W&T Offshore Reports Record Second Quarter Earnings Per Share of $1.77 And Adjusted...

W&T Offshore Reports Record Second Quarter Earnings Per Share of $1.77 And
Adjusted EPS of $1.86

HOUSTON, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI)
today provides financial and operational results for the second quarter 2008.
Some of the highlights for the second quarter 2008 include:
-- Revenues increased 69% to a record $461.0 million from $272.6 million
in second quarter 2007
-- Adjusted earnings per share increased 195% to an all time record of
$1.86 per share, compared to adjusted earnings per share of $0.63 in
second quarter 2007
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased 80% to a record $374.1 million from $207.5
million in second quarter 2007
-- Production was 5.2 million barrels of oil equivalent ("BOE"),
consisting of 2.3 MMBbls of oil and 17.0 Bcf of natural gas, or 31.0
billion cubic feet equivalent ("Bcfe"), achieving a 2.4% growth
sequentially
-- Revising 2008 well count from 50 wells to between 30 and 35 wells

Tracy W. Krohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We drilled
ten wells this quarter and continue to enjoy high success rates. We are
eleven of thirteen in exploration wells for the year, an 85% success rate, and
one for one in development drilling. We currently have nine rigs running and
expect to maintain this level of activity through the remainder of the year.
We still have several high potential projects in the program and are looking
forward to bringing some of our recent successes on production," continued Mr.
Krohn. "The Company had its best quarter ever financially enjoying record
revenues, adjusted EBITDA and net income. We are pleased with our success
thus far this year."
Revenues, Net Income and EPS: Net income for the second quarter of 2008
was $134.6 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, on revenues of $461.0 million,
compared to net income for the same quarter of 2007 of $45.5 million, or $0.60
per diluted share, on revenues of $272.6 million. Net income increased in the
second quarter 2008 principally due to a higher realized price of $14.89 per
thousand cubic feet equivalent ("Mcfe"), a 70% increase over the $8.74 per
Mcfe realized in the comparable period in 2007. Net income for the six months
ended June 30, 2008 was $214.4 million, or $2.82 per diluted share, on
revenues of $817.5 million, compared to net income of $58.6 million, or $0.77
per diluted share, on revenues of $519.1 million for the first six months of
2007. Operating income for the second quarter of 2008 also reflects the
impact of a $10.2 million unrealized derivative loss ($6.7 million after-tax),
or $0.09 per diluted share, while operating income for the second quarter of
2007 included an unrealized derivative loss of $1.1 million ($0.7 million
after-tax) and the loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.8 million ($1.9
million after-tax), or $0.03 per diluted share. Without the effect of these
unrealized losses, net income for the second quarter 2008 would have been
$141.3 million, or $1.86 per diluted share, and net income for the
corresponding quarter of 2007 would have been $48.1 million, or $0.63 per
diluted share. See "Non-GAAP Information" later in this press release.
Cash Flow from Operating activities and Adjusted EBITDA: EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and are defined in "Non-GAAP
Information" later in this press release. Net cash provided by operating
activities for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased 89% to $305.6
million from $161.7 million in the comparable period in 2007. The increase
was associated with higher sales as a result of higher realized prices.
Second quarter 2008 Adjusted EBITDA was $374.1 million, which represents an
80% increase over the $207.5 million reported during the prior year's second
quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $653.3 million for the six months ended June 30,
2008, compared to $376.2 million for the comparable period of 2007.
Production and Prices: We sold 17.0 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") of natural
gas at an average price of $11.53 per thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") in the
second quarter of 2008. We also sold 2.3 million barrels ("MMBbls") of oil and
natural gas liquids at an average price of $113.74 per barrel ("Bbl") during
the same time period. On a natural gas equivalent ("Bcfe") basis, we sold
31.0 Bcfe at an average price of $14.89 per Mcfe. For the second quarter of
2007, we sold 18.3 Bcf of natural gas at an average price of $7.81 per Mcf and
2.1 MMBbls of oil and natural gas liquids at an average price of $60.44 per
Bbl. On a Bcfe basis, we sold 31.2 Bcfe at an average price of $8.74 per
Mcfe. The production volume decrease is primarily attributable to properties
that experienced natural reservoir declines, partially offset by increased
production from our successful drilling and development efforts.
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, our natural gas production totaled
34.7 Bcf and was sold at an average price of $10.09 per Mcf while our oil and
liquids production totaled 4.5 MMBbls, which was sold at an average price of
$103.46 per Bbl. On a combined basis our production was 61.8 Bcfe sold at an
average price of $13.23 per Mcfe. For the comparable 2007 period, we produced
38.7 Bcf of natural gas that was sold at an average price of $7.49 per Mcf and
4.1 MMBbls of oil and liquids production sold at an average price of $55.94
per Bbl. On a combined basis our production was 63.3 Bcfe sold at an average
price of $8.20 per Mcfe.
Lease Operating Expenses: LOE for the second quarter of 2008 was up
slightly to $54.3 million, or $1.75 per Mcfe, from $53.9 million, or $1.73 per
Mcfe, in the second quarter of 2007. The increase in LOE is due to an
increase in operating costs and workover expenditures offset by a decrease in
major maintenance expenses.
LOE for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased to $104.2 million or
$1.69 per Mcfe, compared to $117.5 million or $1.86 per Mcfe for the same
period in 2007 in part due to the completion of our major maintenance expenses
related to hurricane remediation that was completed by the end of 2007.
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion: DD&A increased to
$153.8 million, or $4.97 per Mcfe, in the second quarter of 2008 from $126.0
million, or $4.04 per Mcfe, in the same period of 2007. DD&A increased due to
capital expenditures, increased future development costs and higher estimated
asset retirement obligations, partially offset by the addition of reserves
resulting from increasing our interest in Ship Shoal 349 field from 59% to
100% and reserves added as a result of our successful drilling efforts. DD&A
for the six months ended 2008 was $299.3 million or $4.85 per Mcfe, compared
to DD&A of $250.2 million, or $3.95 per Mcfe, for the same period in 2007.
Capital Expenditures and Operations Update: During the second quarter of
2008, the Company was 80% successful in the drilling of seven conventional
shelf and two deep shelf exploration wells and one conventional shelf
development well. For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, capital expenditures
for oil and gas properties was $153.3, million, $59.2 million for development
activities, $85.7 million for exploration, and $8.4 million for other capital
items.
For the first half of 2008, our capital expenditures for oil and gas
properties were $399.2 million, including $133.6 million for development
activities, $127.0 million for exploration, $116.6 million for the acquisition
of an additional interest in SS349 "Mahogany" and $22.0 million for seismic,
capitalized interest and other leasehold costs.
The Company is revising its 2008 well count from 50 to a range of between
30 to 35 wells. A revised capital expenditures budget will be provided in an
operations update before the end of the month.
Tracy W. Krohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "During the
second quarter our drilling activity increased but we are revising our well
count for 2008 due to equipment delays, revisions to outside operators'
drilling programs and further technical evaluation, including reviews of
seismic information. A majority of the wells removed from the 2008 program
will be moved into the 2009 program."
Drilling Highlights: In the second quarter of 2008, the Company drilled
or participated in the drilling of the following successful wells:

