Friday, February 27, 2009

Mariner Energy Reports 2008 Fiscal and Operating Results and Year-end Reserves

HOUSTON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mariner Energy, Inc. (NYSE: ME) today reported full-year 2008 results, which included the following:

  • Year-over-year net production increased 18% to 118.4 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe)
  • 217% reserve replacement rate from all sources
  • Year-end estimated proved reserves up 17% to 973.9 Bcfe
  • Net loss for the year of $388.7 million ($4.44 per share). Adjusted net income, which excludes a non-recurring, non-cash gain and non-cash charges, was $284.1 million or $3.25 per share (see reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure below).
  • Operating cash flow was $885.9 million for the full 2008 fiscal year, an increase of 42% from 2007 (see reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure below).

Commenting on Mariner's 2008 results, Scott D. Josey, Mariner's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, said: "Despite plummeting commodity prices, hurricanes, and the turmoil in the financial markets, Mariner posted another record year. Our capital program was very successful in 2008, with quality acquisitions, an 80% success rate offshore, and 100% success onshore. While non-cash impairments necessitated by low year-end commodity and stock prices negatively affected our earnings, our fundamentals are good.

"Economic circumstances continue to present challenges in the year ahead, but we are off to a good start in 2009. Our capital program should not only allow us to live within our cash flows, but also to increase production and pay down debt while exposing our shareholders to upside potential. We intend to carefully monitor changing industry and general economic conditions and can quickly adjust our capital program as circumstances warrant."

NON-CASH GAIN AND CHARGES

The company's results for 2008 reflect a non-recurring, non-cash gain of $46.5 million for the release as of year-end of suspended revenue associated with a disputed MMS royalty liability. Based on low commodity prices at year-end, Mariner recorded a full cost ceiling test impairment of its proved oil and gas properties in the amount of $575.6 million. The company also recorded other impairments, including goodwill, of $310.9 million for the year. Additionally, Mariner recognized a non-cash charge of $36.0 million for a contingent insurance premium. These items are detailed below in the reconciliation of adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure.

FOURTH QUARTER 2008 RESULTS

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2008, Mariner reported a net loss of $648.9 million, or $7.41 per basic and fully-diluted share, which reflects the non-cash gain and charges cited above. This compares with net income of $50.2 million and basic and fully-diluted earnings per share of $0.59 and $0.58, respectively, for the same three-month period in the prior year. Adjusted net income, which excludes the non-cash gain and charges, was $14.5 million for fourth quarter 2008, or $0.17 per basic and fully-diluted share (see reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure below). The lower year-over-year results are due primarily to decreased production volumes as a result of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and lower commodity prices.

Net production for fourth quarter 2008 was 23.5 Bcfe, compared with 27.1 Bcfe for fourth quarter 2007. Total natural gas net production for fourth quarter 2008 was 16.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf), compared with 18.4 Bcf for the same period in the prior year. Total net oil production for fourth quarter 2008 was 1.0 million barrels (MMBbls), compared with 1.1 MMBbls for the same period in 2007. Natural gas liquids (NGL) net production for fourth quarter 2008 was 0.3 MMBbls, compared with 0.3 MMBbls for fourth quarter 2007.

For fourth quarter 2008, Mariner's average realized natural gas price was $7.44 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) compared with $8.07 per Mcf for the same period in 2007. Mariner's average realized oil price was $65.29 per barrel (Bbl) for fourth quarter 2008, compared with $79.64 per Bbl for fourth quarter 2007. The average realized NGL price was $26.63 per Bbl for fourth quarter 2008, compared with $55.32 per Bbl for the same period in 2007. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program.

FULL-YEAR 2008 RESULTS

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2008, Mariner reported a net loss of $388.7 million, which equates to a loss of $4.44 per basic and fully-diluted share. For the same period in the prior year, Mariner reported net income of $143.9 million, or $1.68 per basic share/$1.67 per fully-diluted share. Adjusted net income, which excludes the non-cash gain and charges noted above, was $284.1 million or $3.25 per share (see reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure below).

