pinkston said: "Superior Pipeline closed its acquisition of Berkshire Energy LLC, a private company, in September for $21.7 million. The assets of that company are located in an established but highly active field in central Oklahoma. It includes a natural gas processing plant, a natural gas gathering system with 15 miles of pipeline, three field compressors and two plant compressors. The plant's capacity is 15,000 Mcf per day and the through-put at the acquisition date was approximately 6,500 Mcf per day. This acquisition will help us to respond to the strong demand for natural gas and natural gas liquids."

FINANCIAL RESULTS

In addition to the results announced above, Unit ended the quarter with working capital of $96.8 million, long-term debt of $145.1 million, and a debt to capitalization ratio of 12%. As of September 30, 2006, Unit had $89.9 million of borrowing capacity based on the borrowing base associated with its credit facility. In October, in conjunction with the Brighton Energy LLC acquisition, Unit amended its credit facility, increasing the commitment amount to $275 million from $235 million.

WEBCAST

Unit will webcast its third quarter earnings conference call live over the Internet on November 2, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the live call, please go to http://www.unitcorp.com/ at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to download and install any necessary audio software. For those who are not available to listen to the live webcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call and will remain on the site for twelve months.

Unit Corporation is a Tulsa-based, publicly held energy company engaged through its subsidiaries in oil and gas exploration, production, contract drilling and gas gathering and processing. Unit's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol UNT. For more information about Unit Corporation, visit its website at http://www.unitcorp.com/ .

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act that involve risks and uncertainties, including the productive capabilities of the wells, future demand for oil and natural gas, future drilling rig utilization and dayrates, the timing of the completion of drilling rigs currently under construction, projected additions and date of service to the company's drilling rig fleet, projected growth of the company's oil and natural gas production, oil and gas reserve information, anticipated production rates from company wells, anticipated gas gathering and processing rates and throughput volumes, the prospective capabilities of offset acreage, anticipated oil and natural gas prices, the number of wells to be drilled by the company's exploration segment, development, operational, implementation and opportunity risks, and other factors described from time to time in the company's publicly available SEC reports, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected.

Unit Corporation Selected Financial and Operations Highlights (In thousands except per share and operations data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2006 2005 2006 2005 Statement of Income: Revenues: Contract drilling $182,461 $119,873 $519,799 $322,379 Oil and natural gas 91,238 83,979 267,518 202,819 Gas gathering and processing 25,638 26,561 72,840 65,895 Other 557 635 2,894 1,402 Total revenues 299,894 231,048 863,051 592,495 Expenses: Contract drilling: Operating costs 78,595 67,161 238,021 194,890 Depreciation 13,403 11,019 38,089 31,010 Oil and natural gas: Operating costs 21,560 15,913 58,854 40,916 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 27,557 16,355 76,780 45,632 Gas gathering and processing: Operating costs 22,216 24,395 63,734 60,616 Depreciation 1,637 902 4,019 2,267 General and administrative 4,630 3,324 12,998 10,455 Interest 1,228 885 3,235 2,157 Total expenses 170,826 139,954 495,730 387,943 Income Before Income Taxes 129,068 91,094 367,321 204,552 Income Tax Expense: Current 26,442 19,628 89,741 41,185 Deferred 21,361 13,828 46,585 35,385 Total income taxes 47,803 33,456 136,326 76,570 Net Income $81,265 $57,638 $230,995 $127,982 Net Income per Common Share: Basic $1.76 $1.25 $5.00 $2.79 Diluted $1.75 $1.25 $4.98 $2.78 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 46,241 45,959 46,223 45,873 Diluted 46,444 46,229 46,429 46,108 September 30, December 31, 2006 2005 Balance Sheet Data: Current assets $243,971 $223,685 Total assets $1,726,832 $1,456,195 Current liabilities $147,211 $172,512 Long-term debt $145,100 $145,000 Other long-term liabilities $53,710 $41,981 Deferred income taxes $306,250 $259,740 Shareholders' equity $1,074,561 $836,962 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 2005 Statement of Cash Flows Data: Cash Flow From Operations before Changes in Working Capital (A) $402,845 $245,534 Net Change in Working Capital (53,246) (55,682) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $349,599 $189,852 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities $(347,508) $(222,012) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities $(2,432) $32,223 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2006 2005 2006 2005 Contract Drilling Operations Data: Rigs Utilized 110.6 102.6 109.8 100.7 Operating Margins (B) 57% 44% 54% 40% Operating Profit Before Depreciation (B) ($MM) $103.9 $52.7 $281.8 $127.5 Oil and Natural Gas Operations Data: Production: Oil - MBbls 376 251 1,062 788 Natural Gas - MMcf 11,200 8,542 32,350 24,055 Average Prices: Oil - MBbls $59.55 $54.60 $57.18 $48.16 Natural Gas - MMcf $6.02 $8.13 $6.28 $6.74 Operating Profit Before DD&A (B) ($MM) $69.7 $68.1 $208.7 $161.9 Gas Gathering and Processing Operations Data: Gas Gathering - MMBtu/day 276,888 159,821 245,435 129,754 Gas Processing - MMBtu/day 35,124 36,061 27,226 32,709 Operating Profit Before Depreciation (B) ($MM) $3.4 $2.2 $9.1 $5.3 (A) Unit Corporation considers Unit's cash flow from operations before changes in working capital an important measure in meeting the performance goals of the company. (B) Operating profit before depreciation is calculated by taking operating revenues less operating expenses excluding depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment, general and administrative and interest expense. Operating margins are calculated by dividing operating profit by operating revenue.