Working
Lease Name/Well Category Interest %

Eugene Island 175 H-5 Exploration/Shelf 25%
Eugene Island 175 I-2ST Exploration/Shelf 25%
High Island 110/111 A-11 Exploration/Shelf 62%
High Island A-376 Exploration/Shelf 30%
Main Pass Area Exploration/Shelf 75%
Ship Shoal 224 E-18 Exploration/Deep Shelf 47%
Ship Shoal 314 A-2ST Exploration/Shelf 75%
Ship Shoal 224 E-19 Development/Shelf 67%

The Company also drilled or participated in the drilling of two non-
commercial wells, as follows:

Working
Lease Name/Well Category Interest %

High Island 38 #2 Exploration/Deep Shelf 53%
Ship Shoal 317 #1 Exploration/Shelf 75%

After the close of the quarter, the Company drilled or participated in the
drilling of two commercially successful wells:

Working
Lease Name/Well Category Interest %

MP-283 A-1ST Exploration/Shelf 75%
ST-230 A-7ST Development/Shelf 100%

After the close of the quarter, the Company also drilled or participated
in the drilling of one non-commercial exploration well:

Working
Lease Name/Well Category Interest %

MP 266 A-5 Exploration/Shelf 50%

Outlook: Guidance for the third quarter and revised full year 2008 is
shown in the table below, which represents the Company's best estimate of
likely future results, and is affected by the factors described below in
"Forward-Looking Statements."

