HOUSTON, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mariner Energy, Inc. (NYSE: ME) today reported second quarter 2009 operating and financial results. The company reported net income of $17.2 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, with fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.19. For the same period in the prior year, Mariner reported net income of $123.4 million with fully diluted EPS of $1.39.

Highlights for the second quarter 2009 include:

    --  Production commenced from the Geauxpher field on Garden Banks Block 462
        less than a year from discovery with initial gross production rates of
        approximately 115 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day
        (MMcfe/d).  The field, which is located in water depths of 2,700 feet,
        is currently producing approximately 105 MMcfe/d.
    --  Success at Mariner's Deadwood exploration play in West Texas with
        the evaluation of results from initial production tests and the addition
        of 2,000 net acres to the company's position in the Permian Basin.
    --  Mariner raised net proceeds of approximately $446 million through
        concurrent equity and debt offerings to improve the company's
        liquidity and reduce its overall leverage.
    --  Mariner collected payment on approximately $50 million of insurance
        claims relating to hurricane damage and anticipates additional
        collections in the second half of the year.
    --  In the first six months of 2009, Mariner generated more than $280
        million in operating cash flow (please see end of this release for prior
        year data and reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure).

    --  Owing to positive results in the company's liquidity, improvement
        in oil prices, and reductions in service costs, Mariner recently
        increased its 2009 capital program by approximately $50 million
        predominantly to fund, oily, long-life projects in the Permian Basin.

"During the second quarter we increased production from first quarter 2009 and proactively fortified our balance sheet. We are in the enviable position of strong cash flow and excellent liquidity, enabling us to weather events outside our control and capitalize on opportunities that may develop in this challenging environment," said Scott D. Josey, Mariner's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

SECOND QUARTER 2009 RESULTS

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, Mariner reported net income of $17.2 million, or $0.19 per basic and fully-diluted share. This compares with net income of $123.4 million and basic and fully-diluted earnings per share of $1.40 and $1.39, respectively, for the same three-month period in the prior year. The lower year-over-year results are due primarily to lower commodity prices and decreased production volumes.

Net production for second quarter 2009 was 32.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe), compared with 36.4 Bcfe for second quarter 2008. Total natural gas net production for second quarter 2009 was 23.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf), compared with 24.4 Bcf for the same period in the prior year. Total net oil production for second quarter 2009 was 1.2 million barrels (MMBbls), compared with 1.5 MMBbls for the same period in 2008. Natural gas liquids (NGL) net production for second quarter 2009 was 0.3 MMBbls, compared with 0.5 MMBbls for second quarter 2008.

For second quarter 2009, Mariner's average realized natural gas price was $5.98 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) compared with $10.27 per Mcf for the same period in 2008. Mariner's average realized oil price was $66.91 per barrel (Bbl) for second quarter 2009, compared with $96.24 per Bbl for second quarter 2008. The average realized NGL price was $24.68 per Bbl for second quarter 2009, compared with $64.69 per Bbl for the same period in 2008. Average realized prices reflect settlements during the period under Mariner's hedging program.

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

Offshore

Mariner drilled three offshore wells in the second quarter 2009, one of which was successful:


                                                     Water
                                          Working    Depth
    Well Name                  Operator   Interest   (Ft)   Location
    ---------                  --------   --------   ----   --------
    Vermillion 380 A16 ST 2    Mariner     100.0%    340    Conventional Shelf

Unsuccessful wells during the second quarter included Mariner's Cordage deep shelf prospect (West Cameron 207) and a non-operated well at South Timbalier 316A4.

Subsequent to the end of second quarter 2009, Mariner drilled two wells, one of which was successful:


                                                     Water
                                          Working    Depth
    Well Name                  Operator   Interest   (Ft)   Location
    ---------                  --------   --------   ----   --------
    Vermillion 380 A3 ST1      Mariner     100.0%    340    Conventional Shelf

Mariner's Arden prospect (Garden Banks 949) reached its target depth after quarter end and was determined to be unsuccessful.

Onshore

In the second quarter of 2009, Mariner drilled seven wells in the Permian Basin, all of which were successful. As of August 1, 2009, one rig was operating on Mariner's Permian Basin properties.

CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS RESULTS

A conference call has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) on Friday, August 7, 2009, to discuss second quarter 2009 financial and operating results.

To participate in the call, please dial one of the numbers listed below at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time:



          Callers from the United States and Canada:      +1 (866) 804-6929
          Callers from International locations:           +1 (857) 350-1675.

The conference passcode for both numbers is 6009 5145.

The call also will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed through the Investor Information section of Mariner's website at http://www.mariner-energy.com. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through August 17, 2009 by dialing (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, pass code 4318 3816. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on Mariner's website through September 30, 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 Ended
                                                               June 30,
                                                           2009       2008
                                                           ----       ----
    Net production:
      Natural gas (Bcf)                                    23.8       24.4
      Oil (MMBbls)                                          1.2        1.5
      Natural gas liquids (MMBbls)                          0.3        0.5
        Total production (Bcfe)                            32.9       36.4

    Realized prices (net of hedging):
      Natural gas ($/Mcf)                                 $5.98     $10.27
      Oil ($/Bbl)                                         66.91      96.24
      Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)                         24.68      64.69

    Operating costs per Mcfe:
      Lease operating expense                             $1.43      $1.55
      Severance and ad valorem taxes                       0.11       0.14
      Transportation expense                               0.14       0.12
      General and administrative expense                   0.64       0.37
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization             3.05       3.88