For the full-year 2008, Mariner reported net production of 118.4 Bcfe, up from 100.3 Bcfe reported in 2007. Total natural gas net production during 2008 was 79.8 Bcf at an averaged realized price of $9.31 per Mcf, compared with 67.8 Bcf for 2007 at an average realized price of $7.88 per Mcf. Total net oil production for 2008 was 4.9 MMBbls at an average realized price of $86.02 per Bbl, compared to 4.2 MMBbls during 2007 at an average realized price of $67.50 per Bbl. Total NGL net production during 2008 was 1.6 MMBbls at an average realized price of $55.02, compared to 1.2 MMBbls at an average realized price of $45.16 per Bbl for the prior year. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program.

Operating cash flow was $885.9 million for the full 2008 fiscal year, an increase of 42% from $622.6 million in 2007. (See reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure below.)

Mariner's capital expenditures for the fourth quarter and full-year 2008 are summarized in the table below.

                                                       Fourth      Full-
                                                       Quarter     Year
                                                        2008       2008
                                                        ----       ----
                                                         (In Millions)

    Exploration                                        $43.8     $423.3

    Development
      Gulf of Mexico - Deepwater                       $97.5     $280.8
      Gulf of Mexico - Shelf                            42.6      198.8
      Permian Basin                                     30.3      108.8
                                                        ----      -----

    Acquisitions                                       $48.2     $302.6

    Corporate expenditures and other                   $14.7      $66.7

          Total Capital Expenditures                  $277.1   $1,381.0

YEAR-END 2008 ESTIMATED RESERVES

Mariner today also announced results of an independent, fully-engineered analysis of the company's proved and probable reserves prepared by the Ryder Scott Company, L.P. The report utilizes hydrocarbon prices in effect at December 31, 2008 of $44.61 per barrel for oil and $5.71 per million British Thermal Units for gas in accordance with Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements.

Highlights from the report and year-end operations review include:

  • Estimated proved reserves increased 17% to a record 973.9 Bcfe.
  • Mariner achieved a reserve replacement rate of 217% from all sources at an all-in reserve replacement cost, net of hurricane expenditures, of $4.96 per thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe), excluding probable and possible reserves.
  • Including probable reserves estimated by Ryder Scott at 285 Bcfe, Mariner's estimated proved and probable reserve base exceeds 1.25 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
  • 70% of Mariner's estimated proved reserves are proved developed.

Commenting on Mariner's year-end reserves, Mr. Josey said: "Mariner's proved reserves increased across each of its core areas during 2008. Although we achieved significant reserve growth, delays in the completion of several offshore projects due to the effects of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav reduced our reserve growth. As a result, we booked a relatively small amount of proved reserves on these projects despite substantial capital outlays for them. In 2009, we expect to add significant incremental proved reserves attributable to these projects when they are completed or come online. The company wrote down 29 Bcfe of proved reserves due to low year-end commodity prices, but we expect these reserves to be restored if drilling and completion costs adjust to the current commodity price environment."

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our estimated proved reserves by geographic area as of December 31, 2008. Reserve volumes and values were determined under the method prescribed by the SEC, which requires the application of period-end prices and costs held constant throughout the projected reserve life. Proved reserve estimates do not include any value for probable or possible reserves, nor do they include any value for undeveloped acreage. The proved reserve estimates represent Mariner's net revenue interest in its properties.

