TPG-Axon Issues Letter Urging SandRidge Energy Stockholders to Vote the GREEN Consent Card in Favor of Its Proposals before March 15th Deadline
TPG-Axon, beneficial owner of seven percent of the outstanding shares of
SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) (the “Company”), today issued an open
letter to SandRidge stockholders urging them to vote the GREEN
consent card in favor of its proposals to amend the Company’s
bylaws and replace SandRidge’s entire Board of Directors with its slate
of highly qualified director nominees.
In the letter TPG-Axon commented: “Strategic blunders, extraordinary
spending and poor governance have caused SandRidge stock to decline
almost 80 percent since the 2007 IPO. This destruction of value
is not an accident – it has been a result of the choices made, and
actions taken, by Tom Ward and the current Board of Directors.”
TPG-Axon requested that stockholders of record return their signed and
dated GREEN consent cards before
March 15, 2013, the deadline for submitting consents.
TPG-Axon highlighted that ISS, a respected independent and impartial
proxy advisory firm, recommends SandRidge stockholders replace a
majority of the Board, stating:
-
“The apparent failures of stewardship on this board are legion.”
-
“The company’s abrupt, piecemeal approach to corporate strategy and
concomitant lack of capital discipline have increasingly limited the
company’s financial flexibility, and engendered a deep distrust in the
market.”
-
“…there is little reason to believe the [incumbent] outside
directors who are specially charged with looking out for the interests
of unaffiliated shareholders are best equipped to effect the necessary
change at SandRidge.”
TPG-Axon noted that it believes if its comprehensive plan to restore and
build value is implemented, SandRidge will emerge as a well-capitalized,
attractive energy company with significant growth opportunities in its
existing Mississippian acreage that should enable stockholders to
realize Net Asset Value (NAV) per share of $10 to $12. TPG-Axon
said that its highly qualified director nominees possess the necessary
skills and experience to carry out its strategic plan, helping to
restore market confidence and create value for stockholders in the
process.
A full copy of TPG-Axon’s plan to restore and build value at SandRidge
can be found by clicking the following link: http://www.shareholdersforsandridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Creating-Value-at-SandRidge.pdf
In the letter, TPG-Axon concluded: “If appropriate steps are not taken
to commit to a coherent strategy, restore investor confidence,
drastically reduce overhead costs, and lower the cost of capital there
is no telling what SandRidge will look like in the future. It is time to
take back our Company and facilitate change and capture the dramatic
upside we see for stockholders.”
For information on TPG-Axon’s proposals and on the process for voting
shares in favor of those proposals, go to www.shareholdersforsandridge.com.
A full copy of TPG-Axon’s letter to SandRidge stockholders can be found
below:
IT IS TIME FOR ALL SANDRIDGE
STOCKHOLDERS TO ACT
- VOTE THE GREEN
CONSENT CARD TODAY -
Dear Fellow SandRidge Energy Stockholders:
Strategic blunders, extraordinary spending and poor governance have
caused SandRidge stock to decline almost 80 percent since the 2007 IPO.
This destruction of value is not an accident – it has been a result of
the choices made, and actions taken, by Tom Ward and the current Board
of Directors. If the Company were
run properly, we believe stockholders should realize Net Asset Value
(NAV) per share of $10 to $12. However, without immediate change, we
believe value will continue to be destroyed by wasteful spending, high
financing costs and unsustainable levels of capital expenditures.
To restore value, we must take action now to replace Tom Ward and a
majority of his incumbent Board.
We are at a critical point for SandRidge – over the next year, the
Company is planning on spending an amount equal to almost 80 percent of
our entire remaining market capitalization on compensation, overhead,
financing costs, and capital expenditures. We cannot afford any
more waste or missteps.
Can we trust Tom Ward and the current Board to make decisions in our
best interests? Is the Company moving in the right direction, as
he claims?
Consider the following:
-
Nine research analysts recently downgraded their rating
on SandRidge – there are now more sell ratings on SandRidge stock than
any of its self-described peers!
-
The share price has continued to decline sharply and severely
underperformed its peers
-
Management reduced guidance for the Mississippian returns on the third
quarter conference call, and has been forced to sell assets to make up
for increased shortfalls in projected cashflow
-
Weak results from producing Mississippian wells in the SandRidge
Royalty Trusts, which management has offered little explanation for
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a respected independent and
impartial proxy advisory firm, after examining arguments from both
sides, has recommended that SandRidge stockholders replace a majority of
the Board, stating:
-
“The apparent failures of stewardship on this board are legion.”
-
“The company’s abrupt, piecemeal approach to corporate strategy and
concomitant lack of capital discipline have increasingly limited the
company’s financial flexibility, and engendered a deep distrust in the
market.”
