HOUSTON, March 8, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- Gastar Exploration Ltd. (NYSE Amex: GST) ("Gastar") today reported financial and operating results for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2011.  

Net loss attributable to Gastar's common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $1.0 million, or $0.02per diluted share.  This compares to a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.06per share, for the fourth quarter of 2010.  Results in both periods were impacted by non-cash unrealized natural gas hedging gains or losses.  For the fourth quarter of 2011, excluding the impact of an unrealized natural gas hedging gain of $1.3 million, adjusted net loss attributable to common shareholders was $2.3 million, or $0.04per share.  For the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding the impact of an unrealized natural gas hedging loss of $2.7 million, litigation settlement expense of $0.6 millionand other special items, adjusted net income was $325,000, or $0.01per share.  (See the accompanying reconciliation of net income (loss) and earnings per share to these non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this news release.)

Our net cash flow provided by operations before working capital changes for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $2.5 millioncompared to net cash flow used in operations of $14.6 millionfor the fourth quarter of 2010.  Net cash flow provided by operations before working capital changes for full-year 2011 was $12.8 million, versus net cash flow used in operations of $6.5 millionfor full-year 2010. Our cash flow from operations before working capital changes and as adjusted for 2010 litigation settlement expense and other special items was $2.5 millionfor the fourth quarter of 2011 versus $4.0 millionin the fourth quarter of 2010.  Full year 2011 cash flow before working capital and adjusted for special items was $12.8 millioncompared to $10.9 millionfor 2010.  (See the accompanying reconciliation of cash flow before working capital changes and as adjusted for special items to these non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this news release.)

Natural gas and oil revenues increased 4% to $9.8 millionin the fourth quarter of 2011, up from $9.4 millionin the fourth quarter of 2010.  The increase was the result of a 21% increase in realized commodity prices, partially offset by a 14% decrease in volumes.  Average daily production was 22.1 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (MMcfe) per day for the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to 25.8 MMcfe per day for the same period in 2010.  Lower production volumes in the fourth quarter of 2011 were the result of natural declines from our natural gas wells in East Texasand Wyoming, partially offset by higher Marcellus Shale sales in the fourth quarter.  As previously reported, Marcellus Shale production rates were curtailed in the fourth quarter due to unscheduled down time coupled with high line pressures on the third-party operated gathering system in West Virginia.  Average daily production in the fourth quarter of 2011 increased 6% from the third quarter 2011 production of 20.9 MMcfe per day.  

During the fourth quarter of 2011, approximately 80% of our natural gas production was hedged with downside price protection.  The realized effect of hedging on natural gas sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 was an increase of $3.2 millionin revenues and resulted in an increase in total price received from $2.66per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) to $4.36per Mcf.  We continue to maintain an active hedging program covering a portion of our estimated future natural gas production.  

Lease operating expense (LOE) was $2.7 millionin the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $1.5 millionin the fourth quarter of 2010.  LOE for the fourth quarter of 2011 includes an increase in workover costs of $1.2 millionprimarily related to East Texas.  LOE per Mcf equivalent (Mcfe) of production increased to $1.32in the fourth quarter of 2011 from $0.62in the fourth quarter of 2010 of which $0.58per Mcfe is associated with workover costs.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) was $4.4 millionin the fourth quarter of 2011, up from $3.2 millionin the fourth quarter of 2010.  The DD&A rate for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $2.17per Mcfe compared to $1.37per Mcfe for the same period in 2010. The fourth quarter 2011 DD&A rate includes $0.52per Mcfe, or $1.1 million, of additional DD&A expense resulting from a reclassification of $63.8 millionof unproved property cost in East Texasto the proved property pool during the latest quarter.  The reclass was the result of the recent decline in natural gas prices and the associated planned reduction in 2012 dry gas drilling activity in East Texas.  

General and administrative (G&A) expense was $2.8 millionin the fourth quarter of 2011, down from $3.0 millionfor the fourth quarter of 2010, and includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $609,000for the fourth quarter of 2011 and $413,000for the fourth quarter of 2010.  

Operations Review and Update

Capital expenditures during 2011 totaled $85.4 millionand resulted in net reserve additions of 77.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe) for a finding cost of $1.11per Mcfe.  

Marcellus Shale

For the fourth quarter 2011, net production from the Marcellus Shale area averaged approximately 5.2 MMcfe per day, compared to 0.3 MMcfe per day for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 2.9 MMcfe per day in the third quarter of 2011.        