Third Quarter and Full-Year 2008 Production and Cost Guidance:

Estimated Third Quarter Prior Full-Year Revised Full-Year
Production 2008 2008 2008

Crude oil (MMBbls) 2.0 - 2.2 8.1 - 9.9 8.6 - 9.3
Natural gas (Bcf) 14.9 - 16.1 66.2 - 80.6 63.6 - 69.1
Total (MMBoe) 4.5 - 4.9 19.2 - 23.3 19.2 - 20.8
Total (Bcfe) 26.9 - 29.2 115.0 - 140.0 115.0 - 125.0

Operating Third Quarter Prior Full-Year Revised Full-Year
Expenses 2008 2008 2008
($ in millions,
except as noted)

Lease operating
expenses $56 - $66 $204 - $243 $212 - $232
Gathering,
transportation
& production
taxes $9 - $11 $27 - $33 $35 - $39
General and
administrative $11 - $13 $45 - $52 No Change
Income tax rate,
% deferred 34%, 40% 34%, 60% 34%, 40%

Conference Call Information: W&T will hold a conference call to discuss
financial and operational results on Tuesday August 5, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Central Time. To participate, dial (303) 205-0033 a
few minutes before the call begins. The call will also be broadcast live over
the Internet from the Company's website at www.wtoffshore.com. A replay of
the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the end of
the call until Tuesday, August 12, 2008, and may be accessed by calling (303)
590-3000 and using the pass code 11117572.
About W&T Offshore
Founded in 1983, W&T Offshore is an independent oil and natural gas
company focused primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, including exploration in the
deepwater and deep shelf regions, where it has developed significant technical
expertise. W&T has grown through acquisition, exploitation and exploration
and now holds working interests in over 155 fields in federal and state waters
and a majority of its daily production is derived from wells it operates. For
more information on W&T Offshore, please visit its Web site at
www.wtoffshore.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains 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. These forward-looking statements reflect our current
views with respect to future events, based on what we believe are reasonable
assumptions. No assurance can be given, however, that these events will
occur. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially including, among other things,
market conditions, oil and gas price volatility, uncertainties inherent in oil
and gas production operations and estimating reserves, unexpected future
capital expenditures, competition, the success of our risk management
activities, governmental regulations, uncertainties and other factors
discussed in our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
(www.sec.gov).
Contacts:
Manuel Mondragon, Vice President of Finance
investorrelations@wtoffshore.com
713-297-8024

Ken Dennard / ksdennard@drg-e.com
Lisa Elliott / lelliott@drg-e.com
DRG&E / 713-529-6600

W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenues $461,015 $272,563 $817,510 $519,102

Operating costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses (1) 54,329 53,887 104,151 117,527
Gathering, transportation
costs and production taxes 7,925 4,586 16,746 8,843
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization 143,908 120,588 279,877 239,342
Asset retirement obligation
accretion 9,927 5,456 19,446 10,903
General and administrative
expenses (1) 11,062 7,381 23,637 19,288
Derivative loss 23,767 302 36,071 12,273
Total costs and expenses 250,918 192,200 479,928 408,176
Operating income 210,097 80,363 337,582 110,926
Interest expense:
Incurred 12,461 15,683 26,839 33,442
Capitalized (4,762) (6,265) (10,435) (13,093)
Loss on extinguishment of debt - 2,806 - 2,806
Other income 2,691 528 5,131 941
Income before income taxes 205,089 68,667 326,309 88,712
Income taxes 70,479 23,146 111,893 30,162
Net income $134,610 $45,521 $214,416 $58,550

Earnings per common share:
Basic $1.77 $0.60 $2.82 $0.77
Diluted 1.77 0.60 2.82 0.77

Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 75,910 75,786 75,907 75,787
Diluted 76,124 75,974 76,059 75,890

Consolidated Cash Flow Information
Net cash provided by operating
activities $305,563 $161,717 $547,962 $308,378
Capital expenditures-oil and
gas properties 153,322 63,571 399,156 197,847

Other Financial Information
EBITDA $363,932 $203,601 $636,905 $358,365
Adjusted EBITDA 374,142 207,510 653,300 376,162

(1) The amounts for 2007 reflect a reclassification of certain industry
related reimbursements for overhead expenses from joint interest
owners from lease operating expenses to general and administrative
expenses in order to better match the underlying reimbursement with
the actual cost recorded. The effect of this reclassification had no
impact on net income.