-
“From a stutterstepping business strategy and weak capital
discipline which reduced financial flexibility so far that the sale of
the company’s most valuable non-core asset cannot close its
anticipated funding gap—to a compensation program which failed to tie
pay to performance, making the CEO one of the highest paid in his
industry even as shareholder value declined by nearly three quarters
over his tenure—to approving numerous related-party transactions
which, under public scrutiny, begin to look more like front-running
the company’s own lease acquisitions than adding value unavailable
through a less conflicted means—there is little reason to believe the
outside directors who are specially charged with looking out for the
interests of unaffiliated shareholders are best equipped to effect the
necessary change at SandRidge.”
-
“Given the fact pattern underlying the dissidents’ extensive case
for change, and the evidence of appropriately extensive advance
planning to mitigate risks of unintended consequences, shareholder
support for a majority change of the SandRidge board is warranted.”
Mr. Ward and the current Board have failed to adequately address
serious governance and related party transaction issues we have outlined
in extraordinary detail and that ISS has characterized as “transactions
which, under public scrutiny, begin to look … like front-running the
company.” While Mr. Ward and the Board would have you believe
these issues are “non-material,” our continuing and exhaustive
investigation into SandRidge’s related-party land transactions has
identified an undeniable pattern of conflicted transactions of large
proportions. The disregard for good governance and stockholder
interests is appalling.
The following commentary from respected journalists summarizes the
sentiment:
-
“Mr. Ward’s sense of entitlement is only exceeded by his disregard
and hostility towards the shareholders, the owners of the company. Not
surprisingly, as the fortunes of SandRidge are sloping down, he has
been unloading his shares all along the way.” – Richard Finger,
Forbes, 2/11/13
-
“Given SandRidge's documented governance shortcomings, the company
needs to justify its current board, not just object to any
alternative.” – Christopher Swann, Reuters Breakingviews, 2/11/13
-
“The language in Ward's contract "doesn't pass the smell test,"
said Anne Sheehan, director of corporate governance for the California
pension fund CalSTRS, which owns 880,000 SandRidge shares. This board
has sanctioned what Ward is doing." – Michael Erman, Reuters,
2/6/13
As ‘Rome Burns’ for stockholders, what has our current Board of
Directors done?
-
Announced $21 million in compensation for Mr. Ward for 2012; yet
again, an extraordinary amount relative to peers, and outrageous
relative to the poor stock performance of the Company
-
Amended Mr. Ward’s employment agreement (December 2011) to actually
expand the ability for Mr. Ward to compete with the Company!
-
Purchased a new, and even better, private jet for Mr. Ward’s personal
use – a Falcon 900EX (which has a 6,000 mile flying range and lists
for $35 million)
-
Approved more unexpected M&A, including the acquisition of Dynamic
Offshore, and the sale of the Permian assets
-
Enacted a poison pill, and amended the bylaws to make changing the
board more difficult
WE NEED REAL AND IMMEDIATE CHANGE NOW – BEFORE MORE MONEY IS SPENT
AND IT IS TOO LATE
Unlike Mr. Ward, our interests are totally aligned with yours, and the
independent director nominees we are proposing are committed to taking
the necessary actions to “right the ship” to maximize stockholder value.
We own 34,216,000 shares or seven percent (7 percent) of the Company. We
are convinced that our shares, and yours, are significantly undervalued IF
the Company can be better run, with a new CEO and new independent Board.
- VOTE THE GREEN CONSENT CARD TODAY –
TIME IS RUNNING SHORT –
THIS VOTE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BY
MARCH 15
However, without change, we believe that there will be little or no
upside for stockholders in the coming years. Financing costs and
overhead expenditures are simply too high and will continue to burn
tremendous value at an alarming rate. Given the strain of massive
financing needs for years to come, we believe the Company’s current
model is unsustainable.
The following actions and programs are some of the key highlights of our
potential comprehensive plan to capture the dramatic upside we see for
stockholders:
-
Appoint a new CEO and new independent Chairman of the Board. The CEO
search is already well underway, and we believe there will be many
highly-qualified and experienced candidates for the role.
-
We believe the many qualified and committed operating employees at the
field level of SandRidge are the ones driving value creation for the
Company – not Mr. Ward. In order to restore and grow stockholder
value, we will expend every effort to ensure these valuable employees
understand that their future will be enhanced and secured under new
leadership. We believe employees recognize that the status quo is not
sustainable, and should welcome change that leaves the Company
financially stable and profitable.
-
Significant, but targeted, reductions in G&A spending, in order to
bring overhead expenses down to sensible levels. We believe the
Company can be operated effectively even with overhead reductions of
$90-140 million, and this cashflow will be critical to reducing
interest expense and debt over time. A significant portion of expense
reduction could be realized in the near term, and we have made
allowances for restructuring charges that may help accelerate
streamlining of the Company.
-
Restructure executive compensation so it is performance driven and
consistent with peers. Eliminate excessive perquisites, such as
private planes and basketball tickets.
-
Further reduce debt and improve financial strength through the sale of
non-core offshore assets. We believe these assets will be more
valuable to a company with existing offshore capabilities and the
financial and operational resources to manage existing production as
well as invest in development.