In late November 2011in Marshall County, West Virginia, the four-well Corleypad (40.5% working interest) was placed on production and in late December 2011, the three-well Simmspad (50.0% working interest) commenced production.  As a result of the new wells, the net year-end exit rate for the Marcellus Shale area was approximately 10.4 MMcfe per day.  Liquids production yields continue to average about 20 to 25 barrels of condensate and 45 to 50 barrels of natural gas liquids (NGLs) per million cubic feet of natural gas produced.  Production from Marshall Countycontinues to be constrained by third party gathering system issues related to condensate handling, dehydration limitations and high line pressures.  The condensate handling issue was resolved in early March 2012and the dehydration and high line pressure issues are expected to be resolved some time in April 2012.  

Fracture stimulation operations have now been completed on the three-well Hall pad (40.2% working interest) and on the five-well Hendrickson pad (40.2% working interest).  First production from the Hall wells commenced mid-January 2012and the Hendrickson wells are anticipated to be on production in April 2012.  Drilling operations are now complete on the five-well Burch Ridge pad (50.0% working interest) and the three-well Accettolo pad (50% working interest).  Fracture stimulation operations are scheduled to commence on the Accettolo pad in April 2012to be followed by the Burch Ridge pad.  

In Butler County, Pennsylvania, we participated in seven non-operated wells (19.2% working interest).  Three of the seven wells were placed on sales on December 1, 2011but were subsequently shut-in to accommodate the fracture stimulation of the remaining four wells in January 2012.  Fracture stimulation operations have been completed and the four wells were placed on production in February 2012.  The remaining three wells should be returned to production by April 2012.

Our year-end 2011 proved reserves attributable to the Marcellus Shale were approximately 84.0 Bcfe, a significant increase from year-end 2010 reserves of 2.8 Bcfe.  Marcellus Shale proved reserves at year-end 2011 represented approximately 70% of our total proved reserves and were comprised of approximately 33% of oil and NGLs reserves.  Approximately 51% of the Marcellus Shale year-end 2011 reserves are proved developed.

Capital expenditures net to Gastar for the fourth quarter of 2011 in the Marcellus Shale were $19.9 millionafter realization of approximately $22.4 millionof joint venture drilling carry benefit during the quarter associated with the Atinum Joint Venture.  As of December 31, 2011, Atinum had funded its entire $40.0 milliondrilling carry obligation, resulting in Atinum earning a 50% interest in the joint venture assets.

For 2012, we have budgeted $103.0 millionfor drilling, completion, infrastructure, lease acquisition and seismic costs in the Marcellus Shale.  Of that amount, $88.9 millionwill be devoted to drilling activities in the liquids-rich window of the Marcellus Shale and is expected to fund drilling and completion costs of 20 gross (10 net) new operated Marcellus Shale horizontal wells in Marshall County, along with the completion of 10 gross (4.5 net) additional operated Marcellus horizontal wells that were drilled and awaiting completion as of year-end 2011.

East Texas

In East Texas, fourth quarter 2011 net production from the Hilltop area averaged 15.5 MMcfe per day, down from 23.8 MMcfe per day in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The lower volumes reflect natural declines in field production that were not offset by incremental production from newly completed wells.

Fourth quarter 2011 production volumes were down from the 16.6 MMcfe per day produced in the third quarter of 2011 due to no new wells being drilled or completed during the period and spending being limited in East Texasto recompletion and workover activity.  While natural gas prices remain low, we plan to continue to limit capital activity in East Texas.

We will also closely watch the growing activity by other operators on nearby and adjacent acreage to develop various oil formations that may potentially underlie our acreage in East Texas.  We believe it is most prudent at this time to allow other operators to more fully identify the potential of these oil plays and better develop drilling and completion techniques to economically produce these zones prior to our devoting additional capital to oil projects in East Texas. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the developments we have observed.

At December 31, 2011, proved reserves attributable to the Hilltop area were approximately 34.3 Bcfe, representing approximately 29% of our total proved reserves and of which 100% is proved developed reserves.

Capital expenditures in for the fourth quarter of 2011 in East Texaswere $3.4 million. In 2012, we have budgeted $6.6 millionfor East Texas, primarily for lease renewals and recompletions.

