People | Finance & Investing | Job Cuts / Downsize / Layoff | Capital Markets

Gulfport Cuts Workforce by 13% Amidst Company 'Refresh'; Board Changes

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Gulfport Energy Corp. reported an update on shareholder value initiatives and its ongoing Board refreshment process.

Jobs Cuts

The process includes a continuation of discounted debt repurchases and a suspension of its share repurchase program, as well as a 13% reduction in headcount as part of the Company's overall cost reduction program.

CEO David Woods said: "Gulfport's Board and management team are committed to taking timely and decisive action to build long-term sustainable value for all shareholders. To that end, following discussions with our large shareholders and other stakeholders, we decided that accretive repurchases of our unsecured notes at discount represent an attractive allocation of our capital in the current market environment. We have also been taking a hard look at how to be more efficient across all areas of our business and as part of this effort recently reduced our staffing levels."

Board Changes

The Company also announced that two of its Board members, Craig Groeschel and Scott E. Streller, will step down from the Board by year-end. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Board, David L. Houston, has decided not to seek re-election at the Company's next 2020 annual meeting. The Company has been working with a leading nationally recognized search firm to identify and evaluate new independent director candidates in an effort to ensure that shareholders are represented by fresh, diverse voices with strong expertise and qualifications.

Share Repurchasing Suspended

Gulfport announced that it has recently repurchased $40.9 million in face value of unsecured senior notes for $29.2 million in cash proceeds. These repurchases are in addition to the $104.4 million in unsecured senior notes repurchased during the third quarter of 2019 for $80.3 million. The Company plans to continue to pursue discounted repurchases of its unsecured senior notes, which allow the Company to reduce its overall debt burden, improve cash flow through reduced interest expense and capture discounts that result in value accretion to shareholders.

In light of current market conditions and a weak near-term gas price outlook, Gulfport has suspended its previously announced share repurchase program. The Company believes this action will enable the Company to maintain a stronger balance sheet, leverage profile and ample liquidity. The share repurchase program may be reactivated in the future depending on the Company's projected leverage profile, commodity price outlook and market conditions.

Commenting on the changes to the Gulfport Board, Mr. Wood stated: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our Chairman, David L. Houston, Craig Groeschel and Scott E. Streller for their many contributions. The Company has benefitted greatly from their stewardship and collegiality, and each has been instrumental in helping the Company build an enviable portfolio of assets, maintain a solid balance sheet, and establish a path towards future value creation. In particular, I'd like to thank David for his dedicated service as Chairman, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the coming months."