                                  Estimated Proved Reserve
                                          Quantities
                                 Natural      Oil     NGLs   Total  % of Total
                                   Gas     (MMBbls) (MMBbls) (Bcfe) Estimated
                                  (Bcf)                              Proved
                                                                    Reserves
    Geographic Area
    ---------------
    Permian Basin                 136.2      27.3     22.7    436.6   44.8
    Gulf of Mexico - Deepwater *  165.9       5.4      0.1    198.7   20.4
    Gulf of Mexico - Shelf        255.9      11.1      2.7    338.6   34.8
          Total                   558.0      43.8     25.5    973.9  100.0
    Proved developed reserves     420.9      25.9     16.9    677.7   69.6

    * Depths greater than 1,300 feet (the approximate depth of deepwater
    designation by the Minerals Management Service of the United States
    Department of the Interior)

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

Offshore

Mariner was successful in 20 of its 25 offshore wells drilled in 2008. Mariner drilled eight offshore wells in the fourth quarter 2008, seven of which were successful:

                                                   Water
                                       Working     Depth
    Well Name                 Operator Interest    (Ft)       Location
    ---------                 -------- ---------   ----       --------
    De Soto Canyon 48#1
     (Dalmatian)              Murphy      12.5%    5876       Deepwater
    Eugene Island 342 C5ST1   Mariner     50.0%     266       Conventional
                                                               Shelf
    Main Pass 301 A6          Walter       6.3%     230       Conventional
                               Oil                             Shelf
    Main Pass 301 A4ST        Walter      10.45%    230       Conventional
                               Oil                             Shelf
    South Timbalier 49#2
     (Smoothie)               Mariner     100.0%     60       Deep Shelf
    Garden Banks 463#1
     (Bushwood)               Mariner      30.0%   2700       Deepwater
    South Marsh Island 150 D1 Mariner     100.0%    230       Conventional
                                                               Shelf

Subsequent to the end of 2008, two additional wells were drilled and successful:

                                                   Water
                                       Working     Depth
    Well Name                 Operator Interest    (Ft)       Location
    ---------                 -------- ---------   ----       --------
    Green Canyon 859#1
     (Heidelberg)             Anadarko     12.5%    5000   Deepwater
    South Marsh Island 150 D2 Mariner     100.0%     230   Conventional
                                                            Shelf

Onshore

In the fourth quarter of 2008, Mariner drilled 23 wells in the Permian Basin, all of which were successful. As of December 31, 2008, four rigs were drilling on Mariner's Permian Basin properties. The company participated in 122 onshore wells in 2008, all of which were successful.

CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS RESULTS

A conference call has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, February 27, 2009, to discuss fiscal 2008 financial and operating results. To participate in the call, please dial (866) 953-6858 at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. International callers can dial (617) 399-3482. The conference pass code for both numbers is 8750 3087. The call also will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed through the Investor Relations' Webcasts and Presentations section of Mariner's website at http://www.mariner-energy.com.

A telephonic replay of the call will be available through March 9, 2009 by dialing (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, pass code 8230 2373. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on Mariner's website through March 31, 2009.

About Mariner Energy, Inc.

Mariner Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration, development and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas, with principal operations in the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. For more information about Mariner, please visit its website at www.mariner-energy.com.

                                      MARINER ENERGY, INC.
                                SELECTED OPERATIONAL RESULTS (1)
                                          (Unaudited)

Net Production, Realized Pricing and Operating Costs

                                    Three Months        Twelve Months
                                        Ended               Ended
                                     December 31,       December 31,
                                  2008       2007      2008      2007
                                  ----       ----      ----      ----

    Net production:
          Natural gas (Bcf)       16.1       18.4      79.8      67.8
          Oil (MMBbls)             1.0        1.1       4.9       4.2
          Natural gas liquids
           (MMBbls)                0.3        0.3       1.6       1.2
           Total production
            (Bcfe)                23.5       27.1     118.4     100.3

    Realized prices (net
     of hedging):
          Natural gas ($/Mcf)    $7.44      $8.07     $9.31     $7.88
          Oil ($/Bbl)            65.29      79.64     86.02     67.50
          Natural gas liquids
           ($/Bbl)               26.63      55.32     55.02     45.16

    Operating costs per
     Mcfe:
           Lease operating
            expense              $2.73      $1.42     $1.96     $1.52
           Severance and ad
            valorem taxes         0.15       0.15      0.15      0.13
           Transportation
            expense               0.16       0.12      0.13      0.09
           General and
            administrative
            expense               1.03       0.57      0.51      0.42
           Depreciation,
            depletion and
            amortization          3.91       3.71      3.95      3.83
           Other expense          0.09       0.02      0.03      0.05