Production Guidance

In our news release in January, we estimated first quarter 2012 production to be in a range of 26 MMcfe per day to 28 MMcfe per day.  Based on current operations, we are increasing our first quarter guidance to 27 MMcfe per day to 29 MMcfe per day of which 12 to 15% will be liquids production.  Gastar's operated production and sales in West Virginiahave been impacted during the first quarter by issues with condensate handling, dehydration limitations and high line pressures on the third-party operated gathering system.  An increase of dehydration capacity on the gathering system partially resolved some of the curtailment issues, and the condensate issues have been addressed.  Additional compression is scheduled to be added in April, which should reduce line pressure resulting in higher production rates from existing wells.  We believe the lower line pressure could result in increases in condensate and NGLs yields.  

J. Russell Porter, Gastar's President and CEO, stated, "We are pleased with the significant progress we made in 2011 to demonstrate the value of our Marcellus Shale acreage, as confirmed by the 138% increase in our proved reserves and the 223% increase in our PV-10 value.  In 2012, we believe that we will be able to convert our Marcellus Shale holdings into meaningful cash flow as we dramatically increase our production volumes and percentage of high value condensate, oil and NGLs."  

Liquidity and Capital Budget

At December 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $10.6 millionand a net working capital deficit of approximately $17.9 million.  The working capital deficit includes $19.5 millionof advances from non-operators, of which $1.5 millionwill be applied to Gastar's net future share of costs pursuant to the carried interest provisions of the Atinum Joint Venture.    

Availability under our revolving credit facility was $20.0 millionat December 31, 2011.  Effective March 5, 2012, the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility was increased from $50.0 millionto $100.0 million, resulting in current availability under the Revolving Credit Facility of $73.0 million.

Capital expenditures for 2012, excluding acquisitions, are projected to be approximately $134.2 million. We expect to spend $103.0 millionin the Marcellus Shale, $6.6 millionin East Texas, $19.8 millionon a new Mid-Continent oil-focused venture and $4.8 millionfor capitalized interest and other costs. We plan on funding this capital activity through existing cash balances, internally generated cash flow from operating activities, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and possible future at-the-market ("ATM") issuances of Gastar USASeries A Preferred Stock.  

Preferred Share Issuances

During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011, Gastar USAissued 554,044 preferred shares for net proceeds of $10.5 millionresulting in year-end 2011 total preferred shares issued of 1,364,543 for net proceeds of $27.4 million.  For the period January 1 to March 2, 2012, Gastar USAissued an additional 1,472,142 preferred shares for net proceeds of $28.0 million.  

Conference Call

Gastar's management team will hold a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time(9:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, March 9, 2012to discuss these results.  To participate in the call, dial 480-629-9771 and ask for the Gastar conference call.  A replay will be available and will be accessible through March 16, 2012.  To access the replay, dial 303-590-3030 and enter the pass code 4521332#.  

The call will also be webcast live over the Internet at www.gastar.com.  To listen to the live call on the Internet, please visit Gastar's web site at least 10 minutes early to register and download any necessary audio software.  An archive will be available shortly after the call.  For more information, please contact Donna Washburnat DRG&L at 713-529-6600 or e-mail dmw@drg-l.com.

About Gastar

Gastar is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil in the United States.  Our principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties with an emphasis on unconventional natural gas reserves, such as shale resource plays.  We are currently pursuing the development of liquids-rich natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachia area of West Virginiaand, to a lesser extent, central and southwestern Pennsylvania.  We also hold prospective acreage in the deep Bossier gas play in the Hilltop area of East Texasand conduct limited coal bed methane development activities within the Powder River Basin of Wyomingand Montana.  For more information, visit our web site at www.gastar.com.

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer

This news release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Forward looking statements give our current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance.  A statement identified by the use of forward looking words including "may," "expects," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "estimate," "will," "should," and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements.  Although Gastar believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release.  These include risks inherent in natural gas and oil drilling and production activities, including risks of fire, explosion, blowouts, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; delays in receipt of drilling permits; risks with respect to natural gas and oil prices, a material decline in which could cause Gastar to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in natural gas and oil prices; risks relating to unexpected adverse developments in the status of properties; risks relating to the absence or delay in receipt of government approvals or fourth party consents; and other risks described in Gastar's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.  Our actual sales production rates can vary considerably from tested initial production rates depending upon completion and production techniques and our primary areas of operations are subject to natural steep decline rates. By issuing forward looking statements based on current expectations, opinions, views or beliefs, Gastar has no obligation and, except as required by law, is not undertaking any obligation, to update or revise these statements or provide any other information relating to such statements.

Gastar's capital budget is subject to revision and reevaluation dependent upon future developments including drilling results, availability of crews, supplies and production capacity, weather delays, significant changes in commodities prices or drilling costs.