W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Operating Data
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
Net sales:
Natural gas (MMcf) 16,980 18,343 34,663 38,745
Oil (MBbls) 2,331 2,140 4,519 4,094
Total natural gas and oil (MBoe) (1) 5,161 5,198 10,297 10,551
Total natural gas and oil (MMcfe) (2) 30,963 31,186 61,780 63,308

Average daily equivalent sales
(MBoe/d) 56.7 57.1 56.6 58.3
Average daily equivalent sales
(MMcfe/d) 340.3 342.7 339.4 349.8

Average realized sales prices (Unhedged):
Natural gas ($/Mcf) $11.53 $7.81 $10.09 $7.49
Oil ($/Bbl) 113.74 60.44 103.46 55.94
Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe) 89.32 52.44 79.38 49.19
Natural gas equivalent ($/Mcfe) 14.89 8.74 13.23 8.20

Average realized sales prices
(Hedged): (3)
Natural gas ($/Mcf) $11.53 $7.85 $10.09 $7.52
Oil ($/Bbl) 108.33 60.44 99.35 56.26
Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe) 86.87 52.59 77.58 49.45
Natural gas equivalent ($/Mcfe) 14.48 8.77 12.93 8.24

Average per Boe ($/Boe):
Lease operating expenses (4) $10.53 $10.37 $10.12 $11.14
Gathering and transportation costs and
production taxes 1.54 0.88 1.63 0.84
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion 29.81 24.25 29.07 23.72
General and administrative
expenses (4) 2.14 1.42 2.30 1.83
Net cash provided by operating
activities 59.21 31.11 53.22 29.23
Adjusted EBITDA 72.49 39.92 63.45 35.65

Average per Mcfe ($/Mcfe):
Lease operating expenses (4) $1.75 $1.73 $1.69 $1.86
Gathering and transportation costs and
production taxes 0.26 0.15 0.27 0.14
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion 4.97 4.04 4.85 3.95
General and administrative
expenses (4) 0.36 0.24 0.38 0.30
Net cash provided by operating
activities 9.87 5.19 8.87 4.87
Adjusted EBITDA 12.08 6.65 10.57 5.94

(1) One million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe), one thousand barrels of
oil equivalent (Mboe) and one barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) are
determined using the ratio of one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or
natural gas liquids to six Mcf of natural gas (totals may not add due
to rounding).
(2) One billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), one million cubic feet
equivalent (MMcfe) and one thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe) are
determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of
crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids (totals may not add due
to rounding).
(3) Data for 2008 and 2007 includes the effects of our commodity
derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting.
(4) The amounts for 2007 reflect a reclassification of certain industry
related reimbursements for overhead expenses from joint interest
owners from lease operating expenses to general and administrative
expenses in order to better match the underlying reimbursement with
the actual cost recorded. The effect of this reclassification had no
impact on net income.

W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

June 30, December 31,
2008 2007(1)
(In thousands, except share data)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $424,397 $314,050
Receivables 247,472 161,998
Prepaid expenses and other assets 56,969 43,645
Total current assets 728,838 519,693
Property and equipment - at cost:
Oil and gas properties and
equipment (full cost method, of
which $238,419 at June 30, 2008
and $278,947 at December 31, 2007
were excluded from amortization) 4,244,512 3,805,208
Furniture, fixtures and other 12,294 10,267
Total property and equipment 4,256,806 3,815,475
Less accumulated depreciation,
depletion and amortization 1,832,621 1,552,744
Net property and equipment 2,424,185 2,262,731
Restricted deposits for asset
retirement obligations and other
assets 29,427 29,780
Total assets $3,182,450 $2,812,204