    (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Estimated Proved Reserves

                                                      As of the    As of the
                                                     Year Ended   Year Ended
                                                    December 31,  December 31,
                                                       2008           2007
    Estimated proved natural gas, oil and natural
     gas liquids reserves:
         Natural gas (Bcf)                             558.0         448.4
         Oil (MMBbls)                                   43.8          41.9
         Natural gas liquids (MMBbls)                   25.5          22.6
             Total estimated proved reserves (Bcfe)    973.9         835.8
             Total proved developed reserves (Bcfe)    677.7         563.9

                               MARINER ENERGY, INC.
          COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (1)
                       (In thousands, except per share data)
                                    (Unaudited)


                                     Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
                                         December 31,         December 31,
                                        2008      2007       2008      2007
                                        ----      ----       ----      ----
    Revenues:
          Natural gas sales          $119,665  $148,468   $742,370  $534,537
          Oil sales                    63,721    87,434    419,878   284,405
          Natural gas liquids sales     7,136    19,313     85,715    54,192
          Other revenues               46,746    (1,620)    52,544     1,631
               Total revenues         237,268   253,595  1,300,507   874,765
    Cost and Expenses:
         Lease operating expense       64,304    38,387    231,645   152,627
         Severance and ad valorem
          taxes                         3,505     4,138     18,191    13,101
         Transportation expense         3,708     3,270     14,996     8,794
         General and
          administrative expense       24,333    15,540     60,613    42,151
         Depreciation, depletion
          and amortization             92,095   100,530    467,265   384,321
         Full cost ceiling test
          impairment                  575,607         ?    575,607         ?
         Goodwill impairment          295,598         ?    295,598         ?
         Other property impairment     15,252         ?     15,252         ?
         Other miscellaneous
          expense                       2,087       476      3,052     5,061
               Total costs and
                expenses            1,076,489   162,341  1,682,219   606,055
    OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME          (839,221)   91,254   (381,712)  268,710

    Interest:
         Income                           386       406      1,362     1,403
         Expense, net of
          capitalized amounts          (2,757)  (14,442)   (56,398)  (54,665)
    Other income/(expense)                  ?       753          ?     5,811
    Income before taxes and
     Minority Interest               (841,592)   77,971   (436,748)  221,259
    Minority Interest Expense               ?        (1)      (188)       (1)
    Provision for income
     taxes                            192,672   (27,729)    48,223   (77,324)
    NET (LOSS) INCOME               $(648,920)  $50,241  $(388,713) $143,934

    Earnings per share:
    Net (loss) income per
     share?basic                       $(7.41)    $0.59     $(4.44)    $1.68
    Net (loss) income per
     share?diluted                     $(7.41)    $0.58     $(4.44)    $1.67

    Weighted average shares
     outstanding?basic                 87,623    85,745     87,491    85,645
    Weighted average shares
     outstanding?diluted               87,623    86,277     87,491    86,126

    (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.


                               MARINER ENERGY, INC.
                       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         (In thousands, except share data)
                                   (Unaudited)
                                                  December 31,  December 31,
                                                     2008         2007
    Current Assets
         Cash and cash equivalents                  $3,251       $18,589
         Receivables, net of allowances            219,920       157,774
         Insurance receivables                      13,123        26,683
         Derivative financial instruments          121,929        11,863
         Intangible assets                           2,353        17,209
         Prepaid expenses and other                 14,377        10,630
         Deferred tax asset                              ?         6,232
              Total current assets                 374,953       248,980

    Property and equipment, net                  2,929,877     2,420,194
    Restricted cash                                      ?         5,000
    Goodwill                                             ?       295,598
    Insurance receivables                           22,132        56,924
    Derivative financial instruments                     ?           691
    Other Assets, net of amortization               65,831        56,248
    TOTAL ASSETS                                $3,392,793    $3,083,635