Year-end pre-tax discounted present value of proved reserves, or PV-10, is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by the SEC.  It differs from Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows ("SMOG") in that PV-10 excludes the discounted value of estimated future income taxes.  We believe that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to our investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our proved reserves prior to taking into account corporate future income taxes and our current tax structure.  We further believe investors and creditors use PV-10 as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our reserves as compared with other companies.  The discounted value of future income taxes will be evaluated and estimated in connection with the completion of Gastar's 2011 financial statements and a reconciliation of PV-10 to SMOG will be included in Gastar's Form 10-K.

Contacts:
Gastar Exploration Ltd.
Michael A. Gerlich, Chief Financial Officer
713-739-1800 / mgerlich@gastar.com

Investor Relations Counsel:  
Lisa Elliott/ Anne Pearson
DRG&L: 713-529-6600
lelliott@drg-l.com / apearson@drg-l.com

- Financial Tables Follow -

GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



For the Three Months Ended
December 31,


For the Year Ended
December 31,


2011


2010


2011


2010


(in thousands, except share and per share data)

REVENUES:








Natural gas

$               8,207


$              9,155


$            33,391


$            30,812

Oil

709


247


3,416


742

NGLs

853


-


1,092


-

Total natural gas, oil and NGLs revenues

9,769


9,402


37,899


31,554

Unrealized natural gas hedge gain (loss)

1,309


(2,679)


2,336


11,214

Total revenues

11,078


6,723


40,235


42,768









EXPENSES:








Production taxes

236


70


620


370

Lease operating expenses

2,685


1,473


8,630


6,679

Transportation, treating and gathering

1,147


1,146


4,501


4,654

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

4,419


3,238


15,216


9,306

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

142


104


534


396

General and administrative expense

2,789


3,020


11,365


14,638

Litigation settlement expense

-


594


-


21,744

Total expenses

11,418


9,645


40,866


57,787









LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

(340)


(2,922)


(631)


(15,019)









OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):








Interest expense

(26)


(30)


(113)


(150)

Investment income and other

3


4


10


1,347

Unrealized warrant derivative gain

-


-


-


205

Foreign transaction gain (loss)

(1)


4


(6)


353









LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

(364)


(2,944)


(740)


(13,264)









Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

-


-


-


(804)









NET LOSS

$                (364)


$            (2,944)


$               (740)


$          (12,460)

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

605


-


1,024


-

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

$                (969)


$            (2,944)


$            (1,764)


$          (12,460)









NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:








Basic

$               (0.02)


$              (0.06)


$              (0.03)


$              (0.25)

Diluted

$               (0.02)


$              (0.06)


$              (0.03)


$              (0.25)









WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:








Basic

63,305,419


52,066,371


63,003,579


49,813,617

Diluted

63,305,419


52,066,371


63,003,579


49,813,617



GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



December 31,


2011


2010


(in thousands)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:




Cash and cash equivalents

$                  10,647


$                    7,439

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$551 and $571, respectively

10,706


4,034

Commodity derivative contracts

19,385


10,229

Prepaid expenses

1,243


1,191

Total current assets

41,981


22,893





PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:




Natural gas and oil properties, full cost method of accounting:




Unproved properties, excluded from amortization

78,302


162,230

Proved properties

514,357


345,042

Total natural gas and oil properties

592,659


507,272

Furniture and equipment

1,629


1,175

Total property, plant and equipment

594,288


508,447

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

(308,548)


(293,332)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

285,740


215,115





OTHER ASSETS:




Restricted cash

50


50

Commodity derivative contracts

4,130


8,482

Deferred charges, net

535


508

Drilling advances and other assets

2,067


304

Total other assets

6,782


9,344

TOTAL ASSETS

$                334,503


$                247,352





LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:




Accounts payable

$                  17,693


$                    8,294

Revenue payable

4,137


4,331

Accrued interest

144


138

Accrued drilling and operating costs

4,647


1,490

Advances from non-operators

19,523


783

Commodity derivative contracts

6,479


1,991

Commodity derivative premium payable

4,725


3,451

Accrued litigation settlement liability

800


3,164

Other accrued liabilities

1,723


2,024

Total current liabilities

59,871


25,666





LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:




Long-term debt

30,000


Commodity derivative contracts

1,163


1,521

Commodity derivative premium payable

-


4,725

Accrued litigation settlement liability

-


800

Asset retirement obligation

8,275


7,249

Total long-term liabilities

39,438


14,295





Commitments and contingencies








SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:




Common stock, no par value; unlimited shares authorized;
64,706,750 and 64,179,115 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively

316,346


316,346

Additional paid-in capital

25,376


23,200

Accumulated deficit

(133,919)


(132,155)

Total shareholders' equity

207,803


207,391

Non-controlling interest:




Preferred stock of subsidiary, aggregate liquidation preference $34,114 at December 31, 2011

27,391


Total equity

235,194


207,391

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$                334,503


$                247,352



GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



Years Ended December 31,


2011


2010


(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:




Net loss

$                      (740)


$                 (12,460)

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




Depreciation, depletion and amortization

15,216


9,306

Stock-based compensation

2,612


2,765

Unrealized natural gas hedge gain

(2,336)


(11,214)

Realized loss (gain) on derivative contracts

(1,735)


1,437

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount

249


283

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

534


396

Unrealized warrant derivative gain

-


(205)

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

(1,024)


-

Litigation settlement payable

-


3,150

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:




Accounts receivable

(6,672)


1,565

Commodity derivative contracts

(54)


1,232

Prepaid expenses

(100)


(522)

Accrued taxes payable

-


(1,420)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

4,303


(385)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

10,253


(6,072)





CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:




Development and purchase of natural gas and oil properties

(73,718)


(58,512)

Advances to operators

(8,392)


(300)

Acquisition of natural gas and oil properties

-


(28,887)

Proceeds from sale of natural gas and oil properties

-


49,197

Proceeds from non-operators

18,740


98

Purchase of furniture and equipment

(454)


(308)

Purchase of term deposit

-


(4,855)

Net cash used in investing activities

(63,824)


(43,567)





CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:




Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs

-


52,537

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

71,000


42,000

Repayment of revolving credit facility

(41,000)


(42,000)

Repayment of short-term loan

-


(17,000)

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs

27,391


-

Deferred financing charges

(276)


(27)

Other

(336)


(298)

Net cash provided by financing activities

56,779


35,212





NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

3,208


(14,427)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

7,439


21,866

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

$                  10,647


$                    7,439



GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PRODUCTION AND PRICES





For the Three Months Ended


For the Years Ended




December 31,


December 31,




2011


2010


2011


2010











Production:










Natural gas (MMcf)


1,881


2,350


7,318


7,593

Oil (MBbl)


9


3


40


10

NGLs (MBbl)


16


-


21


-

Total production (MMcfe)


2,035


2,369


7,684


7,654











Total (MMcfed)


22.1


25.8


21.1


21.0











Average sales price per unit:









Natural gas per Mcf, excluding impact of realized hedging activities


$         2.66


$           3.01


$            3.21


$       3.51

Natural gas per Mcf, including impact of realized hedging activities


$         4.36


$           3.90


$            4.56


$       4.06

Oil per Bbl


$       76.22


$         77.09


$          85.11


$     72.63

NGLs per Bbl


$       52.35


$                -


$          52.47


$            -



NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION

We use both GAAP and certain non-GAAP financial measures to assess performance.  Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.  Our management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful supplemental information to investors in order that they may evaluate our financial performance using the same measures as management.  These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  In evaluating these measures, investors should consider that the methodology applied in calculating such measures may differ among companies and analysts.  A reconciliation is provided below outlining the differences between these non-GAAP measures and the directly related GAAP measures.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Net Income (Loss) Excluding Special Items:










For the Three Months Ended
December 31,


For the Year Ended
December 31,


2011


2010


2011


2010


(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. AS REPORTED

$                (969)


$            (2,944)


$               (1,764)


$                (12,460)

SPECIAL ITEMS:








Unrealized natural gas hedge (gain) loss

(1,309)


2,679


(2,336)


(11,214)

Litigation settlement expense

-


594


-


21,744

Unrealized warrant derivative (gain) loss

-


-


-


(205)

Foreign transaction gain

1


(4)


6


(353)

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

-


-


-


(804)









ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

$             (2,277)


$                 325


$               (4,094)


$                  (3,292)









ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:








Basic

$               (0.04)


$                0.01


$                 (0.06)


$                    (0.07)

Diluted

$               (0.04)


$                0.01


$                 (0.06)


$                    (0.07)









WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:








Basic

63,305,419


52,066,371


63,003,579


49,813,617

Diluted

63,305,419


52,600,673


63,003,579


49,813,617



















SOURCE Gastar Exploration Ltd.

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