-
Work with the Company’s debt holders to promptly restructure the debt,
lowering costs and deploying the proceeds from the Permian sale to
call or refinance at least $1.1bn of debt in June 2013. We believe
that improved financial strength and a commitment to lower leverage
goals will likely improve the perception of the Company in the debt
market, reducing funding costs by at least 200-300bp.
-
Seek to monetize 30-50 percent of undeveloped acreage in the
Mississippian, thereby reducing future capital expenditure
requirements to affordable and sustainable levels. We believe value
will be maximized by ‘biting off what we can chew,’ instead of drained
by high financing costs, which we believe is likely to continue under
the current management plan.
-
Consider the optimal means to monetize the value of the extensive
infrastructure investment that has been made in the Mississippian
water disposal system with a preference for retaining control.
-
We will work closely with financial advisors from the outset to ensure
that any sale of assets is conducted in a thorough and sensible manner
and avoids the perception of a fire-sale. We believe the current
liquidity of the Company and our efforts on cost reduction will
provide enough financial flexibility to take a value-maximizing and
measured approach to asset sales.
By following the steps above, over time we believe SandRidge will emerge
as a well-capitalized, attractive energy company with significant growth
opportunities in its existing Mississippian acreage that should enable
stockholders to realize Net Asset Value (NAV) per share of $10 to $12.
We are confident our independent highly qualified director nominees
possess the necessary skills and experience to carry out this strategic
plan, restore market confidence and create value for stockholders in the
process.
SANDRIDGE POSSESSES SIGNIFICANT UNREALIZED VALUE. IT IS TIME FOR
CHANGE
- VOTE THE GREEN CONSENT
CARD -
If appropriate steps are not taken to commit to a coherent strategy,
restore investor confidence, drastically reduce overhead costs, and
lower the cost of capital, there is no telling what SandRidge will look
like in the future. It is time to take back our Company and
facilitate change and capture the dramatic upside we see for
stockholders.
We urge you to VOTE THE GREEN CONSENT CARD
in favor of our proposals and director slate. It is important that
you submit your GREEN consent card AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE. If you do not vote your shares, your shares will count as a
vote FOR management. Importantly, if you receive a white consent
card from SandRidge DO NOT return it.
If your shares are registered in your own name, please submit your
consent by signing, dating and returning the enclosed GREEN
consent card in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you hold your
shares in "street" name with a bank, broker firm or other nominee, it is
critical that you instruct the institution that holds your shares to
execute a consent in favor of our proposals. We implore you to return
your signed and dated GREEN consent
card by February 28, 2013 or as soon as possible, to ensure your
consent card is received by SandRidge prior to March 15, 2013,
the deadline for submitting consents.
If you have any questions regarding your GREEN
consent card or need assistance in executing your consent, please
contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at (212) 929-5500 or Toll-Free (800)
322-2885.
Sincerely,
TPG-Axon Capital
About TPG-Axon Capital
TPG-Axon Capital is a leading global investment firm. Through offices in
New York, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, TPG-Axon invests across global
markets and asset classes.
TPG-AXON MANAGEMENT LP, TPG-AXON PARTNERS GP, L.P., TPG-AXON GP, LLC,
TPG-AXON PARTNERS, LP, TPG-AXON INTERNATIONAL, L.P., TPG-AXON
INTERNATIONAL GP, LLC, DINAKAR SINGH LLC AND DINAKAR SINGH
(COLLECTIVELY, “TPG-AXON”) HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (THE “SEC”) A DEFINITIVE CONSENT STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING
CONSENT CARD TO BE USED TO SOLICIT WRITTEN CONSENTS FROM THE
STOCKHOLDERS OF SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. IN CONNECTION WITH TPG-AXON'S
INTENT TO TAKE CORPORATE ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT. ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF
SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. ARE ADVISED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE CONSENT
STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE SOLICITATION OF WRITTEN
CONSENTS BY TPG-AXON, STEPHEN C. BEASLEY, EDWARD W. MONEYPENNY, FREDRIC
G. REYNOLDS, PETER H. ROTHSCHILD, ALAN J. WEBER AND DAN A. WESTBROOK
(COLLECTIVELY, THE "PARTICIPANTS") FROM THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SANDRIDGE
ENERGY, INC. BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. THE DEFINITIVE
CONSENT STATEMENT AND FORM OF WRITTEN CONSENT HAVE BEEN FURNISHED TO
SOME OR ALL OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. AND ARE, ALONG
WITH OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB
SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV.
IN ADDITION, TPG-AXON WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE DEFINITIVE CONSENT
STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING CONSENT CARD WITHOUT CHARGE UPON REQUEST.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS AND A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR DIRECT OR
INDIRECT INTERESTS BY SECURITY HOLDINGS IS CONTAINED IN THE DEFINITIVE
CONSENT STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14A FILED BY TPG-AXON WITH THE SEC ON
JANUARY 18, 2013. THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE
SOURCES INDICATED ABOVE.