    Current Liabilities
         Accounts payable                           $3,837        $1,064
         Accrued liabilities                       107,815        96,936
         Accrued capital costs                     195,833       159,010
         Deferred income tax                        23,148             ?
         Abandonment liability                      82,364        30,985
         Accrued interest                           12,567         7,726
         Derivative financial instruments                ?        19,468
              Total current liabilities            425,564       315,189

    Long-Term Liabilities
         Abandonment liability                     325,880       191,021
         Deferred income tax                       319,766       343,948
         Derivative financial instruments                ?        25,343
         Long-term debt                          1,170,000       779,000
         Other long-term liabilities                31,263        38,115
              Total long-term liabilities        1,846,909     1,377,427

    Minority Interest                                    ?             1

    Stockholders' Equity
      Common stock, $.0001 par value;
       180,000,000 shares authorized;
       88,846,073 shares issued and
       outstanding at December 31, 2008;
       180,000,000 shares authorized,
       87,229,312 shares issued and
       outstanding at December 31, 2007                  9             9
         Additional paid-in capital              1,071,347     1,054,089
         Accumulated other comprehensive
          income/(loss)                             78,181       (22,576)
         Accumulated retained (loss) earnings      (29,217)      359,496
              Total stockholders' equity         1,120,320     1,391,018
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
     EQUITY                                     $3,392,793    $3,083,635

                                MARINER ENERGY, INC.
                           SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (1)
                                   (In Thousands)
                                     (Unaudited)

                                              12 Months Ended December 31,

                                                 2008              2007

    Operating cash flow (2)                    $885,887          $622,610
    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities                                (23,870)          (86,497)
         Net cash provided by operating
          activities                           $862,017          $536,113

    Net cash used in investing
     activities                             $(1,264,784)        $(643,779)

    Net cash provided by financing
     activities                                $387,429          $116,676

    (Decrease) Increase in cash and
     cash equivalents                          $(15,338)           $9,010

    (1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
    (2) See below for reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

AND CERTAIN STATISTICS

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Mariner assumes, plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "may", "will", "estimate", "project", "predict", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "potential", "plan", "goal", or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements provided in this press release are based on Mariner's current belief based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events and assumptions that Mariner believes are reasonable. Mariner does not undertake to update its guidance, estimates or other forward-looking statements as conditions change or as additional information becomes available. Estimated reserves are related to hydrocarbon prices. Hydrocarbon prices in effect at December 31, 2008 were used in preparation of the reserve estimates provided above as required by SEC guidelines. Actual future prices may vary significantly from the December 31, 2008 prices. Therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered may differ significantly from such estimates. Mariner cautions that its forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development, production and sale of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, price volatility or inflation, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC. Any of these factors could cause Mariner's actual results and plans of Mariner to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are urged to read the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC.

The SEC generally has permitted oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. Mariner uses the terms "probable," "possible" and "non-proved" reserves, reserve "potential" or "upside" or other descriptions of volumes of reserves potentially recoverable through additional drilling or recovery techniques that the SEC's guidelines may prohibit it from including in filings with the SEC. These estimates are by their nature more speculative than estimates of proved reserves and accordingly are subject to substantially greater risk of actually being realized by Mariner.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Mariner.

Note on reserve replacement rate: For a calculation of reserve replacement rate, please refer to Mariner's website at www.mariner-energy.com under Investor Information, Financial Reports. Mariner's reserve replacement rates reported above were calculated by dividing total estimated proved reserve changes for the period from all sources, including acquisitions and divestitures, by production for the same period. The method Mariner uses to calculate its reserve replacement rate may differ from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, its reserve replacement rate may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.

