Message #24 From:
NewsBot Date: February 15, 2005 07:13:58 PM
ASPN Aspen Exploration Reports Strong Second Quarter 2005 Results
Aspen Exploration Reports Strong Second Quarter 2005 Results
Revenues Increase 175% Resulting in EPS of $0.07 DENVER, CO - MARKET WIRE - 02/15/05
Aspen Exploration Corporation (OTC BB: ASPN), an energy company with offices in Bakersfield, California, and Denver, Colorado, announced today results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended December 31, 2004. For the second quarter the Company reported revenues of $1,190,333, an increase of 175% as compared to the year-earlier period, and net after tax profit of $462,000 compared to $93,000 a year earlier. Aspen reported earnings of $0.07 per diluted share, compared with earnings of $0.01 per diluted share for the prior year three month period.
For the six months ended December 31, 2004, the Company reported revenues of $1,974,632, an increase of 140% as compared to the year-earlier period, and net after tax profit of $684,000 compared to $143,200 a year earlier. Aspen reported earnings of $0.10 per diluted share compared with earnings of $0.02 per diluted share for the prior year six month period.
The Company reported higher revenues as a result of an increase in production volumes from recent gas discoveries and higher prevailing prices for natural gas. Gas production for the six months ended December 31, 2004 was 1,670 MCF per day, an increase of 102% versus the same period in fiscal 2004. Net daily gas production is currently approximately 2,000 MCF per day. Gross Aspen operated production is currently in excess of 10,000 MCF per day. Net income before interest, depletion, depreciation and taxes was $885,500, or $0.13 per share, compared to $402,000, or $0.07 per share for the prior six month period.
Based upon the increasing production levels and continued strong gas prices, which currently exceed $6.00 per MCF, Aspen expects continued strong earnings for the balance of the year.
Aspen's stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol ASPN. For more information concerning oil and gas operations contact Bob Cohan, President and CEO, in Aspen's Bakersfield office at (661) 831-4669. Aspen's web page can be found at www.aspenexploration.com.
DISCLAIMER
This news release contains information that is "forward-looking" in that it describes events and conditions which Aspen Exploration Corporation ("Aspen") reasonably expects to occur in the future. Expectations for the future performance of the business of Aspen are dependent upon a number of factors, and there can be no assurance that Aspen will achieve the results as contemplated herein and there can be no assurance that Aspen will be able to conduct its operations or production from its properties will continue as contemplated herein. Certain statements contained in this report using the terms "may," "expects to," and other terms denoting future possibilities, are forward-looking statements. The accuracy of these statements cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to a variety of risks which are beyond the Company's ability to predict or control and which may cause actual results to differ materially from the projections or estimates contained herein. These risks include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the described operations (including any proposed exploration or development drilling) will not be completed on economic terms, if at all, or the estimates of reserves may not be accurate. The exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas are an enterprises attendant with high risk, including the risk of fluctuating prices for oil and natural gas, imports of petroleum products from other countries, the risks of not encountering adequate resources despite expending large sums of money, and the risk that test results and reserve estimates may not be accurate, notwithstanding appropriate precautions. Many of these risks are described herein and in Aspen's annual report on Form 10-KSB, and it is important that each person reviewing this report understand the significant risks attendant to the operations of Aspen. Aspen disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement made herein.
ASPEN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
2050 S. Oneida St., Ste. 208
Denver, CO 80224-2426
Telephone: (303) 639-9860
Fax: (303) 639-9863
Email: aecorp2@qwest.net
Web Site: www.aspenexploration.com