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 3,000 $ 3,000
Accounts payable 195,854 159,973
Undistributed oil and gas proceeds 57,362 47,911
Asset retirement obligations 38,787 19,749
Accrued liabilities 47,457 65,328
Income taxes 49,611 12,975
Total current liabilities 392,071 308,936
Long-term debt, less current
maturities - net of discount 650,965 651,764
Asset retirement obligations, less
current portion 462,700 438,932
Deferred income taxes 305,838 255,097
Other liabilities 4,751 6,135
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.00001 par value;
118,330,000 shares authorized; issued
and outstanding 76,355,879 and
76,175,159 shares at June 30, 2008 and
December 31, 2007, respectively 1 1
Additional paid-in capital 370,440 365,667
Retained earnings 996,638 786,803
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (954) (1,131)
Total shareholders' equity 1,366,125 1,151,340
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $3,182,450 $2,812,204

(1) Certain reclassifications have been made to the December 31, 2007
balance sheet to conform to our current reporting practices.

W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended
June 30,
2008 2007
(In thousands)

Operating activities:
Net income $214,416 $58,550
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation, depletion, amortization
and accretion 299,323 250,245
Amortization of debt issuance costs
and discount on indebtedness 1,316 5,261
Loss on extinguishment of debt - 2,806
Share-based compensation related to
restricted stock issuances 3,098 1,585
Unrealized derivative loss 16,395 14,991
Deferred income taxes 48,602 (776)
Other 272 54
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (35,460) (24,338)
Net cash provided by operating activities 547,962 308,378

Investing activities:
Acquisition of property interest (116,551) -
Investment in oil and gas properties
and equipment, net (282,605) (197,482)
Purchases of furniture, fixtures and
other, net (2,302) (1,194)
Net cash used in investing activities (401,458) (198,676)

Financing activities:
Borrowings of long-term debt - 908,000
Repayments of long-term debt (1,500) (945,000)
Dividends to shareholders (34,577) (4,563)
Debt issue cost - (5,284)
Other (80) -
Net cash used in financing activities (36,157) (46,847)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 110,347 62,855
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
of period 314,050 39,235
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $424,397 $102,090

W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Non-GAAP Information

Certain financial information included in our financial results are not
measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial
measures are "Adjusted Net Income," "EBITDA," and "Adjusted EBITDA." Our
management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of our performance.
These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in
accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP
performance measures, which may be reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Net Income $134,610 $45,521 $214,416 $58,550
Unrealized derivative loss 10,210 1,103 16,395 14,991
Loss on extinguishment of debt - 2,806 - 2,806
Income tax adjustment for above
items (3,509) (1,318) (5,622) (6,051)
Adjusted net income $141,311 $48,112 $225,189 $70,296

Adjusted earnings per share-
diluted $1.86 $0.63 $2.96 $0.93

"Adjusted Net Income" does not include the unrealized derivative (gain)
loss and associated tax effects. Adjusted Net Income is presented because the
timing and amount of the derivative items cannot be reasonably estimated and
affect the comparability of operating results from period to period, and
current periods to prior periods.
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
We define EBITDA as net income plus income tax expense, net interest
expense (which includes interest income), and depreciation, depletion,
amortization and accretion. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes the loss on
extinguishment of debt and the unrealized loss related to our derivative
contracts. Although not prescribed under GAAP, we believe the presentation of
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information regarding our ability to
service debt and fund capital expenditures and they help our investors
understand our operating performance and make it easier to compare our results
with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax
structures. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation
from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating
performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of
liquidity. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as we calculate them, may not be
comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies.
In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent funds available for
discretionary use.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net
income to consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

Three Month Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Net Income $134,610 $45,521 $214,416 $58,550
Income taxes 70,479 23,146 111,893 30,162
Net interest expense 5,008 8,890 11,273 19,408
Depreciation, depletion,
amortization and accretion 153,835 126,044 299,323 250,245
EBITDA 363,932 203,601 636,905 358,365

Adjustments:
Unrealized derivative loss 10,210 1,103 16,395 14,991
Loss on extinguishment of debt - 2,806 - 2,806
Adjusted EBITDA $374,142 $207,510 $653,300 $376,162

SOURCE W&T Offshore, Inc.

Manuel Mondragon, Vice President of Finance of W&T Offshore, Inc.,
+1-713-297-8024, investorrelations@wtoffshore.com; or Ken Dennard,
ksdennard@drg-e.com, or Lisa Elliott, lelliott@drg-e.com, both of DRG&E,
+1-713-529-6600, for W&T Offshore, Inc.