Note on reserve replacement cost: For a calculation of reserve replacement cost, please refer to Mariner's website at www.mariner-energy.com under Investor Information, Financial Reports. Reserve replacement cost is calculated by dividing development, exploitation, exploration and acquisition capital expenditures, reduced by proceeds of divestitures, for the period by net estimated proved reserve additions for the period from all sources, including acquisitions and divestitures. Our calculation of reserve replacement cost includes costs and reserve additions related to the purchase of proved reserves. The methods we use to calculate our reserve replacement cost may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, our reserve replacement cost may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. We believe that providing a measure of reserve replacement cost is useful in evaluating the cost, on a per-Mcfe basis, to add proved reserves. However, this measure is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, and should be read in conjunction with, the information contained in our financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Due to various factors, including timing differences in the addition of proved reserves and the related costs to develop those reserves, reserve replacement costs do not necessarily reflect precisely the costs associated with particular reserves. As a result of various factors that could materially affect the timing and amounts of future increases in reserves and the timing and amounts of future costs, we cannot assure you that our future reserve replacement costs will not differ materially from those presented.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure: Adjusted Net Income

Mariner Energy's reported net income and earnings per share for the 2008 fiscal year and fourth quarter include a non-recurring, non-cash gain and non-cash charges. Mariner's management believes that it is common among investment analysts to consider earnings excluding the effects of these items when evaluating the company's operating results. These items and their effects on reported earnings for the full year and fourth quarter 2008 are listed below.

  • A non-recurring release of suspended revenue of $46.5 million associated with a disputed MMS royalty liability was recorded at December 31, 2008. This resulted in a $30.2 million after-tax gain, which equates to a $0.35 contribution to basic and fully-diluted earnings per share (EPS).
  • Ceiling test, goodwill and other non-recurring impairments recorded at December 31, 2008 negatively impacted net income for the year by $886.5 million, or $679.6 million after-tax for a $7.77 loss per basic and fully-diluted share.
  • A non-cash charge of $21.6 million and $36.0 million for a contingent withdrawal premium related to Mariner's participation in the OIL insurance mutual was taken for the fourth quarter 2008 and full-year 2008, respectively, resulting in a $14.0 million and a $23.4 million after-tax charge or a loss per basic and fully-diluted share of $0.16 and $0.27, respectively, for the fourth quarter and full-year 2008.

Excluding the items above, Mariner would have reported earnings for the fourth quarter 2008 of $14.5 million or $0.17 per basic and fully-diluted share. Fiscal 2008's full year net income and basic and diluted EPS would have been $284.1 million and $3.25, respectively. Adjusted net income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or another measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. This is further outlined in the table below with after-tax impact calculated using the statutory rate (which excludes 2007 because there were no material impairments, nonrecurring events or other items in respect of which to adjust net income for the year ended December 31, 2007).

                                      MARINER ENERGY, INC.
                             RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME
                             (In  millions, except per share data)
                                          (Unaudited)

                                      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
                                      December 31, 2008     December 31, 2008

                                    After-Tax   EPS (2)   After-Tax    EPS (2)
                                    Impact (1)            Impact (1)

    Net loss                        $(648.9)    $(7.41)   $(388.7)    $(4.44)
          Reversal of MMS royalty
           liability                  (30.2)     (0.35)     (30.2)     (0.35)
           Impairment charges         679.6       7.76      679.6       7.77
          Contingent OIL premium
           charges                     14.0       0.16       23.4       0.27
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)    $14.5      $0.17     $284.1      $3.25

    (1) Calculated using the statutory rate
    (2) Denotes basic and fully-diluted earnings per share

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure: Operating Cash Flow

Operating cash flow (OCF) is not a financial or operating measure under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The table below reconciles OCF to related GAAP information. Mariner believes that OCF is a widely accepted financial indicator that provides additional information about its ability to meet its future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working capital, but OCF should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of a company's profitability or liquidity.

                                                         12 Months Ended
                                                            December 31,
                                                      2008              2007
                                                      ----              ----
                                                          (In thousands)
                                                            (Unaudited)

    Net cash provided by operating activities        $862,017         $536,113
    Less: Changes in operating assets and liabilities  23,870           86,497
    Operating cash flow (non-GAAP)                   $885,887         $622,610

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