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




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

                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                          June 30,
                                                       2009      2008
                                                       ----      ----
    Revenues:
      Natural gas sales                              $142,363  $250,278
      Oil sales                                        78,954   144,556
      Natural gas liquids sales                         8,193    33,057
      Other revenues                                    2,460     1,561
        Total revenues                                231,970   429,452
    Cost and Expenses:
      Lease operating expense                          47,092    56,427
      Severance and ad valorem taxes                    3,730     5,263
      Transportation expense                            4,575     4,204
      General and administrative expense               21,122    13,615
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization        100,282   141,454
      Full cost ceiling test impairment                     -         -
      Other miscellaneous expense                       2,758       303
        Total costs and expenses                      179,559   221,266
    OPERATING INCOME                                   52,411   208,186

    Interest:
      Income                                              302       281
      Expense, net of capitalized amounts             (16,972)  (17,563)
                                                      -------   -------


    Income before taxes                                35,741   190,904
    Provision for income taxes                        (18,528)  (67,416)
                                                      -------   -------

    Net income                                        $17,213  $123,488
      Less: net loss attributable to
       noncontrolling interest                              -       (98)
    NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO MARINER ENERGY, INC.   $17,213  $123,390

    Earnings per share:
    Net income per share - basic                        $0.19     $1.40
    Net income per share - diluted                      $0.19     $1.39

    Weighted average shares outstanding - basic        91,820    87,984
    Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted      92,174    88,828

    (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)
                                                       June 30,   December 31,
                                                         2009         2008
                                                         ----         ----

    Current Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents                         $33,648       $3,209
      Receivables, net of allowances                    157,009      219,920
      Insurance receivables                              25,826       13,123
      Derivative financial instruments                   70,849      121,929
      Intangible assets                                   1,333        2,334
      Prepaid expenses and other                         25,535       14,438
                                                     ----------   ----------
          Total current assets                          314,200      374,953
    Property and Equipment
    Proved oil and gas properties, full-cost method   4,719,635    4,448,146
    Unproved properties, not subject to amortization    237,058      201,121
                                                     ----------   ----------
          Total oil and gas properties                4,956,693    4,649,267
    Other property and equipment                         53,704       53,115
    Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
     amortization:
    Proved oil and gas properties                    (2,648,343)  (1,767,028)
    Other property and equipment                         (6,860)      (5,477)
          Total accumulated depreciation,
           depletion and amortization                (2,655,203)  (1,772,505)
          Total property and equipment, net           2,355,194    2,929,877
    Insurance receivables                                 5,082       22,132
    Other Assets, net of amortization                    65,409       65,831
                                                     ----------   ----------
    TOTAL ASSETS                                     $2,739,885   $3,392,793
                                                     ==========   ==========

    Current Liabilities
      Accounts payable                                   $3,925       $3,837
      Accrued liabilities                               112,722      107,815
      Accrued capital costs                             131,174      195,833
      Deferred income tax                                     -       23,148
      Abandonment liability                              40,386       82,364
      Accrued interest                                   12,873       12,567
      Derivative financial instruments                    3,599            -
      Deferred tax liability                             28,625            -
                                                     ----------   ----------
          Total current liabilities                     333,304      425,564

    Long-Term Liabilities
      Abandonment liability                             406,733      325,880
      Deferred income tax                                77,801      319,766
      Derivative financial instruments                   16,174            -
      Long-term debt                                  1,029,189    1,170,000
      Other long-term liabilities                        30,525       31,263
                                                     ----------   ----------
          Total long-term liabilities                 1,560,422    1,846,909

    Stockholders' Equity
      Common stock, $.0001 par value; 180,000,000
       shares authorized; 101,848,191 shares issued
       and outstanding at June 30, 2009; 180,000,000
       shares authorized, 88,846,073 shares issued
       and outstanding at December 31, 2008                  10            9
        Additional paid-in capital                    1,243,277    1,071,347
        Accumulated other comprehensive income           38,994       78,181
        Accumulated deficit                            (436,122)     (29,217)
                                                     ----------   ----------
          Total stockholders' equity                    846,159    1,120,320
                                                     ----------   ----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY       $2,739,885   $3,392,793
                                                     ==========   ==========



                           MARINER ENERGY, INC.
                   SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (1)
                              (In Thousands)
                                (Unaudited)
                                                     Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                         2009         2008
                                                      ---------    ---------

    Operating cash flow (2)                            $280,532     $576,851
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities          57,199      (25,371)
                                                      ---------    ---------
      Net cash provided by operating activities        $337,731     $551,480
                                                      =========    =========
    Net cash used in investing activities             $(319,241)   $(696,515)
                                                      =========    =========
    Net cash provided by financing activities           $11,949     $167,715
                                                      =========    =========
     (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents   $30,439      $22,680
                                                      =========    =========

    (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. 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, 2008, as amended, 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, 2008, as amended, and other documents filed by Mariner with the SEC.

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

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.


                                                          Six Months Ended
                                                               June 31,
                                                         2009          2008
                                                         ----          ----
                                                            (In thousands)
                                                             (Unaudited)

    Net cash provided by operating activities          $337,731      $551,480
    Less: Changes in operating assets and liabilities    57,199       (25,371)
                                                       --------      --------
    Operating cash flow (non-GAAP)                     $280,532      $576,851
                                                       ========      ========

SOURCE Mariner Energy, Inc.